Frank Grayson's ENTERPRISE

[RobertScorpio]

Frank Grayson's ENTERPRISE--Chimes

FRANK GRAYSON
USS ENTERPRISE

Starring the crew of the USS ENTERPRISE

#12

Guest starring
Narrenson


Chimes

Nearly one hour had passed, and there was still no sign of the Galileo or the Enterprise. With nowhere else to go, Leonard decided to stay put, and make sure Mike Kubicki was stable. He had set Kubicki on the ground, and used the backpack as a pillow to under his head. Leonard also used the medical tricorder to monitor Kubicki’s condition. The tricorder was having trouble with the scans. It was as if something was interfering with the scans.

“Maybe it’s the strange substance we were studying, maybe it has some property the medical tricorder can’t penetrate.” Leonard said to him self. Then he noticed something rather strange. He hadn’t noticed it before, but Kubicki’s uniform had a slight green hue to it. The spot light that the probe shined down their position picked it up better than the murky glow of the cavern. What was causing the strange hue? Leonard was slightly colored blind to some shades of green, which would explain why he could barely see it before.

Leonard scanned Kubicki’s space suit. The scanner was registering a small energy barrier surrounding the suit.

“Hun,” Leonard said, “it some kind of energy signature.” Leonard said again to himself. “It almost as if your surrounded by some kind of force field.” Then he noticed something strange. Kubicki, although he was unconscious, was clutching something in his right hand.

Leonard was able to pry open Kubicki’s hand. There was a strange metallic object in his hand. Leonard tried to take it out of his hand, but some kind of force wouldn’t let him. And from the strange vibration coming from it, Leonard deduced that the device was emitting some kind of stasis field that surrounded his friend. But how, and what was it? Leonard was a long time fan of Star Trek and had never seen anything like it on either one of the Trek shows. But he did remember the animated cartoon having life belts, which created invisible force fields around the landing parties. It was a nifty idea the later shows abandoned.

Suddenly the Enterprise and the Galileo banked up and over the short horizon of the comet.

Leonard felt relieved as he heard his wife’s voice. “Leonard, are you okay?”

“Yeah, I think so,” Leonard replied through his suit’s com device. “Kubicki is in a bad way though. Where did you guys go?”

Frank’s voice replied. “We had a close encounter with some kind of craft. It was emitting some kind of strange subspace vibration that caused the shuttle’s systems to malfunction. It’s a miracle Ensign Rice was able to coax the shuttle as much as he did before it smashed into the comet.”

“Good going Seth!” Leonard said, knowing that Seth Rice was still in the shuttle.
“Yeah, I’m a bad ass!” Ensign Rice replied, from the cockpit of the shuttlecraft.

“What is wrong with Kubicki?” Frank asked.

Leonard shook his head as he spoke. “I don’t know. After that thing started to vibrate the comet I went back down to see if he was okay. When I got down to him he had taken off one of his gloves and was touching the wall of the cave where he had chipped off some of the Dilithium with the laser.”

BRIDGE OF THE ENTERPRISE

Tashigawa spoke from the science station. “That’s impossible sir. Those suits were pressurized. He’d have died moments after removing the glove.”

“That isn’t all.” Leonard said. The probe had zoomed in on his position. Leonard’s face could be seen on the main screen. “Check this out.”

Mark Grayson was operating the probe via remote control, and used the probe’s onboard systems to follow Leonard Jackson’s hand motions. Leonard had propped up Kubicki, and lifted the fallen man’s arm so as the probe could view his hand. The tiny veins of blue pulsating energy could be seen zig-zagging his fingers, then his wrist.

“Look inside his mask.” Leonard said.

At that moment Doctor Inglehopper entered the Bridge, having been sent for by Frank.

They all sat in stunned shock as they could see the strange strings of energy, glowing a bright blue, crisscrossing Kubkici’s face.

“I was afraid of something like this.” Inglehopper said as he stood by the command chair Frank was sitting in.

“We can’t bring him aboard.” Hank Morton said from the Navigation consol. “Who knows what that is. It could be some kind of bacteria. Bring it aboard, and we might all be doomed.”

“He wouldn’t be like this,” Inglehopper pressed, “had you not been so worried about getting some of that stuff for the ship.”

Hank looked back to Inglehopper. “I am aware of that Doctor. We all takes risks, its part of space exploration, or did you not see the Right stuff. Fucking classic movie!!.”

“We’ll debate this later gentlemen,” Frank said, and then he looked over to Inglehopper, “what should we do.”

“Well,” Inlgehopper said, “I actually agree with Mr. Morton. We can’t risk contaminating the rest of the crew and passengers. I suppose we could get him up to the shuttle and I could examine him there.”

Mark chimed in from Helm. “You realize that neither you, Kubicki or Jackson, and Rice if he stays aboard the shuttle when Kubicki is brought there, will be able to return until the threat to the ship is determined.”

Inglehopper nodded. “As Mr. Morton says, we all must take risks.”

Frank nodded in agreement.

“Oh, and there is more,” Leonard added from the main screen. “Scan Kubicki with the Enterprise’s sensors and you’ll discover something else quite intriguing.”

Frank looked up to Tashigawa who had bent over to use the science viewers.

“Mr. Kubicki is surrounded by a low level force field. The ship’s sensors can not determine its composition.”

“Zoom in on his right hand.” Jackson added.

As the camera zoomed in on Kubicki’s hand, Jackson pried it open to reveal the metallic object.

“What is that thing?” Inglehopper asked, as he stood next to Frank’s command chair.

Rayana didn’t know what it was, but she had one as well. She had been given one by Liu Fong as well. A fact she kept to herself.

“Maybe he got from engineering.” Rayana suggested.

“No sweetie,” Hank said from Navigation. “I know every piece of equipment in engineering. That did not come from engineering.”

“Then were did it come from?” Tashigawa asked.

Frank had a pretty good idea; Narrenson. “We’ll find that out later. But unless we can find away to turn it off, we’re limited with what we can do.”

--
THE SERVER ROOM
Narrenson watched on a virtual monitor created by the Server as Lenoard Jackson carried Kubicki up the cavern. Narrenson had ordered Kubicki to scan the substance he had chipped off the wall with the metallic scanner he had given Kubicki. The metallic device, created by the Server, would also create a low powered force field around Kubicki, isolating him from the elements. And although the Server had maintained the pressurization, the alien life form, or whatever the blue substance was, was still able to penetrate the field. Narrenson knew that Frank Grayson would soon discover the device. Kubicki would no longer be a viable asset to Narrenson. Narrenson could just let the man die, but that would anger Grayson even more. It was time to deactivate the device, and cut Kubicki loose from it.
--
A half an hour later Ens. Rice was beamed up to the ship as Inglehopper was beamed over from the Enterprise. The transporters could not get a lock on Kubicki so Leonard Jackson had to carry him around his back, and used his jet pack to get back to the shuttle.
--

Deep Space

The Romulan Bird of Prey had come out of Warp. It had come across a space vessel, but it wasn’t the Enterprise. It was a large black object; an it was alien.


CONTINUED

 

[RobertScorpio]

Frank Grayson's ENTERPRISE--Life Force

FRANK GRAYSON
USS ENTERPRISE

#13

Life Force

Starring the crew of the
USS ENTERPRISE

Guest starring
Romulan Commander N’vraln
Sub-commander V’ylor
Centurion, Science officer S’yat


(DON’T FORGET TO RIGHT CLICK ON UNDERLINED WORDS FOR SOME OUTSTANDING SPECIAL GRAPHICS!!!)




BRIDGE OF THE USS ENTERPRISE

Tashigawa transferred the data from his science station to the main viewer. It showed a tactical map of the Enterprise, the shuttle and the comet in the near distance. Tashigawa manipulated some of the data, and then a schematic showed pulsating waves of energy.

“The blue wave is the Enterprise’s shields, which we have extended around the shuttle.” Tashigawa. There was a red wave pattern, very tight in form, that reached out from the shuttle and toward the Oort-Cloud in the distance, and then beyond, toward Earth.

“What is that?” Mark Grayson asked, as he stood next to Tashigawa, looking up at the main screen.

“It is coming from the shuttle, and more specifically, the device in Mr. Kubicki’s hand. According to the ships sensors, the signal is being received on Earth.” Tashigawa answered.

“So it is some kind of transmitter.” Morton said from Navigation. Morton looked back to Frank, who sat in the command chair. “He’s a traitor.” Morton concluded.

Before Frank could respond, Mark did. “Mr. Morton, we have known Mike since grade school. He would never betray Frank or I.” Mark said in a direct tone.

Morton nodded his head. “I understand how you both feel. More than once in my career I had become friends with other military officers, gone to their houses, met their kids, you name it. Only to find out they were passing sensitive info the Russians, Chinese, Iranians or even industry giants. It does happen.”

Frank nodded his head. “Hank is right, Mark.” Frank said. “Mike was in the military, and is very patriotic. Perhaps they have something on him, who knows. But the facts are hard to just dismiss.”

“With all due respect to the Colonel, but he too was in the military for many years. Should we doubt his word?”

Hank nodded in agreement to the statement directed at him. “Mister,” Hank said, “I lost my wife trying to get aboard this ship. However, I do agree with the gist your statement. I suggest we sweep every inch of this ship for any other devices like that one. I truly believe that our government, and others as well, will try every method they have in their arsenal to get their hands on this ship.”

Rayana sat at her communication station. Morton was more correct than he knew, because she too had such a device. Luckily the one she had was currently turned off. But with Kubicki’s being discovered it was only logical that Captain Grayson would soon order a constant surveillance of the ship, and a sweep for such devices. She would have to get rid of her device, and soon.

Suddenly the screen chirped, and the schematic on the screen altered. The signal that had been stretching out from the shuttle, toward Earth, suddenly stopped.

“Fascinating.” Tashigawa said from his post.

“Its almost as if someone turned it off.” Mark said.

“Captain,” Rayana said from her post, “the shuttle is hailing us.”

“On screen.” Frank replied.

The schematic of the tactical situation switched to the view inside of the shuttle. A medical bed had been beamed over in preparation for Inglehopper’s medical report on Kubicki. In the background they could see Inglehopper scanning Kubicki with a Medical Tricorder.

“The force field around Kubicki is gone. The Doctor is starting his scans.” Leonard said from the foreground.

Inglehopper, who has spent nearly a month learning the various functions of the Tricorder, finished his scan and approached where Leonard Jackson stood.

“What can you tell us, doctor?” Frank asked.

“The same kind of energy that is pulsating from inside the cave walls is now pulsating from inside Mr. Kubicki’s veins. The Tricorder is concluding that the that energy is Dilithium.”

Frank shook his head. “In essence, Mike has Dilithium pulsating through his body. Do you know how outlandish that sounds Doctor?”

Inglehopper nodded. “I do. But I am not a scientist, I think Mr. Tashigawa should analyze these readings.”

Frank looked over to the science station. Tashigawa had already started to analyze the flow of data that the shuttle was relaying to the Enterprise’s science library. Frank didn’t want to interrupt Tashigaway, so he looked back to Inglehopper on the main screen.

“Is Mike responsive?” Frank asked Inglehopper.

Inlgehopper nodded. “He seemed to be coming out of it a moment ago. He will be very groggy, so I think you should come over here and talk to him in person.”

“Good idea.” Frank said. He looked over to Mark. “I’m going over there.”

Mark shook his head. “No way Frank. Mike is already contaminated, and for all we know, the Doctor and Mr. Jackson are as well. On top of that, we have an unknown alien craft in the area; you can’t risk it. From what I know of that show Star Trek, Picard would send Riker over to a situation like this. So, I will go.”

“I can’t let you take a risk like that.” Frank countered.

“With all due respect Captain Grayson, it’s his job to go.” Morton said directly. “Although, even his going over there is a tactical risk as well. But if one of you have to go, because you know Kubicki so well, then it should be the XO.” Morton explained.

Frank found it hard to debate Hank Morton. Although the retired Air Force Colonel was only third in command, his vast experience could not be discounted in situations like this.

“Okay,” Frank said, agreeing with his brother, and Mr. Morton, “you can go Mark. Find out what the hell he is doing with that device.”

“Oh believe me,” Mark said, “I will.”

Mark headed for the Transporter Room.

Frank stood up and walked over to the science station. He had to have answers.

“Do you have anything yet?” Frank asked.

Tashigawa was studying the data from the viewer, and then he sat down and used the ships computers to better focus his theory. Then he nodded his head at the findings.

“The data we have so far is very, very, remarkable, to say the least.” Tashigawa said, with an almost look of awe on his face.

“I’ll do my best to keep up.” Frank said with a smile.

Tashigawa shook his head and then continued, as if he didn’t even believe what he was going to say. “The blue substance inside of Mr. Kubicki’s veins, and on the walls of the comet, and in the deep regions of our own planet, is the same. And, this should make Mr. Morton happy,” Tashigawa said with a nod toward Morton, “it is indeed Dilithium.”

Frank nodded. “Okay, that is good news. But what’s the catch?”

Tashigawa made a Yin-Yang sign with his fingers. “The Yin-Yang.” Tashigawa said with a smile. “What I am about to say is positively unbelievable, but yet, it seems to be happening.”

Frank shook his head. “You have that same unnerving capability Mr. Spock had by stringing things out.” Frank said with a smile. “Just tell me!” Frank said with mock anger.

“Very well,” Tashigawa said, “a microscopic life form has invaded Mr. Kubicki’s system and has polarized his veins. This microscopic life form then interacts with plasma walls in the blood system to create, in essence, millions, if not trillions, of microscopic fission explosions, for lack of a better word, that is somehow contained by the polarized veins. The byproduct is a semi-liquid/plasma flow of energy that now inhabits his blood system, and yet is not killing him. It is, in basic terms, a symbiotic relationship.”

Morton shook his head in disbelief. “That is the most loony thing I have ever heard.” Morton said. “You’re telling us that these things in his veins are converting Kubicki’s cells into Dilithium.”

Tashigawa nodded. “Very succinct Mr. Morton.” Then he continued. “The computer also has come up with a method to safely remove the energy from the veins, and then crystallize it for use. There is one draw back. The process will only work one time on a living being. The human body will adapt and create new cells resistant to this process.”

Inglehopper, having heard this incredible information, spoke from the main screen. “That would imply that our DNA has been subjected to this process before, or has been programmed to counter act it. In any event, it suggests this happened to us, and all life on our planet, millions if not billions of years ago.”

Leonard Jackson also had a thought. “Ummm,” Leonard said, “if this process can only happen to living beings, then what the hell is this comet?”

“Well, alive for one thing.” Tashigawa said with a smile.

--
DEEP SPACE
The Romulan Ship was at stations keeping near the strange object.

N’vraln sat in his command chair, waiting for the science department’s report. The black object was still motionless before them. All attempts to communicate with it had failed. N’vraln was growing impatient. One blast with the plasma weapon would certainly destroy it, which N’vraln had no qualms doing. But he had to act carefully. There would be no help from the Empire; they were in essence on their own.

Sub-commander V’ylor and Centurion S’yat finally came over to his command chair.

“It is our determination that alien craft is of no threat to the ship.” V’ylor said.

“We have wasted enough time,” N’vraln said, “prepare to continue on course to Earth. If the alien craft interferes, we will destroy it.”

Sub-commander issued orders, and moments later the Romulan space vessel was traveling at sub-light speeds, preparing to go to warp. The alien craft mirrored their movements, staying directly in front of the Bird of Prey.

“It is matching our course corrections Commander.” V’ylor said.

“Prepare to fire weapons.” N’vraln ordered.

N’vraln was staring at the main screen, trying to gage the alien craft as best as possible. But Romulan commanders were not accustomed to having their ship blocked in such a manner. He was about to order the weapons to be fired when the alien craft’s strange black surface, which reflected the stars around it, started to change color. Soon it no longer reflected the stars. N’vraln watched closely as the reflection of the stars was replaced by the image of a Constitution class starship, and one of its more smaller shuttles to the port side of it. A comet was scene in the background as well.

“Do you see that sir, commander?” V’ylor asked.

“Yes, I do indeed. It’s the Enterprise.” N’vraln said with a devious smile. “Whatever is in control of that alien ship knows where the Enterprise is.” N’vraln said. “Sub-commander V’ylor, I want you to use every means necessary to bring that ship under OUR control; with out destroying it.”

V’ylor bowed to his commander’s order.

CONTINUED

COMING UP SOON!!!

A dramatic show down between FRANK GRAYSON and NARRENSON leads to another show down...USS ENTERPRISE vs THE SERVER!!!

Plus..the Romulans are one step closer...

And why not the return of Liu Fong to make things even more 'stressful'?

whew!!! and did I forget to mention the escape of T'var, the Romulan prisoner and the tramatic death of...well...I can't tell you that one just yet!!!

FRANK GRAYSON
USS ENTERPRISE

 

[Alpha Romeo]

Constitution class.

 

[RobertScorpio]

Constitution class.

Thanks for pointing that out...it has been fixed..

Rob

 

[RobertScorpio]

Frank Grayson's ENTERPRISE--Soul Exchange

FRANK GRAYSON
USS ENTERPRISE

Starring
The crew of the USS ENTERPRISE; FRANK GRAYSON

#14

Soul Exchange

Guest appearance by
Jennifer Grayson


The USS ENTEPRISE
Orbiting Earth.


Captain Frank Grayson sat in the briefing room alone, and recorded his latest ship’s log.

Captains Log
We have returned to Earth. We left many questions unanswered, just beyond the Oort-Cloud. Was the comet that Mike Kubicki and Leonard Jackson explored a life form? That question will have to be answered at another time. Before returning to Earth we towed the comet back to its original position in the Oort-Cloud.

We have gone over the brief encounter with the alien vessel that caused the vibration felt aboard the Enterprise, as well as the comet below. It is a bit unnerving to know that we may have had our first contact with an alien from beyond our solar system. Is this alien presence a threat? That is yet to be determined.

Mr. Tashigawa, and the ship’s science computer, with a major assist from Dr. Inglehopper, was finally able to remove the Dilithium from Mr. Kubicki’s blood system. According to Mr. Morton, the Dilithium has crystallized and will provide enough power for the ship for at least two months. So far it seems that Mr. Kubicki is suffering no ill effects from this strange process. Does this mean that two months another crewman will have to under go the procedure? I feel like the Captain of a giant Vampire, and why not? The ship can only be powered as long as there are enough willing bodies to donate blood. And this process can only be done one time per person.

And what does the future hold for Earth in this regard? We know that deep beneath Earth, there are large tracks of these veins winding through the lower realms of the Manta. No doubt it must be subsisting on what ever life forms are down there, which too, are unknown. But when the day comes when man kind can explore these regions of Earth, and come in contact with the strange alien microorganism, what will happen? The energy that can be harnessed from this symbiotic relationship is unfathomable. But Doctor Inglehopper must always have a warning; and he does here as well. If our DNA had a long dormant defense mechanism against this process, then so it goes, we do not know the entire history of this so called symbiotic relationship. Only time will tell.

Doctor Inglehopper could find no further thread of contamination, so he, Leonard Jackson and Mike Kubicki were taken out of isolation on the shuttle, and allowed to integrate with the ship’s crew.

Mark questioned Mike, and found out a great deal. Mike’s future on this ship will be determined, For now, he was a traitor, just as Hank Morton accused him of being.

And, if that wasn’t enough, it would appear as if we have another traitor aboard as well; Rayana Jackson.

End Captains Log…

The door to the briefing room opened up and Hank Morton entered, followed by Leonard and Rayana Jackson.

“Here is our second breech of security.” Morton said, motioning to Rayana.

Frank could not help but notice the difference in labeling. Morton had earlier referred to Kubicki as a traitor for the exact same offense, though now, he only referred to Rayana as a security breech.

“Show him.” Leonard said to Rayana, in a soft, but direct tone.

She held out her hand and opened it. He took the small cylinder shaped object from her and then took the other one Mark had retrieved from Kubicki earlier, which he had kept in a special container on the briefing table. They were identical.

“Why tell us about now?” Frank asked her as they all set at the table with him, Rayana being the most closest to where Frank sat.

“When it was revealed that Mr. Kubicki had one of these, I knew I had to tell you.” Rayana said. “You helped save Leonard’s and my life. I owed you as much.” A tear tracked down form her eyes.

Frank nodded in understanding. Frank then looked to Hank Morton. “And, so why is there a different treatment between her and Mike, Mr. Morton? Mike is in Sickbay strapped to his Med-bed. We are threatening to kick him off the ship, and hand him over to the American military for what he did over a year a go.” Frank asked, pointedly.

Hank Morton nodded. “There is a difference between the leverage they used on Mr. Kubicki and the leverage they used on her.”

“And what would that be?” Frank replied quickly with.

Leonard Jackson spoke for Hank. “Sir; My daughter is still alive.” Leonard said.

“I thought you told me she had died of her condition.” Frank said.

“I thought so too.” Leonard said, as he looked over to Rayana. “I only found out five minutes ago myself that she is still alive. A man named Liu Fong faked my daughter’s death and has been using her saved life to blackmail my wife ever since.”

“I am so sorry for not telling you, Frank.” Rayana said, tears streaming down. “But now they’re going to kill her. They’re going to kill my baby!!! My baby!!!!” Rayana totally broke down, shaking violently as she did.

Frank nodded his head to Leonard, and watched as Leonard escorted his wife out of the briefing room, just as Mark entered the room.

Frank caught Mark up to speed.

“So why shouldn’t I just kick Rayana off the ship along with Kubicki?” Frank asked Morton after reviewing the situation for Mark.

Morton sighed. “Ultimately they betrayed you, both of them. But she came forward…”

Mark cut in, “She came forward only after Mike was caught with one of these damn things. She knew we would discover the other one, and that is why she turned herself in.” Mark said as he pointed at the two devices. “We all feel for what she has gone through. But her act of betrayal is no different than Mike’s.”

Morton shook his head. “With all due respect; what Mr. Morton did in Afghanistan was far more serious. If I wasn’t sure I’d be kicked off this ship as well, I’d go down to Sickbay and execute that sick fucker myself. He is a disgrace to the honor of every American soldier.”

A cold silence came over the briefing room. Frank thought to himself. Morton had a point. Where as Rayana acted in the self preservation of her daughter’s life, Kubicki’s actions a year ago, that Narrenson was exploiting now, were in the act of taking a life; the life of an Afghani child.
--

Leonard escorted his wife into sickbay. She was crying hysterically, totally out of control as Leonard and one of Inglehoppper’s nurses put her down on a Med-bed..

Mike Kubicki could only watch, strapped to his Med-bed nearby, as Leonard watched the nurse administer a sedative. Kubicki motioned to Leonard, who then came over.

“What’s wrong with Rayana?” Kubicki asked.

Although Leonard knew that Kubicki had betrayed them, he looked over at his wife and knew that every person in her position, and Kubicki’s as well, would react in different ways. He could not judge either of them.

“Our daughter is still alive.” Leonard said to Kubicki. “She is being held hostage in a city somewhere in China. The sensors have actually used the readings of her rare condition, and located her in a heavily guarded compound. Unfortunately the Transporters can not get a lock on her, due to some interference. And even if they did, Captain Grayson doesn’t look like he will approve rescuing her at the risk of causing an International incident with the Chinese.”

At that moment Rayana called to Leonard. Leonard patted Mike on the arm, and then returned to his wife. Mike Kubicki watched as Leonard cradled his wife. Kubicki had no idea the pain and anguish the Jackson’s were going through, knowing their daughter was alive on the planet below, but helpless to save her, even with the resources of the Enterprise at the Captain’s disposal. He only wished he could help them both somehow.
--

Later that night;

The Enterprise’s ‘night’ watch had begun. Most of the senior crew, and the passengers as well, had turned in for the evening. Commander Mark Grayson was in charge of part of the night watch, and was on the bridge keeping a watchful eye.

Hank Morton, who had been doing some reconfigurations to the Engineering station on the Bridge, bid good night to Mark, and headed to his quarters; well, so it seemed.

As Hank rode the Turbo-lift to his next destination, he reached thought over the plans he had made overtly. He was confident his plan to rescue the Jackson girl would work.

Morton entered sickbay. He nodded in the direction of the duty nurse, and then made his way into the barely lit observation area. Rayana Jackson was sleeping soundly on a Med-bed. Leonard was also sleeping in a chair next to her bed. He thought of their daughter’s situation, and was determined more than ever to see this plan through.

He made his way over to Kubicki’s Med-bed. Even though the young man was in trouble for his actions of betrayal, he was not in the brig. Both Graysons saw no need for such harsh treatment of a friend, though Morton thought differently. But, thankfully, the Captain over-rode Morton’s objections, and let Kubicki remain in sickbay, all be it, secured to his Med-bed with straps.

Morton was relieved to see the young man, Kubicki, still awake and staring up at the ceiling, looking very guilty. It was proof to Morton that all though the man was guilty of murder, he had remorse. Kubicki noticed Morton.

“I hear you think I should be executed for what I did.” Kubicki said softy, so as not to awake the Jacksons.

Morton nodded. “Yes I do. Saving the two enlisted women under your command, after they had been captured from your convoy, raped and abused in a dark and dingy cave was heroic; medal worthy in fact.” Morton said. “However, killing the seven year old Afghani boy so as to teach his thug relatives a lesson was the act of a coward.” Hank spoke with very little caring in his voice.

Kubicki nodded. “I know that now, sir.” Kubicki said, as his eyes began to water with tears. “I just lost it.”

The retired Colonel patted him on the shoulder as he sat on a stool to the side of Kubicki’s bed. “Son, there are just some mistakes that can not be forgiven. You do understand that basic fact I hope.”

Kubicki nodded. “Yes sir, I do.”

Morton motioned over to the sleeping Jacksons. “Yet, you can still die as a hero.” Morton said softly.

Kubicki looked to him. “What do you mean?” Kubicki asked.

“The Captain is reluctant to rescue Jackson’s little girl.” Morton said. “He’s afraid it might cause an incident.”

“Leonard told me earlier. I think it would too.” Kubicki said. “What does that have to do with me?”

Morton smiled down at the young man. “When we turn you over to the American military tomorrow, I have seen to it that you will be taken to the harshest military prison. Your life there, what’s left of it, will be most unpleasant. Eventually you will face a military trial, be charged with murder, and sentenced to execution, so as to appease the Muslim anger that will most certainly come from a trial.”

“Gee, thanks.” Kubicki said with out any warmth in his voice.

“Or,” Morton added, “You can die a hero while rescuing the Jackson girl.”

“I thought we couldn’t get a lock on her with the Transporters.” Kubicki said, excitedly, but softly.

“We can’t.” Morton agreed. “But, this little device,” Morton took Kubicki’s hand and place a small object in it, “is a pattern enhancer. We will be able to beam her up with this.”

Kubicki could see where this was leading to. “What about me?”

Morton shook his head. “It will only work on one signal per beam cycle. This is the only one operational right now. Son,” Morton said, “this is a one way mission for you. So you must insure you do not get captured,” he handed Kubicki another item, “with this.”

It was a Type-1 hand phaser. He pointed at a small button on the device. “Pressing this will cause an overload, killing you instantly. But before that happens, this baby should be able to open any locked door in your way.” Morton leaned in closer. “Son, I can’t condone your actions in Afghanistan. But saving the life of the Jackson’s child may be the redemption your soul needs.”

Kubicki thought about it for a moment as Morton undid the straps holding Kubicki down.

“What are you doing?” Kubicki asked.

“Letting you go.” Hank said softly. “Before you go, go ahead and knock me out with the greatest punch you can muster, mister. Listen carefully to what I am about to say. I have already programmed the Transporter to beam you down to the co-ordinates near the little girl, and I have built in a five second delay, which should give you more than enough time to engage the Transporter Machine and get up to the Transporter platform.”

“You have thought of everything, haven’t you?” Kubicki asked with a smile.

“I try.” Morton said.

Kubicki climbed out of the bed as Morton leaned over on the bed.

“Just do this fast, will you?” Morton said.

They exchanged salutes; and Morton nodded his head. “Die a hero.” He reminded Kubicki

A half a second later, Morton was out cold, and Kubicki slipped out of the back entrance to Sickbay. He slowly made his way toward the Transporter Room. As he rounded one of the curves, the red alert claxon sounded. He was running out of time. He entered the Transporter Room and darted over to the Transporter Machine. It was all set to go.

--

Frank opened his eyes, rolled over, and flipped on his viewer. Jennifer woke also, looked over his shoulder as well at the viewer.

“What’s going on?” Frank asked Mark; who was still on the Bridge.

Mark did not look amused at all. “Mike has escape Sickbay. It appears he over powered Morton in the process. I have ordered a…” Suddenly Mark stopped in mid-sentence.

“What is it?” Frank demanded from his bed.

“There has just been an unauthorized Transport to the service below!” Mark said quickly.

“Where to?” Frank asked.

Mark double checked his findings, and he then reported the news to Frank. “China!”

“Oh no,” Jennifer said from behind Frank’s back.

--

Mike Kubicki materialized inside a strange complex. It time to go into action, find the little girl, and save her. Mike’s only hope for redemption would be saving the life of a little girl he had never even met before.


CONTINUED

Next time...the season finale!!!...and it's safe to say that FRANK GRAYSON/USS ENTERPRISE won't ever be the same again!!!!

Rob
Scorpio

 

[DavidFalkayn]

Re: Frank Grayson's ENTERPRISE--Soul Exchange

A most complex tale you're weaving here. You've got quite a few plots and subplots, but what I like most about this story is the humanity of it. Very well done!

 

[Mistral]

Re: Frank Grayson's ENTERPRISE--Soul Exchange

Robert-you have a strange take on things but I am really enjoying this story. Mmm, check the spelling on Len and Tash-you goofed each once. And you still have a fetish for away-I'll give you a hint, the way U are using it, it's 2 words.

 

[RobertScorpio]

Frank Grayson's ENTERPRISE--To Die A Hero

FRANK GRAYSON
USS ENTERPRISE
Special Season Finale

#15

To Die A Hero

Starring
The crew of FRANK GRAYSON USS ENTERPRISE

Cameos by
Narrenson and
Liu Fong


The sound of approaching soldiers was not a pleasant one. And Mike Kubicki knew that even with his phaser, the battle would not go well. But he had accomplished part of his mission; he had rescued the little girl. All he had to do now was find away to escape from the guarded compound. And surprisingly, the little girl was holding up quite well. Probably because he told her he was taking her to her mom and dad. So, after breaking her out of her holding cell, which had been housed in a children section of the complex, Mike had been able to keep one step ahead of the throng of soldiers that were closing in on their position. By either stunning the first wave of soldiers, or using the phaser to ‘create’ new doorways, he had done a remarkable job, or so he thought, keeping one step ahead of the soldiers.

The pattern enhancer was not working as well as Morton had hoped. So what was supposed to have been a cloak and dagger approach had become a overt search, and now, rescue mission. But as much as the odds were stacked against them, Kubicki was determined more than ever to pull this rescue off, and to die, as Morton suggested, as a hero.

“What now?” The little girl asked. Her face was that of a perfect little soldier. Mike remembered Leonard telling him that the little girl loved to watch him play Call to Duty. She had even started to play the game before her condition worsened.

Suddenly a voice could be heard, amplified by a bullhorn no doubt “American soldier,” the voice said, “My name is Liu Fong. If you give yourself up I promise that you, and the little girl, will not be harmed in anyway.”

“Fuck you, jack ass.” Kubicki said in an almost reflex way. Then he realized the girl had heard, “Umm, I’m sorry about that.” He said to her.

“Its okay mister Kubicki, my dad cusses too when he plays Call to Duty.” Shyawna said with a cute, devious smile. “Are we going to make it?” She asked.

Kubicki shook his head. “Unless the Enterprise can find someway to lock on our signals, I don’t know.” Kubicki said. “Luckily this phaser can bust holes through any walls in our way. Or else they would have caught us long ago. But I fear another group of soldiers is coming from the direction we are headed. We are running out of time.”

Suddenly the communicator that he found in engineering, and had taken with him, chirped.

“Mike,” Frank’s voice said the moment Kubicki flipped the device open, “what the hell do you think you are doing?!” Frank demanded.

“My life is over; Frank,” Kubicki replied, “I don’t want to go out with my last act being one of betrayal. This way, if I can save the girl, I can leave this world a hero.”

“You’re going to start a war!” Frank countered with.

Kubicki looked at the young girl, who was flipping off the communicator with her middle finger. He smiled at her in total understanding. “Well, Frank,” Kubicki said, “there are some things worth fighting for; like the smile on a little girl’s face. Now, if you would, please beam her up! I’m not sure how much longer we have.”

Suddenly Hank’s voice came over the signal. “You have to go up another twenty five meters, you fucking son of a bitch!” Of course, Hank’s anger was an act to protect his own ass. But Kubicki smiled at the old man’s effort.

Suddenly there was large explosion. The Chinese troops were making progress. Then Kubicki saw his last hope; the fire-escape. Though they were in a large warehouse, the fire-escape was a skinny latter rail that scaled the side of the wall. With out haste he ran over and pulled it down, and lifted the little girl up to it. She looked down at him.

“Climb honey!” He told her. “Hurry up and climb!!”

She hesitated, but then she did as she was told. Just as she started to climb, Kubicki activated the enhancer one more time and placed it inside the back pocket of her blue jeans.

He turned to face the last door they had come through, on the far side of the room. He could see the shadows of soldiers approaching it. The moment the first one appeared, Kubicki fired the phaser, stunning the Chinese soldier. Then there came another, and then another, and another. The soldiers were like ants, and kept coming. Each shot drained the phaser even more. He looked up at Shawna’s progress to see that she was near the top. She looked down at him.

“Come on!!” She cried. “It’s your turn mister Kubicki!!!”

“No,” he yelled up to her. “I have to hold them back!” Kubicki yelled. “Go through the opening and get out of here!!” He yelled at her as he kept firing the phaser.

“No!!” She cried. “Please come up now!!” She pleaded. “You can do it! Climb mister Kubicki, climb!!”

He looked up at her just in time for one of her tears to fall down the distance between them, and land on his face. “No honey! I can’t…” Suddenly he shook as two, then three bullets, struck him in the lower torso, and stomach. She screamed in sadness as Kubicki fell to the ground. With his last gasp of breath he pressed the overload button. An instant later the phaser made a high pitch noise, and then with flash of brightness, he was gone.

Shyawna screamed as she pushed her way through the hatch as a stream of bullets was fired at her from below..

She slammed the hatch shut, and found her self on a roof top. She turned at the sound of approaching boots. Liu Fong, along with many soldiers, approached her quickly. She could only stand there, for there was no where else to go. And just as Liu Fong reached her position, and bent down to grab her, she was beamed away.

USS ENTERPRISE
Transporter Room.

Leonard and Rayana Jackson ran up to the Transporter platform and hugged their little girl as she shimmered into view. Morton, who was operating the Transporter Machine, with Frank Grayson and Mark Grayson standing to his side, all smiled as they watched the reunion unfold before their eyes.

“There’s going to be hell to pay for this.” Mark said finally.

“It’s a possibility.” Frank said.

“Well,” Morton said, “at least Mr. Kubicki died a hero.”

Frank’s smile became a look of stern anger. He turned to face Mr. Morton. “I would like to speak to you in the briefing room.” Frank said to Morton.

With that said, Frank stormed out of the Transporter Room. Leonard knew that Morton was some how involved with what had happened, and he knew that Frank was about to ream Morton out for it. Even still, Leonard mouthed the words THANK YOU to Morton as he and Mark Grayson followed Frank to the briefing room.

--

Moments later Frank stormed into the briefing room, with Mark, and then Morton, right behind him. Once the door to the briefing room was closed, Frank turned to face Morton.

“Why do I have the feeling that you let yourself be overpowered by Mike so he could beam down there and rescue that girl against my wishes?!” Frank demanded.

Morton tried to play it off. “I don’t know what you mean,” Morton said as he pointed at the bruise on his cheek, as a result of Kubicki’s punch. “He knocked me out with the first blow.”

“Bullshit,” Frank said with a wry smile, “he told me that doing this would allow him to die as a hero. I wonder where he got that notion?” Frank asked.

Frank was about to say more when the bridge hailed him. “Sir, Tashigawa here.”

“Go ahead.” Frank replied.

“Mr. Narrenson is hailing you.” Tashigawa came back with.

“Relay it down here.” Frank said.

Frank turned to face the three sided display panel in the center of the Briefing room table. Seconds later the panel displayed Narrenson’s face.

“Frank, you have disappointed me again.” Narrenson said coldly.

Frank stood closer to the table, flanked by Morton and Mark.

“Mr Narrenson,” Frank said calmly, “you have been interfering with my crew. Why?”

Narrenson nodded. “Yes I have been playing under the table.” Narrenson said with a sheepish look on his face. “But my job, Frank, is to protect this nation, and by extension this world, from any potential threat.”

Frank stood his ground. “The world knows about us.” Frank said. “You can’t just keep playing these games, trying to take control of this ship. We will expose you if we have to do.”

"Nor should you be playing games; Frank." Narrenson came back with. "Any more stunts like the one you just did in China could engulf this planet in a nuclear war!!!"

"Are you working with the Chinese Mr. Narrenson? Because it certainly appears that way to me. Does the President of The United States, or Congress, know about your double dealing?"

Narrenson shook his head. “Threatening me is the last thing you should do Frank. Up to now I have been polite, and understanding. Perhaps its time we do a way with the pretense.”

“Yes, let’s do that.” Frank said. “I have the capability to expose you, and destroy your secret organization.” Frank said. “Is that what you want?”

Narrenson directed his remarks to Mark suddenly. “Mark, I hope you will not disappoint me much as your brother has.” Narrenson said with a smile.

Frank pointed at Narrenson. “You direct your statements to me you son-of-a-bitch.” Frank demanded.

Narrenson shook his head. “I’m sorry Frank, but as of now,” Narrenson said as he pressed a button on the virtual keyboard created by The Server, “you’re dead.”

Suddenly, on the briefing room table, the two cases, which Frank and Mark had been studying the day before, that housed the two devices, were drawn together as if by some unseen magnetic force. The moment the cases touched a red bolt of energy streaked out and struck Frank. The blast penetrated his upper chest, and exited his upper back. Blood, and innards, from Frank’s body were splattered on the wall behind where Frank stood as the energy then flung him against the wall.

“Frank!!!” Mark Grayson yelled as he ran to Frank, as Frank fell to the ground, twitching in the final moments of life.

Hank Morton drew his own phaser and blasted the two devices, destroying them in the process.

Mark Grayson could only kneel down and hear his brother’s final words.

“Tell…..Jen…” Frank said as blood streamed out of his mouth, “I…….luv..luv...loved…..her.” Frank’s eyes glazed over, and he was dead.

At that moment the red alert claxon sounded and a voice came over the ship wide com channel. “THIS IS SECURITY!!! THE ROMULAN PRISONER HAS ESCAPED!” There was a pause. “THIS IS SECURITY, THE ROMULAN HAS ESCAPED!”

CONTINUED
NEXT SEASON

Until then, in case you missed it, you can still read where it all started!!!
STAR TREK; FRANK GRAYSON

 

[Mistral]

Re: Frank Grayson's ENTERPRISE--To Die A Hero

WTF! Those dirty, rotten, stinkin', yellow fairies-they killed Frank!

What the hell are you thinking? Isn't the story called Frank Grayson? What are you going to call it now? Corpse-rotting-in-a-grave's Enterprise?

 

[RobertScorpio]

Re: Frank Grayson's ENTERPRISE--To Die A Hero

WTF! Those dirty, rotten, stinkin', yellow fairies-they killed Frank!

What the hell are you thinking? Isn't the story called Frank Grayson? What are you going to call it now? Corpse-rotting-in-a-grave's Enterprise?

How about...Mistrel's Enterprise..I like it!!!

When season two starts there will obviously be changes in the crew, let alone,the title of the story...One might think it could be called MARK GRAYSON/ENTERPRISE, but that isn't the direction I am headed...

But you know me, I like to change things up with these stories I write. So with a wink to DS9/Bab-5 I love to change the status-quo to make the show fresh and unpredictable.

Rob
Scorpio

 

[Mistral]

Re: Frank Grayson's ENTERPRISE--To Die A Hero

Killing the lead character was assuredly unpredictable. Cripes!

 

[RobertScorpio]

Re: Frank Grayson's ENTERPRISE--To Die A Hero

Here we are all these months later, and I stumbled upon this episode..and yes, killing Frank was very risky...I have been reading some of the old stuff, some of your and Davids and Cejays old stuff, and wow, you guys are pretty good, as are all the other old timers as well...I now know where I'll be if I have alone time in the coming week...here reading this old stuff...I am reading some of the old challenges I never read and will comment on them too..

Rob
12/23/2008

 

[Mistral]

Re: Frank Grayson's ENTERPRISE--To Die A Hero

Awesome. I look forward to your insights-it's funny how, down the road, you look at things in a new light, isn't it. What was once "brilliant" perhaps doesn't hold up to the passage of time, and other things that seemed "meh!" look a lot more impressive with age. C'est la vie!

 

[RobertScorpio]

Re: Frank Grayson's ENTERPRISE--To Die A Hero

Awesome. I look forward to your insights-it's funny how, down the road, you look at things in a new light, isn't it. What was once "brilliant" perhaps doesn't hold up to the passage of time, and other things that seemed "meh!" look a lot more impressive with age. C'est la vie!

And so, now, yes I came across this story again. And its funny looking back how i remember trying to make FRANK GRAYSON funny, and yet serious, at the same time. And then when we did the round-robin over at AdAstra, it was glad to bring him back one last time. And I can so totally see Kiefer Sutherland in this role, as well as playing Jack Bauer.

Mistral, which of all your stories is your favorite? Your so called "greatest hit"?? You to Cejay and all the others who have posted on BBS or ADASTRA. What are your crowning achievements?

Find a way to bump them up so we can read them...would be cool

Rob

 

[RobertScorpio]

Wow, I didn't even know this "story" was still on BBS. I recently got some questions about this story about things that were happening that i can no longer recall. Sorry if I couldn't answer them in detail, but some of the events of this story, and its spinoffs, were written so long ago that my brain can't remember.

But..you can get onboard with the 'reboot' version I am doing. its a total reboot and this time Frank is a single father of two; including a whacky teenager. I am writing this one with a tinge of Autobiographical...because I have a whacky teenaged daughter, so I can really relate with Frank this time...LOL..

here is a link to the reboot...so join in....

Star Trek FRANK GRAYSON >>>>>> engage

Rob