Star Trek DS9: O'Brien's Day

[Rush Limborg]

Good... early morning (), Trekkers, Trekkies, Treknecks, and Conversationalists all across the fruited plain!

Here...is the first Star Trek short story I've ever written. A fun DS9 tale, set sometime in the 1st season.

Now, as this was my first one, my writing skills were not quite so refined. Still...this is a pretty charming tale overall, IMHO. Enjoy!

Star Trek DS9:
O'Brien's Day
Scene 1

“Computer?”

“Working.”

“What on earth is wrong with the reactor?”

“Antimatter reactor is working within normal parameters.”

“Are you kidding? The intermix ratio is off!”

“Intermix ratio is in sufficient balance, as per Cardassian Operational Guidelines…”

“Don’t lecture me on what your bloody “Operational Guidelines” calls “sufficient”, just FIX IT!”

“Intermix ratio is in sufficient balance, as per Cardassian Operational Guidelines…”

Why me? “Oh, never mind…. Just increase antimatter flow by 3%.”

“Procedure is not recommended.”

Oh, PLEASE not again. “I didn’t ask for an opinion; now increase the bloody antimatter flow now!”

“Procedure is not recommended.”

(Sigh) “Computer, I’ve put up with your constant rebellion long enough. Now, I have just one –simple –question, alright?”

“Please state request.”

“Will you please stop saying that?”

“Request is not clear. Please restate.”

“That convenient little line of yours: ‘Procedure is not recommended’. There, now, was that clear enough for you?”

“Affirmative.”

“Good. Now increase the bloody antimatter flow!”

“Procedure is not recommended.”

“DO IT BEFORE I REWIRE YOU INTO A REPLICATOR!”

“Procedure is not recommended.”

“NO KIDDING!”

“Is the computer giving you a hard time again, Chief?”

Miles O’Brien looked up into the amused face of Commander Benjamin Sisko. “You have no idea, Commander, you have no idea…”

“Don’t you think you’re being a little too strict with it?”

Did he just say what I thought he said? “I beg your pardon, sir?”

“It is a Cardassian computer, after all. Their systems are considered highly efficient by the Central Command, and the fact that it isn’t capable of doing every little job you throw at it doesn’t necessarily mean that it’s out to get you.”

“But they didn’t have to give it a mind of its own.” O’Brien whined. “If I have to listen to ‘procedure is not recommended’ one more time…”

“Yes?” Sisko waited expectantly.

“Well… with all due respect, sir… I’ll be tempted to throw something physical at it!”

That was it. Unable to hold himself any longer, Sisko burst into laughter.

“Commander, please…”

“Sorry, sorry… It’s just that I can just picture you in the Infirmary getting your hand checked out because you burned it by punching a power socket!”

“Sir…”

Now recovered from his state of mirth, Sisko stared O’Brien in the eye. “I’m dead serious, chief. You let your anger out like that and all it’ll get you is a bloody fist. Understand?”

The chief sighed. Much as he hated to admit it, the commander was right. “Aye, sir, I understand.”

“Good.” Sisko started to leave, but suddenly O’Brien remembered something.

“Uh… Sir?”

“Yes?”

“If you don’t mind me asking… how would you suggest I deal with this thing?”

Sisko frowned. “You’re the engineer, Chief. I doubt I could suggest anything that you haven’t already thought up. But… in the meantime, I’d suggest you get some rest. After all, your shift ended five minutes ago.”

O’Brien checked the chronometer. Sure enough, his work day was over. “Blast! I’m late!” At Sisko’s confused expression, he explained, “I promised Keiko I’d take her to Quark’s after work.”

“Ah. Well, in that case, snap to it.”

The chief chuckled. “Gladly, sir.”

As he started for the turbolift, he heard Sisko call after him. “Good luck.”

O’Brien nodded. “Thank you, sir.” To the computer he said, “Promenade.”

As he watched the turbolift descend, Sisko finished his thought. “You’re going to need it.”

* * *​

 

[Nerys Ghemor]

Oh, poor thing! Too bad I can't send Tayben to come have a look at it! (One of the Cardassian characters I'm working on...actually from a pre-relaunch novel, but I really wanted that character to come back.) That is, if O'Brien's ready to type as fast as Tayben can talk, when he really gets into engineering mode...

The humor in this was great--it really felt true to O'Brien's character, and I could actually imagine him saying these lines. I just about fell out of my chair when Sisko warned him about getting sent to the Infirmary for punching a power socket!!!

I can't wait to see more!!!

 

[SLWalker]

::laughs:: It's funny, and cute. You could see O'Brien about to totally blow his top. Scotty probably would have fumed, and then just rewired and reprogrammed the whole system.

Which is also, likely, why he grew old and died a bachelor.

Nice work!

 

[Rush Limborg]

^Thank you all for your comments!

Now...

Star Trek DS9:
O'Brien's Day
Scenes 2-4

In Quark’s Bar & Grill (flatteringly referred to as “the foremost dining and entertainment establishment in the entire sector”), business was good. In fact, Quark reasoned, it was days like this that would one day make him the filthy rich entrepreneur he would one day become.

Why even old man O’Brien is bringing the missus over here on a date! He thought with glee. Time to lay on them the bartender’s charm… “Why, if it isn’t my favorite couple, the O’Brien’s! Well, come on in, you two. I happen to have just the table for you!”

O’Brien looked the Ferengi straight in the eye, and Quark prepared himself for the inevitable. “Why, thank you… barkeep!”

This time, however, Quark struck back. “That dialog… is not recommended.”

It worked. The grin on the chief’s face evaporated as he inched his way closer to the bar. “Why, I ought to…”

“Miles,” Keiko warned, “You started it.”

Now it was Quark’s turn to smile. “You’d better listen to your female, Chief.”

Keiko narrowed her eyes. “‘Female?’”

Quark raised his hands in surrender. “My apologies. Now…if you’d like, Rom will be all too happy to show you to your table.”

* * *
​

O’Brien sat down without a word. After taking their orders, Rom returned to the main level, freeing the two to talk in private.

“He had to bring it up.” O’Brien murmured.

“Miles,” Keiko sighed. “You shouldn’t let things like that get to you. Besides, you know Quark doesn’t like your calling him that.”

“I know, I know,” O’Brien sighed. “I guess I just wanted to lighten me own mood, especially after what happened today. I’ll tell you, if I have to spend another hour fighting that bloody demented excuse for a computer…”

“Miles,” Keiko interrupted firmly. “That’s enough. We came here to relax, now let’s relax.”

O’Brien opened his mouth to respond –when his combadge beeped. “Sisko to O’Brien.”

Reluctantly, the chief tapped his badge. “O’Brien here, sir.”

“Sorry to interrupt, Chief, but you’d better get up here.”

“I’m on my way.”

“Sisko out.”

O’Brien turned to his wife. “Sorry, but I have to go.”

Keiko grinned. “Good luck.”

O’Brien flinched. “Uh… thanks. I’ll see you later.”

She nodded. “Later.”

* * *​

What O’Brien thought as he stepped into Ops was: This had better be good.

What he said was: “Reporting as ordered, sir.”

Some of his exhaustion must have crept into his voice, for Sisko nodded with sympathy before he spoke. “Apparently, chief, sensors are picking up some sort of electromagnetic signature that appears to be heading this way.”

His interest now increasing, O’Brien darted to his post. “Could it be a ship?”

Lt. Jadzia Dax shook her head. “That’s impossible to tell; it’s too far out of range –wait! I’m now getting a signal from it: looks like a ship in distress –designation: unknown; origin: unknown.”

“Nonetheless,” Sisko said, “they could use our help. Dax, you and O’Brien ready the Rio Grande. When you get to them, lock on with a tractor beam and tow them to a vacant port. Sisko to Dr. Bashir.”

“This is Bashir.”

“Doctor, report to Runabout Pad A on the double.”

“Aye, sir, I’m on my way.”

“All right, people, you all know what to do. Keep me posted at regular intervals. Good luck.”

* * *​

 

[Nerys Ghemor]

Wow. I was in the breakroom at work, and I literally almost fell out of my chair when Quark said "That dialogue is not recommended." Word travels fast on a space station, I see!

Poor thing...I suppose I'll have to send Tayben AND Iymender over there for him! (Iymender's a programmer with some mad skills.)

 

[Rush Limborg]

Wow. I was in the breakroom at work, and I literally almost fell out of my chair when Quark said "That dialogue is not recommended." Word travels fast on a space station, I see!

(Snickers) Well...the bloody thing's been giving O'Brien that "cold shoulder" since "Emissary", after all!

Thanks!

Star Trek DS9:
O'Brien's Day
Scenes 5-7

“Unidentified vessel, this is the Federation starship Rio Grande. Do you require assistance? Please respond.”

The comm line was silent. Dax tried again. “Unidentified vessel, this is the Rio Grande. Please respond.” Still it was silent.

Soon the ship came into view. It was rather small –although a bit larger than the runabout. It wasn’t sleek by any means, its main hull having the general build of a rounded rectangular prism. Twin pods of smaller size but the same shape –obviously nacelles –were visible on either side, extremely close to the hull. A small half-sphere constituted the ship’s nose, and its rear consisted of a rectangle protrusion. The entire ship was the color of rust, with no identifying markings of any kind.

Also, it was severely damaged.

Dax tried to hail it one more time, and finally closed the channel in resignation.

Dr. Julian Bashir rose from his chair. “You don’t suppose there’s no one around to respond?”

O’Brien shrugged. “It looks like it has warp capability, sir. I can’t imagine anyone putting that on an unmanned craft.”

Dax scanned the ship, and frowned. “I am reading life signs, but they’re very faint.”

“They may need a doctor.” Bashir said with finality, grabbing a medkit and tricorder.

“You might as well beam me over too, Lieutenant.” O’Brien added, readying his tool kit and two phasers.

“All right,” Dax said, “but beam up at the first sign of trouble. In the meantime, I’ll activate a tractor beam and set a course back to DS9.”

“Understood, sir.” said O’Brien. “Energize.”

* * *
​

The interior was a wreck. Huge piles of debris filled the vision of O’Brien. It looked to him as if the ship had been though a battle –and lost miserably.

Either that, he thought, or she was ransacked.

Unwilling to lose any more time, he looked for a working computer console –silently praying that it would be more receptive than the one on the station. After what felt like an eternity of searching, he found something.

That is, someone. “Doc, I found a crewman –I think he’s breathing!”

Bashir rushed to his location. Consulting his tricorder, he sighed with relief. “He’s alive, but just barely.” He pulled a hypospray loaded with a stimulant from his kit, using it on the man. Just as he did, however, he noticed something. “Chief, look at his nose.”

O’Brien did so –and was more than a little astonished. “He’s…a Bajoran.”

* * *​

“A Bajoran?”

Major Kira Nerys stared at the others in shock. “Now, how is that possible?”

Sisko sat at his desk, frowning. “I agree. That ship is certainly not of Bajoran registry.”

Bashir shrugged. “Nonetheless, sir, the evidence remains. And he’s not the only one there, sirs. We also found a couple of others, as well. Unfortunately, the first man was the only one I was able to save. He’s in the Infirmary now, recuperating, but I wouldn’t suggest questioning him until his confusion dissipates.”

“Understandable, Doctor.” Sisko said. He than turned to O’Brien. “It’s your turn, Mr. O’Brien.”

The chief cleared his throat. “Well, sir, I don’t think we’ll be taking that ship out for a spin any time soon. I tried supplying it with power from one of the station’s spare energy cores, but…well…”

“What, chief?” Kira demanded.

O’Brien rolled his eyes and preformed an accurate (if a bit nasal) imitation of the station computer. “‘Procedure is not recommended.’”

“I…see.”

O’Brien continued, “I might be able to manually tap into the core without the computer trying to stop me, but it will probably take the better part of a day.”

Sisko gave him a sympathetic look. “Do what you have to, chief. There’s no telling how important this may turn out to be. Use all the help you need.”

“Thank you, sir.”

“Dismissed.”

* * *​

 

[Nerys Ghemor]

Wow. That computer REALLY has it in for him. And I shall be very interested to see who this guy is!

 

[Rush Limborg]

Star Trek DS9:
O'Brien's Day
Scenes 8 & 9

Many people had a tendency to “whistle-while-you-work”, but not Miles O’Brien. Oh sure, he did it now and then to relieve unnecessary tension, but most of the time he was just content to grunt –somehow, silence helped him concentrate in tough situations such as this.

Right now, he was slowly but surely working his connector into a power terminal that linked directly to the spare core. One move too many, and that bureaucratic brain would stop him in his tracks, telling him that he was violating Section so-and-so, Paragraph yakity-yak of the Cardassian Technical Manual (How many time have I tried to tell the bloody thing that its now a Federation computer, only to hear my pleas fall on deaf ears –no, scratch that, no ears at all?), and preventing him from doing anything useful. One of these days I’m going to finally get around to that overhaul this entire station needs.

Unfortunately for O’Brien, it would have to wait. For now, he had more pressing concerns. The rest of his engineering team he had put to work repairing the Anonymous (He had finally decided to call it something other than “The Ship”), particularly the primary systems. The job he was doing had to be done as intricately and carefully as possible, and as such he couldn’t afford assistants.

“Almost…come on…almost there,” he mumbled to himself.

It had taken him hours to get this far, and if it had all been for nothing –if the computer found out what he was doing –than he might as well toss himself out of the nearest airlock. At least in space, no one could hear him scream….

Of course, if he did do that, Keiko would kill him –a thought that made him chuckle (Never throw away an old joke.). Besides, suicide was frowned upon in Starfleet –and a posthumous reprimand wasn’t exactly the best way to go. No, he’d rather go out fighting… like I almost did at Setlik III....

Stop that, O’Brien chided himself. You have a job to do, and you can’t afford to daydream. Now… where was he? Ah, yes. Just one more adjustment and he could connect that power cord.

“Come, on, O’Brien, old boy, you can do it… come on… come on… almost… THERE!”

For a moment, he stared at the terminal in amazement. I… I don’t believe it! I ACTUALLY DID IT!

Overjoyed, he burst into laughter. It felt good –very good. “Ah… you did it at last, old boy. You beat that under-worked, spoiled little…”

It was no use. He couldn’t help but belly-laugh again. And it –felt –good.

* * *
​

In his office on the Ops level, Sisko tossed his baseball up in the air, something he often did when bored –or tense, in this case. How long had it been since he had dismissed O’Brien and the others? So far, nothing had changed.

Bashir’s latest patient still had not recovered from his state of shock (“Poor fellow,” the doctor had said, “he took quite a beating.”), Dax and the engineering team were still repairing the computer, and O’Brien….

Sisko sighed. Before all this began, he had dryly suggested that the chief was being too hard on the computer. Now that he thought of it, however, it may have been the other way around.

After all, Cardassians had equipped their technology with an enormous amount of safeguards and “foolproof” systems. O’Brien was no fool, although it was obviously clear to him that the safeguards worked too well.

Ironic, how I never seem to have a problem with it, and so naturally I assume O’Brien to be overreacting. Of course, I’m not the engineer here, so I don’t have to face those systems....

The commander silently promised himself that from now on, he would be more receptive to the chief. What the man needed was support, not a reprimand for behaving naturally.

Well, I’ll give him that support, if I have to dress down that computer mysel—

“O’Brien to Sisko!”

Is it just me, or do I hear laughter in his voice? “I’m here, Chief. Is something wrong?”

This time, there was no doubt. O’Brien let out a hearty chuckle. “Wrong? No, sir. For the first time today, things are right.”

His attitude was contagious. Sisko grinned. “You made the connection?”

“Yes, sir, I did.”

“Good. Have you alerted Dax yet?”

“Yup, and the team’s supplying power right now. Commander, it’s as if the day just decided to uplift itself, let me tell you.”

“Well, don’t get too giddy, Chief; you never know when something unexpected might come up. Keep me posted on your progress.”

“I will, sir. O’Brien out.”

As the channel closed, Sisko set the ball back on its stand. Just one more thing....

“Bashir to Sisko.”

Right on cue. “Sisko here, Doctor.”

“Sir, my patient appears to be stabilizing. I…think you’d better get down here.”

“I’m on my way.” Sisko closed the channel when the doctor said nothing else, than headed out of his office. “Major,” he said to Kira, who was looking at him expectantly, “you’re with me.”

As they stepped into the turbolift, which he ordered to the Promenade, Sisko silently prayed that the next half of the day would continue to be so lucky.

* * *​

 

[Rush Limborg]

Star Trek DS9:
O'Brien's Day
Scene 10

Kira followed Sisko into the Infirmary, where she immediately got to the point. “Will he live, Doctor?”

Slightly taken aback, Bashir answered, “Well, I should think so, Major; after all, he’s spent the last half of today in bed recuperating, and while his wounds were severe…”

“I’m sure she didn’t mean anything personal, Doctor.” Sisko said, briefly giving Kira a don’t-contradict-me-or-else glance.

Keeping his gaze fixed on the commander (He probably doesn’t want to face the wrath of little old me, Kira thought with pride.), Bashir made his report:

“Apparently, whatever it was that hit the ship put his nervous system into a state of shock –not severe, mind you, just enough to make him slip into unconsciousness –anyway, he also suffered second-degree burns, which appear to be caused by his working at a nearby computer console that had exploded into fragments.

"What gave me reason to call you, Commander (Here he briefly glanced at Kira in mild annoyance. Well, pardon me!), was the fact that I was finally able to completely stabilize him. He’s resting now, but if you’d like…”

“By all means, Doctor. I think it’s time we had some answers.”

Bashir nodded, grabbing a stimulant which he applied to the man on the bed. It was here that Kira got her first look at him. There was no denying now: he was Bajoran –down to the earring on his right ear and the wrinkles on his nose. He was also middle aged; graying, but not balding.

And the look on his face… even unconscious, he had an aura of ruggedness and vigor about him. Kira could guess the reason for his powerful presence. Is it possible that he was… a leader in the Resistance Movement?

There had long since been rumors that some of the more “troublesome” Bajorans were “secured” by the Obsidian Order, never to be seen again. This man could possibly have been captured, only to escape to an uncharted region of space, and…after all these years… return home.

One thing was certain: Kira was counting down the seconds until the man reached full consciousness.

For a moment, he looked around in confusion. Than, gaining his bearings, he finally asked (in a strong voice that complimented his appearance) “Where am I?”

Sisko nodded to Kira, who answered, “You are on the Bajoran station Deep Space Nine.”

The man’s gaze shifted to where the commander and doctor stood. “You two… would seem to be out of place, than.” He smiled weakly at his quip.

Sisko responded, “Well… this station is administered by the Federation.”

“Ah… I see. But if this station is indeed Bajoran –or Federation,” he amended, nodding at Sisko, “why than, do I recognize the architecture as Cardassian?”

Kira shrugged. “Probably because it used to be called Terok Nor.”

The man blinked. “Well, now, isn’t that ironic –the place where my life was ruined is also where it was saved…. But that’s the past. Now, allow me to reveal my name, if you please. I am Hojan Matahl. And who might you be, Young One?”

Kira mentally prayed to the Prophets that she was not blushing. She was correct when she deduced that he was a resistance leader. What she didn’t realize before was that he was one of the most legendary martyrs of the entire occupation….

Bashir’s amused voice snapped her back into reality. “Major?”

Kira blinked. “Uh… Major Kira Nerys, Bajoran Militia.”

Fortunately, Sisko (Prophets bless him) was able to spare her further embarrassment. “If you don’t mind, Mr. Hojan, I have a few question to ask you….”

“Yes, of course, Commander. Proceed.”

“First of all, how did you end up in the spacecraft where we found you?”

“Yes… the Dukat. Actually, I and other refugees constructed it from scrap.”

Kira frowned. “The Dukat?”

Hojan smiled. “I had to call it something. Besides, I should think that it gives me good reason to kick its walls whenever I’m frustrated!”

Sisko chuckled. “I sympathize. Now… what do you mean by ‘refugees’?”

“What most of my people mean, actually. We were prisoners of Cardassia, for various crimes, that were able to unite, hijack our prison craft, and successfully escape into neutral space.”

“The Great Escape…” Sisko said dryly to himself.

“I beg your pardon?”

“Never mind. Please continue.”

“Well, our commandeered ship eventually suffered a malfunction, and we were forced to land on a planet. As luck would have it, the rock was evidently a junkyard where the local races disposed of scrap metal and the like. We were able to salvage a relatively intact fuel tank, among other things. It took us a few years, but we were able to use what we could from the transport to transform the tank into our new primary hull.”

Bashir’s eyes widened. “That hulk was a fuel tank? It seemed rather large.”

“It’s not exactly implausible, Doctor,” Sisko answered. “In the late 20th century, NASA used gigantic fuel tanks to power their space shuttles.”

“Well, in any case,” Hojan continued, “we finally finished our “new” ship a few months ago, attaching nacelles that we were able to repair. Some of us wanted to return to Bajor, but others were unwilling to risk returning to imprisonment. We finally agreed to stay out of Cardassian space until we were sure Bajor was free. It was our intention to stay just close enough to the border for us to hear news concerning our home… but unfortunately, we were attacked.”

“By whom?” asked Kira.

“We never found out for sure, but we supposed they were pirates –anyone else would probably make demands before they tried to destroy us. Anyway, one of my fellows was able to partially repair the warp reactor –he specialized in Cardassian engineering –and I was able to take the helm and engage. Of course, that was when my console exploded, and the next thing I knew… I was waking up right here.”

“Well, thank you, Mr. Hojan,” Sisko replied. “You’ve been very helpful.”

Hojan nodded.

Now Bashir spoke up. “If you don’t mind, Commander… Major… I’d like to have a word with you…?” After they entered another room, the doctor spoke what was on his mind. “Major, you’re familiar with this man?”

Kira blinked. “Well, I’ve heard of him. His story was actually something of an inspiration to me.”

“Well, let’s have it,” said Sisko.

“It’s more of a legend, really. During the Occupation, Hojan is said to have valiantly infiltrated the station security archives, looking for evidence to discredit Gul Dukat.”

“Was this before or after Odo became security chief?”

“Oh, before. Anyway, just when he had found the information he was seeking, Odo’s predecessor, Thrax, discovered him. Shortly after that, Dukat ordered his interrogation….”

Bashir snorted. “‘Interrogation’. Torment, the lot of it.”

Ignoring him, Kira continued. “Hojan was thought to have died, and he had long since become the subject of a rallying cry for the resistance….”

“‘Remember the Alamo’… is that it, Major?” Bashir asked.

It was a few seconds before Kira could recognize the phrase as an Earth saying. “Well, more or less.”

Sisko frowned thoughtfully. “Well, it would seem that someone wanted the Bajorans to think he’s dead…”

Kira nodded. “It wouldn’t be beyond Dukat to inspire fear in his slaves like that.”

“You’re right, Major, it wouldn’t. It might be possible that meanwhile, someone –the Obsidian Order, for instance –had considered him to be a golden opportunity for gathering information concerning the resistance cells.”

Kira looked in Hojan’s direction. “Well, he was lucky to escape, in any case.”

“That’s what concerns me, actually.” Bashir replied. “His story seems a tad too… convenient. And… there was something else….”

“Yes, Doctor, go on.” Sisko prodded.

“Well, it might be nothing, but… sir, he called you ‘Commander’.”

“Of course he did.” Kira said impatiently. “That’s his rank!”

“But how did he know that?”

Sisko frowned. “Doctor…?”

“Sir, none of us said anything about your rank, and you were too far for him to notice your pips, so how did he know?”

Kira shrugged. “I suppose he could’ve heard about his assignment here,” she offered, although she herself wasn’t entirely certain.

Sisko shook his head. “I don’t think so, Major. He seemed confused to see Starfleet officers on a Bajoran station. If he knew who I was, he shouldn’t have responded as he did. Somehow or other… he was lying about something.”

Bashir sighed. “What I wouldn’t do for a Betazoid right now.”

“Well,” Sisko sighed, “we’ll have to make do with what we have. I’ll ask Odo to check the Bajoran Archives and see if he can find a file on Hojan, preferably with a picture or something similar. In the meantime, Doctor, keep him in the sight of either yourself or one of your nurses –preferably, the Starfleet ones.”

At Kira’s questioning look, he added with a small smile, “someone who won’t be swayed by a ‘legend’.”

Kira returned the smirk, but only halfheartedly.

Sisko tapped his combadge. “Sisko to O’Brien.”

“O’Brien here, sir.”

“Chief, consider my prophecy fulfilled.”

“You mean the one about burning me fist in a console, sir?”

“No,” said the commander with a grin, “the one about the unexpected.”

“Ah…understood, sir. I’ll post us a guard right away. There’ll be no hijacking this baby!”

“No need –just stay alert.”

“Aye, sir.”

“Sisko out.” Closing the com line, he turned to the others. “I’ll be in my office if you need me.”

“‘…burning my fist in a console?’” Kira exclaimed. You Starfleet officers are strange.

Sisko shrugged. “It’s… a long story.”

Well, I’m going to want to hear it very soon, Commander....

* * *​

 

[Nerys Ghemor]

Ooooh...I think I smell some Obsidian Order intrigue here...

And going back to the previous section, I enjoyed his delight in beating the computer! I thought that made a great explanation of why the computer was so cantankerous, of course--the Cardassian government seems not to like innovation very much, because that inspires people to get all sorts of other ideas too...hence the "fool-proofing"...

I thought about your story this morning when I got to work. BOTH computer systems I use decided to expire my password for no reason at opening, meaning I didn't have either computer up and running when we potentially could've had a lot of customers. AND one of them took two tries to get my damn password changed.

All I could hear in my head when it failed the first time was...

"PROCEDURE NOT RECOMMENDED!"

 

[Rush Limborg]

^Thanks, Nerys Dukat!

Hey...I kinda noticed you were the only one who's commented--although the tale's got a whole bunch o' views!

Seriously guys--by all means! COMMENT!

Okay...now....

Star Trek DS9:
O'Brien's Day
Scenes 11-13

A few hours later, the senior officers gathered around Sisko’s desk. When they had settled, the commander spoke. “Report.”

Security Chief Odo began his statement. “Well, from what Kira told me, you already seem to have all the relevant information concerning our prisoner that I was able to unearth.”

“He’s not a prisoner, Constable…” Bashir corrected.

“…not yet, Doctor,” Odo replied, “But I daresay if he continues the suspicious attitude he seems to cherish, that’s what he’ll become.”

“Yes, of course, Constable.” Sisko relented. “Have you found the picture I asked for?”

In response, Odo handed his padd to the commander, who studied it intently. While a bit younger than Bashir’s patient, the man he was staring at was remarkably similer. “Well done. Now, Mr. O’Brien?”

“Well, Commander, the team and I were able to repair most of the Dukat’s systems. The engines still could use some more work, though, and the bloody thing still looks like a junk heap. What amazes me is that he found that kind of navigational system in a wrecked prison transport…and a garbage dump.”

“Another lie…” Odo mumbled.

“Dax?” Sisko asked when the chief had nothing further to offer.

The Trill cleared her throat. “I was able to analyze the working technology about half an hour ago. It is Cardassian, but what struck me as amazing was the extant of its damage.”

“Go on…”

“Benjamin, there was no permanent damage whatsoever! Critical systems were left relatively intact –it’s almost as if whoever damaged this ship carefully ensured that it would be repairable.”

“Curious. Theories, anyone?”

Odo spoke up. “It is my theory that the man we are holding is not who he claims to be. Either that or a Bajoran legend has become… what do you humans say? ‘A potato salad gone bad?’”

O’Brien gave a wry grin. “That’s the one.”

“Anyway, as the good doctor will confirm, his patient’s genetic makeup is Bajoran. There's no evidence of any genetic tampering. Nonetheless, I propose that the man is in fact a spy –possibly for the Cardassians –who has every intention of passing off as a legend so he can gain free access to this station’s internal systems and perform irreparable acts of sabotage.”

“That seems a little harsh, Constable.” Kira frowned. “I can’t imagine any self-respecting Bajorans working for the very race that enslaved us.”

“I said possibly the Cardassians, Major. There is a chance that another race hostile to our cause stole Cardassian technology to make their story more plausible, but it would have to be someone who has been in this sector recently… most likely during the Occupation.”

“The Orion Syndicate?” Kira offered.

“What makes you say that?” Sisko asked.

“Well, Hojan –if that’s who he is –conjectured that his ship was attacked by pirates, and there have been recent sightings of Orion frigates near our space….”

The others nodded. It was possible.

“I don’t want to jump to any conclusions.” Sisko warned. “For now, let’s do this by the book. Odo, post some guards outside sickbay. Bashir, keep me posted as to the patient’s condition. Everyone else… get some rest. Dismissed.”

* * *
​

O’Brien woke up a new man –more or less. Changing into his uniform, he felt prepared for anything.

Except, of course, for another bout with that –

“Daddy?” Suddenly Molly was beside him.

“Yes, Molly?”

“Where are you going?”

“To work, dear.”

“Will you fight Bloody Com-pyoo-teh?

O’Brien chuckled. “Hopefully not, Molly.”

“Why not? You said that it’s nathty.”

“Not to worry, girl, I’ve got it covered. Now, go play.”

“Okay.” She ran to her room, singing to herself, and chanting “Daddy win” over and over.

Thanks for the vote of confidence. O’Brien smiled as he left for the docking ring.

* * *
​

At long last, his strength returned. At long last, he could complete the mission.

Hojan Matahl –actually, his name was Jodahn Kador –left his cot and headed for the exit.

“And where exactly do you think you’re going, mister?”

Jodahn turned to face the Starfleet doctor, who was aiming a phaser directly at him. “Why, Doctor Bashir, it is most pleasant to see you at this hour.”

Bashir narrowed his eyes. “Indeed. Now would you mind answering my question, Mr. Hojan?”

Did I blow my cover somehow? Jodahn wondered at the doctor’s attitude. “Well, if you must know, I essentially feel strong enough to take a little stroll –around the Promenade. Don’t worry, Doctor. I assure you I will return when I am done.”

“You will leave this Infirmary at my sole discretion –not yours! Do you understand?”

“Well… I suppose I could wait a while longer…” Jodahn said, slowly moving towards his cot.

Just then, he whirled around, striking Bashir so hard that the doctor immediately hit the floor unconscious. Grabbing the phaser, Jodahn rushed out of the room, stunning the two guards with a beam from his new weapon.

Victorious, he headed for the docking ring –where they were still supplying power to his ship from the reactor, as that human engineer had recently told him.

Amazing, that lack of secrecy –which is why we shall prevail.

Yes…why we shall prevail.

* * *​

 

[Nerys Ghemor]

Oh no, now Molly is learning exactly what her daddy calls the computer!

That reminds me of something that happened after I was watching the O'Reilly Factor...I made the comment that as much as I enjoy the show, I'd be afraid if I had little kids of their learning to call people "pinhead." Well, my mom replied that there's a worse fear for parents: your kid going up to someone and saying, "Mommy says you're a pinhead."

Let's hope nothing even more embarrassing comes out of Molly's mouth. I sure hope "Cardie scrap heap" or the like won't be next! That might actually prove MORE embarrassing than having similar verbiage aired galaxy-wide on Cardassian Court TV!!!

And I'll be very interested to see what happens with this guy--where he's from, and what evidence they use to figure out what he's up to and who he really is!

 

[SLWalker]

I'll catch up, I promise! Only so fast I can read. ;-)

 

[Rush Limborg]

And now...the conclusion:

Star Trek DS9:
O'Brien's Day
Scenes 14-16

O’Brien entered the Dukat, where work still needed to be done for the engines. With luck, they would be up to specs within the hour.

Not that we’ll give it back to him just yet—

His thoughts were interrupted by the sound of footsteps.

Footsteps that smacked of secrecy.

Footsteps that were coming closer….

O’Brien quickly hid himself behind a console, waiting.

He did not have to wait long. A man came into the engine room –Bashir’s patient.

What? How did he get out? It was all he could do to keep from gasping aloud.

At any rate, there was no time to lose. Now if he could sneak up on him at just the right moment….

Slowly but surely, he did so –throwing his arms around the Bajoran’s neck. The man responded by ducking hard, catapulting O’Brien off his back. The chief flew across the room, hitting the wall with a crack.

Blast –don’t tell me any of me bones are broken. Well, there was no denying –even at his best, he couldn’t defeat this man alone….

Wait a minute –THAT’S IT! Slowly, quietly, and painfully, he inched his hand to his combadge, pressing it. “O’Brien… to Security,” he whispered, praying that his opponent hadn’t heard –and that Odo had.

“Hojan”, in the meantime, was pressing buttons at the console, doing… what?

Well, it wouldn’t hurt to ask. “What… are you doing…Hojan?”

“Hojan” looked at him, apparently annoyed that O’Brien wasn’t unconscious. “I’ll kill you anyway, so why not tell you, old man? Actually, I’m going to re-align the antimatter flow that you Federations so cleverly hooked up, putting the intermix ratio of your reactor into such imbalance… that you won’t even know what hit you.”

He smiled as the chief’s look of utter shock. “Well… so much for Deep Space 9.”

Suddenly, there came a voice without warning from behind the Bajoran –saying the one thing O’Brien least expected to hear.

“Procedure is not recommended.”

“Hojan” whirled around in astonishment. “What… was that?”

The computer continued. “The procedure you are attempting to undertake is not recommended, as per Cardassian Technical Manual…”

“WHHHAAATTTTTT?!?” the Bajoran shouted in pure rage, but the computer was not through.

“…and as such, will not be completed. Shutdown of procedure will commence immediately.”

“Hojan” turned to O’Brien, his eyes blazing like fire. “You!”

The chief shrugged innocently. “Don’t look at me. I’ve been trying to figure out the bloody thing ever since I was assigned here!”

That was it. The Bajoran turned to the computer, raising a fist.

O’Brien frowned. “Uh, I wouldn’t suggest…”

“Hojan’s” fist struck the console with such force that sparks shot out at him, scalding his hand and face. He screamed in pain –just before he fell to the ground, stunned by the disrupter of Major Kira Nerys.

O’Brien chuckled to himself. “Don’t say I didn’t warn you, lad.”

Upon entering the room behind Kira, Bashir rushed over to his friend. “Chief, are you as injured as you look?”

The chief gave a wry grin. “That depends. How do I look?”

“Like you’ve been through utter torment.”

A hearty laugh came from O’Brien. “Believe me, Doc, I think I’m beginning to like me tormenter, after all….”

* * *​

In the Security Office, Odo was silently watching his prisoner.

At long last, the shapeshifter thought with glee, this criminal is where he belongs.

The prisoner had been relatively cooperative since his capture. His real name was Jodahn Kador, and his plot was indeed to annihilate the reactor, thereby damaging the station enough to leave it open to assault. His ship –which was specifically made to appear like it was made from a fuel tank and assorted scrap –was “attacked” by his employers to make his false identity more convincing….

Who his employers were, however, he never said. And Odo found mysteries which refused to be solved so… frustrating.

The sole advantage Dukat had over Sisko, he thought dryly, was that his government wasn’t nearly as “merciful”. I could've been able to get everything out of him in the spanse of a few minutes, back then....

For now, handing the man over to the Provisional Government to stand trial would have to suffice.

As the humans would say, it was yet another regular day at the office.

* * *​

Miles O’Brien went over to his regular place at Ops. His feelings were a mix of (1), a still considerable amount of triumph over his day-old defeat of his arch nemesis, and (2), a newfound sense of irony that that very same computer (which was in control of that ship since repairs began) had saved heaven knew how many lives because of its… independence.

Gathering up his courage, he spoke: “Computer.”

“Working.”

Is it just me, or does that thing sound…respectful now? “Uh, well, I can’t believe I’m saying this, but… thanks.”

“Statement not clear. Please restate.”

“That’s alright.” O’Brien smiled. “You don’t have to understand, just so long as I do.”

“Statement not clear. Please restate.”

“Oh, never mind.” O’Brien shook his head. He really needed to ask Sisko about that overhaul. Well, I’m sure that can wait for now –until it drives me mad again, that is!

All things considered, the last couple of days had worked out pretty good for him. He was finally able to have that dinner with Keiko (I’ll say one thing: Quark and his minions make an outstanding corn beef!), and today he felt more relaxed than he had been in quite a while. At long last, he could work in peace.

Except for one… minor thing that he needed to take care of….

“Computer…”

“Working.”

“About that antimatter imbalance….”

* * *​

 

[Nerys Ghemor]

I love it--Ms. Procedure-Is-Not-Recommended saves the day!!!

AND he actually put a fist through the console! MWAAAAAHAHAHAAHAHA!

Excellent work, overall!

 

[Mistral]

That was a great story. If that was your first try-Very well done, indeed!

 

[Rush Limborg]

That was a great story. If that was your first try-

Which it was...

Very well done, indeed!

Thank you! Thank you very much!

Excellent work, overall!

Thank you, too!

Okay. Next tale-- B-4 & After. I'm posting it right away!

 

[SLWalker]

Star Trek DS9:
O'Brien's Day
Scenes 2-4

LOL! I agree with Nerys, Quark using the 'Dialogue not recommended' line was a great slap across the chops. Overall, the pacing is good and the reading is definitely fun! Will try to catch up here... too much to read, never enough time.

 

[SLWalker]

Star Trek DS9:
O'Brien's Day
Scenes 5-7

Oh, lord. Poor Miles. He has to try to do something difficult and that damn computer blocks him the entire way. Good intrigue here, though!