Star Trek; Shuffle The Deck

[RobertScorpio]

STAR TREK;
Shuffle the Deck
01

USS BALBOA;

The USS Balboa, a refitted Excelsior-class starship, was limping through space. A large gas-giant planet could be seen in the far distance. The ship’s main power was gone, and fires were blazing, but controlled, on several decks. But, all in all, Captain Michelle Duell, who was back in her command chair having been thrown from it, was surprised at how well the ship had held up. First officer Bynak, a male-Cardassian, walked over to Captain Duell.

“Captain,” Bynak said, with a bandage on his ridged forehead, “I have, as you would say, good and bad news.”

“What is the bad news?” Captain Duell asked.

“Why do you want the bad news first?” Bynak asked her. “I know this is our first posting together,” he added, “but I always assumed you Earthers were optimists.”

Captain Duell looked to him. “I am an optimist,” she replied. “After you give me the bad news I will no doubt feel, well, bad.” She then smiled. “And then you will give me the good news and, in a span of twenty seconds, I won’t feel as bad.”

Bynak forced his own smiled. “That doesn’t make any since at all,” he told her, “but you are the captain.”

“Mr. Bynak,” Capt Duell said softly, “you’ll find that most of the graduates of the Federation are optimist at heart. Heck, just think back to the uniforms the Cardassian military wore in the past, and then look at the one you are wearing now,” she said with a slight chuckle. “We’re always bright, and cheery. As I recall, you transferred your Cardassian credits over to Starfleet Academy and missed many lower classes, where you would have learned this. Just remember that, for us, the glass is always half full and you’ll do just fine.”

“It will be difficult.” Bynak said with his own smile. “The bad news; we have lost warp power, just as it was predicted we would. We have lost all communication, just as it was predicted we would. The wave seems to have done exactly what Starfleet warned it would when we received the alert yesterday.”

“Mr. Bynak,” Capt Duell interjected, “that was some pretty bad news. So I hope the good news will bring it all back into balance.”

Bynak continued. “We have suffered no casualties. The ships engineer is confident we can make it to Septos-14 with in two weeks, at best speed. Also, as you know, Ensign Rose went into labor just before the wave passed our position and I have just been informed that she gave birth to a healthy young child in sickbay.”

Captain Duell smiled a very broad smile.

Bynak looked at the captain’s smile. “I hope,” he told her, “I have brought everything back into balance.”

Captain Duell nodded. “You have indeed. The ship can be repaired, it’s a material object. The effects of the wave may be with us for seven years or so, if Starfleet is correct. But life, when it is born under such circumstances is always a reminder that hope is always the one thing we can never lose touch with.”

“If you wish,” Bynak said, “I will go down and see to the comfort of the child.”

Captain Michelle Duell shot him a look of mock-anger. “As you were Mr. Bynak,” she said as she stood from her chair, “I will see to our new crew member’s health. You keep me posted on the repairs.”

Before she left Bynak spoke softy to her. “Captain Duell, we’re stranded out here, we’re all alone. Septos-14 is the nearest planet, and because warp drive has been rendered useless through-out the galaxy, we’re thousands of years away from the next star system. And yet you can be full of optimism at a time like this? I envy your human ability to be so. I just hope we can keep the crew together with the hope you hold so valuable.”

“We will,” Captain Duell told Bynak. “Assemble the command crew in the main briefing room in one hour. We have much to discuss about the future of this ship, let alone the future of the Federation.”

And with that said, Captain Duell headed for sick bay to see the new life that had been brought into the galaxy at a time with the galaxy became, again, an unreachable dream.

--
Next time
The effects of the ‘wave’ and Deep Space Nine

STAR TREK
Shuffle the Deck

A ‘wheel’ story will encompass four different main storylines.

USS BALBOA (a ship stranded in a star system that straddles the Klingon-Romulan border)

DEEP SPACE NINE (the famous space-station now under Kira’s command)

EARTH (Federation politics run rampant)

 

[RobertScorpio]

Star Trek
Shuffle The Deck
02

DEEP SPACE NINE

Master Chief Miles O’brien never thought he would find himself stationed at Deep Space Nine again. He had closed the door on this chapter of his life; or so he thought. But as the news of the Wave had spread in the top echelons of Starfleet Command, it was decided that DS9, which was still at the mouth of Bajoran Wormhole, would have to be fortified. So, with that in mind, the USS TITAN, commanded by William Riker, was sent to DS9 to augment that very important station. Also aboard the USS TITAN was Miles O’brien. If anyone could keep DS9 up and running, it was O’brien.
--
Colonel Kira surveyed the damage in Ops. She had taken command of the station after the disappearance of Captain Sisko nearly ten years earlier. Through many ups and downs, she was set to relinquish her command in six months. But at the last moment she was convinced by Starfleet to continue her command of the space station. Captain William Riker stood by her side and surveyed the damage as well.

Several of the stations were still spewing sparks, and smell electronic burnouts was very evident. Riker could see the look of disappointment in Kira’s eyes.

“Colonel, don’t worry” Riker said to her, “O’brien will have this place up and running in no time.”

“I know,” Kira said with a forced smile. “But with out those defense weapons up, I can’t help but feel that we are very vulnerable, even with the Titan and the Defiant here to augment our force.” She looked to Riker. “Does Starfleet really feel the after effects of the Wave will last seven years?”

Riker nodded. “Yes, they do.” Riker said with a somber tone. “And if we are all cut off from each other, who knows what the map will look like when Warp Speed can be used again in seven or eight years.”

“We can’t even tell what will be happening,” Doctor Bashir said as he joined them, “with subspace communications out as well. Does Starfleet have any idea how this has happened?”

“I’ve heard,” DS9’s first officer Nog added from his post at Ops, “that it might be the preamble for an invasion.”

Riker smiled, “Well,” Riker said to Nog and the others, “luckily I don’t share your gloom and doom Commander Nog. But suffice to say, we are in for some very interesting times ahead.”

The main viewing screen came to life and the first officer of the Titan’s image came on the screen.

“Captain Riker,” Commander Vale said, “repairs on the Titan are nearly completed. It would appear as if shielding the ship behind the Bajoran moon was wise. We should be back at DS9 with in two days.”

“Very well Christine,” Riker told her, “Riker out.” He turned to Kira. “Luckily the armor of the Defiant shielded it from too much damage.” Riker said as he motioned to the image of the Defiant, which was orbiting DS9.

“You should be on your ship.” Kira said to Riker. “Not here.”

Riker nodded. “Look Colonel,” Riker said, “We are going to be spending a lot of time together, probably right here in Ops, so why not start now.. Have you given any thought to my suggestion?” Riker asked, knowing that in the Bajoran sector, Kira’s rank was higher than his.

“Having Rom set up another curtain of mines at the mouth of the wormhole?” Kira asked back. “I already have him, and Orbien, setting up the grid. We should be able to start laying them in about three days or so.”

“What about sending the Defiant through to scope out the other side of the wormhole?” Bashir asked.

“No,” Kira replied, “not now. Lets send a few probes through first, just to see if the wave has passed through the Gamma Quadrant yet.”

Riker looked at the chronometer on the wall. “It should be crossing the Gamma-Quadrant right about now.” Riker said.

“So,” Nog said, “if anything is going to come through the wormhole, they’re going to come soon.”

“And the Titan is two days away,” Kira added. “Let’s hope the wormhole sees no activity until that time.” Kira said softly.

--
At that moment, on the other side of the wormhole, in the Gamma Quadrant, a large fleet of Jem’Hedar battle cruisers approached the wormhole.

Continued--

Next time
Federation politics on Earth...with Federation President Spock!

STAR TREK
Shuffle the Deck

A ‘wheel’ story will encompass four different main storylines.

USS BALBOA (a ship stranded in a star system that straddles the Klingon-Romulan border)

DEEP SPACE NINE (the famous space-station now under Kira’s command)

EARTH (Federation politics run rampant)

IKS DenIbya' Qatlh (a Klingon scout vessel trapped deep in the Gamma Quadrant)

 

[RobertScorpio]

Star Trek; Shuffle The Deck part 3

Star Trek
Shuffle the Deck
03

Earth


Federation President Spock sat in his office and listened to the military briefing that was being given. As watched the various images scroll across the main presentation screen, he couldn’t help but wonder how Jim would have handled the modern era of the Federation. Spock had already gone over the status reports that the briefing was going over. The talk from the military advisors was just that; talk. Besides, the most important military advisor in the room, Jean-Luc Picard, had not spoken yet. Picard and Spock had a special bond that Spock had only shared with so few. He respected Picard, and Picard respected him. Finally, with the main part of the briefing over, Picard, who sat nearest to Spock, turned to face Spock.

Spock looked to the other advisors and spoke to them, “Gentlemen, thank you for this briefing.” Spock said to them.

The advisors knew enough about the President to know when to leave; and so they gathered their things and left the room, leaving Picard and Spock only.

Spock looked to Picard. “I suppose you agree with their assessments?” Spock asked his long time friend.

Picard smiled. “Who would have thought that a Vulcan freedom fighter, on Romulas, would come back home and become the Federation President?” Picard asked with humor in his voice. “Cowboy diplomacy, is that what you called it?”

Spock nodded. “If you are trying to illicit another debate Jean-Luc, I must point out that the Romulan government has made very fruitful changes in the recent years.”

“A lot of that help,” Picard retorted, “came from the need of having to elect a new Senate after what happened with Shinzon.”

“No matter,” Spock added. “The change is happening.”

Picard looked back at the strategic map displayed on the main screen. “Oh, I agree Mr. President. However, how much of that change can be undone in the next seven or eight years?”

“That is a most logical question, indeed.” Spock replied.

Picard noticed the ring of pictures that were facing Spock. “You know,” Picard said to Spock, “you could have those transferred to a hologram display.”

Spock reached out and touched the old style photographs. There was a picture of his mother, and father. There was also a picture of the crew of the Enterprise, with Captain Pike sitting in the center seat. And, most prominently in the center, was a picture of the crew from his time with Captain Kirk. Spock and Kirk stood closest to the camera, with the others, McCoy-Scott-Sulu-Chekov and Uhura, standing behind them.

“A great crew,” Picard said to Spock. “A part of me wishes we had men like Kirk to help us face difficult times such as these.”

Spock looked to Picard. “You and I are both students of history,” Spock said to Picard. “Do think it remote that we could see the end of the Federation in these times?”

Picard nodded. “As you are fond of saying, Mr. President, there are always possibilities. But somehow I think, and I can’t prove this, but I believe we will come out of this even better.”

Spock arched an eyebrow. “Are we reduced to faith now?”

Picard nodded. “Sometimes faith can inspire the best possible solutions.”

“I once doubted that,” Spock admitted. “Until I realized that logic was only the beginning of fulfillment. Sometimes we must have faith that history will evolve; logically.”

Picard stood up. “We should get going. We have the meeting with the science department now. They’re waiting for us in the main briefing room.”

With that said, Spock backed up his chair, his motorized chair, which encompassed his entire body, and followed Picard towards the door. It was time to hear the latest information on the Wave and the lasting effects, and the best idea as to when things would return to normal. Picard stood behind Spock, and helped push the President, who was paralyzed from the neck down, out the door.


Continued…



STAR TREK
Shuffle the Deck

A ‘wheel’ story will encompass three different main storylines.

USS BALBOA (a ship stranded in a star system that straddles the Klingon-Romulan border)

DEEP SPACE NINE (the famous space-station now under Kira’s command)

EARTH (Federation politics run rampant)

 

[RobertScorpio]

Star Trek; Shuffle The Deck part 4

Star Trek
Shuffle the Deck
4

USS BALBOA

The USS BALBOA entered orbit of planet Septos-14. The planet had been ceded to the Federation as part of the alliance with the Klingon Empire, and it straddled the neutral zone that separated the Klingon Empire from the Romulan Star Empire. It had been hoped by Starfleet that neither the Klingons nor Romulans would have stationed a fleet near the star system before the wave had passed; and all indications showed that to be true.

The planet was an M-class planet, roughly the size of Earth’s moon. Two large land masses were surrounded by large oceans. Before the Federation settled on the planet there were no indigenous intelligent life forms. In the time that the Federation held possession three large cities and trading outposts had been established. Due to the popularity of beef products in the Klingon Empire, several large ranches had also been established, manned by modern day ‘cowboys’. The maverick lifestyle had attracted not only human ranchers, but several Klingon one’s as well.

Captain Michelle Duell beamed down to the planet, along with chief engineer Everett West, who was known for being a so called ‘lady killer’ among the crew, as well as security officer Ensign Mitch Holmes, who had just joined the crew two months earlier.

“Well,” Captain Duell said to the two men, “I’m heading over to the administrator’s office to see about our request about setting up an area on this world where our crew can call exclusively theirs.”

“We’ll head over to that establishment and see where some of the good land areas might be.” Everett West said to her.

“Please, Mr. West,” Capt Duell said to him, “that’s nothing more than a bar. Are you trying to corrupt our young security officer?”

Everett West smiled, “Who better for the job?”

Captain Duell smiled, “Well, I can think of about 500 or so others I’d feel more at ease with.” She winked at West.

“Don’t worry Captain,” Ensign Holmes said to the captain as they began to head in different directions, “my momma raised no fool.”

“Well then,” the captain replied, “stay out of trouble.”

--

ABOARD THE USS BALBOA

Ensign Marcy Rose stood before her full length mirror, clad only in a bra and panties, in her quarters. The baby she had just given birth too only days before was sleeping soundly in its crib. Ensign Rose studied her large belly at different angles. She swore it wouldn’t take long to work off the excess weight. Suddenly the door to her quarters beeped. She reached for her robe and put it on.

She walked over to the door and opened it. Commander Bynak, the Cardassian First officer of the ship, stood before her. Ensign Rose looked at the chronometer on her wall, then back at Bynak.

“It’s only been ten minutes since you last checked up on me,” Ensign Rose said. “I promise you sir, I am doing just fine, and so is the baby.”

Bynak nodded. “I was given a direct order by the Captain we both serve to check on your progress as often as I can, until she gets back.”

Ensign Rose put her hands on her hips. “Why is everyone so concerned about me and my child?”

“Why?” Bynak repeated back to her. “Because your child probably the best piece of news this crew has had. And if we are truly isolated from the rest of the galaxy, we will all get to see this child grow before our eyes.”

Suddenly another voice spoke. It was the ship’s surgeon, Lip’fk, a Benzite female. “Can we get on with this?” Lip’fk asked Bynak.

“Get on with what,” Ensign Rose asked.

Bynak looked guilty.

Ensign Rose gave them both a wiggle of her index finger. “No way, not another physical for my baby. No way, uh-uh.”

With out warning Bynak reached out and held Ensign Rose by the shoulders as Dr. Lip’fk rushed into the opening of the door and over to the sleeping baby.

“Wait,” Ensign Rose protested, “these are my quarters! You can’t just…”

“We have our orders.” Lip’fk said as she scanned the baby. Satisfied with the readings, Lip’fk gave them both two thumbs up and headed out the door again, and stood by Bynak.

Ensign Rose gave up her protest, and looked at the two of them. “Look,” she told them, “it’s late. Can I at least get a full night of sleep before the next intrusion of my privacy?”

Bynak nodded, “In eight hours we will return.”

“Thanks!” Ensign Rose said. “Now, please, just go!”

Ensign Rose watched as the door to her quarters closed, shutting her off to the world. She then turned to go lay down to sleep but was not happy to see that her baby, named Elaine, was now wide awake standing in her crib.

“Great, just great,” Ensign Rose said through a forced smile.

continued..

STAR TREK
Shuffle the Deck

A ‘wheel’ story will encompass three different main storylines.

USS BALBOA (a ship stranded in a star system that straddles the Klingon-Romulan border)

DEEP SPACE NINE (the famous space-station now under Kira’s command)

EARTH (Federation politics run rampant)

 

[RobertScorpio]

Star Trek; Shuffle The Deck part 5

Star Trek
Shuffle the Deck
05

DEEP SPACE NINE


Captain Riker entered the Bridge of the ship he commanded; the USS Titan. Most of the crew had been with him for most of his tenure as the ship’s Captain.

All of that was, perhaps, going to change in the months ahead as Riker had accepted promotion. But with the approaching epoch of the Wave, it was decided by Starfleet to keep the ranks of command at the status-quo.

The USS TITAN had been sent to the Bajoran moon Jeraddo in advance of the Wave’s sweep over the area. It had been hoped that by hiding the Titan behind the moon, the mighty starship would have been spared most the damage it would have received had it stayed in the vicinity of DS9. Luckily, that strategy paid off. And once the Wave had passed, the Titan made its way back to DS9 to join up with the USS Defiant, and augment the mission of protecting Deep Space Nine from possible incursions from the Wormhole.

First officer, Christine Vale, greeted Riker as he came to his command chair.

“How was it?” Riker asked her, as he surveyed the on going repairs on the Bridge.

“We had a pretty good fireworks show,” Commander Vale replied, “but I think Ledrah has things going as best as she could. Hopefully with DS9’s engineering crews we can get most of the other repairs done in no time.”

“What about Tuvok?” Riker asked softly.

“He was in a pretty bad way. Luckily we had no fatalities, but several good people were banged up pretty bad. Shenti is doing the best he can, but hopefully, again, DS9 can help with some of the minor scrapes and bruises. How about the Defiant and DS9, how did they hold up.?”

“It was touch and go,” Riker told her, “but that Obrien is one hell of a patch worker. I’ll see if Colonel Kira will let us borrow him for a couple days.”

Commander Vale continued. “At least the weapons systems are on line incase we get any uninvited guests from the other side. Has there been any attempt to send a probe through to the other side to see if, well, if there’s an armada on our doorstep?”

Riker shook his head. “Not yet, but a probe is set to be launched later today.” Riker said as he took the status report pad from an ensign who held it out to him. Riker tapped some info into it, and then handed it back to the young ensign, and then Riker sat in his command chair. He smiled at Christine.

“It’s good to be home.” Riker said.

The first officer shook her head and went on her way.

--
Colonel Kira stepped into Quark's. The fact that the station, and everyone else, were now all cut off from the rest of the galaxy, it didn’t seem to bother the customers that were in Quark's. Kira wondered how much longer the jovial atmosphere would last, considering all banking systems and credit houses were now loss to any form of immediate contact as well.

She looked over to Quark who was serving drinks to a table of Starfleet customers, no doubt visiting from the Titan.

“Amazing how dangerous times can bring such a stress free environment.” Ezir’s voice said from behind Kira. Kira turned to face the Trill woman who had grown so much, in terms of maturity, while in her post as the stations counselor. She and Lt.Commander Bashir had married two years earlier, and it only seemed like yesterday, Kira thought to her self.

“Yeah,” Kira replied, “I never understood how, during the Dominion War, there could be so much liveliness to this station. But Captain Sisko felt, as I do now, that the crew has to release their stress in someway.”

“From what Julian has told me,” Ezri said, “if the Kira he had first met had been in command now, things would be much different than they are now.”

Kira nodded, “We all change, over time. Look at you. You no longer vomit all over the control panel of a Runabout in flight. Your space sickness seems to be gone.”

They both chuckled at the thought.

“Look,” Quark’s voice said as he came over to the two favorite women in his live, “if you two are going to just stand there, I am going to have to ask you to leave. Now, either pay for a drink, or for some food, or move along. I’m trying to make a living!” He scurried away, not wanting to here their retort.

--
Command Master Chief Miles Obrien looked at the work reports that his maintenance teams were sending him. With just the station, the Defiant and the Titan to maintain, it wasn’t nearly as bad as the Dominion War at its peek. But, still, the work was plentiful. At least he didn’t have to deal with Martok.

Obrien was also assisting Rom, his second in command of Engineering, and the replicating of the mines. Colonel Kira wanted a new blanket of mines up with in a week, and progress was going slow.

--
Kira stepped into the Bajoran shrine for her daily meditation. With out the Kai being able to contact her on a more frequent basis, Kira felt in necessary to meditate in the shrine. The Orb of Knowledge was still resting inside the curio that held it. It had been brought here for viewing, and had yet to be returned to Bajor, which was fine with Kira.

In all her life she had never been contacted by the Prophets in the way The Emissary had been. She hoped beyond hope that in these times that perhaps the Emissary would contact her with his guidance. But, as of yet, that had not happened. That didn’t stop her for speaking out loud in the shrine.

“Emissary, I wish you could hear my voice. We’re going to send a probe through to the Gamma-Quadrant. I hope this is a wise thing to do, because I am not so sure that it is.”

She hoped for some kind of response but one did not come.

--
Three large Jem’Hadar battle cruisers were in parking orbit near the mouth of the Wormhole. Several squadrons of Jem’Hadar fighter class vessels also patrolled the area; waiting.


--continued
Coming soon..Odo

STAR TREK
Shuffle the Deck

A ‘wheel’ story will encompass three different main storylines.

USS BALBOA (a ship stranded in a star system that straddles the Klingon-Romulan border)

DEEP SPACE NINE (the famous space-station now under Kira’s command)

EARTH (Federation politics run rampant)

 

[Alpha Romeo]

Interesting story, but you should really edit before you post. ANd some of your sentences trip up a reader. Too many words. Overall interesting though!

 

[RobertScorpio]

Star Trek; Shuffle The Deck part 6

Star Trek
Shuffle the Deck

Earth

A small group of Earthlings gathered at the home of a man whom they had come to admire. He led a small political group that had survived several attempts by various Federation governments to break up. His name was Pascal Fullerton, and he was the leader of the New Essentialists.

Through various donations to his private fund, Fullerton was able to come into possession of a home, mansion really, that had been built before the last great world war on Earth. It was called Hearst Castle. Thanks to recent renovations, which Fullerton oversaw himself, the Heart Castle was the gathering of like minded people who shared his belief; Earth needed to get back to the basic morals that mankind had thrown a way in the favor of the Federation charter it was the leader of.

Fullerton, at first, had no problem with accepting aliens into his association. But that all change with the Dominion War after his wife and child were killed by Jem'Hadar raiders. From that moment on Pascal Fullerton knew that for Earth to survive then the humans, Earth-humans, had to regain their world, and drive the off-worlders back into space.

The gathering of about one hundred supporters were engaged in several conversations when Pascal Fullerton entered the large living room, and took to the main stage.

"Friends," he said to them all, "and comrades, I thank you for coming to my home for this most important meeting." He sipped on a small a cup of tea he held in his hand, "the Wave, or as I call it, the cleansing, has given us the chance to retake our world."

The crowd applauded at his words.

"Some might say this being cut off from the rest of the galaxy a curse," Fullerton told them, "but I see it as a sign that better times are ahead of us. For too long we have watched our values be dissolved like so much sand on a beech. Well, I tell you, we have been given the opportunity to stop this madness."

"How do we do that?" A voice asked from the crowd.

Fullerton smiled his warm smile. "Luckily most of the off world visitors left in advance of the wave, which has left mainly those who call Earth home, people just like us, in nearly total domination of any off world population. My contacts in Starfleet tell me that we will be cut off from the rest of the galaxy for nearly eight years. This is our chance. We can't do it over night, but in time, we will change the political will of the world, or enough of it, to make sure that Earth is no longer part of the Federation."

Then, on the large screen behind him, the image of a very important person appeared for all to see. "We must make a statement," Fullerton said deviously, "and there is no other person in the Federation who exemplifies what I hate so much about the times we are in. We don't need hybrid concepts, we don't need hybrid leaders, no; we need purified thoughts."

The image was of President Spock.
--

President Spock stood at the pinnacle of the Golden Gate Bridge. Below he watched the pod of whales that had been borne of George and Gracie. They had both died of natural causes nearly twenty years earlier, but their progeny were doing just fine. And, for some reason, Spock felt proud. The memories of going back into Earth's past to save it were just that, memories. But for some reason, some human reason he realized, he kept such memories closer to him than others.

Admiral Jean-Luc Picard walked up to the President and noticed that he had placed the briefing notes down on cement bench, one of many, that were arrayed across the bridge for visitors to use.

"What do you think?" Picard asked as he joined Spock and looked down at the bay and the whales that were splashing around down below.

Spock nodded, "Some very interesting theories for alternate forms of space travel. But, at best, they get to a speed of warp point eight. Though, Mr. Barclay's ideas are most intriguing."

Picard looked out across the bay, then back to Spock. "Part of me thinks you quite like the simplified universe we now live in."

Spock shook his head. "It would be illogical to want to go back to a more simpler time. It has its alluring aspects, but I have always been one to favor those who look forward. However," Spock said, "I have read these so called best bets," Spock motioned to the briefing book, "and I think the theories being suggested by Dr. Janice Kosinksi show the most promise. I would like to meet her."

continued...

STAR TREK
Shuffle the Deck

A ‘wheel’ story will encompass three different main storylines.

USS BALBOA (a ship stranded in a star system that straddles the Klingon-Romulan border)

DEEP SPACE NINE (the famous space-station now under Kira’s command)

EARTH (Federation politics run rampant)

 

[RobertScorpio]

Star Trek; Shuffle The Deck part 7

Star Trek
Shuffle the Deck
07

The USS Balboa orbited the planet of Septos-14.

Down on the planet, much work was being done. With the loss of Warp Speed, on a galactic level, Captain Michelle Duell decided to put down on stake on Septos-14. After meeting with the planet’s administration, Captain Duell was able to procure a large plot of land near one of the main villages.

Due to Septos-14’s remote position in the galaxy, and its being on the Klingon/Romulan border, the population of the Septos-14 was, at best, ten thousand or so. And now that the Balboa was calling Septos-14 home, that population just went up 10% overnight.

With that being the case, Captain Michelle Duell put it upon her Cardassian First Officer, Bynak, to supervise the construction of barracks for the crew on the plot of land. And because of the simple nature of the native population, the majority being humans, but with many Klingon families as well, she also decided to follow their lead to conduct planetary transportation with animals; in this case horses. For that purpose she assigned Chief Engineer Everett West, who prided himself as an outdoorsman.

The Ka’fla ranch was the closest to the Balboa’s plot of land, so that is where Everett West and security officer Ensign Jackson Holmes headed towards; on horse back.

“These are mighty fine beasts,” Holmes said. It was also the first time he had ever ridden a horse. Having only had five minute training course from West, Holmes was actually riding pretty good.

“You just have to make sure,” West said to Holmes, “that you treat them with respect, and don’t let them know you’re scared. They pick up on that sort of thing.”

Holmes was still dressed in his Starfleet uniform, but not west. He had changed into something more common. Not as ancient as the cowboys he had read about in his school days, but a more modern look based upon it. West had noticed the attire that had been worn in the nearby town and so he decided to blend in and bought some of the clothes for him self.

“That baby Ensign Rose had is fast becoming the mascot of the Balboa.” Holmes said as he rode his horse next to West’s.

“Yeah,” West said with nod, “I think it’s safe to say that her child has adopted about 300 siblings all at once. She won’t have any trouble getting baby sitters, that’s for sure.”

They approached a wooden fence that had a head-post sign. Carved into the sign were the words Ka’fla. And, right above the ranch’s name, was one of the largest Bat’leths Everett West and Jackson Holmes had ever seen.

“Holy shit,” West said, “that thing is huge.”

And then, in the distance, they could see a large animal, twice the size of a horse, coming their way. Atop the large beast was a very large Klingon.

“Um,” Holmes said, “that is one big Klingon dude.”

Everett could only nod his head in silent agreement.

The Klingon rode up and stopped just on the other side of the wooden fence.

“Humans,” the Klingon said softly, “why do you stand at my gate?”

West looked at Holmes, then back at the Klingon. “My name is Everett West, and this is my friend Jackson Holmes. But first, that is a mighty fine animal. What do you call it?”

The Klingon looked at the two guests, one of whom, Everett, was wearing a cowboy hat. The Klingon shook his head in disbelief. “We call them Cha’q. Not only are they fine for transportation, they also have a taste that can fuel and entire feast.”

“You eat them?” Holmes asked.

The Klingon stared down Holmes. Holmes felt as though he was shrinking on his horse.

“All Cha’q are eaten on their tenth cycle,” the Klingon said. “It is their sacrifice for having served the House!”

West nodded. “Cool,” West said. “My friend here and I are from a ranch over that ridge. We were wondering if you have several dozen heads of horses you can sell to us.”

The Klingon thought for a moment. “You hail from the Starship.” The Klingon stated. “We will be seeing much of you, I suppose.” His deep baritone voice added. “I suppose I can round up three or four dozen.”

“Can you include some of those?” West asked as he pointed at the Cha’q.

The Klingon smiled a very scary looking row of teeth. “I will,” the Klingon replied with pride in his voice. “The name is Ka’fla.” He told them both. “I will impart some knowledge on to you about these parts.” He pointed towards some hills in the distance. “On the other side of those hills are two Romulan houses, and farms. They are not to be trusted!” The Klingon made his point. “You go there at your own peril.” He added. Then, he pivoted his Cha’q, and rode off. “Come back after four days, and I will have your animals.” He spoke back to them as he headed back towards the large house in the distance.

West and Holmes looked at the hills in the distance.

“Great,” West said. “Klingons, I can deal with. Romulans?” West paused, “they are another story all together.”

With that said Everett West and Jackson Holmes headed back towards the Federation camp. Unknown to them, atop one of the hills in the distance, they were being observed; by Romulans.

continued...

STAR TREK
Shuffle the Deck

A ‘wheel’ story will encompass three different main storylines.

USS BALBOA (a ship stranded in a star system that straddles the Klingon-Romulan border)

DEEP SPACE NINE (the famous space-station now under Kira’s command)

EARTH (Federation politics run rampant)

 

[RobertScorpio]

Star Trek; Shuffle The Deck part 8

Star Trek
Shuffle the Deck
08

DEEP SPACE NINE


The USS Titan was steady on its heading. The long range sensors on DS9 had detected an unknown ship just on the other side of the Bajoran System. The top speed over the Titan was barely warp point eight. It had taken them several hours to reach their destination, but alas, they had arrived.

Ensigh Lavena looked back to Captain Riker, “Sir, we have arrived at the coordinates.”

Riker nodded acknowledgement and then looked over to Commander Tuvok, who was still not at 100%, due to his injuries. But he was still at his post, and that was a good thing, Riker thought to himself.

“What can you tell me Tuvok?” Riker asked.

“Sir,” Tuvok said as he studied his panel, “the vessel still shows on the sensors, however it has retreated beyond the Bajoran system. I have visual.”

“Let’s see it,” First Officer Christine Vale said from her post.

The image of deep space on the main screen phased and then the image of a small space craft appeared.

“Just as I thought,” Riker said softly, with irritation in his voice, “an Orion smuggler.”

“The Feringi bar owner,” Commander Vale said, “I bet these smugglers are dealing with him.”

Riker nodded in agreement. “It’s possible,” Riker said. “One thing I learned living in the bitter cold of Alaska? It’s always wise to throw a heavy rock near a retreating pest. Go ahead and fire three photon torpedoes. Make sure they come no where near the Orion, just make sure they get the message.”

Commander Vale looked to Tuvok and nodded.

At once three photons streaked out from the Titan and in the general direction of the fleeing Orion ship.

“After throwing the rock,” Lt Commander Keru, the Trill Chief of Security as he observed the events from the upper level of the bridge, “did those pests ever come back?”

Riker nodded. “Sometimes,” he replied softly. “Let’s go ahead and hang around her for an hour or so, then we’ll head back to DS9. Commander Vale, you’ve got the bridge.” Riker said as he headed towards the turbo-lift.

“Aye sir,” Commander Vale said.
--
Several minutes later Riker sat at the bar in the galley of the Titan. The bartender, Scot Bishop-Walker handed him a strange looking drink that was; green.

“What is it?” Riker asked.

Walker looked for a label on the bottle, but couldn’t find one. “I’m not sure.”

Riker smiled, “That means it must be pretty good.” Riker said. He took a sip of the drink, and the kick it gave him was one hell of a hoot. “Wow,” Riker said finally, as he was able to speak again, finally. “That’s pretty mean stuff. It could kill someone.”

“Want me to throw it away?” Walker asked.

Riker gave Walker a look of anger. “Are you crazy?” Riker said. “In fact, put that in my private cabinet.”

Walker took the bottle and put it in a special cabinet that could only be accessed with a special key; one he had in his hand. The other Commander Riker kept in a secret place.

--

On the other side of the Bajoran Wormhole a Jem’Hadar fleet had waited for several days. Upon receiving a signal, one of the large battleships launched a probe that approached the wormhole. The wormhole opened, and swallowed the probe.

--
Seconds later, on Deep Space Nine, Colonel Kira came out of her office and hurried over to Nog’s post. He was her first officer, and ran the tactical station as well.

“What do you have for me Commander Nog?” Kira asked.

“According to the harmonics sensors,” Nog reported, “something has entered the other side of the wormhole.”

“Have you alerted the Defiant’s response team?” Kira asked.

“Commander Tom Parris, and his crew, has already launched.” Nog said motioning to the screen that showed the Defiant heading away from the station, and towards the wormhole’s apex.

The view of the wormhole was replaced by that of Tom Paris, sitting in the Defiant command chair.

Kira didn’t need to warn him, but she did anyway. “Don’t fire your weapons until you know what your facing,” Kira said to the cocky commander who she barely tolerated.

Paris smiled back at her. “Me? Shoot and fire first? Where would you get that idea?” He said with a laugh as the screen reverted back to showing the wormhole.

“I can’t believe Starfleet assigned him, of all people, to command the Defiant.” Kira said in silent regret.
Nog fought back the urge to smile. The Feringi First Officer of DS9 actually liked the roguish human. And, Nog thought to himself, when you have Captain Riker in the same system as Captain Tom Paris, with Colonel Kira in command of DS9? You have a very, very, interesting allocation of powder kegs.


Continued....
coming soon..ODO!

STAR TREK
Shuffle the Deck

A ‘wheel’ story will encompass three different main storylines.

USS BALBOA (a ship stranded in a star system that straddles the Klingon-Romulan border)

DEEP SPACE NINE (the famous space-station now under Kira’s command)

EARTH (Federation politics run rampant)

 

[Nerys Ghemor]

Re: Star Trek; Shuffle The Deck part 7

So far...this is probably the one of your stories that's pulled me in the most, from the beginning. I'll be very interested to see what exactly this wave is, and if there's some way to undo it.

The interplay between the crew of the Balboa I'm definitely liking, especially between Duell and Bynak.

I also like that although Spock has clearly had a rough time of it in your story, even his human side does not seem to waste time in self-pity. Given that obvious sign of strong character, I can see why he made such a compelling figure to be elected Federation president.

As regards that, though, you have an inconsistency--in the earlier chapters he's established as having been paralyzed, but in your most recent segment with him, you describe him as standing and able to move freely. Even in that first segment, you show him able to reach out and touch those pictures, but then establish he is paralyzed from the neck down, which should make him a quadriplegic. So which is it?

And one last question: what year do you place this story in?

 

[RobertScorpio]

Re: Star Trek; Shuffle The Deck part 7

So far...this is probably the one of your stories that's pulled me in the most, from the beginning. I'll be very interested to see what exactly this wave is, and if there's some way to undo it.

The interplay between the crew of the Balboa I'm definitely liking, especially between Duell and Bynak.

I also like that although Spock has clearly had a rough time of it in your story, even his human side does not seem to waste time in self-pity. Given that obvious sign of strong character, I can see why he made such a compelling figure to be elected Federation president.

As regards that, though, you have an inconsistency--in the earlier chapters he's established as having been paralyzed, but in your most recent segment with him, you describe him as standing and able to move freely. Even in that first segment, you show him able to reach out and touch those pictures, but then establish he is paralyzed from the neck down, which should make him a quadriplegic. So which is it?

And one last question: what year do you place this story in?

Thanks Nerys...

I like this story too because, for me, it has variety. The three different aspects of the story are different from one another so it feels like I am writing three different stories. I love the wheel concept.

As for Spock? Its an FDR kind of thing we will find out in the next Earth story...FDR hid his Guillain-Barré syndrome for years, during ww2. Spock isn't hiding his condition, but you'll see his motivation as to why he can walk and why he wants to walk (think pike) if only for a few hours a day.

As for what year? I havent been specific because I am not sure what the best answer is. If you, or anyone else has a good idea, I'm all ears...

Rob

 

[RobertScorpio]

Re: Star Trek; Shuffle The Deck part 7

Star Trek
Shuffle the Deck; Earth
09

Several Starships could be seen in orbit of the planet Earth.

President Spock and Admiral Picard beamed into one of the several offsite astrophysics labs that were scattered about Earth. The one they had come to was established by the late Sal Kosinski, and was located in a historic area of old Earth; the Silicone valley, which wasn’t too far from Starfleet Academy.

Many of Kosinki’s theories, regarding subspace tunneling and warp speed dynamics, were legendary. Unfortunately his life was loss during the Dominion War. But his daughter, Janice Kosinski, followed up her father’s theories and had added a few of her own. Picard and Spock walked with her, through the large lab setting, toward her office.

Picard was quite taken aback at how beautiful she was. Her auburn hard, which was braided, swept down her back and had the slight scent of apple blossom as well. Although she was in her mid 30s, she still had a quite youthful look to her. If only I were younger, Picard thought to himself.

As they walked, Spock studied a device she had handed to him. The legendary Vulcan listened as she spoke.

“The separatist movement on Rutia IV used them, quite effectively, as I’m sure Admiral Picard will attest to.” She said to Spock.

“Yes,” Picard said, “they did indeed. But as I recall, the continual use of the inter-dimensional portal had serious side effects on the human anatomy.”

“You believe,” Spock said to her, “you can use this same technology, and transport a starship? Then reverse the trip, elsewhere else in our dimension?”

“Impossible,” Picard added.

Janice Kosinksi, who was a civilian, smiled at Picard. “My father had better faith in Federation science I suppose. In fact, during the Dominion War, he was working on such a theory until his untimely death.”

Picard could sense the ‘sting’ to her words. “Your father was a brilliant man,” Picard said to her. “But subjecting a ship, let alone an entire crew, to this process could have dire results.”

Spock looked to Picard. “Perhaps you are right Jean-Luc. However in these times such risks may not only be suggested, but may come to be necessary. If Federation scientist can come up with such ideas…”

Picard nodded in agreement. “…Other powers may use these kinds of methods to ensure their standing in the galaxy. So if they are, why shouldn’t we?”

Spock nodded. “Yes; perhaps it isn’t logical. Yet, as of now, I can find no harm in studying such possibilities.”

“So,” Janice Kosinski said, “do you want us to go further with our work?”

Spock handed the device back to her. “Yes, do proceed. I think you’ll find that Starfleet has done its own research into a similar device we are in possession of.”

Picard looked to Spock. “Mr. President, that device is classified.” Picard said, as he was very aware of Konini’s presence.

Spock looked to Picard. “Captain Kirk’s visit to the so called ‘mirror universe’, as well as those before him, and after, using object not unlike this one, are perfect examples of this technology being more wide spread than what is generally accepted. If Dr. Kosinski can combine her efforts with Mr. Barclay’s then perhaps the goal will be reached in a more timely matter.”

Picard smiled at Spock. “What else can I say,” Picard said, “Mr. President. As always, your suggestions are most; logical.”

“What about the Borg transwarp conduits?” Kosinski asked.

Picard shook his head. “Starfleet has already determined that the conduits have been rendered impassible. Perhaps it is the one good thing to come from the Wave.”

“Interesting that the wave could have such an effect,” She told the two of them. “Anyway, I will double our efforts President Spock. You can expect to hear from me in three to four months.”

“I am quite confident the news; will be good.” Spock said with a warm tone.

With that said Picard contacted Starfleet and the two were beamed away back to Paris France.

The moment they re-materialized in Spock’s office, Picard helped Spock back into his life support chair. The moment Spock was enclosed inside the chair; the nannites that powered his artificial limbs were offloaded, via a synthetic fluid, into the inner areas of the chair for recharging.

Picard looked to Spock, who was now only seen via the head up, and then spoke to the President. “Why must you insist to walk around like that? Everyone knows of your injuries and the stress this technology is putting on you.”

Spock nodded. “There is something to be said, Jean-Luc, to the effect that we take for granted the mundane aspects of life; walking being one of them. I guess I don’t want to give up walking, just yet.”

Picard looked at the old photograph of the late Captain Christopher Pike that hung on one of the walls inside of Spock’s office. In the image, Pike was scarred badly, and was contained in a chair much like Spock’s.

“You met him at this point of his life, didn’t you?” Picard asked.

“Yes,” Spock said softly.

“You risked your career, and Kirk’s as I recall, so that you could bring him back to the Talos star system.” Picard turned to face Spock. “No one has been back there since. Do you ever wonder how long he lived? Or maybe if he is still alive, even today?”

Spock shook his head. “I find no logic in looking back on such things, Jean-Luc.”

“And that is why you have all these pictures on your wall?” Picard asked with a tinge of doubt in his voice.

Spock did not answer Picard’s rhetorical question. Picard smiled inside. He knew the answer.

--
Pascal Fullerton piloted the small craft and landed it in a very remote area of the Arizona desert. Very far off in the distance was the domed city of Yuma. But out here, in the bleak desert surrounding, there was only the swirling wind and sand. Fullerton stepped off of the ship and onto the sand. He walked around his ship and looked around. There was no sign of anyone else being there, when suddenly one of the large boulders began to change shape. It morphed into a man.

“Impressive,” Fullerton said as the Changeling finished its morph and stood before him as a Starfleet officer.

“I received your message.” The Changeling said. “Why would you, of all humans, assist me?”

“If you are successful in killing the President, an alien such as yourself,” Fullerton said, “it will be just one more step in showing Earthlings that we have no business concerning ourselves with the happenings of the galaxy.”

The Changeling smiled in approval. “Then,” the Changeling said to Fullerton, “your President shall not live much longer.”

With that said the Changeling morphed into a hawk, and flew off toward the domed city. Fullerton, satisfied at what he heard, boarded his private shuttle and headed back to California.

--continued

STAR TREK
Shuffle the Deck

A ‘wheel’ story which encompasses three different main storylines.

USS BALBOA (a ship stranded in a star system that straddles the Klingon-Romulan border)

DEEP SPACE NINE (the famous space-station now under Kira’s command. There is also the USS TITAN, with Captain Riker, and the USS DEFIANT, under the command of Captain Tom Paris. Both ships help to guard the wormhole from any possible visitors.)

EARTH (Federation politics run rampant)

 

[RobertScorpio]

Star Trek; Shuffle The Deck part 10

Star Trek
Shuffle The Deck:
USS Balboa—Deep Space Nine--Earth
Part 10

USS Balboa
--

The USS Balboa had not been at battle-stations for quite some time, but that had all changed in a matter of hours. Captain Michelle Duell sat in her command chair and observed the crew in action. She pivoted back to face First Officer Bynak, who was also her primary tactical officer.

“What can you tell me Mr. Bynak?” Capt Duell asked.

Bynak looked up from his panel. “It is definitely a Romulan vessel.” Bynak replied with tension in his voice.

“That would make since,” she said back to him. “We are on the Klingon-Romulan neutral-zone border.”

The USS Balboa, a refitted Excelsior class starship, had left orbit of Septos-14 nearly seven hours prior to the events that were now happening when long range sensors had detected the approaching Romulan vessel. In a matter of one hour the Excelsior recalled critical personal and headed away from Septos-14 at the now top speed of Warp point eight.

Captain Duell tapped the com panel on her chair, and spoke immediately with her chief engineer, Lt. Commander Everett West. “Mr. West, please tell me that your crews have the weapons systems up and ready to go.”

West’s confident voice came over the channel. “Oh come on, Captain,” he said, “we were ready to fire all weapons about,” he paused for effect, “seven minutes ago.”

“Nice of you to tell me,” Capt Duell replied as she cut off the com link.

Bynak spoke from his post, “How you can put up with that kind of attitude is beyond me,” Bynak told her.

Lt. Lip’fk, the senior medical officer, took a breath from the mist that was ejected from her mouth piece, and then chimed in. “Mr. West is quite efficient at keeping the ship working at peak level. I for one find him to be a most impeccable person.”

“That’s because,” Bynak said to her, “you two have been flirting with each other for the past month, another behavior that my former commander, Gul’Dukat, would never have put up with.”

“And look where that got him,” the Navigator, a Bajoran male named Elame, said with a smirk. “can we all say the word… toast?”

“Enough,” Capt Duell said, “We have a Romulan ship bearing down on us. Let’s try to deal with it before we decide whether or not to let Mr. Bynak play Monopoly with us or not next Tuesday.”

Capt Duell left her seat and walked over to the communications post. Most Starfleet vessels had done away with the post, but Capt Duell had always favored it. The communications post was manned by her most massive crew member; Thron; a male Gorn. He was only the third of his species to serve in Starfleet since the two galactic powers had become allies.

“Thron,” Capt Duell, “any signals from our Romulan friends over on that ship?” Duell asked.

Thron shook his massive head, and then looked to her. “Negative.”

She patted him on his shoulders. “Mr. Thron, it is very good to know we have such a talkative person as our chief com’ officer,” She added with a smile.

“Was that sarcasm?” Thon asked in his slithering vocal way.

“Yes, very good,” Capt Duell replied. “And I mean it. Romulans, Klingons, heck everyone this side of hell, is probably scared to death of a Gorn. Hearing your voice probably caused them all to lose two or three inches in the length of their ears alone!”

“That is good?” Thron asked.

Capt Duell nodded and headed back to her command chair. She liked to spring out of her chair, from time to time, if only to keep her legs nice and fresh.

“So what do we do” Elame asked from Navigation, “if they don’t respond to our hails?”

“We should destroy them,” Bynak replied quickly.

“I agree, destroy them.” Thron said from his post.

Capt Duell looked up at her first officer as he manned the tactical post. She wasn’t so sure about having a Cardassian, a militant one at that, with his finger on the proverbial button. But Bynak had proved himself already; by not killing Ensign Rose’s baby when it vomited all over him at the galley.

“Lets give them a little more time,” Capt Duell said as she looked back at the screen.

The image of the Romulan vessel, one of the smaller class ones, grew larger as it drew closer to the Balboa.

Suddenly Thron spoke. “Captain,” Thron said, “we are receiving a distress call from the Romulan vessel. Apparently their engines are overloaded with radiation, which is why they are approaching at such a slow speed.”

Captain Duell stood up from her seat and looked to Bynak. “Scan that vessel, I want to know if they’re telling the truth.”

“Their shields are up,” Bynak replied. “It is obscuring our scans. Ask them to lower their shields.”

She looked to Thron and nodded her head. She then looked back to the main screen at the Romulan vessel, as if she were talking to it. “Romulan vessel, you must lower your shields before we provide any assistance. This is a Federation system you have entered. We are willing and able to assist, but you must first follow my request.”

She looked back to Bynak. He scanned the Romulan vessel again.

The Cardassian nodded as the screens of the Romulan vessel were lowered.

“They are telling the truth,” Bynak said, “the radiation not only affects their engines, but their communication platforms as well.”

“That is very convenient,” Dr. Lip’fk said. “But if we don’t beam them over, they may all die from radiation poisoning.” The doctor added as well.

Capt Duell motioned to Bynak. “Get security down to the main transporter room. How many Romulans are we talking about here?”

“Roughly forty or fifty, tops.” Elame responded from his post.

“Damn,” Capt Duell said softly, “that’s a lot of Romulans.”


--continued

STAR TREK
Shuffle the Deck

A ‘wheel’ story which encompasses three different main storylines.

USS BALBOA (a ship stranded in a star system that straddles the Klingon-Romulan border)

DEEP SPACE NINE (the famous space-station now under Kira’s command. There is also the USS TITAN, with Captain Riker, and the USS DEFIANT, under the command of Captain Tom Paris. Both ships help to guard the wormhole from any possible visitors.)

EARTH (Federation politics run rampant)

 

[RobertScorpio]

Star Trek; Shuffle The Deck part 11

Star Trek
Shuffle the Deck; USS BALBOA-Deep Space Nine--Earth
11

Deep Space Nine


The USS DEFIANT was in position at the mouth of the wormhole. The bridge crew found it quite awkward; to say the least, that there wasn't a commander in the captain's chair.

But Captain Tom Paris wasn't your ordinary Captain. He was thrust into the position simply by being on DS9 when the wave phenomena passed by. He was made temporary captain of the Defiant while Colonel Kira, the previous commander, handled more important duties given to her by her Federation/Bajoran higher-ups. In less than two weeks, with the help of Commander Riker, Captain of the USS TITAN, he was able to master the conning of the mighty little starship; Defiant.

Kira's face was on the small monitor that was positioned on Paris's panel.

"Remember what I said," Colonel Kira reminded him, as she stood near Nog on DS9, "Do not fire unless, well, unless you need too."

"Oh come on, Colonel," Tom said with a smile, "don't you trust me?"

"About as far as I can throw you," Kira said with a smile.

Suddenly the wormhole came to life with its usual brilliant light show. And then a lone craft came through the portal.

"Looks like a probe," Defiant tactical officer Lt. Jimenez said from his post.

"I agree," Capt Paris said. He looked to Kira on the monitor. "If you want I could still shoot at it; make a point."

Kira shook her head. "No, I don't think that will be necessary. Perhaps they just want to make contact, see what is going on, on this side of the wormhole." Kira said. "In fact," she added as she looked over at Nog, who stood at his post on DS9, "the probe is transmitting. Go ahead and maintain your position until we can see cam determine what message is."

"Aye," Paris said.

He eyed the wormhole, and wanted so much to just take the Defiant into it. To hell with orders, he thought to himself. Let's just go over there and see what the heck is going on. But, as the commander of his own ship, he couldn't think like that anymore; well, so they, Riker and Kira, and he, thought.
--

Nog processed the message.

"Incredible," Nog said to Kira, "it appears to be a message from," he paused for a moment, "Odo."

Kira's heart skipped a beat. She looked to Nog, and then pointed at her office. "Relay it to my office, Commander Nog."
--

Moments later Kira sat behind her desk, and looked at Captain Sisko's baseball, which she kept on his desk just where he kept it. Why, she often asked herself? Because it was, to her, apart of the legacy of DS9 and all that had happened during those years.

The image of Odo came on the screen. It was a recorded image. Odo pretty much looked the same as he did the last time she had seen him, back on his old world, wearing the tuxedo for her, for the last time.

"Colonel Kira," Odo said, "I hope all is well there, on your side of the Wormhole. The disturbance which is inhibiting warp travel, and subspace communications, is galactic wide I am told." His face became more serious.

"I have positioned a sizable armada of Jem'Hadar warships on the Gamma-Quadrant side of the wormhole. We have made contact with some very ruthless species on this side, so for your protection, partly, I have decided to put the armada there. But I won't lie to you. The armada is also there to prevent powers on your side from exploiting the Gamma-Quadrant during this period of unknown."

Odo continued, "We are aware that several Starfleet, Romulan and Klingon vessels were caught on this side of the wormhole. If you would please provide us their last locations we will see to it, if we can, that they are brought to the wormhole so they can return to your side of the wormhole. You can communicate with us via probes like the one I have sent you. But I must implore you to not send any further starships through the wormhole until this situation stabilizes. Take care, and be safe." Odo said, and then the screen went dark.

--
Hours later the USS TITAN had returned, and Captain Riker joined Kira at Quark's. The two discussed the recent events at one of the smaller tables in the upper level.

"So," Kira said to Riker as she had some of her drink, "what are Orion smugglers doing just beyond the Bajoran system?"

Riker, who looked down at the lower level and the Dabo players, looked back to Kira. "With them, it's hard to say. Though Quark assured me earlier that it doesn't have anything to do with him."

"You trust him?" Kira said as she watched Quark, down below at his bar making small talk with Captain Tom Paris.

"No," Riker admitted, "but he hasn't lied to me before." Riker replied. "What about Odo? Why do you think he issued an ultimatum like that?" Riker asked.

"Can you blame him?" Kira said with a slight chuckle. "Klingons, Romulans, Cardassians, Tholians," Kira said, "this side of the wormhole is like torn apart family, and that's putting it mildly."

"Perhaps," Riker replied. "But with the way things are, we are hundreds of thousands of years from any of those powers. There has to be more."

Suddenly Nog walked up to the two of them. He looked worried.

"What's wrong Nog?" Kira asked the Feringi.

"I was cataloging Odo's message to you," Nog said in a whisper, "and I found a coded message piggybacked on the signal. It used Tongo algorithms."

"Really," Kira said to him. "Were you able to decode it?"

Nog nodded, "Yes." He handed her a Data pad, and a secure ear piece for the audio portion.

Odo's face appeared on the small screen in Kira's hand, and then his voice could be heard in the ear piece.

"Kira," Odo said to her, "I have been forced to use this coded signal for reasons I cannot go into now. You must warn the President of Federation Mister Spock, that his life is in danger. There is a rogue Founder on Earth with secret orders that not even I have been able to obtain. I fear for his life Kira; and so should you."

The message ended.

Riker looked at Kira. "Well," Riker said to her, "what did Odo say?"

Kira looked at Nog, who had already heard the message.

"What can we do?" Nog asked Kira. "There's no way we can contact Earth."

"Why," Riker interjected, "must we contact Earth?"

Kira's face became very worried. "If we don't, it could signal the beginning of the end of the Federation."

--continued

STAR TREK
Shuffle the Deck

A ‘wheel’ story which encompasses three different main storylines.

USS BALBOA (a ship stranded in a star system that straddles the Klingon-Romulan border)

DEEP SPACE NINE (the famous space-station now under Kira’s command. There is also the USS TITAN, with Captain Riker, and the USS DEFIANT, under the command of Captain Tom Paris. Both ships help to guard the wormhole from any possible visitors.)

 

[Nerys Ghemor]

Re: Star Trek; Shuffle The Deck part 11

Ooooh...way to ratchet up the tension!

And I continue to really like the Balboa's crew.

And really--Duell was worried about how Bynak would deal with a baby? Come on...you give a Cardassian a baby and that's a duty he's going to take with utmost seriousness--damn the projectile vomiting, full speed ahead!

 

[RobertScorpio]

Star Trek; Shuffle The Deck part 12

Star Trek
Shuffle the Deck; USS Balboa—Deep Space Nine—Earth

12

Earth
--

The Federation council met for only the second time since the Wave had changed the very make up of the Galaxy. With no time return to their home worlds as the wave made its sweep across the galaxy, the council members were stranded on Earth.

They all listened patiently as President Spock prepared to speak to them all. They watched as Spock, contained in the special life-chair built for his condition, approached the podium. They all watched in silence as the chair opened, and Spock stepped out of the chair, and with the assistance of four artificial limbs, walked to the podium.

“Thank you all for coming at this short of a notice,” Spock said to them all. “I know that all of you are anxious, and are worried about your home worlds. In a very short time we have gone from a galactic community to a community of hope. I know what you’re thinking. Vulcans and hope, how can this be?” He told them all. “I can assure you that our best scientists are investigating every avenue to overcome the effects of the Wave.” He added.

Admiral Picard stood behind Spock, and waited for his turn to speak.

“The Federation has faced many obstacles,” Spock declared. “I am quite confident, having lived through most of those obstacles that we will come through this one stronger than ever.”

The Council applauded the President.

“I have asked Admiral Picard, my chief artery to Starfleet Command, to bring you all up to speed as to where we stand at this moment.”

Spock stepped back and let Picard take the podium.

Picard gave them all a general report as to the ongoing affects of the Wave. He asked if there were any questions and there was one, and it was asked by the Andorian Ambassador.

“Do we know, as of yet,” the Andorian said, “what caused the Wave?”

A slight murmur of the crowd could be heard suddenly. Picard understood the question. What power could have caused such a galactic event? Picard knew that with out answers, fear would grow.

“As of yet,” Picard told them, “we do not know. However, I must stress, Starfleet Science, and the efforts of others, have determined that the wave,” Picard said to them all, “was not a random act. We believe,” Picard paused to make his point, “that it was caused by some as of yet known power.”

The murmuring grew louder.

“How will Starfleet be able to protect us if they can’t even muster a fleet?” The Andorian asked. “And what about our home worlds, how can we be sure they will be safe through these dark times?”

Picard nodded his head. “We can’t guarantee the safety of your home worlds.”

The sting of Picard’s words brought the murmur to an end. Another voice spoke up. “Jean-Luc; Are we talking about the end of the Federation?” The female Betazed, Luaxanna Troi, asked from where she sat in the gallery.

“No,” Spock answered as he took over for Picard. “I repeat; I have lived through many so called dark times in our history. From the near destruction of all reality, to the Borg invasions, to the Dominion War, and I can tell you this; I will not let the Federation fall. Not now, not ever.”

“Those are just words,” the Andorian Ambassador said to Spock.

“Perhaps,” Spock agreed, “However, an ancient relative of mine once said that the only thing we have to fear; is fear it’s self. At the time those words were spoken his nation state faced an uncertain future. He, and his nation, prevailed; so shall we.”

The great hall erupted in applause.
--

On the other side of the world, Pascal Fullerton, and several guest, sat around a large table, and dined. They had just heard the inspirational words spoken by President Spock, via the world web. They all watched as Fullerton prepared to eat his feast.

“Pascal,” one of the guests asked. “How can you smile at a time like this? That alien, and all of the aliens in that hall, are spitting on our planet by just being here.”

Pascal Fullerton dished out some mashed potatoes onto his plate, and then he looked to his guests, who waited to hear his words of wisdom.

“Trust me when I say this,” Fullerton told them all, “a new day will soon dawn on our cause.”

They took solace in what he said to them; and why not? His words usually carried weight with the future.

--continued

next time!
The USS BALBOA goes into…battle! Red alert!!

STAR TREK
Shuffle the Deck

A ‘wheel’ story which encompasses three different main storylines.

USS BALBOA (a ship stranded in a star system that straddles the Klingon-Romulan border)

DEEP SPACE NINE (the famous space-station now under Kira’s command. There is also the USS TITAN, with Captain Riker, and the USS DEFIANT, under the command of Captain Tom Paris. Both ships help to guard the wormhole from any possible visitors.)

and

Earth...President Spock struggles to keep the Federation alive, while in the target of a Founder assassin!!!

 

[RobertScorpio]

Star Trek; Shuffle The Deck part 13

Star Trek
Shuffle the Deck; USS Balboa—Deep Space Nine—Earth

13

USS BALBOA

--

The USS BALBOA had beamed over the crew of the ravaged Romulan vessel. Once aboard, and safely brought to the brig without incident, Captain Michelle Duell made arrangements to meet with her Romulan counterpart in the interrogation room.

The Romulan commander was brought to the interrogation room that was situated in a well guarded area near the brig. Security guard Jackson Holmes was at the ready incase the Romulan tried something. The Romulan commander sat down in the seat provided for him, still shackled, and looked over at Capt Duell. He was obviously not impressed with her being a female.

“Your ship is in imminent peril,” the Romulan, Commander S’ovak stated. “If you don’t listen to me now then we will all die later.”

Captain Duell shook her head, “I don’t mean to doubt you,” she thought for a moment, “well then again; I guess I do. Tell me, Commander, why would a Klingon vessel fire at my ship? We’re allies.”

The Romulan shook his head. “We’re all cut off from our respective governments,” S’ovak told her, “do you think alliances mean anything now? The Klingons are creatures of habit. With out their Federation masters, the Klingons will revert to what they are; mindless animals, marauding through the galaxy like the scourge they have always been. The sooner you realize that, the longer you will live.”

Captain Duell pulled out a cigarette, and a matchbook, from her pant’s pocket, and then she lit one up, and then inhaled a lung full of smoke. The Romulan was obviously offended by the scent of the cigarette.

“What an awful, disgusting, habit,” he told her. “The smell is worse than the bile of a Gorn.”

Captain Duell made a mental image of the bile of a Gorn, “Somehow, I doubt it,” she finally concluded. She blew out the smoke she inhaled, and then looked to S’ovak with eyes of steel.

“Okay,” she said to him, “what if I take what you said seriously. Why are you even on this side of the neutral-zone? Your even being here is an act of war. If anything, I should fire up a phaser-pistol and blow you away, right between the eyes; right here and right now.” She made the shape of a gun with her right hand, raised her index finger up to his nose, right between his eyes, and mocked firing it at him.

The Romulan shook his head in disgust. “We were off course. Tell me; how did your Starfleet ever let a psychopath like you become a Starship Captain?”

Captain Duell nodded in agreement. “To tell you the truth,” she said softly, with a forced smile, “I was near the bottom of my class in everything. The only class I ever really did well in was hand-to-hand combat.”

She took another drag, and then continued, “But two things helped me advance up the ranks; the Dominion war, for one. There was all that loss of good quality officer material. No doubt that’s how a shit-head commander, such as your self, who let their ship get off course, became a ship’s captain. Number two reason I became captain? Probably the fact that the previous captain of the Balboa raped me; right here, in this very interrogation room.”

She pointed over to the corner of the interrogation room, and continued, her voice growing in sound and anger. “In fact, it happened right over there. He and his bully-club made one hell of a fucking tag-team. So, hell yeah, my lone stinking habit are these God Damned things,” she stuck the cigarette right below the Romulan’s nose, “that bastard’s habit? How ironic for you; Romulan-ale!! So you can see why I am fighting the urge to find my own bully-club so I can exact some revenge by shoving it up YOUR ass!!!!”

The Romulan gulped. Suddenly the alert-klaxon sounded. Capt Duell sprang to her feet and pointed at S’ovak, while barking an order at Holmes.

“Keep an eye on him,” Duell said to Holmes, “if he even moves so much as an inch you have my permission to kill him.”

“Yes Captain,” Holmes answered back, sort of feeling sorry for the scared Romulan.
--

Moments later Capt Duell entered the bridge. Bynak vacated her command chair.

Bynak looked at the cigarette in her mouth. “You told me to remind you if you accidentally smoked one of those things on the Bridge.”

“Yeah,” she said to him, “well you have, so what of it?” She streamed on past him, and lurched down into her command seat.

The rest of the crew knew instantly that Capt Duell was in one of those moods. Bynak took his position on the upper part of the Bridge. As he did, Bynak heard the soft repeating hissing sound of the Thron; the Gorn was having a cheap laugh at Bynak’s expense.

“What’s the situation?” Capt Duell asked.

Bynak spoke. “A Klingon Bird-of-Prey is on an approach course. If you want, we can have the commander beam over. Then the two of you can have some Bloodwine.”

There was suddenly utter silence on the Bridge. As usual, Bynak never knew when to quit. Luckily, for him, the Klingon ship fired a blast at the Balboa. The shields were already up, but the ship still rocked gently as the blast came in contact with the shields.

“Why are they firing?” Elame asked from Navigation.

“If you need me to tell you that,” Captain Duell said to Elame, “then perhaps you should ask for a refund for your vaunted Starfleet training. Its because of our Romulan guests.”

Doctor Lip’fk took Capt Duell’s last words as a cue to help the Captain maintain balance as the ship was about to go into probabe combat. Lip’fk walked down to the lower part of the bridge, and stood next to Duell.

“If you don’t calm yourself,” Lip’fk said to her softly, “I will remove you from duty”

Duell looked over to the Benzite female. “On no doctor, you wouldn’t dare. I’ll get a grip; its just nerves.”

Kip’fk shook her head. “No it isn’t just nerves, Michelle. I told you not to use that interrogation room, not after what happened to you in there. Until you redo that interior of that ready room, and make it totally different, you will continue to go in there and come out tormented. The next time you act like this, I will remove from your post and order you to sickbay, and there you will stay for one entire week.”

Capt Duell nodded her head slowly. She knew that the Benzite doctor was in the right; again.

Thron spoke from his post. “The Klingon commander demands we open hailing frequencies or, as he puts it, he will most certainly destroy us.”

Captain Duell looked up at Bynak. “I’m sorry,” she said to him, “and to you too, Lt. Elame. It won’t happen again…,” they looked relieved, until she added, “today. What about the Klingon’s boast?” She directed to Bynak.

“Idle thread, at best,” Bynak replied. “We out gun that outdated ship nearly ten to one.”

She looked over to Thron. “Put him on the screen,” she said to Thron.

--
Meanwhile, on planet Septos-14, night had come.

Fifteen crew members of the Balboa had stayed behind on Septos-14, mainly those who were still recuperating from injuries from when the wave stuck the ship. A watch schedule had been made, and the night guards stood guard at the various post around the camp.

Because there were only fifteen people to draw from, it was decided to break the watch detail up into three teams of five. Actually one team only had four due to the fact that Ensign Marcy Rose was still tending to a very young baby. The others didn’t care; they felt it was their way to contribute to the upbringing of the baby.

As Ensign Rose was in her bed, her baby was sleeping soundly in the crib next to the bed. Unknown to her, and the guards that were standing watch outside, a figure wearing dark clothing reached down into the crib and picked the baby up. And, with-in seconds, the unknown kidnapper; was gone.

Continued--

STAR TREK
Shuffle the Deck

A ‘wheel’ story which encompasses three different main storylines.

USS BALBOA (a ship stranded in a star system that straddles the Klingon-Romulan border)

DEEP SPACE NINE (the famous space-station now under Kira’s command. There is also the USS TITAN, with Captain Riker, and the USS DEFIANT, under the command of Captain Tom Paris. Both ships help to guard the wormhole from any possible visitors.)

and

Earth...President Spock struggles to keep the Federation alive, while in the target of a Founder assassin!!!

 

[Nerys Ghemor]

Re: Star Trek; Shuffle The Deck part 13

Whoa...that story about the interrogation room and what happened in there was actually true? Man, at first I thought she was putting on an act to scare that Romulan!

And poor kid!!! I hope they find out what happened before it's too late!

 

[RobertScorpio]

Re: Star Trek; Shuffle The Deck part 13

Whoa...that story about the interrogation room and what happened in there was actually true? Man, at first I thought she was putting on an act to scare that Romulan!

And poor kid!!! I hope they find out what happened before it's too late!

Thanks Nerys...I wanted to throw a 'raw' scene in there just to trip up the reader. She obviously has issues, but thats what I like about her. She probably wasn't 'captain' material, as she said...and because of casualites of the Dominion War, Borg incursions, I could see those who are not ready to command thrusted into leadership roles..

Rob

 

[RobertScorpio]

Star Trek; Shuffle The Deck part 14

Star Trek
Shuffle the Deck; USS BALBOA-Deep Space Nine--Earth
14

Deep Space Nine

--
The USS DEFIANT and the USS TITAN were in formation, with their prey in tow behind the Titan, via a tractor beam; the Orion smuggling vessel. With the mine field up and running at the mouth of the wormhole, and a Dominion fleet on the other side in the Gamma-Quadrant, there was little threat of anything going through, or coming out, of the wormhole. So, that being the case, Captain Riker took the lull in activity around the wormhole to set a trap for the Orion vessel that had been teasing the outskirts of the Bajoran sector.

The small, and crafty ship, had been playing a cat-and-mouse game with the Titan ever since the Wave had passed through the area; and Riker had tired of coming up on the wrong end of the stick. Using the Defiant as a decoy, the Orion vessel was herded into an ambush position taken up by the Titan near one of Bajor’s inner moons. Realizing it was a useless situation; the Orion surrendered, and was now in tow, heading for to DS9. The entire operation took nearly three days to complete, due in no small part to the piloting ability of the supposed Orion Syndicate smuggler.

--
DEEP SPACE NINE

DS9’s current chief of security had held the position for nearly two years. His name was Javah Halmes. During the Dominion war he had earned a very good reputation., and unknown to Kira, he had joined Starfleet under an assumed name and quickly earned himself a respected reputation. As DS9's new constable smuggling had been reduced, under his watch. But, more importantly, he had earned the ire/respect of Quark. The Feringi bar-owner was notorious for his ability to meddle in various fields of smuggling. And it was for that reason that Quark was brought to the security office, to see what involvement, if any, the Feringi had with the Orion smuggler that was presently in transit to DS9.

Javah, who wore the standard Bajoran Defense uniform, also had one of the largest ceremonial arrays of ear-rings on his right ear. His long braided pony tail, a hold over from his resistance days, offended many Bajorans due to the fact it signified that he had, if only as a child, served with one of the more violent resistance cells. The cell had killed many Bajorans who they felt, with out a trial or judge, were guilty of treason. But that was all in the past. His being associated with that kind of perceived violent past gave Kira a very intimidating legacy.

“You didn’t have to do this, dragging me in here, Constable,” Quark said to Javah as he sat in a chair across from Kira. “As I told Captain Riker last week, I have no idea why that Orion smuggler has been dodging the local Bajoran Defense force and Starfleet.”

Javah crossed his arms, and stared across at Quark. “Captain Riker has relayed the identification numbers of that Orion ship, after finally getting close enough to record them. The ship belongs to our good friend Evan Cooper. What do you have to say about that, Quark?.”

“Its Mr. Cooper’s ship,” Quark said with surprise, “I had no idea.” Quark said with a plea of innocence in his voice. “Look, I know him. I also know Captain Tom Paris, I also know Colonel Kira, heck I even knew the Emissary. Does that make everyone I’ve ever known a worthless no good smuggler? If so, then I find that offensive.”

Javah shook his head. “Oh, come on Quark. Don’t play the victim with me. As soon as that ship gets here my men and I are going to search that ship inch by inch. If we find something that will put Mr. Cooper in jail, then being the scum he is, he will no doubt implicate you.”

“That’s all speculative nonsense.” Quark said with a smile. “Odo tried that all the time, and look who is still here; I am. Now, can I go? I have a business to run.”

“You’re free to go.” Javah said.

Quark stood up, but before he stepped out of the office he looked back to Javah.

“Javah,” Quark said, “does this mean we won’t see you at Tongo tomorrow night?”

Javah smiled a devious smile. “And miss another opportunity to take your money? I’ll be there.”

Quark gave Javah a quick nod of his head, and then headed back to his bar.

--

Colonel Kira sat in her office. The image of Captain William Riker was on her monitor. Riker had beamed over to the smuggler’s ship and stood on the bridge of Orion vessel, next to its commander. His name was Evan Cooper. In just the short time of a year, he had began to use DS9 as a jumping off point to the Gamma-Quadrant, using his skills, con jobs and smuggling, to eek out a meager living, he had made a name for himself. But, up to now, he had been able to voice being in too much trouble.

Riker spoke to Kira. “He says you know him.”

Kira shook her head. “Mr. Cooper has been a pest in our backside for a year or so. We know he is affiliated with the Orion syndicate; we haven’t been able to catch him. Constable Javah has asked him several times to conduct his business elsewhere. But, here he is. And since he hasn’t done anything illegal we can prove, there’s nothing we can do about it.”

“Maybe,” Riker said as he stood next to, and stared down at cooper who was cowering in his command chair.

Cooper smiled. “But Colonel Kira,” Cooper said in his smooth way, “you know that I love it here in the Bajoran system. The local food is great, and it has become my home away from home. And then there are the Dabo girls!!!” Cooper looked over to Riker who seemed to agree, with a knowing smile, with the last part of his statement. “You know its true Captain Riker. Quark gets grade-A fine ass…” Cooper was saying to Riker.

“Okay,” Kira interrupted, “enough already. Why have you been playing cat-and-mouse with us?” Kira demanded.

Riker stared down at Cooper, waiting to hear the answer as well.

“My client,” Cooper said finally. “He demanded absolute privacy, and wanted me to take him through the wormhole. He contacted me through a third party, and he is going to pay me a great deal of credits, if I can take him into the wormhole.”

Kira shook her head. “That isn’t going to be possible.” She told Cooper. “We have mined this side, and the Dominion has a fleet on the other side. Your client will just have to wait until this situation resolves it’s self.”

“Oh, and that could be seven or eight years,” Riker added with his own smarmy smile.

Evan Cooper shook his head. “Then I won’t get paid.” His happy smile faded. “What a waste of time, and fuel.”

“Who is this passenger,” Kira asked, “and why must he go through the wormhole?”

Suddenly the turbolift to the smuggler’s Bridge opened up. A man stepped out of the turbolift, and suddenly the entire situation was turned upside-down. The expression on Riker’s face said it all, and so did his simple response.

“Q.” Riker said with a tinge of disappointment and anger in his voice.


Continued--

STAR TREK
Shuffle the Deck

A ‘wheel’ story which encompasses three different main storylines.

USS BALBOA (a ship stranded in a star system that straddles the Klingon-Romulan border)

DEEP SPACE NINE (the famous space-station now under Kira’s command. There is also the USS TITAN, with Captain Riker, and the USS DEFIANT, under the command of Captain Tom Paris. Both ships help to guard the wormhole from any possible visitors.)

And EARTH..where Federation President Spock faces mortal danger at every turn!!!