Star Trek; Shuffle The Deck

[RobertScorpio]

Star Trek; Shuffle The Deck #41

Star Trek
Shuffle the Deck;
Balboa—Deep Space Nine—Federation Earth—The Essians

#41


Admiral Kate Janeway, along with several other Starfleet officials, stood inside of President Spock’s quarters and watched as the Starfleet security detail scoured the living quarters, trying to find the missing President. At that moment, Montgomery Scott, who was now a retired civilian, came into the room and headed over to where Janeway stood, which was near the massive window that over looked Paris France.

“Any word yet, Admiral?” Scotty asked.

Janeway looked to Scott, and shook her head, “No, not yet,” she told the long time friend of Spock, “he’s just gone.”

“Do ya think it was another one of them blasted Founders?” Scotty asked.

“Its possible,” Janeway said, “but I doubt it. I think this has Q written all over it.”

Scotty stood with her and watched the security team do their jobs. “Well,” Scotty said, “if I know Mist’a Spock, where ever he is, its just one more experience to add to a life time of incredible experiences.”

Janeway smiled at the thought, “What is it with the crew of that old Enterprise? Whether it’s you, or Spock, Kirk, and the others? Your generation just won’t go away”

Scotty chuckled. “Don’t blame me,” Scotty said sheepishly, “I had just bought a boat, and the next thing you know I’m on the Enterprise-D with Picard and his crew.” Scotty changed the tone, and got more serious. “What will they do if they can’t find him?”

“Well,” Janeway said, “with Sheppard gone, and at the same time as the President’s disappearance, it all looks to suspicious. I’m going to send a message to Jean-Luc and see if he has any new information up there on DS9 for us to go on.”

“That’s what I came to tell ya,” Scott said, “Dr. Kosinski just reported that they can attempt another tunnel-communication with DS9, when yer ready.”

Janeway took one look at Spock’s living quarters, and then she turned to Scott. “Let’s go make that phone call now.”

--

Planet Septos-14

In the vastness of a cave where Dr. Kip’fk stood, there were mounds and mounds of gold and jewelry, and various diamond and gems. There was artwork from several different species, including Humans, Cardassians, Vulcans and even paintings by the highly acclaimed Tribble artist name; Mmmb.

Kip’fk, just using her simple Benzite hand shuffle, had come across one of the many crevices in the mountain range, and started digging. Finally, a mound of rock gave way, and she found her self inside the cave, staring at the vast treasure. There was even an artificial light system threaded through out the walls and ceiling of the cave. Someone had gone through a great deal to do this, Kip’fk thought. And now, thankfully, there was enough treasure to share with the entire search party that was looking for the treasure.

Kip’fk took out her communicator and tried to contact Thron, at the main camp at the bottom of the mountain range.

“There must be some kind of dampening field blocking all communication devices and sensors,” Kip’fk said to herself.

“Must be,” another voice responded.

“NO!” Kip’fk cried out, “Not you!!!” She shouted, as she turned to see who the voice belonged to.

Those were Kip’fk’s last words as a Klingon dagger was thrust into her throat, as another Klingon dagger was thrust into her neck, killing her instantly.

--
Meanwhile, an hour later on DS9;

Jean-Luc Picard sat at his desk in his make-shift office on DS9. The room was usually used for briefings, and still was, but it also served double duty as his main office. At this moment he had his head buried in his hands as Captain Riker stood before him.

“Wil,” Picard said, “I just got a brief communiqué from Admiral Janeway. The President of the Federation, Mister Spock, a man you and I have come to know very well in the recent years, has vanished with out a clue. Please tell me it wasn’t you, and your attempt to staff a crew to find the Essians.”

Picard looked up to see Riker’s response.

Riker’s so called Poker face never worked on Picard, no matter how hard Riker had tried. And in this instance, as hard as Riker tried, it didn’t work either.

“I hope you like Siberia,” Picard said softly.

--
Continued…
Star Trek
Balboa

 

[RobertScorpio]

Star Trek; Shuffle The Deck #42

Star Trek; Shuffle the Deck
Balboa—Deep Space Nine—Federation Earth—The Essians

#42

Planet Septos-14

S’ovak, and the rest of his Romulan crew were not happy; at all. The moment Kip’fk’s body was found in a ravine, all Romulans and Klingons were rounded up. The Romulans were put back into their prison compound near the Federation compound on the planet, and the Klingons, K’amort-T’var and K’atalpa, were sent to the Balboa, and put into the brig there.

The sun light was beginning to ebb when, at last, all the prisoners were finally situated. After a brief ceremony for Kip’fk, the somber Balboa crew headed off to their duties at the compound, or up on the ship.

Commander Everett West entered the Romulan prison compound. He headed to the main area to speak to S’ovak, who had been brought there, under armed guard. West came in to the room, and sat before S’ovak, who was already seated in a special chair rigged with wrist bindings.

“I thought we had seen a new era of peace between the Klingons, Humans and Romulans while we were all out there looking for the treasure. I guess that new age of peace is over.” S’ovak said.

“I thought we had something special too, I really did.” West said, “Until our ship’s doctor was found murdered, slaughtered like a cow. At that moment the peace you hoped for ended.”

“She was killed by a Klingon weapon,” S’ovak said, “even I could tell that by the wounds the Benzite had suffered.”

West nodded, “Yes, we could all see the wounds were most likely from a Klingon weapon. But you and I both know it wouldn’t be too hard for any of us to stab someone with a Klingon knife.”

S’ovak flashed West a sinister grin, “Commander West, it is obvious that you automatically think it was me, or one of my men. No matter, I am not surprised at this blatant example of human arrogance.” S’ovak said coolly.

“What else can I say, S’ovakl,” West said “but what would you do in my position?”

“Execute the Klingons, that’s what I would do.” S’ovak stated.

“You know I can’t do that,” West said, “not with out a trial. Our chief of security, Lt. Commander Chai Lau is at the scene of the crime, and he will find answers. He’s one of the best in the business of investigation.”

S’ovak shook his head, “So my men and I are to remain prisoners until his investigation is done? How long will that be?” S’ovak asked.

West nodded, “I’m sorry, but as I said before; what would you have me do?”

The conversation over, West stood up and headed for the exit. But before left, S’ovak spoke to him one more time.

“Commander West,” S’ovak said, “I may not be a crime scene investigator (wink wink to you CSI fans), or smart as a Vulcan, but even I can see the motive for the Benzite’s murder.”

West nodded, “Yes, partner, I know what you’re thinking; she found the treasure and someone killed her for it.”

S’ovak nodded. “You are much wiser than I give you credit for, Commander.”

“Just remember that,” West said, “just incase that hamster running around in your head powering your brain comes up with any crazy escape ideas.”

S’ovak flashed his fiendish smile again. West made the motion of shooting a gun with his right hand, and then exited the room.

Continued—
Star Trek; Shuffle the Deck
Deep Space Nine
#43

 

[RobertScorpio]

Re: Star Trek; Shuffle The Deck #42

Duplicate post..sorry

Rob
Scorpio

 

[RobertScorpio]

Star Trek; Shuffle The Deck #43

Star Trek; Shuffle the Deck
Balboa—Deep Space Nine—Federation Earth—The Essians

#43


Quark’s Bar was packed with all kinds of patrons. There were Klingons and Romulans, who of course avoided each other. There were also Bajorans, Humans, and several a dozen or so other races represented. For what was supposed to be dark time for all, it was still festive at times. Admiral Picard, in one of his only meetings with Quark, impressed upon Quark to keep his bar open at all hours. Quark only happily agreed after Picard promised future compensation.

As it turned out, several ships from the Alpha Quadrant that had been stuck on the other side of the wormhole, in the Gamma-Quadrant, were close enough to entrance to other side. These ships were eventually escorted to the wormhole on the other end by the Jem’Hadar. Once the ships arrived in the Alpha-Quadrant there was no where else to go. This meant that DS9 was becoming the hub point of several dozens of ships.

Quark was quite happy at the business the isolation from the rest of the universe was attracting. Secretly he hoped the wormhole never opened up. There was nothing like captive business. And with Constable Javah away in the Gamma-Quadrant on a mission for Starfleet, it also meant there was limited law enforcement hanging over every little thing he did to earn an honest, well at least, almost an honest living.

Nog, Quark’s nephew and first officer of the space station, even volunteered to tend bar on the busier nights. He still got paid, but all his earning went to a Bajoran charity for orphans.

Master Chief Obrien sat at the bar, and stared into the crowd gathered at the Dabo table. At that moment, Doctor Julian Bashir strode into Quark’s for a nightly game of Darts with Obrien.

Bashir noticed that Obrien wasn’t alone. A man, and a woman, both Starfleet, sat next to Obrien.

“Miles,” Bashir said, “who are your friends.”

“Oh, hi Julian,” Miles said, “these are two officers from Starfleet. They were vacationing on Bajor when the wave passed, and with no more leave time left, but no way to get to their command, the USS Hornet, Admiral Picard assigned them to the USS Defiant, starting tomorrow.”

“Steven Hunt,” the man said. He wore the pips of a Lieutenant. He reached out his hand and Julian shook it.

Julian looked to the attractive blond who sat next to Lt. Hunt. She too wore lieutenant stripes. “Good to meet you,” she said.

Doctor Bashir, ever the gentleman, took her hand lightly kissed the area above her knuckles.

“Ahem!” a voice said from behind Bashir.

Julian turned to find his wife, Ezri Dax, standing there, her hands on her hips. She pretended to be mad, and Julian could tell.

“Sorry dear,” Bashir said as Ezri walked over, “You know how I cant refuse the chance to greet new visitors with proper etiquette.”

“I didn’t get the kissing treatment,” Lt. Hunt said with a laugh.

Bashir looked to Obrien, who was still staring at the crowd at the Dabo wheel; chiefly his eye sight was aimed at a Cardassian male.

“Do you know him?” Bashir asked.

Obrien shook his head. “I don’t know,” Obrien said, “but I think I do.”

Lt. Hunt cut in, “Miles thinks that Cardassian was one of the interrogators when the three of us were held as prisoners briefly on Setlik-3.”

“You knew Miles back then?” Ezri asked Hunt with a smile.

“I’m telling you,” O’brien said, cutting in, “It is him.”

Bashir could hear the edge in his friend’s voice, “Miles,” Bashir said, “a lot of time has passed. And besides, even if it were, what could you do? That war is long over.”

Miles didn’t answer. All he did was stare. And when, for a brief second, the Cardassian stared back, O’brien knew the truth. He had been tortured by the Cardassian. It may have been along time ago, but for Master Chief O’brien, seeing the Cardassian, made it all seem like yesterday.

Quark’s was suddenly drowned in a crowd of cheers as another player won at the Dabo tables.

Continued..
Star Trek; Shuffle the Deck
Federation; Earth

 

[Nerys Ghemor]

Re: Star Trek; Shuffle The Deck #43

Uh-oh...if that's Bynak O'Brien is staring at, I sure hope Bynak's ready to apologize, get on his knees, and plead for mercy, because I don't know what else would fix that. I hope he's VERY sorry for what he did. The only thing I think would fix it is if Bynak admitted to continuing to suffer for his actions, if it haunts him to this day. (And of course that had better be the truth--such things are NOT to be lied about.)

 

[RobertScorpio]

Re: Star Trek; Shuffle The Deck #43

Uh-oh...if that's Bynak O'Brien is staring at, I sure hope Bynak's ready to apologize, get on his knees, and plead for mercy, because I don't know what else would fix that. I hope he's VERY sorry for what he did. The only thing I think would fix it is if Bynak admitted to continuing to suffer for his actions, if it haunts him to this day. (And of course that had better be the truth--such things are NOT to be lied about.)

Bynak is in the Gamma-Quadrant for the ESSIAN adventure...this is another Cardassian. And his being on DS9 will open a huge can of worms..

ROb

 

[RobertScorpio]

Star Trek; Shuffle The Deck #44

Star Trek; Shuffle the Deck
Federation; Earth


Star Trek; Shuffle the Deck
Balboa—Deep Space Nine—Federation Earth—The Essians

#44

Planet Earth; New Orleans.

Jake Sisko greeted a family of four, a husband, wife and their two kids, and took them to a booth. He handed them each a special menu, and each menu was adorned with the name of the restaurant, which had not changed in decades. The place was called Sisko’s.

“Your server will be here momentarily,” Jake said to his patrons, with a smile.

The restaurant still specialized with foods, and beverages, of the Cajun variety. After the death of his Grandfather, Jake took over the business. When his grandfather died, many of the long time employees went their own ways, leaving it to Jake to re-staff the business.

The new main chef was Jake’s biggest gamble; an eight foot tall Nausicaan, named Bakooth, who took his culinary skill seriously, and any criticism of his food as a mortal wound. But, what the Nausicaan lacked in people skills, he more than made up for with his cooking prowess.

Jake, after seating the family of four, angled over to the kitchen. As usual, Bakooth was barking orders at the other chefs, and keeping a tight kitchen. There was no need for Jake to say anything to anyone in the kitchen because Bakooth had every thing in order.

The servers were a fine group as well. Three of them were humans, two females and a male. The fourth server was a Deltan female, who was very exotic, and was suggested by, of all people, Quark. He assured Jake that by having a Deltan as a server; it would guarantee repeat customers who strangely found the experience at Sisko’s arousing. Her name was Ishia.

The main hostess of Sisko’s was Jake’s wife of one year, Korena. They had met, quite innocently, right after Jake’s first book of poems was published. The book came out to good reviews, and Korena’s bookstore in Narita Japan was one of the first stores to carry it. Jake came to the book store to sign a few limited editions, and found himself attracted to the young woman who owned the bookstore; Korena.

Six months later they were married, and at Korena’s suggestion, Jake took over Sisko’s. Being a business owner her self, Korena would provide Jake with her knowledge and help make Sisko’s a success.

Jake came over to where Korena stood; right behind the podium that was situated just inside the entrance of the diner. Jake was also surprised to see the customer who had just came in; none other than Admiral Kate Janeway.

“It’s very good to see you, Mr. Sisko,” Janeway said to Jake.

“I bet I know why you’re here,” Jake replied with a warm smile.

“Some of your Grandfather’s jambalaya,” Janeway said, “I have been craving it since the last time I was her.”

“You know, we use the same recipe that he used. He told me it went back, literally, centuries through our family; nothing’s changed.” Jake said.

Janeway could see the massive head of the Nausicaan behind the serving window to the kitchen.

“You have a Nausicaan as the head cook?” Janeway asked, not believing what she was seeing.

“Yeah,” Korena laughed, “I thought the same thing when Jake hired Bakooth. But he’s the only one who seems to season the foods just right. I swear he must have some Cajun blood in him somewhere in the past.”

Jake welcomed Janeway into the main dining area, just as two other customers came in. And as Jake sat Janeway down at a table, and then sat to join her himself, the two new customers watched the Admiral with more than passing interest.

The two new guests, both human, one woman one man, accepted Korena’s offer to follow her to a table as well. They were soon situated at a table not far from where Admiral Janeway and Jake Sisko sat. It would give the two guests ample enough time to do what they had been sent to do; abduct Admiral Janeway.

--
Continued
Star Trek; Shuffle the Deck
The Essians

 

[Nerys Ghemor]

Re: Star Trek; Shuffle The Deck #44

I like that--seeing a Nausicaan in a non-stereotypical role.

 

[RobertScorpio]

Re: Star Trek; Shuffle The Deck #44

I like that--seeing a Nausicaan in a non-stereotypical role.

Yeah, well, just don't tell him you didn't like the Cajun Rice/beans combo plate you just ordered...he might come to your table and demand you say your sorry..

I am going to model Bakooth after Chef Gordon Ramsey!!..Bakooth will become a major player as time goes on..

Rob
Scorpio

 

[RobertScorpio]

Star Trek; Shuffle The Deck #45

Star Trek; Shuffle the Deck
Balboa—Deep Space Nine—Federation; Earth—The Essians

#45


On the other side of the Bajoran Wormhole was the Gamma-Quadrant. And standing guard on that side of the wormhole was a large Dominion fleet. Onboard one of the large Jem’Hedar battleships, contained inside its massive landing bay, was a giant slab of a mountain face.

Odo walked along side the large massive chunk of a mountain with Evan Cooper, a simple civilian smuggler, and Javah Halmes, who, on Deep Space Nine, held the position that Odo once held; Constable.

Evan Cooper shook his head, “Why am I here, walking with you two? Has God forsaken me?”

Javah looked at Cooper, “This is probably the first thing you’ve done in your life that amounted to anything good.”

Cooper nodded, “Yeah, I admit it; I’m scum. At least I’m honest about it. So why, with all the important people out there, am I selected to do these crazy ass things?”

“Sometimes,” Odo said, “the measure of a man can be found only when he is tested.”

"Did you just make that up?" Cooper asked, "that was pretty good."

“So,” Javah said to Odo, “where exactly are you taking us? And what is this chuck of a mountain doing here on this ship in the first place?”

“Several months ago,” Odo said to Javah, “a Vulcan science ship, working jointly with a Vorta team, came across what I’m about to show you. It was decided then to keep it under tight security due its interesting nature. When news of the Wave became aware to us all, it was decided that it should removed from the small planet it was found on, and moved to the wormhole before the wave passed.”

“And so you moved it; whatever this thing is.” Javah said.

“Precisely,” Odo said, “Somehow, and I’m sure as to why, but I knew that the wormhole entities would know what to do when the time came. So, as I would find out later, they sent Mr. Cooper to make contact, and then I sent for Admiral Picard to come see what I am about to show you. I really believe that we are all being guided in this matter.”

“So Picard has seen this?” Cooper asked.

Odo nodded, “Yes. Now, this is the part of the trip that will require us to do some climbing. It will take about twenty minutes to get up to that opening,” Odo said as he pointed.

“Why don’t we just beam up there?” Evan Cooper asked. “Don’t you guys believe in transporters?”

“It was suggested by the Vulcans,” Odo said, “to limit the exposure of outside energy to what is inside that cave. And so, we climb.”

“Well,” Javah, “think of it this way.” He said to Cooper. “It will build character. And for you,” Javah said sarcasm, “character building is something someone like you can never get too much of.”

After nearly twenty minutes, they had made it to their destination. Odo escorted them past two Jem’Hadar guards, and into the cave. Moments later they arrived at their destination; a ship. On the left side of the ship, inscribed into the hull, were the letters
SHEPPARD.

“What is this?” Cooper asked, “And why does this concern us?”

“It’s obviously an experimental vessel of some kind,” Javah said, “made by Federation technology. And I suppose you want us to enter..”

Suddenly, and with out warning, the main hatch opened on the other side. Odo, Javah, and Cooper heard the noise and hurried over to the right side of the vessel. At that moment three people stepped out of the vessel, and one of them held an infant.

“Who are you?” Odo asked, and then he recognized Spock. “Mister President, how is it you came to be here?”

“I believe we,” Spock as he motioned to Bynak and Captain Duell, “traveled here via the Sheppard.”

“It’s an honor to meet you, sir.” Commander Bynak said to Spock.

“Sir,” Capt Duell said to Spock as she held Elaine, “I’m not sure what is going on here, but your safety will be our primary responsibility.”

“Yes, Captain” Bynak said to Captain Duell, “it will be.”

Spock was about to reply when, at that moment there was a bright flash, and Q appeared.

“Very good,” Q said, “the team is all here. And what a motley crew you are at that: President Spock, Captain Michelle Duell, Commander Bynak, the little baby named Elaine, and you two,” Q said pointing at Cooper and Javah.

Spock spoke next, “You must be the one that Picard and Janeway refer to as Q.”

The omnipotent being shook his head, “Gosh; and you’re supposed to be the brains of this outfit?”

“Q,” Odo said directly to Q, “what is going on here?”

Q looked at the group of six, and then back to Odo. “Well,” Q said, “if all goes well, these six clueless humanoids are about to save the entire galaxy; isn’t this fun?”

Odo was not smiling.

Continued..
Star Trek
Uss Balboa

 

[Nerys Ghemor]

Re: Star Trek; Shuffle The Deck #45

Heh, bet Odo can't be pleased with being called a humanoid! I do hope they can manage to save the universe as Q suggests they will!

 

[RobertScorpio]

Re: Star Trek; Shuffle The Deck #45

Heh, bet Odo can't be pleased with being called a humanoid! I do hope they can manage to save the universe as Q suggests they will!

Odo will be staying behind..the six going are Spock, Michelle Duell, Bynak, the baby, Javah and Evan Cooper...

Rob

 

[RobertScorpio]

Star Trek; Shuffle The Deck #46

Star Trek; Shuffle
Balboa—Deep Space Nine—Federation; Earth—The Essians

#46

The identity of Kip’fk’s killer did not stay a mystery for too long, as it turned out. In one of her last actions before departing, Capt Duell had promoted Lt. Shigeru Ichiro, head of the security department, to Lt. Commander. Though all field commission promotions were technically unofficial, due to the lack of communications with Starfleet, Captain Duell, Lt. Commander Bynak and Lt. Commander Everett West all signed off on the promotion.

Shigeru Inchiro was of Japanese, and was proud of it. His lack of height, 1.67 meters, was very deceptive if someone was looking to test his mettle. He was very skilled in the sword art of Iaidio, and his demeanor was very cold, very to the point; which made him a great security officer. He, too, had graduated from the same class as Duell and West. Their graduating class was the bottom of the rung. Where as Duell and West, who were part of the reason they had done so bad, didn’t really care now that they were officers; Shigeru did.

The arrest of Ensign Davies, for the murder of Kip’fk, was a shock to the entire crew. Shigeru's investigation found conclusive evidence. One of Davies’ finger prints were found on the two Klingon daggers found at the scene of the crime. Plus, after being confronted by Shigeru with this simple fact, Davies admitted to the crime.

Shigeru entered Commander West’s quarters. West was sitting at the desk in his quarters, going over administrative details.

“anshin sasemasu,” Lt. Cmdr Shigeru said as he walked over to Commander West’s desk.

West nodded, who over time had picked up several of Shigeru's Japanese expressions, “Perhaps it was too easy,” West agreed, “but he did admit to the crime. Now, I’ve checked his record,” West said motioning to the computer screen, “two of his seven siblings have been arrested in the past before. Both for petty crimes, but at least we know it runs in the family.”

“Yes, I saw his records as well,” Shigeru said, “However, paper can lie. I learned long ago from my father to study the eyes of a man, when confronting him. When I asked Ensign Davies if he had killed Dr. Kip’fk, I could see him struggle with the memory. Then, he admitted his guilt.”

“What are you trying to say?” West asked.

“He claims to not know where the treasure is. If that is to be believed, then why kill the Benzite? I believe that these are not the actions of a killer. Starfleet goes through great lengths to weed out those who are perceived to have such behavior in their mental make-up.” Shigeru said.

“If you mean all those psych tests, I don’t trust them.” West said, “Ichiro, look, we have a man, Davies, who has admitted to the crime. The evidence points at him as well. For now, it seems to me, the case is closed.”

“dooji ni okorimasu,” and with that, Lt. Commander Shigeru headed out of West’s quarters.

--
With Davies sworn testimony and his admitted killing of Kip’fk, the restrictions put on the Romulans at the prison camp were lessened. The three Klingon prisoners on the Balboa, as well as Sovak’s Romulan wife, Rehyes’valah, were sent back to their ship in orbit of Septos-14.

--

Commander West entered the Bridge, and sat in the Captain’s chair in the center of the ringed bridge. Most of the Bridge crew had returned to the Balboa for the past several days. With the treasure hunt called off, they had returned to more traditional duties.

Lt. Elame, the Bajoran Navigator, walked over to West.

“How can I help you Mr. Elame?” Commander West asked.

“Sir,” Elame said, “Ensign Davies sir,” Elame said, “I know him pretty good. We’re not the best of friends, but I have spent time with him at the gym, even during the first days of the treasure hunt. I don’t think he is a killer. He has a wife and children back home, on Earth, and I don’t think he is the kind of man who would just stab someone like that to death.”

Thron, the Balboa communications officer, walked down next to where Elame stood.

“I agree with the Navigator,” Thron said. “I too have spent time with Davies. He is not a killer.”

Commander West out his two hands out, palms up, “then why admit to a crime he didn’t do?”

“I’d like to go back down there,” Elame said, “back to where they found Kip’fk’s body.”

“Why?” West asked. “What purpose could be served?”

Elame thought for a moment, “Well, sir, I don’t he did it. I think he’s being framed. Now, as to why he admitted doing it? I don’t know. But I don’t think it’s by chance that as soon as we are on a treasure hunt, someone gets killed.”

“I offer to go as well,” Thron said.

West thought for a moment.

“Very well, tomorrow when daylight comes to those mountains, you can go.” West said. “But let me make this crystal clear; do not bring back some crazy evidence or theories. If you can’t prove his innocence, then I don’t want to hear any of it.”

“Yes sir,” Elame said.

--
Hours later, morning came to the rugged mountain area. A shuttle craft landed near to where the main camp had been. Three passengers walked off of the shuttle; Lt. Elame, Lt. Thron and Lt. Commander Shigeru.

“Gentlemen,” Shigeru said to the others. He too was also skeptical of Ensign Davies guilt. “Let us go search for a murderer.”

The three climbed aboard three hover-boards, and zipped through the air, just a foot or so off the ground, to find more clues.

Unknown to the small search party, they were being observed from a point on the mountain. Not by a Romulan, not by a Klingon; not by a humanoid at all; and it waited from them to come. And if the small search party neared the treasure; they would die just as Kip’fk did.

--continued
Star Trek;
Shuffle the Deck
DEEP SPACE NINE

 

[RobertScorpio]

Re: Star Trek; Shuffle The Deck #46

Wow...five emails asking me what is going on in the last installment of BALBOA...hint; Day of the Dove..hang in there!!!

Rob

 

[RobertScorpio]

Star Trek; Shuffle the Deck--CAST ROLL CALL

Star Trek;
Shuffle the Deck

Current Cast Roll-Call

USS Balboa
Commander Everett West
Lt. Commander Shigeru Ichiro
Communications; Thron
Navigator; Elame
S’ovak
Rehyes’valah (S’ovak’s soon to be ex-mate)
K’amort
K’talpa
T’var

Deep Space Nine
Colonel Kira
Admiral Jean Luc Picard
Captain William Riker
Captain Tom Paris
Commander Tuvok
Chancellor Martok
Master Chief Obrien
Dr. Julian Bashir
Ezri Dax
Commander Nog
Quark
Lt. Steven Hunt
Lt. Rhonda Marks

Federation; Earth
Admiral Janeway
Commander Barclay
Janice Kosinski
Montgomery Scott
Geordi Leforge
Jake Sisko
Korena Sisko
Bakooth

The Essians
President Spock
Captain Michelle Duell
Commander Bynak
Evan Cooper
Javah Halmes
Baby Elaine

 

[RobertScorpio]

Star Trek; Shuffle The Deck #47

Star Trek; Shuffle the Deck
Balboa—Deep Space Nine—Federation; Earth—The Essians

#47

The Promenade on the massive space station, Deep Space Nine, was as busy as it ever was. With a caravan of Bajoran worshipers, and the rotating Klingon/Romulan patrols, and other visitors, the station’s occupancy levels were at their highest points in years.
--
Colonel Kira entered Ops and was happy to find her main crew at work already. Nog, her first officer, was already busy with the day to day duty rosters. Kira noticed that Master Chief Obrien was at his usual post, along with Lt. Hunt and Lt. Marks, both recent additions to the Starfleet personal stationed on DS9. Julian Bashir was with them as well. Kira walked over to see what had gotten their attention so early in the “morning”.

“Who is that Cardassian?” Kira asked as she approached Obrien’s post and saw the images of a Cardassian male on the monitor.

Bashir answered for Obrien, “Miles believes he has seen a ghost the past week or so on DS9.”

Lt. Hunt continued for Bashir, “The three of us,” he said as he motioned to Obrien, Lt. Rhonda Marks, and himself, “were station at Setlik-3. We were all interrogated by several Cardassian military types. As it turns out, there is a visitor here on DS9,” Hunt continued, “that bares a striking resemblance to that Cardassian.”

“The only problem is,” Lt. Rhonda Marks, who was a very beautiful blond woman, with striking features, “is that the Cardassian military records list him as being killed by Bajoran resistance activities towards the end of the Occupation.”

“What was his name?” Kira asked.

The computer screen change to an old archival image, and a more recent one taken with DS9’s surveillance equipment. Both images were lined up side by side.

“Legate Lokad,” Obrien said softly, “His name is Legate Peram Lokad.”

Kira could see the similarity, “They do look a like. But trust me, Master Chief Obrien,” Kira said, “These images can be created at bad light angles. The person you think you are seeing might not be who you think it is; believe me I know.”

“Colonel,” Obrien said looking at Kira, “I looked into this mans eyes for three weeks on a daily routine of torture and interrogation. And then, just a few days ago, I looked into his eyes again at Quark’s. Trust me when I say; it’s him.”

Bashir spoke to Obrien, “Even if it is Miles, what can you do? Add to that, I don’t think he will appreciate station assets being used to track his movements unknowingly.”

“I agree,” Lt. Marks said, “we just have to let it go Miles.”

“Well,” Kira said, wanting to break up the morning mystery, “Chancellor Martok is complaining about that impulse drive of his again. I told him you’d check into it,” Kira said to Obrien.

Obrien deleted the image from his screen. “I get the message, Colonel,” Obrien said with a tinge of anger in his voice.

“Good,” Kira said. “Look, Miles,” Kira said softly, “I understand, just as you do, what its like to be interrogated by the Cardassians. I know, from first hand experience, it isn’t pleasant. But as Julian said, it happened years ago. And the armistice signed between the Federation and the Cardassians included an amnesty for most war crimes on both sides. The armistice was extended to even include reprisals that happened after the war was over.”

“That right,” Bashir added, “your old commander, Ben Maxwell, he knows all about that doesn’t he?”

Obrien stood up, “Look,” he said to them all, “when something like that happens to you, it just isn’t forgotten. I know that Cardassian killed many good men, and women, in that prison. And yes, some Cardassians were granted amnesty; but not all of them. Had he not been listed as dead, you better believe he would be on the list of those not given amnesty.”

“But he was listed as killed in action,” Lt. Hunt said.

“The list,” Obrien said, “is wrong.”

And with that Obrien headed off to the engineering section to organize the maintenance crews who were to render aide to Martok’s crew as they attempted to fix the Chancellor’s ship.

--
Several hours later, the night crew had taken over the running of the space station. On the Promenade, Morn finally left Quarks, and headed for his quarters. Another customer, a Cardassian, exited as well, and he began to head for the nearest transporter terminal so he could return to his ship. Moments later Quark exited his bar and locked it up for the night. As Quark turned to head to his quarters, he saw a streak of light come from the upper level of the Promenade. The flash of light stuck the Cardassian, throwing him to the floor. Quark cowered down, not wanting to be hit, and stared up at where the blast had come. Who ever had fired it was gone.

Moments later, station security arrived on the seen. The Cardassian was injured, and was taken to the infirmary.

Several minutes later Bashir arrived at the infirmary upon being informed of the injured Cardassian, and his near death condition. Bashir, who had just been wakened, came into the infirmary and went over where the Cardassian was being treated.

“He was shot,” Quark said to Bashir from the other side of the infirmary, “It was an act of raw violence and I saw it happen.” Then Quark continued to give his statement to station security.

Bashir stared down at the victim, and then he recognized the Cardassian immediately. It was Peram Lokad, the Cardassian that Miles Obrien was all bent out of shape about earlier in the day.

“Oh no,” Bashir said as realized immediately who would be a prime-suspect in the shooting of the Cardassian. And for that reason, Bashir doubled his efforts. He wouldn’t let the shooting become a more horrific charge; that of murder.

Continued—
Star Trek;
Shuffle the Deck
FEDERATION; EARTH

 

[Nerys Ghemor]

Re: Star Trek; Shuffle The Deck #47

Uh-oh...let's hope O'Brien isn't responsible for Legate Lokad's little date with karma! Maybe someone else has a grudge against him? If this guy is that much of a psycho, I'd bet lots of people would want to take a shot at him if they recognized him.

 

[RobertScorpio]

Re: Star Trek; Shuffle The Deck #47

Star Trek; Shuffle the Deck
Balboa—Deep Space Nine—Federation; Earth—The Essians

#48

New Orleans; Sisko’s

The crowd at Sisko’s was starting to thin, as one by one the patrons started to trickle out. Jake watched as Korena, his wife, shut the door on the last guest. However, one special guest still remained. Admiral Katherine Janeway.

“Twice in one week,” Korena said with a smile to Janeway as she, and Jake, rejoined Janeway at her booth.

“The pleasure is mine,” Janeway said, “Last week when I was here Jake gave me his new book of Poems to look through. And I have to say Jake,” Janeway said, “I think this is your best collection. When does it go to the publisher?”

Before Jake could answer, Bakooth, the Naussican head chef at Sisko’s, came over with a slice of pumpkin pie. It was topped with a mountain of whipped cream. He placed the large piece of pie on the table, in front of Janeway.

“Oh really, thanks Bakooth” Janeway said as she looked up at the towering Bakooth, “I can’t have this. A woman has to watch her figure you know,” Janeway said with a smile.

“Eat!” Bakooth said. “Not take no for answer.”

With that said, Bakooth lumbered away back towards the kitchen to supervise the clean up crew.

“If I was you, I would eat the pie,” Korena said, “I think Bakooth has a crush on you Kate. And from what I know of Naussicans, they don’t take rejection to well.”

They all laughed at the thought, and then at the sound of Bakooth’s loud voice as he barked orders at the night crew as they cleaned.

Jake picked up where they left off, “I wanted to hear what others, such as you, had to say about the book,” Jake said, “So far I have had good feed back. So, I think in a week or so I’ll send it to my publisher, and we’ll see how it goes.

Bakooth could be heard slamming a dish down on the ground, not happy with the quality of the clean dishes.

“Where did you find Bakooth?” Janeway asked.

“Jake and I,” Korena began to say, “were at this restaurant in Sicily called Hell’s Kitchen, and he was one of the line chefs. We loved the food we had and found out that he had been the chef who had prepared it. Ever since Jake’s granddad died, and his old crew retired from the diner, we had been looking for a new head chef. So, we talked to the owner of Hell’s Kitchen, Mr. Ramsey, about Bakooth’s availability and, two weeks later, he was here.”

Suddenly, there was a knock at the door.

“I’ll see who it is,” Jake said as Korena went on with the story of how they came to know Bakooth.

--

On the outside of Sisko’s, two people waited. One was a human man, Caucasian, medium build early thirties. The other was a human female, of Spanish decent, approximately the same age. Unknown to Admiral Janeway the two had been secretly following her for over a week, and collecting surveillance footage of her from various public access computers, as well as their own image collectors.

“Daniel,” the female, Angela Ramos said, “are you sure we have what we need?”

“I’m pretty sure. All we need to do is speak with the Admiral, and build up a matrix of her voice. This should take no more than a…” Daniel Anderson, her colleague replied. He was interrupted as the door to Sisko’s opened.

Jake smiled as he found two Starfleet officers at the entrance.

“Can I help you?” Jake asked Daniel, who was closest to the door.

“Um,” Daniel said sheepishly, “we work over at the Starfleet office three blocks away.”

“Yes,” Jake said, “I pass by there each night I walk to work.”

“Great,” Angela said to Jake, “We heard that Admiral Janeway was here visiting and we would like to just meet her. I know it sounds…”

“No problem,” Jake said with slight laugh, “please come in. She’s about to leave, but I think she won’t mind.”

Jake let the two young people in. They followed him to the table.

“Who do we have here?” Korena asked.

Daniel and Angela went on to introduce themselves and for the next hour they talked with Admiral Janeway. Along with Jake, and Korena, they all had a rousing, and sometime laughter inducing, discussion of Janeway’s voyage through the Delta-Quadrant. Before too long it was 2am in the morning, and goodbyes were finally said. Janeway even invited the two younger Starfleet officers to visit her sometime, when they had the chance, in Paris. Janeway hugged Jake, and Korena, and then contacted the transporter net and was beamed away, back to Paris France.

Moments later, Jake waved one last time at the Daniel and Angela as he shut the door to the diner. Korena was standing behind him. The night cleaning crew, as well as Bakooth, had already gone home. After locking the door to the diner, Jake took Korena by the hand and they started their four block walk home through the French Quarter. Jake opened up an umbrella, as tiny sprinkles of water began to fall from the sky. He held it over him and his wife.

“What a cute couple,” Korena said with a smile. “Usually Starfleet types are so formal. These two seemed like normal people.”

“Now don’t get all started with that,” Jake warned, “they are not a cute couple. They are just friends.”

“Well,” Korena said, “they want to be more, they just don’t know it.”

Jake looked at his wife, and saw that her mind was already at work. “Korena, don’t be starting up with that ‘Korena is one of cupid’s arrows’ hobby of yours. The last time you did tried? Bakooth almost married that Tellarite stripper.”

“Hey,” Korena said in mock anger, “if Bakooth had been a little more sensitive to her wants, and needs, they could have lasted more than four dates.”

“Wait a second,” Jake replied with a chuckle, “it was her insatiable libido that drove them apart.”

The Siskos continued their mock debate as they walked the mist covered sidewalks of Bourbon Street, on their way home. Unknown to them they were being watched, from afar, by Daniel and Angela.

--

“When is our ride going to be here?” Angela asked. She watched as Jake and Korena faded away in the distance, as the sprinkles grew in intensity.

“Soon,” Daniel answered, “I sent the signal once we left Sisko’s.”

Angela turned to him. “Are we doing the right thing, Daniel?” Angela asked. “Why not just ask Admiral Janeway for help instead of doing what we’re doing.”

Daniel looked to her. “I wish it were that simple, Angela. But you know what will happen if we fail. They will kill your brother, and they will kill my parents.”

“There has to be a better way.” Angela replied. “I wish we didn’t have to do this.”

Daniel held her tight in his arms. “I know,” he said to her, “I do too. But Mr. Mortavo promised he would let them go, if we did this one thing for him.”

“Do you trust him? I don’t want anyone getting hurt.” Angela asked, as her tears started to fall.

Daniel shook his head, “We have no choice.” He replied softly.

Moments later a travel pod arrived, and Angela and Daniel stepped on to it, and they were whisked away.


Continued…
Star Trek: Shuffle the Deck
The Essians

 

[RobertScorpio]

Star Trek; Shuffle The Deck #49

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

# 49


The Dominion fleet; just beyond the wormhole in the Gamma-Quadrant


President Spock, Captain Duell, Baby Elaine (sleeping), Commander Bynak, Jamals Javah and Evan Cooper could only watch as the Jem’Hadar strapped each one of them into their seats aboard the Sheppard.

Q, and Odo, stood near the exit hatch and prepared to leave.

“Q,” Spock said, “being omnipotent as you are, just where are we going?” Spock asked as final preparations were made.

Q shook his head, “I don’t know.”

“Doesn’t sound to omnipotent to me,” Odo smirked.

“The Essians,” Q said, “are very mysterious. Their origins are not even known to us. All we know is that they are living stars, and that over time, they populated the galaxies with primordial stars. Their task was done millions, upon millions, of years ago. They were supposed to be all gone. But, just like a bad Barry Manilow song, they hung around.”

“So their existence predates the Q?” Commander Bynak asked.

Q didn’t answer Bynak’s question directly, “Hey, don’t get to nosy with me lizard neck. Let’s just say they have existed for a long time and leave it at that.”

“Well,” Evan Cooper, “Well, to be honest, I don’t give a shit. I want to know why we six, and really, why I am part of this whatever we’re doing? I ain’t no fricking hero!”

“Oh shut up,” Captain Duell said to Cooper, “You’re going; and that’s final. You don’t see any of us whining about it.”

“Hey, look queenie, I…” Cooper began to say, but he was cut off by Javah.

“Cooper, if you keep this up,” Javah said, “I will tell them about that little secret of yours. They might find that a tad bit interesting.”

Evan Cooper was about to continue his complaining when the reality of what Javah said sunk in.

“I’ll be quiet for now,” Cooper said, “But it won’t last forever.”

Captain Duell looked to Spock. “I’m sorry sir, for him,” Captain Duell said motioning towards Evan Cooper, “You should not have to hear this.”

Spock looked to Captain Duell, “I actually find,” Spock said to her, “such encounters fascinating. Mr. Cooper is just expressing fears, and anxieties, that some most surely feel, but wish to keep inside. Between Mr. Cooper, and the baby, we have an excellent representation of humanity.”

“Then what do I offer on this mission?” Bynak asked Spock.

“I am not one to speculate, Commander,” Spock said, “However; your involvement in the future events will be most interesting to see play out as we experience them with you. I dare say; what is to come for the six of us is most highly unpredictable.”

“Yeah yeah yeah,” Q said, “I don’t think you’re mission is as important as you think it is.”

“You’re just mad,” Odo said with a smirk, “Riker didn’t pick you.”

“I showed that upstart everything he knows,” Q said to Odo, “And this is how he repays me? I should have offered my powers to Data; at least I could communicate with him.”

The Jem’Hadar all left the ship. Odo and Q were about to follow them out, when Odo looked one last time at Spock.

Spock held up the Vulcan hand salute to Odo. Odo reciprocated. Somehow, Odo felt as if Spock was not only saying goodbye to him.

“Live long and prosper,” Spock said.

Once Odo and Q were off the Sheppard, they turned to face it. And then, in the wink of an eye, the Sheppard was gone.

“They will save us all,” Odo said with confidence.

Q shook his head, “I wouldn’t be too sure of that.”

And with that, there was a flash of light, and everything else was gone as well.

An instant later, Odo was no longer on the Jem’Hadar battleship. He was in an all white universe. From the descriptions Kassidy gave years ago, and Picard gave when Odo saw him recently, Odo was inside the Celestial Temple.

Suddenly the image of Ben Sisko appeared. He seemed not to have age at all since the last time Odo had seen him.

“What’s going on?” Odo asked Sisko. “Why have you brought me here?”

Sisko smiled, “It is good to see you too Odo. I wish the circumstances were different.”

Odo was confused. “Why? Won’t Spock and the others succeed?”

“Their path is one I can not see to the end,” Sisko said. “But just now, moments ago, the Jem’Hadar battleship you were on exploded; it was utterly destroyed.”

The meaning of Sisko’s words took a moment to sink in. Once they did, Odo had one question for Sisko.

“Are you saying I’m dead?” Odo asked.

Suddenly Q appeared in the white Universe as well.

“Yes,” Q said to Odo, “you’re dead.”

“And you knew this was going to happen?” Odo demanded of Q.

Q shook his head. “Hey, I was on that ship too. So don’t play the wounded dove here. But, to answer your question, No, I didn’t know it was going to happen, which should be impossible!”

“Not to them,” Sisko said ominously, “Not to the Essians.”

There was no response from Q; the truth was hard to deny.

--


Continued…
STAR TREK: Shuffle the Deck
Balboa

 

[Nerys Ghemor]

Re: Star Trek; Shuffle The Deck #49

DANG...now Odo's dead and he wound up in the Celestial Temple? I'll be very interested in seeing whether a) he's really dead or b) what that means if his death brought them to that place.

You know, I couldn't help thinking that if I were Bynak, I would've been hard-pressed not to say, Yeah? 'Lizard neck'? I can wrap my hands right around your little pole neck! He was very wise, of course, not to say this.