Star Trek; Shuffle The Deck

[RobertScorpio]

EPISODE #55 of STAR TREK: SHUFFLE THE DECK

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

#55

Sisko’s diner on Bourbon Street; in the old French Quarter of New Orleans;

The diners at Sisko’s were entertained by a very jazz quartet that was playing holiday music from years gone by, and they were doubly entertained by the crooner: Vic Fontane. Vic had wanted to visit with Jake, having missed him since the young Sisko left DS9 years ago. Commander Nog had brought Vic’s matrix to Jake, while on official business for Starfleet months earlier toStarfleet. Vic was going hitch a ride back with the USS Bozeman, but was stranded on Earth when the Wave passed by. Now, every Saturday nights, at 7pm and 9pm, Vic entertained the diners and patrons of Sisko’s.

Jake Sisko, and his wife Korena, watched the crooner from where they stood at the host-bar. Korena took Jake’s hand into her’s as Vic began to croon the next Christmas song. It was Jake’s favorite Christmas song of all. Vic began to sing.

I’ll be home, for Christmas.
You can count on me
Please have snow, and mistletoe
And presents on the tree…

Christmas Eve will find me
Where the love light gleams
I’ll be home for Christmas


And as Vic repeated the last line, so did Jake:

If only in my dreams.

“You miss them, don’t you?” Korena asked her husband.

Jake nodded, “They were on their way here when the Wave struck. Luckily their transport ship got delayed at Vulcan, or they might have been in the middle of nowhere, somewhere in between.”

“I bet little Joseph is keeping the Vulcans busy,” Korena said with a slight laugh.

Jake was about to reply when the doors to the diner opened and Kate Janeway, in a thick overcoat, entered. She also had an umbrella, due to the rain that was falling outside. Collapsing the umbrella, she took off her overcoat to reveal a stunning dress. Jake smiled to himself. It was good to see her in ‘normal’ clothing. But, Jake also noticed, she was alone.

“I thought you were going to bring us a date or yours to meet,” Korena said as Janeway walked up to the host-bar.

“No, not tonight,” Janeway said with a smile. “Is that Vic I hear?”

“None other,” Jake said as he took Janeway by the hand and walked her to her reserved table. “You know,” Jake said softly to Janeway, “It’s a good thing Korena and I got married. I could get real use to walking you to your table.”

“Jake,” Janeway said with a slight blush, “I’m old enough to be your mother.”

“And…???” Jake replied with leering eyes and a devious smile.

Janeway took her seat, and watched Vic Fontane and the ensemble, spin a very light version of Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer.

At the end of the song, the audience applauded.

“Thank you,” Vic said, “Thank you very much. I get a lot of questions from the young lovers out there on whether they should marry or not. I tell them: Marriage maybe on the low down, but you spend the rest of your life paying for it.” The crowd responded with a subtle laughter. “Now,” Vic said, “the group and I are going to take a ten minute break. So while you all entertain yourselves, I’m going to go try some lines out on two dames who are back in my dressing room. Maybe we’ll all get lucky tonight.”

The lights to the stage dimmed, and Vic weaved his way through the crowd. Vic was still a hologram, but thanks to holo-emitter that had been given to him as a present by another hologram, Vic was able to move about.

Eventually he made it over to where Kate was sitting.

“So where’s the fine gentleman you were supposed to bring?” Vic asked, as he sat down with her.

“He couldn’t make it,” Janeway said in a disappointed tone.

“You know, Tony the drummer,” Vic said as he looked over to the stage, “Is in between heartbreaks. If you want, I could speak to him.”

Janeway eyed Tony the drummer. He was human, but his beard stretched down to his large belly.

“No,” Janeway said, “I’m looking for Starfleet type material.”

“And look where that’s gotten you,” Vic said with a wry smile. “Alone.”

“Oh shut-up,” Janeway said with mock anger and a smile, “I should never have let the doctor give you that damn emitter.”

At that moment, Bakooth, the Naussican head chef of Sisko’s, lumbered over to Janeway’s table, having just visited with another customer of patrons.

“I see you have ordered the Cajun seasoned Shark, Janeway” Bakooth said, “wise choice. I shall replace the seasoning with Naussican seasoning instead?”

“Not this time,” Janeway said as she looked up at the towering chef. “They are doing transporter maintenance in this area, so I have a long shuttle ride back to Paris to look forward too. I’m afraid Naussican seasoning wouldn’t sit very well.”

Bakooth nodded, “Coward,” he said to her as he lumbered away back toward the kitchen area.

“That guy is big,” Vic said to Janeway, “I could have used him when the mob tried to muscle my club away years ago.”

Vic and Janeway continued to share small talk. As Jake greeted a dinner party new patrons, a married Andorian trio, Jake noticed Bakooth waving to him from the kitchen. Jake excused himself from the Andorians, and headed over to the kitchen. He entered the doors that led to the back area, and was met, just outside the kitchen, by Bakooth.

“What is it?” Jake asked.

Bakooth stared down at Jake. “That woman,” Bakooth said, “is not Janeway.”

“Huh?” Jake responded in shock. “Yes it is: I spoke with her earlier.”

Bakooth shook his head, “Not Janeway,” Bakooth repeated, “Look like her, but not her.”

Jake shook his head, “And you know this because…”

Bakooth pointed at his large nose, “I do not smell Janeway. I smell nothing, in fact.”

“So you can tell us apart by scent?” Jake asked.

“We can smell those who we are interested in,” Bakooth replied.

“Maybe you’re wrong,” Jake said. “Maybe her perfume is throwing the scent off.”

Jake turned to leave, but Bakooth put his hand on Jake’s shoulder, and turned him around.

“That is not Janeway,” Bakooth said. “If not her, then where is Janeway?”

Bakooth knelt down and then they both stared out the window that looked out on the diner. Janeway was still chatting with Vic.

“Not Janeway.” Bakooth said softly.

--continued
next time the Essians explain: EVERYTHING!
Star Trek
Essians

 

[Nerys Ghemor]

Re: EPISODE #55 of STAR TREK: SHUFFLE THE DECK

That RULES, giving Vic a mobile emitter!

And I also didn't expect Bakooth to come in handy quite like THAT. But it's a good thing indeed he's so perceptive. Jake shouldn't argue with a chef about scents...

 

[RobertScorpio]

EPISODE #56 of STAR TREK: SHUFFLE THE DECK

Star Trek: Shuffle the Deck
Balboa-Deep Space Nine-Federation; Earth

#56




The USS Balboa approached the outer region of the solar system of Septos-14. They had left Septos-14 the previous day to respond to suspicious motion scans of the system. Commander West had wanted to search for the unknown force that had moved the Hurq treasure after attacking West and the others. But the strange sensor scans cut the search short: for now. The trip out to the outer solar system also allowed the crew to practice various shipboard drills.

Before departing Septos-14, S'ovak and the other Romulans had been released from custody, and had offered to accompany the Balboa on its solar-system voyage: not wanting to remain if the Klingon ship they had engaged weeks ago suddenly returned without Starfleet cover.

S'ovak vouched for his men while aboard the Balboa, and assured Commander West they would cause no problems. In fact, S'ovak admitted, he was pretty sure he and his crew were now wanted by the Romulan government, having stolen part of the map to the Hurq treasure from a planetary system in the Romulan Empire. West allowed the Romulans to augment the areas of the ship they could best help at. And, so far, they had performed up to spec.

The Balboa had spent several hours patrolling the general vicinity when suddenly...

Thron, at his communications post, turned toward West, who sat in the command chair.

"Sir," Thron said, "a distress signal from the Captain K'brog."

(Readers will note that K'brog is the Klingon Commander who was 'sexually' involved with Captain Duell several episodes back)

"Put it on screen," West replied.

The image on the main viewing screen, which had been displaying the stars of space, was replaced by what could only be described as a scene out of one's deepest nightmares. Strange looking flying creatures were attacking the crew of the Klingon Bird of Prey. Blood had been splattered everywhere. Half eaten corpses were strewn about the bridge as if they were rag dolls. Captain K'brog attempted to say something to West but was himself attacked. The crew watched in stunned silence as the creature was joined by several other creatures. In near unison they attacked K'brog, easily biting through the rough skin on his neck, causing blood to squirt out at an incredible speed.

But, like a true warrior, K'brog fought against the pain and reached for a switch on the panel before him. Suddenly the Bird of Prey self-destructed and exploded. The bridge crew could only watch in stunned shock.

"What was that?" Lt. Elame asked from Navigation.

"Goral," Thron responded with a deep voice.

"Thraval," S'ovak said as he entered the bridge from the turbolift.

"All right," West said to them both. "Could either of you explain that to me?"

"Many races," S'ovak said, "have stories about life forms that travel through space that feed off of the living. These stories are passed on from generation to generation; even to our children." He looked to West, "You once told me that such stories are called ghost stories on your world. These ghosts are real."

"How would such a creature live in deep space?" West asked.

Science officer Lt. K'tal, an Efrosian female, answered from the science section.

"There are such examples; sir," K'tal offered, "but for lifes form like this to exude this kind of agile movement, their metabolism rate would have to be greatly regulate, or curtailed in between attacks. I would suggest that they have been hybernating, for lack of a better word, waiting for the moment to strike again when nourishment was sense."

"Are we safe?" Lt. Elame asked.

K'tal looked at her readings, "I am not detecting any life forms in the general area of the Klingon ship's destruction."

"Do we go to where it exploded?" Elame asked, "I have the coordinates plotted."

"More importantly," West said, "if some of the creatures survived, do they endanger Septos-14? How could these creatures have penetrated the hull of a Bird of Prey?"

"The Goral cannot beat stopped," Thron said ominously, "they are living evil."

West didn't like the sound of that at all. He looked to Elame.

"Elame, launch a class one probe. Maybe it can tell us what we're," West looked back at the visibly worried Romulan and the so called 'menacing' Gorn, "too weary to find out for ourselves."

"Yes, sir," Elame said.

S'ovak shook his head as he walked over to West's command chair.

"Is there a problem?" West asked S'ovak.

"I was just thinking to myself," S'ovak said. "The Hurq couldn't have picked a better place to hide that treasure. Think about it. They have it guarded by that strange creature that caused rage. Then, somehow, the treasure is moved by what appears to be an invisible army. Now, without warning, a flock of Thraval's are in the system, quite possibly heading to Septos-14."

"If they arrive at Septos-14," Thron said from his post, "all will die."

West looked at the screen, then he looked to Lt.Anders, the Swahili helmsman.

"Take us to the last coordinates of the Bird of Prey," West ordered.

S'ovak, who was visibly concerned, look to West.

"Are you a fool?" S'ovak asked. "If those things get into this ship: we will all die."

West nodded, "Perhaps so," West said to S'ovak, "welcome to Starfleet!" West said with a smile.

S'ovak's concerned ebbed, due to West's humor.

"Humor," S'ovak said, "it is a difficult concept."

West nodded in agreement, "We learn by doing."

The USS Balboa increased speed and headed for the last known coordinates of the Bird of Prey. And as it drew closer, the bridge crew couldn't help but wonder if the fate of Klingon crew would be the same for them.

continued

Next time...the investigation into the murder of Miles O'brien opens old wounds...

Star Trek: Shuffle the Deck
Balboa--Deep Space Nine--Federation: Earth

 

[RobertScorpio]

EPISODE #57 of STAR TREK: SHUFFLE THE DECK

Star Trek
Balboa—Deep Space Nine—Earth: Federation

#57

Featuring
Captain Tom Paris
Commander Tuvok
Quark
and Arvatz Kevor
(belated thank you to Mr. Ghemor for helping me name
this Cardassian character!!!)

Commander Tuvok and Captain Paris sat inside of Quark’s for their weekly get together. The two former crew members of Voyager had shared many adventures together over the years and had built up mutual respect for each other, and the weekly meeting allowed them to stay in touch. They were usually the first customer’s at Quark’s, aside from Morn, for the breakfast rush. They had finished their meal and were finishing up with a cup of tea, for Tuvok, and really strong coffee for Paris.

“How is the investigation into Master Chief Obrien’s murder progressing?” Tuvok asked as he took a sip of his tea.

“I feel like one of those old time detectives,” Paris said. “With any luck I will be questioning the Cardassian in the Infirmary.”

“Isn’t he the one who Obrien believed to be a Cardassian war criminal?”

Paris nodded, “Precisely.” Paris replied. “Admiral Picard tried to question him on the day that Obrien was killed, but he was still recovering from his own wounds.”

“No suspects in his shooting as well?” Tuvok asked.

“There are no suspects for anything,” Paris said. “Let me see if I can sum this all up. I have one man dead, Obrien. His attacker was a Cardassian who used a transporter scrambler, which we found by the way. And I also have a Cardassian, who is possibly a war criminal, in the Infirmary, shot by another unknown assailant.”

Tuvok nodded his head, “Sounds like you have many variables that are unaccounted for.”

“I’m a Starfleet Captain,” Paris said, “I should be out there, with the Defiant, patrolling with you and the Titan. But instead, because the Defiant is down for maintenance, I get tasked for solving these crimes.”

Quark came over and gave the two a new round of drinks. He looked to Paris. “Any luck yet?” Quark asked.

Paris shook his head, “No, nothing just yet. Quark: the night the Cardassian was shot, you had just closed the doors to your bar, right?”

“That’s right,” Quark said, “and then it happened. The shot was fired. But it all happened so fast that I couldn’t remember what I saw, I could only remember seeing the beam of the blaster hitting the Cardassian.”

Paris looked to Tuvok. “Tuvok,” Paris said, “couldn’t you use the Vulcan Mind-meld on Mr. Quark here and help him enhance that memory?”

“It is possible.” Tuvok said.

“Sorry, but no-way,” Quark said. “Don’t take this the wrong way, but I don’t want a Vulcan swimming around in my head.”

“It would only be used to focus on that memory,” Tuvok, “I assure you that I would not pry into, what I am sure, are more sensitive areas.”

Quark looked doubtful.

“Come on Quark,” Paris said, “If I don’t get anything, and soon, I’m going to have to let that Cardassian go. And if he is involved with what happened to Obrien, we’ll never know.”

Quark nodded, “All right,” Quark said, “Tonight, after work I will let you do this Mind-meld thing of yours.”

Paris smiled, “Thanks Quark. Now, if you two would excuse me, Doctor Bashir assured me I could talk to the Cardassian today.” He took a quick sip of his coffee and stood to leave.

“I would be most interested in what he had to say.” Tuvok said to Paris.

“I think we all are,” Quark added.

Tom nodded, and then headed on his way to the Infirmary.

--

Tom Paris entered the recovery room where the Cardassian patient was recuperating. The Cardassian was awake, and eating a tray of food that had been brought.

“Ah,” Arvatz Kevor said to Paris in an arrogant way, “Perhaps you’re the Federation officer I have to see about being released from this Infirmary. And I want to add your Doctor Bashir is hardly a man of empathy.”

“Actually, I have been trying to speak to you for some time.” Paris said. “But due to your wounds, and your recovery, this is the first real chance we’ve had. And before you are released, I would like to have that conversation now, and hopefully some unanswered questions as well.”

“Excuse me,” Kevor said, “but the tone of your voice, and this need to have answers, makes it seem as though I am not a victim: but a suspect.”

Paris just continued. “I am sorry that you feel that way, but one of my good friends was killed by a Cardassian just a few days ago, right there on the Promenade, not far from where you were shot. It is possible that this Cardassian may have been the one who tried to kill you as well. What can you tell me about that night?”

“I didn’t see the person who tried to kill me,” Kevor said. “They were on the upper level of the Promenade, and it was late. I had just left Quark’s when I was attacked.”

“Do you know of anyone who would like to see harm come to you?” Paris asked.

“No,” Kevor replied, “I make a simple living trading goods, both here in the Alpha-Quadrant and over in the Gamma-Quadrant. I may have had a run in with local law enforcement, or a client here and there, but none, as far as I know, would wish to see me dead.”

Paris cut to the chase. “Have you ever served in the Cardassian military?”

“Never,” Kevor came back quickly with.

“How is that possible?” Paris asked. “There was war with the Federation, and then the Dominion War, both seemed to have happened in the prime of your life. Why wouldn’t you have wanted to serve?”

“I detest war,” Kevor said, “I find it a very tragic waste of resources and lives.”

“Yes, that is an interesting way to look at war,” Paris said. “But during the Dominion War, Cardassians from all backgrounds were being forced to serve. Why weren’t you forced to join? Or, on the flipside, why didn’t you assist in the resistance against the Dominion?”

“My choice,” Kevor replied. “I spent many of those years doing runs in other parts of the Quadrant. As I said, I detest war.”

“Would you say that you are a coward?” Paris came back coldly.

“I am no coward,” Kevor said, his anger rising.

Paris pondered his next words, and then he continued.

“Have you ever been to the planet Setlik-3, in your travels?” Paris asked.

Kevor shook his head, “No, I am not even sure where that is.”

“I should let you know that we did a security scan on you’re DNA and your prints, while you were unconscious.” Paris stated flatly.

“Who gave you the authority to invade my privacy?!” Kevor demanded.

“Oh, I will admit,” Paris said, “I did. But, do not be worried. You’re prints do not match, nor does your DNA, any Cardassian who has ever served in the military.”

“Then that should satisfy this absurd line of questioning.” Kevor said coldly. “I will report your actions to the Cardassian government someday. They will not take kindly to their civilians being treated in this manner.”

Paris turned toward the door and prepared to leave. But, right before he did, he turned back to Kevor and said, “Pardon me sir,” Paris said, “One more thing.”

“And what could that be?” Kevor said dismissively.

“You’re prints, your DNA, didn’t match any one who had served in the Cardassian military.” Paris repeated.

“Yes, I know, you already told me that.” Kevor said in an annoyed voice.

Paris walked back toward Kevor, “In fact,” Paris said pointedly, “they didn’t match anyone’s prints, including those who never served in the military. It is almost as if you never existed, Kevor. How can something like that happen?”

Kevor stared back at Paris, “I was born on one of the colonies,” Kevor said, “Sometimes the records on colony worlds are not as proficient as those on the home world.”

“You seem to have an answer for everything,” Paris said. “Isn’t that lucky for you?”

Kevor didn’t respond.

“And since you do have an answer for everything,” Paris said, “Can you tell me where you got this?” Paris reached into his uniform pocket and pulled out a small device. “This is a portable transporter scrambler: a device that has been banned by all powers in the Alpha-Quadrant: even the Romulans.”

“It isn’t mine,” Kevor said as Paris held it out for him to look at.

“Hmmm,” Paris said. “While you were incommunicado in here, we also boarded your small vessel and searched it from bow to stern. Then we found this scrambler. Care to explain how illegal technology came to be on your ship?”

“It was planted,” Kevor said, “Perhaps your men put it there.”

Paris put the object back in his pocket, and turned to leave.

“Wait,” Kevor said softly to Paris. Once again, Paris turned and came over to Kevor’s med-bed.

“Why?” Paris asked. “What is it you wish to say to me?”

Kevor looked directly at Picard. “My name is not Arvatz Kevor. You were right: I have hid my true identity.”

“Then what is your name?” Paris repeated.

“My name is Peram Lokad, Legate Peram Lokad.” Lokad said.

“Then Miles O’brien was right,” Paris said to him, “you are the individual who tortured him, and his friends, and many other Starfleet prisoners on Setlik-3.”

Lokad nodded his head.

“All right,” Paris said, “you’re Legate Lokad. Somehow you have managed to evade capture for all these years; even going through the steps of laser-washing your prints, getting new ones, and altering your DNA in some way.”

Lokad nodded his head, “Yes,” Lokad said, “not hard to do, when you are as feared as much as I was.”

“Very well,” Paris said with a fake smile, “however, this doesn’t really change anything in terms of the dynamics of the questioning. Who would want you dead, and would also want to kill my friend?”

“I can not answer your questions any further.” Lokad came back with.

“Then consider yourself under arrest,” Paris said pointedly, “for the charge of being a fugitive War Criminal.”

Paris left the room and contacted his office. Paris would now deploy two armed guards at Lokad’s room in the Infirmary until such time he could be transferred to the brig.

Bashir came over to Paris, having heard his conversation with the security office.

“So Miles was right,” Bashir said, “that Cardassian is a War Criminal.”

Paris nodded, “Yes, so it would appear. But something else is going on here,” Paris said to Bashir, “I just feel as if there’s a big missing piece. And,” Paris added, “We still have a shooter out there somewhere: a shooter who had access to Lokad’s ship and has seemingly vanished.”

Bashir nodded, and headed back to work. Paris thought over his next actions.

--

Meanwhile, Lokad laid on his med-bed and thought over the recent events. And then, because no one could see, he allowed a fiendish grin to come across his face.

--continued
Star Trek: Shuffle the Deck
Federation Earth

 

[Nerys Ghemor]

Re: EPISODE #57 of STAR TREK: SHUFFLE THE DECK

Uh-oh...why do I have the feeling that Lokad ALLOWED himself to get shot, in order to lay the blame somewhere else?

 

[RobertScorpio]

EPISODE #58 of STAR TREK: SHUFFLE THE DECK

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

#58



The real Admiral Janeway was still being held captive in her own quarters by the young man and woman who had seemingly built the Janeway Android. The Android Janeway was at Starfleet Command for the daily briefing. For what other purposes, Janeway did not know.

Her two captors had actually treated her quite well, something she would remember if and when the tables were turned. They still had her restrained to the bed, but other than that, they were polite.

Yet, Janeway knew she had to escape. Whatever these two were up to, it wasn’t good. And it was obvious to Janeway that they were reporting to someone else who was using coercion against them to get them to comply. It was time to play that card.

“You know,” Janeway said as she, and her captors, were enjoying fresh croissants, “I can help you. I can obviously see that you are being forced to do whatever is you’re doing. Let me help.”

Angela looked to Daniel, “Maybe she can,” Angela said. “She’s Starfleet.”

Daniel looked to them both. “Admiral,” Daniel said, “my parents mean everything to me. Angela’s brother means everything to her. If we were to help you, they would know. And then we would go to prison for what we have done, and our loved ones would be dead. I’m sorry,” he said as he bit into his pastry, “but it has to be done this way.”

“Who are they?” Janeway asked. “Who is controlling you in this way?”

Angela was about to say, but Daniel cut her off.

“Please Admiral: you know we can’t tell you that.” Daniel said, “If we did, and they found out, they would kill you. It is for your own safety that you don’t know.”

Janeway shook her head, “Well, if I understand you correctly, I will be released at some point. So my Android twin is obviously being used for some agenda. Now, all I will have to do is inform Starfleet when I am released and all my past actions will be back tracked, and anything this android does now will be undone.”

“Yes,” Angela said, “you won’t be harmed, that’s what they told us.”

“No, it isn’t going to happen like that.” Janeway said softly, “They will have you kill me, or someone else will kill me, but I will not be allowed to live. And,” she said pointing at them, “I doubt they will let you two, or your loved ones, live either.”

With the silence between them Janeway knew that Angela and Daniel had already considered that possibility.

Suddenly the signal at Janeway’s door buzzed. Daniel took out a plastic mouth piece from his pants and slipped it over Janeway’s mouth to prevent her from screaming. The monitor on the wall displayed who was outside the door.

There were two visitors. One of them was Jake Sisko, and the other was Bakooth.

“Why is Sisko and his cook here?” Daniel asked Janeway.

“Who knows,” Janeway replied, “they’re probably here in San Francisco and decided to stop in for a visit.”

--
Jake stood with Bakooth outside of Janeway’s door.

“This is stupid,” Jake said softly to Bakooth. “How are we going to prove that she isn’t who she appears to be?”

“You ask questions: I will smell her.” Bakooth said.

“You will smell her, Ummmm, Okay,” Jake said, “Look, I know Kate pretty well now, But I don’t know a lot about her career or life because she was trapped in the Delta-Quadrant for all those years. And besides, I was a kid back then.”

Bakooth reached into his jacket and pulled out a holodeck-program disc. “I know everything.”

“What is that?” Jake asked.

“This is The Greatest Adventures of Captain Kate Janeway, Volume one.” Bakooth said. “For educational purposes for a child.”

“You got a children’s holo-program?” Jake said with a laugh. “And what’s with this calling her Kate?”

Bakooth stood straighter, “Very unique female: I will make her my mate.”

“So,” Jake said, “You have the rest of the collection?” Jake asked as he pointed at the disc.

“Yes: All nine volumes,” Bakooth said proudly.

“Oh brother,” Jake said dismissively.

The turbolift at the end of the hallway opened up, and Kate Janeway, the android Kate Janeway, stepped out of it. She saw the two of them.

“Jake? Bakooth?” Janeway said with a broad smile, “what are you doing here?”

Jake tilted his head up at Bakooth. Bakooth looked down and shook his head in the negative. Jake looked back to Janeway, and he got nervous, as she got closer. If Bakooth was right, the Kate Janeway before them was an android.

“Would you like to come in?” Janeway asked.

--
Inside Kate’s quarters, and inside her room, Daniel, Angela and Kate all watched the exchange between Jake and Bakooth, and now the exchange between them and the Android kate.

“Ohhhhhh,” Kate said with a smile, “the tangled webs we weave.”

Daniel and Angela did not laugh.

--
Next time! Blood sucking varmants attack the USS BALBOA!!!!

Continued
Star Trek: Shuffle the Deck
Balboa

 

[Nerys Ghemor]

Re: EPISODE #58 of STAR TREK: SHUFFLE THE DECK

Man, the more I read of Bakooth, the more I enjoy his character! A chef...kids' holos...and what sure reminds me of a teenage celebrity-crush...what fun! And I also like that you give him a good command of Federation Standard (or that he chooses to use a translator that renders his words well).

 

[RobertScorpio]

Re: EPISODE #58 of STAR TREK: SHUFFLE THE DECK

Man, the more I read of Bakooth, the more I enjoy his character! A chef...kids' holos...and what sure reminds me of a teenage celebrity-crush...what fun! And I also like that you give him a good command of Federation Standard (or that he chooses to use a translator that renders his words well).

And as we will soon see...not someone to get mad at you

Rob

 

[RobertScorpio]

EPISODE #59 of STAR TREK: SHUFFLE THE DECK

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

#59


The U.S.S. Balboa, an Excelsior class starship, approached the last known coordinates of the fallen Klingon Bird of Prey. After witnessing the Klingon vessel’s crew being attacked by strange winged creatures, and then watching the Klingon’s self destruct their ship, the Balboa crew was apprehensive as to what was to come.

The main view screen on the Balboa’s bridge showed the debris of the Bird of Prey, scattered all about.

“Are there any signs of survivors?” Captain West asked.

“Negative sir,” Lt. Kral, the Balboa’s Efrosian female science officer reported from her post. “However, I am registering multiple life signs not far from these coordinates.”

“On screen,” West said.

The image on the view screen changed, and now showed what appeared to be giant gray colored asteroid.

“What is that?” Lt. Elame asked from his Navigation post.

“Thraval,” S’ovak said, with a tinge of regret in his voice.

“If I didn’t know any better S’ovak, my Romulan friend, I’d say you were scared. Magnify the image,” West said.

“Not fear,” S’ovak said, “knowledgeable concern.”

West smiled, “Are you sure you don’t have any Vulcan blood in you, partner?”

The image on the view screen changed yet again as it zoomed in on the massive object. But it wasn’t a massive object at all: just a wall of much smaller objects. They were winged creatures, each roughly half the size of a normal sized man. And there were thousands up thousands of them.

“Their wings serve two purposes,” Lt. Kral reported, “one being for flight in atmospheric settings. The other, when they are flocking as they are now, is for the collection of solar wind which they then use to power their flight through space.”

“We should retreat,” The Gorn, Lt. Thron, said ominously.

“I agree,” S’ovak said. “You saw what they did to the Klingons.” S’ovak warned.

West considered their advice, and he then looked over to Elame.

“How far are these things from us?” West asked his Bajoran Navigator.

“The creatures are approximately five hundred thousand kilometers from our current position, and are, as best I can tell, barely moving if at all.” Elame responded with a slight urgency in his voice.

Suddenly the deflector shields snapped on automatically.

“Sir,” Lt. Anrolla said, with a slight Swahili accent, “the deflectors have activated.”

West stood from his command chair and walked back to the science post where Lt. Kral was monitoring the alien life signs.

“What more can you tell me Lt. Kral?” West asked.

“We’re being scanned,” Kral responded. “Their scans have penetrated our hull, so they obviously know there is life aboard the Balboa.”

“They will come,” Thron then said, “and they will devour us.” He added in a straight forward manner.

Thron’s words brought a loud silence to the bridge.

Then, as if on cue:

“Commander,” Elame said excitedly, “the creatures are moving toward us! They are gaining speed!”

“Elame,” West said to the excited Navigator, “plot a course out of the solar system, away from Septos-14. Once you have those coordinates,” West then said to Lt. Anrolla, “then engage. I want this ship to stay ahead of them. If they increase speed, we increase speed.”

“Aye: sir,” Anrolla replied.

The Balboa turned about and headed away from the massive Thraval flock, and towards open space. The ship was traveling at warp point five.

“Commander,” Science officer Kral said, “The Thraval have increased their speed to warp point seven.”

Anrolla made the required adjustments.

“Do you mind explaining that?” West asked Kral as he stood next to her post.

“Apparently they have the ability to store up energy reserves and,” she said, as if in awe of the creatures, “alter their velocity.”

“How fast would you guess these things can travel?” West came back with.

Kral shook her head, “Commander, the ship’s library can find no comparative data, as of this moment. However, I can’t believe their upper limit would go beyond warp one.”

“Adjusting speed to Warp point eight.” Anrolla reported.

“You should just destroy them,” S’ovak finally said. “Why must you Starfleet officers avoid aggressive actions that might preserve your lives?”

West looked to S’ovak. “Don’t you think the Klingons tried to destroy them?” West said. “And look where it got them. Sometimes the smartest thing to do is run. Well,” West said, “we’re running. And if we’re lucky, we will run them out of here with us and away from Septos-14.”

S’ovak had no response.

--

Meanwhile, back on Septos-14, near the entrance to the mountain where the Hurq treasure had been mysteriously moved from, two figures emerged from the forest.

One of them was a young woman, human, who appeared to be in her late teens. Walking with her was a young male, Vulcan, with a long black pony tail that reached down to his waist.

“You know,” the girl, Elaine, said as she and her Vulcan companion stopped to survey the area, “I have no memory of living on this world, but I did, when I was an infant.”

The Vulcan nodded, “Yes, my mother lived here as well. She was the captain of the Balboa. She spoke of a time when the ability to travel between the stars was impossible.”

“That is the era we have come back to,” Elaine said. “Yet, if I am correct, my younger self, and your mother, your father, and the rest of them, have yet to make the crossing.”

The Vulcan smiled, which he liked to do when Elaine spoke of such things. He looked over to Elaine, “You are beautiful when you speak like that,” he told her.

She smiled back at him. “Once we have taken the treasure, and used it to free Amal, we will marry. I will not let you say no this time: Vulcan.” She said with a smile.

“I am only one quarter Vulcan,” he reminded her, “My father was half Vulcan and half human. So stop teasing me with that label,” he told her with a smile.

“Well,” She finally said, “We should be getting back ourselves.”

“You realize,” the Vulcan told her, “once we go back this time, the Sheppard will not come with us. This will be the last time you ever see this reality again.”

Elaine nodded, “I know. It was my home, before. But now, I don’t belong here, and neither do you.”

She took his hand into hers, and they headed back into the forest. Soon they arrived at the Sheppard. They took one last look around. They kissed, romantically. They turned to board the ship when, without any warning, the ship vanished.

“Fascinating,” the Vulcan said.

“They’ll come back for us,” Elaine said, “they must. If they don’t, how will we get home?”

The Vulcan smiled at her. “I have learned in my life not to be surprised by such turn of events. It’s the one thing that makes life so interesting.”

“This is why I love you.” Elaine said, “Here we are, trapped on the other side of the crossing, and you just go on as if nothing has happened. What about Amal and our lives back there?”

“Like I said,” the Vulcan said, “this is the best part of living.”

She walked closer to him, “I love you, Tiberius.”

He held her closer and they kissed. “And I love you, Elaine Rose.” He told her.

--continued
Star Trek: Shuffle the Deck
Deep Space Nine

 

[Nerys Ghemor]

Re: EPISODE #59 of STAR TREK: SHUFFLE THE DECK

Well, now we know there IS some kind of future.

And I'll be interested to see how the Balboa gets out of this current scrape with warp drive not being an option...

 

[RobertScorpio]

Re: EPISODE #59 of STAR TREK: SHUFFLE THE DECK

Well, now we know there IS some kind of future.

And I'll be interested to see how the Balboa gets out of this current scrape with warp drive not being an option...

Me too...I wouldn't want to die with one of those buggers devouring me!!

Rob

 

[RobertScorpio]

EPISODE #60 of STAR TREK: SHUFFLE THE DECK

Star Trek
Balboa—Deep Space Nine—Earth: Federation

#60

Nearly a week had passed since the death of Miles O’brien. It was decided, based upon Mile’s own wishes, to hold a wake in his honor instead of a funeral. Keiko, still in the grieving process, threw her self into the planning of the wake and, finally, the time had come.

The large cargo-bay had been decorated with Mile’s countless awards, and medals. Quark provided the food and drinks for free. Keiko’s heart was touched with the amount of people who had showed up to bid her husband a final farewell.

Miles O’brien had amassed a large collection of friends, over his lifetime. So it was not a surprise that many of them, who could, showed up at the friendly wake being held in vast cargo-bays. There were Starfleet officers from the Titan and Defiant. There was a large contingent of Klingons, who came to respect O’brien due to all the times he fixed their ships, many of which were outdated relics from the past. Civilians attended as well, and even a small group of Romulans, who had recently benefited from O’briens’ experienced and unequaled help, showed as well.

Keiko, and her daughter Molly, who was her self was heading of to the Academy in the near future, were speaking with a gathering of well wishers. Little Yoshi was with them as well.

As they were, Admiral Picard was sipping on a glass of wine, near the front of the cargo-bay, as Martok walked up. He was drinking a bottle of Klingon Blood wine.

“Admiral, is there any news on Captain Riker’s disappearance?” Martok asked.

“None,” Picard said, “But the manner in which he vanished is consistent with the actions of an old advisory of mine.”

“Are you are not worried?” Martok asked.

Picard shook his head, “No, not really,” Picard assured Martok. “Captain Riker can take care of himself, if it is indeed Q up to his old tricks.”

Meanwhile, across the carbo-bay, Nog was standing with Morn. Nog was visibly annoyed due to Morn’s inability to stop talking.

“Hey,” Nog said as Morn stopped talking long enough to take a breath, “I’ll be right back.”

Nog walked away from Morn before anything else could be said. The young Feringi Starfleet officer walked over to where Lt. Steven Hunt and Lt. Rhonda Marks were sharing a conversation with a couple of the Bajoran maintenance workers who had worked with O’brien over the years.

“Oh, hello Commander Nog,” Lt. Rhonda Marks said. “Your Uncle Quark really went beyond the call of duty for this get together.”

“Yes,” Lt. Steven Hunt added, “Where is he by the way?”

Nog reached down for a tray of pastries and took one, and started to eat it tasty treat.

“These are really good,” Nog said. “Anyway, I think Quark had some business with Captain Paris and Commander Tuvok before they were coming to pay their respects to the chief. I’m sure they will be along soon.”

In another part of the bay, Colonel Kira was standing by herself, gazing out of one of the view ports at stars far out in space, as Julian and Ezri walked over. Kira noticed the two.

“How are you doing Julian?” Kira asked Julian, well aware that the doctor and Miles were the best of friends for many years.

“He’s doing okay,” Ezri answered for Julian. “I think it’s kind of hit all of us pretty bad.”

Bashir nodded in agreement, “I just can’t believe he’s gone. And what did he die for? However, this wake isn’t the place for that kind of discussion. I’ll be fine, Kira. It will just take time.”

Kira stared back out threw the view port. “I was just thinking to myself,” Kira said, “that three of us are gone now; Jadzia, Captain Sisko, and now Miles.” She looked over to Ezri, “I’m sorry if that sounds cold.”

“No,” Ezri said with a sincere smile, “Jadzia was a special part of that first command of DS9. I just with I could have been part of it. You all really seem to have cared each other.”

Kira nodded, “Yeah, we did.”

As Kira and Julian spoke of old times, one of the on duty ops officers came in and walked over to Picard.

“Sir,” The officer said, “According to our readings of the wormhole, it would appear as if space vessel, perhaps more than one, has entered the wormhole on the other side.”

Picard noticed Kira and the other old DS9 staffers laughing over old times, and then he turned to the officer. “I will see to it. Let’s try and let the Colonel enjoy this time as much as she can.”

The Ops officer nodded, and then Picard followed him out of the cargo-bay.

--
Moments later Picard arrived at Ops. At that moment the wormhole came alive, and two ships came out of the amazing light show. One was just a smaller type transport ship. The other was a Jem’Hadar battleship. Picard watched the view screen. The USS TITAN could be seen approaching the two ships.

“We’re receiving a signal from the transport.” The communications post reported.

“On screen,” Picard said.

The image on the view screen changed. The face of a Vorta came into view.

Picard offered a greeting. “I am Admiral Jean Luc Picard. Can you please state the nature of your transport through the wormhole?”

“Ah, the legendary Admiral Jean Luc Picard” The Vorta said with what appeared to be a genuine smile, “My name Weyoun. I have so much wanted to meet Starfleet’s most decorated officer: I am honored. Had I known you were the one to have greeted me, I would have brought some Romulan ale to celebrate the occasion.”

Picard was well aware of past versions of Weyoun, having read the duty logs, and heard several stories about the various clones of Weyoun from Colonel Kira, Miles O’brien, and even Captain Worf. Though, Picard had thought the final clone was killed by the Cardassian Elim Garak years ago.

“How can we be of service to you?” Picard asked, not trusting the Vorta at all.

“First,” Weyoun said, “let me express my sorrow at having to be the one to inform you that Odo, was lost in a most unfortunate space incident. Since a God can not die, we have to assume this disappearance is due to some higher purpose. Until further notice, I will be representing the New Dominion, and its interests in all future negotiations.”

“May I ask what the nature of the space incident was that caused Odo’s loss?” Picard came back with.

Weyoun shook his head, “The nature of the incident is still under investigation, and is the reason for my visit. Due to the possibility that this incident was an assassination attempt, we have also raised our own minefield on our side of the wormhole.”

“I assure you,” Picard said, “Our minefield is only precautionary step. Once the affects of the Wave has subsided, the minefield will come down.”

Weyoun nodded his head, “Which is the same action we will take as well.”

Picard pressed the issue. “According to our last reports, sixty seven vessels from the Alpha-Quadrant, including several Starships, were on your side of the wormhole when the wave passed.”

“I assure you Admiral Picard,” Weyoun said with a look of compassion on his face, “that we have implemented a fair and just procedure for these ships to undertake once they make it back to the wormhole. Once they have completed these various bureaucratic necessities, they will be allowed to return,” he paused for dramatic effect, “home.”

“Very well,” Picard replied. “Thank you for the notification. And, let me add, I stand ready to assist you in your investigation into Mr. Odo’s untimelyloss.”

“I shall remember that,” Weyoun said. “You elegant diplomatic reputation is a comforting. Farewell for now.”

The screen went back to a view of the two ships that had come through the wormhole. The Titan and Defiant escorted them back to the wormhole, and in moments, they were gone.

--

The wake inside of the cargo-bay was into its second hour. The doors opened and Quark, along with Captain Paris and Commander Tuvok, entered. The three of them walked over to where Nog, Lt. Hunt and Lt. Marks were having a discussion with Martok and a couple other Klingons.

Martok looked to Quark, “It is about time you showed up Quark. The Blood wine is running low.”

Before Quark could respond, Paris did. He looked to Lt. Rhonda Marks.

“Lt Marks,” Paris said, “I’m going to have to ask you to accompany me to my security office.”

“Couldn’t this wait?” Lt. Hunt fired back before his friend Lt. Marks could respond.

Paris shook is head. “I’m sorry, but it can’t. I am placing you, Lt. Rhonda Marks, under temporary administrative leave. You are a person of interest in the attempted murder of Legate Perham Lokad.”

“What!? You have to be kidding me.” Lt. Marks replied in shock.

“Although the evidence is circumstantial, I can’t ignore the relevance of it. Once you have made an official statement you will be released. Please come with me.” Paris stated.

Tom Paris escorted Lt. Rhonda Marks out of the cargo-bay, where he was joined by three of his Bajoran security team. As the three assistants took Marks away, Admiral Picard walked up, having returned from his office, and wanting to spend more time at O’brien’s wake.

“Why is Lt. Marks in custody?” Picard asked.

“I had Commander Tuvok enhance Quark’s memory by using a Vulcan mind-meld,” Paris said. “Quark was able to positively identify Marks as the shooter of Legate Lokad.”

“I am not too confident about the validity of mind-meld’s,” Picard said.

Paris nodded his head, “I agree, neither am I. I just want to get her in my office so I can just question her. If nothing comes of it, I will release her of course.”

Admiral Picard watched as Paris headed off towards the security office, and then he headed towards the cargo-bay.

Continued—
Next time- Jake Sisko and Bakooth discover a mystery! Plus..a message from TALOS IV?
Star Trek: Shuffle the Deck
Federation: Earth

 

[Nerys Ghemor]

Re: EPISODE #60 of STAR TREK: SHUFFLE THE DECK

Interesting that Picard's skeptical of mind-melds after his experiences with Sarek and Spock...

Anyway, one question: where's Kirayoshi? Does she know about the loss of her father?

 

[RobertScorpio]

Re: EPISODE #60 of STAR TREK: SHUFFLE THE DECK

Interesting that Picard's skeptical of mind-melds after his experiences with Sarek and Spock...

Anyway, one question: where's Kirayoshi? Does she know about the loss of her father?

I think he's skeptical of their legality. He, of all people, as you said, knows how worthy they are. But can one use enhanced memories as evidence? Probably, but I could see ALAN SHORE fighting the use of them. I would. There have been 'shifty' Vulcans out there who might exploit this in some way..I would.!

Yoshi is there in the cargo-bay scene with Keiko and Molly. Isn't it weird that enough time has passed that Molly would actually be going into starfleet herself now? Time flies huh?

Rob

 

[RobertScorpio]

EPISODE #61 of STAR TREK: SHUFFLE THE DECK

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

#61

Jake Sisko and Bakooth sat in the dining area of Kate Janeway’s living quarters which were located near Starfleet Command on Earth. As Jake listened to Bakooth and Janeway talk about her illustrious career, which was actually Bakooth’s plan to prove that the Janeway before them wasn’t the real Janeway at all, Jake began to wonder how his half brother, Joseph, and his mother, Kassidy, were faring in this time of being cut off from each other.

Kassidy had been visiting several clients of hers. She still ran her transport company which was now comprised of four ships working for her at any given time. But due to the swiftness of the Wave, Kassidy and Joseph were stuck on Vulcan, unable to return to Earth in time. Jake was confident that the Vulcans would do their best to see to the comfort of both of them.

Jake drifted out of his thoughts and listened to Janeway-A, with an occasional chuckle, recount story after story to her most intuitive fan: Bakooth.

“And so Nelix,” Janeway-A said, “Got himself involved with that crime ring. Then the next thing you know, my first officer, Chakotay, and Paris are arrested for murder. Its amazing I didn’t lose my mind.”

She chuckled again, and Bakooth laughed as well. Bakooth’s laugh was more like the sound of a bear laughing, which, itself, was very funny as well. Jake’s eyes wandered over to the chronometer on the wall. They had been there for nearly ninety minutes. It was clear to Jake that Bakooth was satisfied that he was talking to the real Janeway, or the Naussican would have done something by now: or so Jake thought.

--

Unknown to Jake Sisko, there was something else going on behind the bedroom door just a few meters from where he sat in the dining area.

Daniel held a phaser, and aimed it right at the real Janeway, who was restrained to the bed with a plastic mouth piece attached to her mouth that muffled in attempt to scream or call out for help. Daniel, Angela and Kate exchanged glances as they heard the laughter coming from the other room. Angela whispered to Daniel, but loud enough for Janeway to hear.

“It’s been nearly ten hours since we last downloaded the memories from Janeway-A,” Angela said, “Unless we get that android in here, and very soon, something’s going to go wrong.”

Angela keyed in a command from a remote device she held. The device transmitted a command for the Janeway android to politely end the conversation. However, it was the third time that Angela had sent the command. Either the android was incapable of following the command, or, the android refused to comply.

--

“Well,” Janeway-A said to her to guests, “I should probably let you two go. I have a meeting at Starfleet that I need to attend to.”

Suddenly there was a knock at the door.

Jake smiled, “Do you have a date tonight?” He looked to Bakooth who obviously didn’t like the idea of Janeway going out on a date.

“I’ll go see who is at the door,” Janeway-A said.

She walked out of the eating area and towards the door. Jake spoke quietly to Bakooth.

“What the hell are you doing?” Jake asked “Is that Janeway or not?”

“Don’t know,” Bakooth said finally.

Jake’s head nearly exploded upon hearing the iffy answer.

“What do you mean you don’t know!?” Jake whispered with force. “What the heck is that supposed to mean?”

Bakooth looked to Jake, “I can since real Kate,” Bakooth said, “But not real Kate.”

At that moment Janeway-A reentered the dining area with a Starfleet officer. Janeway-A was speaking as they came into the dining area.

“These are my two good friends,” Janeway-A said to the new visitor, “Jake Sisko and the master-chef of Jake’s diner that he operates in New Orleans.” She looked to Jake, “Jake, and Bakooth, this is Admiral Fynn Bachmeier.”

“Hello gentlemen,” Bachmeier said. “I have dined at your establishment a couple times Mr. Sisko. The food was quite good, however,” he said as he directed his comments at Bakooth, “I found the asparagus a little over cooked.”

The calm pleasant look on Bakooth’s face vanished.

--
Meanwhile, in the bedroom, Angela and Daniel were visibly worried with the arrival of Admiral Bachmeier.

“I don’t like that guy,” Angela said. “From what Janeway-A has told us about him, I doubt he is here to just say hello. Something else must be going on.”

They both looked to Janeway who gave them a ‘I have no idea’ look on her face.

--
Janeway-A escorted Jake and Bakooth towards the front door.

“Thank you both for coming,” Janeway-A said to them both, “But Admiral Bachmeier and I have some sensitive issues to discuss. But I will come to New Orleans in the next couple days to visit.”

“Well,” Jake said, “I really enjoyed the visit, Kate. You take care.” Jake said.

Bachmeier had followed them as they neared the front door as well.

Jake and Bachmeier shook hands.

“It’s been a pleasure to meet you,” Bachmeier said to Jake, “Your father’s exploits aboard DS9 are required reading now at the Academy, especially the Dominion War arc.”

Janeway-A opened the door to let Jake and Bakooth out. Jake and Bakooth stepped out into the hallway.

“Once again: Thank you both for coming by,” Janeway-A said as she began to close the door.

But then, in a blur, it all happened. Janeway-A turned away from Jake and Bakooth as she went back into her quarters. Before she could close the door, Bakooth sprang into action. He busted the door wide open, grabbed Janeway by the neck, and with all his might, the large Naussican twisted Janeway’s neck. Jake and Backmeier both watched in stunned horror as Bakooth popped Janeway’s head off of her shoulders. A bank of wiring twisted out from the neck whole at the bottom of the head. Other obvious electronic components could be seen from where the head was once attached to the shoulders.

“Umm,” Admiral Bachmeier said as he stood there in absolute stunned shock, “What the hell is going on here!?”

Continued…
Star Trek: Shuffle the Deck
Balboa

 

[Nerys Ghemor]

Re: EPISODE #61 of STAR TREK: SHUFFLE THE DECK

Hm...do you think they would've used the term "arc" to describe the Dominion War, when to them that was real life?

Anyway...great to see the android destroyed! Let's just hope they can nab the culprits before they make their getaway...

 

[RobertScorpio]

Re: EPISODE #61 of STAR TREK: SHUFFLE THE DECK

Hm...do you think they would've used the term "arc" to describe the Dominion War, when to them that was real life?

Anyway...great to see the android destroyed! Let's just hope they can nab the culprits before they make their getaway...

the DOMINION ARC line was like one of those BOSTOL LEGAL lines that 'break the wall"...an 'insider joke' aimed at the fans of DS9.

Yes, will be interesting to see what happens to Angela and Daniel if their gig is indeed up....

Rob
Scorpio

 

[RobertScorpio]

EPISODE #62 of STAR TREK: SHUFFLE THE DECK

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










#62


The USS BALBOA traveled at Warp point nine for nearly two days. The Thraval had followed them the entire way, as if driven on by their hunger. Several attempts had been made to destroy them by firing phasers and Photon Torpedoes as well, but the attempts had failed. When the Thraval were massed together, they had the ability to shunt any blast across their entire front. Some of the Thraval had perished, but not enough to have made a difference. An attempt had been made to communicate with the Thraval, before the initial phaser attacks, but to no avail.

“This things are amazing,” Lt. Elame said as he took his position at Navigation, having relieved night crew Navigator.

Commander Everett West and S’ovak had come onto the bridge as well. West walked over to the science station. Lt. Kral, the Balboa’s Efrosian, had obviously reported for the shift sometime earlier. She was in deep concentration as she read some data displayed on her monitor.

“Lt. Kral, what is on your screen that has you so interested?” Commander West asked.

“Sir,” Kral said, “I was up most the night considering one obvious question.”

“And what would that be?” West asked.

“If these things can literally absorb the energy of our phasers, and our photons, then why are they encountered so rarely? There would be literally hundreds of flocks, or swarms, like this one. But all we have to go on are old fables passed down through generations of Romulans and Gorn. And I did more research. The Klingons have similar tales, and so do the Andorians, and many other worlds. And yet, no Federation Starship, until now, has ever encountered them?”

“You’ve been fortunate,” Thron said from his communications post.

S’ovak nodded in agreement, “I agree with the Gorn.”

“It is interesting,” West said. “What are you trying to say?”

“According to the library data,” Kral said, “The most recent incident with creatures such as these comes from a Klingon ship nearly three hundred years ago. Such stories reach back a thousand years or so, but nothing after the incident with the Klingons.”

“So,” West concluded for her, “Why now?”

“And,” Kral added as she looked at her data, “Most of the vessels that were attacked had survivors that managed to escape. In some cases the ship just disappeared with out a trace. But in all cases, the survivors reported that their ship attacked the Thraval in an attempt to survive. And then, with out reason, the stories of these creatures stop. It’s as if they all vanished.”

“Three hundred years ago.” S’ovak added.

“Yes,” Kral said.

S’ovak looked to West. “At some point,” S’ovak, “your ship will be required to return back to Septos-14. How do you intend to do that with out these things following you?”

Elame spoke, “Sir, we still have the Quantum-Torpedoes.”

“Then why haven’t you used them?” S’ovak asked Commander West.

West shook his head, “Because we only have fifteen of them. I wanted to save them incase we needed them down the line. Eight years is a long time.”

“Will they work?” S’ovak asked Kral.

“I don’t know,” Kral said. “It is possible that the Thraval have built up a resistance to the weapons used against them over the centuries and have passed those genes on. Quantum-Torpedoes are a rather recent advancement in weaponry.”

“Sir,” The helmsman, Lt. Anrolla said, with his slight Swahili accent, “the Thraval are slowing their speed.”

West walked back to his command seat and sat down. The screen displayed the massive wall of creatures. The side of the screen displayed tactical information. The speed of their pursuers was indeed slowing. They all watched, and were relieved, as the massive wall of Thravals came to a complete stop. Once they were at a safe distance, the Balboa did the same.

“Maybe they are tiring,” Elame said, “Maybe being this far out from a star can limit their power.”

“That is a logical theory, Lt. Elame.” Lt. Kral said from her science station.

Anrolla looked at his helm display, and then he looked back to West.

“Sir,” Anrolla said, “Although it is a slight reading, I am none-the-less registering a small pull on the ship.”

Kral switched gears and analyzed the readings from helm as well.

“What about that?” West asked Kral, pleased to see that the female Efrosian science office was already investigating it.

“Sir,” Kral said with a tinge of doubt in her voice, “The sensors are detecting what could only be described as….”

Suddenly, and with out warning, a massive explosion of light, erupted before the Balboa.

“What the hell?” West said.

“It’s a wormhole!” Elame, who had seen the Bajoran wormhole do its thing several times in the past.

“Sir!” Anrolla reported from Helm, “We’re being pulled in!”

“Seems rather odd it would appear now,” West said, “Almost as if all those times while the Thraval were chasing us, and we altered course, we were being herded here.”

West called down to engineering via his com channel on his command chair. West was not only the Commander of the Balboa, but he also ran engineering. “All engines: reverse!!!”

“It’s too late,” S’ovak said as he stood to the side of West’s command chair, “We’re going in!”

And just as sudden as it had opened, the unexpected wormhole closed: The Balboa was gone!!!

Continued:
Star Trek: Shuffle the Deck
Deep Space Nine

 

[Nerys Ghemor]

Re: EPISODE #62 of STAR TREK: SHUFFLE THE DECK

Uh-oh! Either the Thraval generated this, or a whole new phenomenon has emerged! I wonder if it's a tie to the Essians plotline?

 

[RobertScorpio]

EPISODE #63 of STAR TREK: SHUFFLE THE DECK

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

#63


Lt. Rhonda Marks could hear the thumping sound of her heart as her eyes opened.

“Lights,” She said softly, as she stretched out under the warm blanket of her bed, and on her command, the lights to her quarters on DS9 came on.

The sound of her thumping heart, thump thump—thump thump, continued as she rolled out of bed and walked over to the small hygiene alcove. She looked at her naked body in the reflection of the mirror, and then splashed some water on her face to help wake her self up. Thump thump—thump thump. As her heart pounded, she could feel the blood in her veins pulse through her body as well.

After a few moments, she was finally dressed in her Starfleet uniform. Then she opened the closet behind her, which she had kept secured because it was where she kept her standard issue phaser. She reached up to where she had put it, on the top level of the closet, and then slid the weapon down inside of the left pocket of her slacks. As she started walking towards the exit of her quarters, the sound of her heart beat lessened, but now she could hear a faint, but persistent, scream: her scream, inside of her mind. Undeterred, she exited her quarters and walked at a comfortable pace down the corridor. She nodded politely to one of the night crew maintenance men as he was working on a light fixture.

As the sound of her heart beat, and the sound of her voice screaming, continued: Lt. Rhonda Marks went on her way, as if her body already knew where it was going. Eventually she found herself strolling down the Promenade. It was late, and she only saw a couple more people, no doubt they were stragglers who had just left Quarks.

Nearing one of the ladder wells that led to the second level of the Promenade, she looked around, and then one by one, she took the steps that led her up to the second level. As she did, the beating of her heart was now very hard, and the sound, THUMP THUMP, had risen to the sound continual explosions: one after another. The screaming in her mind had become like a piercing needle.

Yet, her pounding heart, and the screaming in her mind, weren’t enough to stop her. She pressed on up the steps, and was soon standing on the second level. She walked along second level and came to a point and stopped. She could hear voices below, and then she saw Morn step out of Quark’s just as another patron, a Cardassian, stepped out as well. Morn headed on down the Promenade. The Cardassian began to walk slowly away from Quark’s as well. And then: the very loud heart beat that she had heard from the moment she had awaken, as well as the screaming in her head, came to a sudden stop. There was no noise at all. It was as if all the sound in the universe had come to an end. She reached into her pocket and pulled out the phaser, aimed it at the Cardassian below, and then fired. And as if on cue, the sound of her heart, and the sound of screaming, inside of her head, came back.

She turned, briefly seeing the face of a Feringi, Quark, standing outside of his bar, and then she ran as fast as she could.

After a comfortable distance, she slowed her pace and soon returned to her quarters. She walked over to the mirror, and disrobed. Once she was naked again, she took her uniform and put it back the closet. She placed the phaser back on the top shelf of the closet as well, and closed the closet door.

She splashed her face with water, and then climbed back into her bed, and went back to sleep.

--

Commander Tuvok broke off the Vulcan mind-meld. He was standing over Lt. Rhonda Marks, who herself was lying on a med-bed in the Infirmary. After being taken into custody, Marks agreed to the mind-meld so as to clear her name. But, instead, it did the exact opposite. Lt. Marks was left comfortably sleeping as Tuvok left the mind-meld.

Tuvok straightened up, and looked over to Dr. Bashir, who was monitoring Marks’ vital signs, as well as Tuvok’s. Tuvok then turned to face Captain Tom Paris, acting as DS9’s chief security officer, and Admiral Picard.

“Well, Tuvok,” Paris said, “don’t just leave us on the hook. What did you find out?”

“Lt. Rhonda Marks,” Tuvok said to them, “shot Legate Lokad. The latent memory is still there, though I must say,” Tuvok said as he looked over to Bashir, “her mind was under serious distress.”

Bashir nodded and replayed the vital signs. “Yes,” Bashir said, “I monitored several spikes in her readings, and yours as well. I had to stop myself from bringing you out of it.”

“Why?” Paris asked Tuvok, “Why was her mind under distress, how could you tell?”

“Through out the mind-meld,” Tuvok said, “along with the sensation of her heart beat, which is normal for a mind-meld, I could here a scream. It was an internal scream, and it was her voice, but it was fragmented. It was as if it too, the scream, was outside of her mind. I was also bombarded by memories of her captivity on Setlik-3. She under went severe beatings, relentless sexual abuse, and mental torture. I saw several glimpses of Legate Lokad associated with those memories.”

“Motive,” Picard said softy, “Her barbaric treatment on Setlik-4 provides her with a motive to want to kill Lokad. I am sure the court will take that under consideration. But for all intents and purposes: her Starfleet career is over.”

“Why?” Paris asked, “She shot a fugitive war criminal. That Cardassian tortured, and killed, many Starfleet captives on Setlik-3. Wouldn’t she be considered a hero by many?”

“Perhaps,” Picard said, “but as Starfleet officers, we are not afforded the luxury to carry out justice as we see fit. Those are matters that can only be addressed by the law. One can only feel compassion for what she experienced on Setlik-3. But we can not condone her actions, if she did indeed shoot Lokad, as acceptable means of justice.”

Bashir shook his head, “Good luck finding an unbiased jury from a space station that is primarily populated by Bajorans. What would you like me to do with her now?”

Paris shook his head, “We have no choice,” Paris said, “go ahead and bring her around when you can. When you do, I’ll have my men take her into custody.”

Picard nodded, “I will go inform Legate Perham Lokad that we have apprehended the person responsible for his attack.”

The doors to the Infirmary slid opened and Picard exited.

Paris looked over to Tuvok, who seemed to be deep in thought.

“What is it Tuvok? I’ve known you too long to know that poker look on your face.” Paris said.

“I am a Vulcan, as you well know,” Tuvok replied, “I do not have a poker face.”

“Yeah, right,” Paris said. “What are you thinking about then?”

Tuvok looked down at Lt. Marks as she slept. Then he looked at the vital signs that had been recorded during the meld.

“I am quite confident about the stress her mind was, and is, under.” Tuvok said. “After a day or so I would like to mind-meld with her again.”

“Do you think that is wise?” Bashir asked.

“Yeah,” Paris added, “it was hard enough on the both of you this time.”

Tuvok looked at Paris and Bashir.

“Lt. Rhonda Marks,” Tuvok told them, “is now facing the end of her career in Starfleet. She had worked very hard to achieve that goal. If she so wishes, I will help explore her memory to better understand why, after all these years, she acted in such a way. It is the least I can do.”

“Very well,” Bashir said. “But I would like to be there as well, to monitor the both of you again.”

“That would be logical,” Tuvok said.

--
Admiral Picard stood on the other side of the energized force field that kept Legate Lokad detained in the brig cell.

“So,” Lokad said, “my attacker was a former prisoner of mine on Setlik-3.”

Picard nodded, “Yes, she was. According to the information we have, she endured severe beatings to her body, and mental torture of her mind, while a prisoner under your care supervision. These acts were done in violation of intersteller law governing the treatment of prisoners.”

“In a time of war, Admiral, as I am sure you are aware, events happen that exist in the moment. I could have been killed by her,” Lokad said, “is that equitable justice for what I did.”

“You, or your men,” Picard said to Lokad, “killed dozens of Starfleet officers on that world. You beat and tortured dozens more. Someone will be held responsible.”

“Admiral, we both know I will not be the one to face justice. I have strategic knowledge that I will barter with so as to receive an officer’s judgment. I feel no remorse for what I did to her, or all the others. I was a soldier in charge of soldiers. And your precious Starfleet will see past that for the good of their own officers. You, of all people, are aware of that constant in the universe. It is the reality of the situation.” Lokad said with a sneer on his face.

Picard stepped closer to the force field, where Lokad stood just inches behind.

Anger flew from Picard’s eyes. “We still have the matter of the Cardassian who murdered Miles Obrien: a very close friend of mine. Somehow, someway, I am quite sure those two events are connected. And I am sure, now more than ever, that they will both lead back,” Picard paused, “to you. You will receive no special treatment, I assure you.”

Lokad just smiled. “Good luck: Picard. Or is it Locutus?”

“What did you say?” Picard asked.

“The time you were used by the Borg to attack your own Starfleet is well known to us,” Lokad said. “In our eyes you received an officer’s justice. Mine will be no different.”

There was nothing more to say. Picard turned and walked out of the brig. Lokad smiled as he watched Picard leave.

-continued
Star Trek: Shuffle the Deck
Federation Earth