Suthy/Lexington: Blood Cries
- Thread starter DavidFalkayn
- Start date
There's a lot happening here. I liked that the vedeks were expecting Shelby and company.
Jaxa is torn as to whether or not to attack relatively helpless Cardassians, and in so doing comes close to killing her tormentor's ancestor. Wow, what kind of temporal causality loop might that have caused? In the end, her hand was stayed, though only through the intervention of a 'friend.'
I concur with others' assessments about the depth and complexity of Bajoran society that you've conveyed in this chapter. Oh, and nice references to future UT Bajoran characters. I'm guessing the one constable was referring to Pell's mother, perchance?
Jaxa is torn as to whether or not to attack relatively helpless Cardassians, and in so doing comes close to killing her tormentor's ancestor. Wow, what kind of temporal causality loop might that have caused? In the end, her hand was stayed, though only through the intervention of a 'friend.'
I concur with others' assessments about the depth and complexity of Bajoran society that you've conveyed in this chapter. Oh, and nice references to future UT Bajoran characters. I'm guessing the one constable was referring to Pell's mother, perchance?
Thanks guys, I'm glad you enjoyed it--I'm sorry for the long wait between parts. Work on the next part is progressing nicely and I should have it up (crossing fingers as the new semester begins on Monday) by the end of next weekend/early next week. I'm enjoying playing with Bajoran society and yes, that was an ancestor of Pell's 
One slight nitpick, you mentioned someone being a "Laren" but it should be "Ro" since Laren is her given name and Ro is the Djarra/family name.
Great segments here. I too loved the way you have fleshed out the pre-Next Generation/DS9 Bajor here. It is a rich yet slightly misguided society that might stand close to a massive social and political transformation.
Nothing like an alien occupation to bring people together.
It also looks as if Liz, Wesley and co. might get some supernatural help. How else to combat a supernatural evil.
Terrific job, looking forward to more.
Nothing like an alien occupation to bring people together.
It also looks as if Liz, Wesley and co. might get some supernatural help. How else to combat a supernatural evil.
Terrific job, looking forward to more.
Remember her initial episode, when Riker at first calls her Ensign Laren and she corrects him by saying that Bajorans traditionally place the family name first and then the given name.
That's what he's saying.
Doh! (Slapping forehead) You're right. It's been a long week and it's only half over with! I'll fix it in the final version to be posted on the website.
Thanks!
Thanks!
Hence her name is Ro Laren, the family name (first) being Ro and her name (second) being Laren, just as Kira Nerys is Major Kira, and the given name Nerys. I think you got a little confused there.
Saying someone is a Laren, to me you were indicating a djarra profession rather than specifying a particular name. Or did I get that wrong?
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Nah, you got it right, I messed up--I'm just getting dotty in my dotage
Suthy/Lexington: Blood Cries Part 13
Here's part 13, next part...Liz and co. get to play Indiana Jones for a bit...
Blood Cries Part 13
“So you think we’ll be able to find another one of these dimensional gateways just like the one you found on Eleuthra IV?” Admiral Bateson inquired of the Andorian science officer standing on the other side of the desk from which he sat in Captain Shelby’s ready room.
“Yes, sir.” Lieutenant Commander Talana Zha’Thara replied, her mind still grappling with the fact that the bearded man she was now calling ‘sir’ and wearing admiral’s pins on his collar was the same man, yet much older, that she knew from the Lexington. “The planet fits the exact same profile as Eleuthra IV—K class primary star, L class planet at least ten billion years old, and evidence of the same type of ruins that we saw on Eleuthra IV.”
“And you think that one of these ‘gateways’ might be key to our finding this ‘Gem of K’Tesh’?”
“Yes, sir.” The blue skinned science officer promptly responded.
“Hmmm...” Bateson vocalized as, brow furrowed, he read over the data that the Lexington officer had provided him. “You sound awfully sure of yourself, Talana. Even at maximum warp it’s going to take us some time to get to the Perdita Expanses and back—remember—we’re working on a time limit here. Are you absolutely sure?”
“Yes, Morgan.” Talana answered back, explaining further. “That thing that took over Aliz...she told me that to find the gem, we had to go back to our past and maybe even the future. Remember when I told you about our encounter with on that alien space station in the Typhon Nebula?”
“Yeah.” The admiral replied, his lips turning down into a frown. “As I recall, that was Bob’s first mission in command of The Lady. I also remember...” he added, his voice layered with sympathy for his old friend, “...that you and your team went through hell on that thing.”
Taking a deep breath and exhaling, the lovely Andorian’s antennae drooped, “Xylvan...Giotto...the others...all dead because of my curiosity...because I couldn’t wait to find out what was on that thing...”
“Talana...” the bearded admiral interjected softly, getting out of his seat and coming around the desk to his old friend, her eyes moistening with tears as memories of that time rushed through her mind. Placing one hand on her shoulder as he handed her a glass of water with the other, Bateson gently shepherded the white haired woman, her antennae drooping, to a plush black leather couch. Encouraging her to sit down, Morgan took the seat next to her. “It wasn’t your fault...”
“I know.” The Andorian responded, her lips turning up in a shaky smile as she gratefully sipped from the water glass her friend had handed to her. “It’s just that...with all that’s happened...” Pausing for a moment to gather her thoughts, Talana continued, “Remember when I told you that some of the glyphs we found on Eleuthra IV matched those we found on that database we downloaded from the alien station?”
“Yeah.” Morgan nodded his head, encouraging his friend to continue.
“Well...one of the glyphs...” Talana recalled, “I didn’t think much of it at that time...but after thinking about what that thing that possessed Aliz said about me having the key to finding that thing and then all the stuff about past, present, and future, I remembered a glyph that I saw both in the database and in the ruins. I thought at first that it might have represented a star...but it also could represent a radiant gem...”
“Or both.” Bateson sagaciously suggested.
“Or both.” Talana nodded her head. “So...I searched through the Sutherland’s database and well...I discovered some log reports about this system in the Perdita Expanses.”
“And you think we should go there and check it out?” Bateson encouraged.
“Yes, sir.” The lovely science officer concurred. “It’s not like we have a whole lot else to go on and time...as you said...is short...”
Taking a deep breath and then exhaling, the admiral, his decision made, tapped his comm badge. “Captain Rodenko. We’ve got a destination. Mr. Zha’Thara will give you the coordinates.”
“Good.” Boris Rodenko’s deep baritone voice responded, “It’s about time. I was getting bored just sitting here.”
Rising to his feet, Bateson offered a hand to his the Lexington science officer, “Better get going, Talana, a bored Boris Rodenko is not a happy Boris Rodenko.”
A smirk appearing on her face, Talana quipped, “Just like another big Russian I know.”
His smile turning into laughter, the admiral answered back, “Boris and the Bear...now that’s a pair to beat a full house any day of the week.” The smile still on his face as he ushered the Andorian woman to the ready room door, Bateson inquired, “So...dinner tonight with me and Denise?”
“Are you sure I’m not intruding, Morgan?” Talana demurred, “After all...you know what you humans say about three being a crowd...”
“Not at all!” The admiral chuckled, “Denise insisted. She likes you.” Lowering his voice, the bearded man whispered, “I think she’s a bit lonely for female company to talk to. You see...” he explained, “She was close friends with the former operations officer on the Sutherland. Well...when Anara took the first officer’s position on the Perseus last year, that kind of left Denise feeling a little left out—no one to gossip with—if you catch my drift.” His laughter returning, Morgan joked, “Besides...I have a feeling that I’m going to be the one who’s going to be the odd man out here. So...1800 hours at Rick’s? If you’re not sure how to get there, just ask Sam or Maria and they’ll be glad to point you in the right direction.”
“All right, Morgan.” Talana smiled back as the pair strode on to the bridge, “I’ll be there.”
“Now that you’ve made your dinner arrangements.” A thickly accented Russian voice coming from the Sutherland’s center chair interjected, “Perhaps we can get this show on the road.”
“Yes, Sir.” Talana promptly replied as she made her way to the science station, repressing the smirk that wanted to appear on her face. Just like Alexei. “I’ve fed the coordinates into the computer.”
“Very good, Mr. Zha’Thara. Take us out, Mr. Django...” Captain Rodenko ordered as, still somewhat uncomfortable in his new command, he fidgeted just a bit in the chair normally occupied by Captain Shelby, “...maximum warp.”
**********************************************************************
“Vedek?” Turning his head on hearing his chief acolyte’s call, the elderly abbot responded, “Yes, my son?”
“Two officers of the Kendra City constabulary are requesting an audience. They say it involves the recent murders. Shall I send them away?”
“No.” The priest responded with a shake of his head. “Provide them refreshment and tell them that I shall be with them shortly.” Turning his attention back towards Captain Shelby, the old man apologized, “Come with me. I’ll walk back with you to your friends and will join you after I finish with our new guests. Nadal will be by with drinks and food for you shortly. I’m sure you must all be famished after your journey.”
“Thank you, Vedek.” Liz replied respectfully as she took the old man up on his offer. “We appreciate your hospitality.”
“My pleasure.” The old man responded, flashing a wink revealing that this wizened and stately cleric was once quite the rogue, “It’s not often we get such beautiful women as yourself and your ‘kinswomen’ to come and see us.”
“Why Vedek...” Liz chuckled coquettishly as the elderly abbot laughed, “I believe you’re flirting with me.”
******************************************************************
“Thank you for granting us this audience, Vedek Tamil.” Senior Constable Tan Samal respectfully recited, kneeling, his head bowed low. “Please allow me to introduce my partner, Junior Constable Pel Daren.”
Touching both officers’ ears, the elderly abbot smiled warmly as he sensed their pahs. “Rise and be greeted, my sons. What may I and my humble order do for you this day?”
“We come seeking advice and possibly...information...regarding the recent murders, Vedek.” Samal replied, maintaining his respectful tone.
“Surely you don’t think they’re connected in some way to this order?” A surprised Tamil exclaimed.
“Of course not, Honored One!” Samal quickly responded in as mollifying a voice as possible. “We merely hoped that you might be able to help guide us in our investigations.”
“I see...” The old man responded, nodding his head. “I will, of course, be glad to assist in whatever way possible. What is it that you seek?”
“We think, Vedek...” Samal answered back, ‘...that whoever is committing these murders believes him...or more likely her...self to be the Blood Wraith.”
“Of course...” Daren interjected, “We don’t actually believe that the Blood Wraith is really responsible for these killings. Just a deranged and psychotic individual....”
“Interesting...” the old man drawled as he stroked his white beard, “I’m curious, Constable Daren...why do you find it so difficult to accept that the killer might well be the Blood Wraith?”
Cringing inwardly at his young protégé’s blunt skepticism, Samal opened his mouth to speak only to be stopped by the Vedek’s upraised hand, “No...Constable Samal. I truly am interested in Constable Daren’s opinion.” Turning once again to the younger man, the abbot encouraged, “Please...feel free to speak. You have my oath that there will be no repercussions for your words.”
“Very well...” The young headstrong constable said as he tried to hide his nervousness behind a mask of bravado, “Because the Blood Wraith—like the Prophets—are nothing more than silly superstitions. False gods to keep the d’jarras in place and the people in line.”
“Interesting....” the vedek replied in a soft voice, raising his hand gently to silence the older constable’s protests, “No...it’s nothing I haven’t heard from many others.” His lips turning up into an ironic grin, the old man turned his attention back to the younger man, “Would it surprise you—young man—to know that—at least partly, I agree with you.”
Dumbfounded by the cleric’s surprise confession, neither constable could speak as the old man continued, “Oh...I believe in the Prophets—make no mistake about that.” The vedek clarified, stating solemnly and reverently, “I have seen them and have seen too many of their prophecies bear fruit through the years to ignore them.” Pausing for a moment as his words sunk in, the abbot continued, “But...I also believe that we in the Vedek Assembly and in the clergy have wrongly used the name of the Prophets to gain and hold power—and...” he sighed as his head lowered, “...I fear that the Prophets will soon exact a fearful price on us all for our arrogance.”
“And the Blood-Wraith?” Daren persisted, “I suppose you’re going to tell me that’s real as well and not just a bogeyman...”
“Oh...” The old man responded, his face taking on a grave countenance as he spoke, “...the Blood-Wraith is quite real, young man, I assure you. And...if you and your partner will accompany me and some recently acquired friends of mine to the Tomb of Kai Winn Derela, you will find out for yourself just how real—and frightening—it truly is.”
***********************************************************************
“The constable and his associate will be joining us on our trip.” Vedek Tamil declared as he entered the chamber where Liz and the rest of the landing party stood waiting. “They have every reason to be here.” The old abbot continued to speak, cutting off Liz’s protests, “They’re investigating a series of murders of young women...”
“I see...” Liz replied through pursed lips, “If you really think it’s necessary.”
“It is.” The priest answered back definitively. “Now...I will leave you all to get better acquainted with each other. Barring unforeseen events, we will leave for the Tomb within the hour.”
After the priest had departed, the older of the two men approached Captain Shelby. “Samal...Kendra City Constabulary. May I speak with you for a few moments...”
“Sito...” Liz responded, putting just the slightest note of haughtiness in her voice as befitted one of her d’jarra speaking with someone of a slightly lesser order, “Sito Narandra. Of course you may, Constable. How may I assist you?”
“My partner and I noticed that your caravan was newly arrived in our city. Perchance...” he asked politely, “...do you have a prior relationship with Vedek Tamil?”
“Personally—no.” Liz admitted, “But our family has traded through intermediaries with the monastery for some time.”
“Where does your family come from?” The constable, again respectfully, inquired.
Knowing an interrogation, no matter how polite, when she saw one, an unruffled Liz responded without missing a beat, “Lanar Province. My sister wanted to come here personally and we decided to combine business with a pilgrimage to the monastery.”
“I see...” The wily constable persisted, “But...why would you be interested in visiting the Tomb of Kai Winn Derela?”
“Merely historical interest...” Liz responded with a shrug of her shoulders. “When I mentioned to the vedek my interest in that period, he suggested a tour of the Tomb. He thought I might find it interesting.”
“Hmmm...” Samal, not really buying the petite blonde woman’s story, yet at the same time not ready to press the issue, nodded his head respectfully, “Well...let us hope that it will be a profitable journey for us all.”
Appearing once again at the threshold, Vedek Tamil called out, “Everyone is ready, I trust. The way is long and if we wish to reach the Tomb by sunset we need to depart now.”
*********************************************************************
Pausing at the entrance to ‘Rick’s’, the Sutherland’s lounge, Talana gasped in astonishment as her eyes took in the 1940s Moroccan cabaret decor—the bar, roulette and craps tables, couples talking and laughing amongst themselves, a few couples on the floor dancing to a jazzy tune played by the band accompanied by a man playing the piano. Her eyes scanning the bar, the Andorian science office at once recognized the admiral, seated next to the Sutherland’s Chief Medical Officer, his hand beckoning her towards their table.
“Talana! Over here!”
Approaching the admiral’s table, Talana shook her head, “I can’t believe this place! On a luxury liner—yes. But on a working starship?”
“Yeah...kind of takes your breath away, doesn’t it?” Admiral Bateson chuckled good-naturedly. “If it’s any consolation to you, it took me some time to get used to it too. Anyway, if you think this is something...you should take a tour on a Galaxy sometime. Now that will blow your mind!”
“You should have seen the ship when we still had families on board.” Denise added, a rueful tone to her voice.
“Families?” An astonished Talana echoed as she took her seat opposite the couple. “I heard on Lexington not so long ago that there was some debate about allowing family members on board starships, but I didn’t think anything was going to come of it. What happened?” She then asked, her eyes once again scanning the bar, this time for the presence of obvious civilians, “Why did you take the families off—personally I think it’s a good idea—it’d cut down on a lot of broken marriages and relationships...”
“Things happened.” Morgan replied in somber tone only to be cut off by his old friend.
“The Borg and the Dominion War, right?” Her face darkening to a deep blue, as she saw the look on the admiral’s face, the lovely Andorian confessed, “I’m sorry, Morgan, but to get to those log reports...well...I couldn’t help but...”
“Your curiosity got the better of you.” Bateson chuckled, completing his old friend’s statement. You never could leave well enough alone.”
Her mind recalling what she saw and read about the horrible events of those hurricanes, Talana placed a hand on her old friend’s arm. “I’m sorry, Morgan...Denise. I couldn’t even imagine what you and everyone else involved went through. I don’t know what to say.”
“Not much to be said.” The admiral replied, he lips turning down into a frown. “Well...” he sighed, “...the damage is done. You know, of course, that you cannot discuss this with anyone else in your timeline...”
“I know.” Talana acknowledged, her head lowered. “I just wish...”
“Don’t.” Denise chimed in, her expression one of compassion and empathy. “You can’t do anything about it. All we can do is move forward and try our best to be true to who and what we are.”
“Even though sometimes that can be incredibly hard.” Morgan added, a grim tone still in his voice.
“Especially when it’s incredibly hard.” Dr. Murakawa gently chided as a waiter brought their food to them. “That’s when it’s most important.”
*********************************************************************
“This is it.” Vedek Tamil declared, stopping at the entrance to the tomb of Kai Winn Derela. “Before we can proceed, all who are about to enter must first undergo the Ritual of Purification to seek his and the Prophets’ consent. Failure to do so would incur their wrath.”
The ritual, to the surprise of Shelby and the non-Bajoran members of the group, was actually quite brief. The vedek first sat cross-legged on the ground, and, his arms out in the manner of traditional Bajoran prayer, meditated for several minutes before rising. Then, taking a flask of fresh springwine from one of his acolytes, the elderly cleric bade each planning on entering the tomb to kneel. Approaching each person in turn, the priest touched their ear and then offered them a sip from the flask. After he had completed that part of the ritual, Vedek Tamil once again assumed the Bajoran position of prayer, this time, chanting an oral supplication. Rising again to his feet, the old man announced, “The Prophets and the Kai grant their consent. We may proceed with their blessing.”
Watching as the vedek and his guests entered the tomb, leaving behind a couple of the younger acolytes to keep watch over their camp, the possessed Aliz Bathory flashed an evil grin. The Blood-wraith was happy. Everything was going according to plan and soon she would have everything...and everyone...in place. Soon, those ‘Prophets’ sitting in smug triumph in the Celestial Temple would pay. Soon, she and her fellow exiles would reclaim their home. But for now, the blood-wraith decided, licking her lips in anticipation, she was hungry. It had been so long since she had last tasted fear and those two youths sitting by the fire looked so scrumptious...so full of life...
Here's part 13, next part...Liz and co. get to play Indiana Jones for a bit...
Blood Cries Part 13
“So you think we’ll be able to find another one of these dimensional gateways just like the one you found on Eleuthra IV?” Admiral Bateson inquired of the Andorian science officer standing on the other side of the desk from which he sat in Captain Shelby’s ready room.
“Yes, sir.” Lieutenant Commander Talana Zha’Thara replied, her mind still grappling with the fact that the bearded man she was now calling ‘sir’ and wearing admiral’s pins on his collar was the same man, yet much older, that she knew from the Lexington. “The planet fits the exact same profile as Eleuthra IV—K class primary star, L class planet at least ten billion years old, and evidence of the same type of ruins that we saw on Eleuthra IV.”
“And you think that one of these ‘gateways’ might be key to our finding this ‘Gem of K’Tesh’?”
“Yes, sir.” The blue skinned science officer promptly responded.
“Hmmm...” Bateson vocalized as, brow furrowed, he read over the data that the Lexington officer had provided him. “You sound awfully sure of yourself, Talana. Even at maximum warp it’s going to take us some time to get to the Perdita Expanses and back—remember—we’re working on a time limit here. Are you absolutely sure?”
“Yes, Morgan.” Talana answered back, explaining further. “That thing that took over Aliz...she told me that to find the gem, we had to go back to our past and maybe even the future. Remember when I told you about our encounter with on that alien space station in the Typhon Nebula?”
“Yeah.” The admiral replied, his lips turning down into a frown. “As I recall, that was Bob’s first mission in command of The Lady. I also remember...” he added, his voice layered with sympathy for his old friend, “...that you and your team went through hell on that thing.”
Taking a deep breath and exhaling, the lovely Andorian’s antennae drooped, “Xylvan...Giotto...the others...all dead because of my curiosity...because I couldn’t wait to find out what was on that thing...”
“Talana...” the bearded admiral interjected softly, getting out of his seat and coming around the desk to his old friend, her eyes moistening with tears as memories of that time rushed through her mind. Placing one hand on her shoulder as he handed her a glass of water with the other, Bateson gently shepherded the white haired woman, her antennae drooping, to a plush black leather couch. Encouraging her to sit down, Morgan took the seat next to her. “It wasn’t your fault...”
“I know.” The Andorian responded, her lips turning up in a shaky smile as she gratefully sipped from the water glass her friend had handed to her. “It’s just that...with all that’s happened...” Pausing for a moment to gather her thoughts, Talana continued, “Remember when I told you that some of the glyphs we found on Eleuthra IV matched those we found on that database we downloaded from the alien station?”
“Yeah.” Morgan nodded his head, encouraging his friend to continue.
“Well...one of the glyphs...” Talana recalled, “I didn’t think much of it at that time...but after thinking about what that thing that possessed Aliz said about me having the key to finding that thing and then all the stuff about past, present, and future, I remembered a glyph that I saw both in the database and in the ruins. I thought at first that it might have represented a star...but it also could represent a radiant gem...”
“Or both.” Bateson sagaciously suggested.
“Or both.” Talana nodded her head. “So...I searched through the Sutherland’s database and well...I discovered some log reports about this system in the Perdita Expanses.”
“And you think we should go there and check it out?” Bateson encouraged.
“Yes, sir.” The lovely science officer concurred. “It’s not like we have a whole lot else to go on and time...as you said...is short...”
Taking a deep breath and then exhaling, the admiral, his decision made, tapped his comm badge. “Captain Rodenko. We’ve got a destination. Mr. Zha’Thara will give you the coordinates.”
“Good.” Boris Rodenko’s deep baritone voice responded, “It’s about time. I was getting bored just sitting here.”
Rising to his feet, Bateson offered a hand to his the Lexington science officer, “Better get going, Talana, a bored Boris Rodenko is not a happy Boris Rodenko.”
A smirk appearing on her face, Talana quipped, “Just like another big Russian I know.”
His smile turning into laughter, the admiral answered back, “Boris and the Bear...now that’s a pair to beat a full house any day of the week.” The smile still on his face as he ushered the Andorian woman to the ready room door, Bateson inquired, “So...dinner tonight with me and Denise?”
“Are you sure I’m not intruding, Morgan?” Talana demurred, “After all...you know what you humans say about three being a crowd...”
“Not at all!” The admiral chuckled, “Denise insisted. She likes you.” Lowering his voice, the bearded man whispered, “I think she’s a bit lonely for female company to talk to. You see...” he explained, “She was close friends with the former operations officer on the Sutherland. Well...when Anara took the first officer’s position on the Perseus last year, that kind of left Denise feeling a little left out—no one to gossip with—if you catch my drift.” His laughter returning, Morgan joked, “Besides...I have a feeling that I’m going to be the one who’s going to be the odd man out here. So...1800 hours at Rick’s? If you’re not sure how to get there, just ask Sam or Maria and they’ll be glad to point you in the right direction.”
“All right, Morgan.” Talana smiled back as the pair strode on to the bridge, “I’ll be there.”
“Now that you’ve made your dinner arrangements.” A thickly accented Russian voice coming from the Sutherland’s center chair interjected, “Perhaps we can get this show on the road.”
“Yes, Sir.” Talana promptly replied as she made her way to the science station, repressing the smirk that wanted to appear on her face. Just like Alexei. “I’ve fed the coordinates into the computer.”
“Very good, Mr. Zha’Thara. Take us out, Mr. Django...” Captain Rodenko ordered as, still somewhat uncomfortable in his new command, he fidgeted just a bit in the chair normally occupied by Captain Shelby, “...maximum warp.”
**********************************************************************
“Vedek?” Turning his head on hearing his chief acolyte’s call, the elderly abbot responded, “Yes, my son?”
“Two officers of the Kendra City constabulary are requesting an audience. They say it involves the recent murders. Shall I send them away?”
“No.” The priest responded with a shake of his head. “Provide them refreshment and tell them that I shall be with them shortly.” Turning his attention back towards Captain Shelby, the old man apologized, “Come with me. I’ll walk back with you to your friends and will join you after I finish with our new guests. Nadal will be by with drinks and food for you shortly. I’m sure you must all be famished after your journey.”
“Thank you, Vedek.” Liz replied respectfully as she took the old man up on his offer. “We appreciate your hospitality.”
“My pleasure.” The old man responded, flashing a wink revealing that this wizened and stately cleric was once quite the rogue, “It’s not often we get such beautiful women as yourself and your ‘kinswomen’ to come and see us.”
“Why Vedek...” Liz chuckled coquettishly as the elderly abbot laughed, “I believe you’re flirting with me.”
******************************************************************
“Thank you for granting us this audience, Vedek Tamil.” Senior Constable Tan Samal respectfully recited, kneeling, his head bowed low. “Please allow me to introduce my partner, Junior Constable Pel Daren.”
Touching both officers’ ears, the elderly abbot smiled warmly as he sensed their pahs. “Rise and be greeted, my sons. What may I and my humble order do for you this day?”
“We come seeking advice and possibly...information...regarding the recent murders, Vedek.” Samal replied, maintaining his respectful tone.
“Surely you don’t think they’re connected in some way to this order?” A surprised Tamil exclaimed.
“Of course not, Honored One!” Samal quickly responded in as mollifying a voice as possible. “We merely hoped that you might be able to help guide us in our investigations.”
“I see...” The old man responded, nodding his head. “I will, of course, be glad to assist in whatever way possible. What is it that you seek?”
“We think, Vedek...” Samal answered back, ‘...that whoever is committing these murders believes him...or more likely her...self to be the Blood Wraith.”
“Of course...” Daren interjected, “We don’t actually believe that the Blood Wraith is really responsible for these killings. Just a deranged and psychotic individual....”
“Interesting...” the old man drawled as he stroked his white beard, “I’m curious, Constable Daren...why do you find it so difficult to accept that the killer might well be the Blood Wraith?”
Cringing inwardly at his young protégé’s blunt skepticism, Samal opened his mouth to speak only to be stopped by the Vedek’s upraised hand, “No...Constable Samal. I truly am interested in Constable Daren’s opinion.” Turning once again to the younger man, the abbot encouraged, “Please...feel free to speak. You have my oath that there will be no repercussions for your words.”
“Very well...” The young headstrong constable said as he tried to hide his nervousness behind a mask of bravado, “Because the Blood Wraith—like the Prophets—are nothing more than silly superstitions. False gods to keep the d’jarras in place and the people in line.”
“Interesting....” the vedek replied in a soft voice, raising his hand gently to silence the older constable’s protests, “No...it’s nothing I haven’t heard from many others.” His lips turning up into an ironic grin, the old man turned his attention back to the younger man, “Would it surprise you—young man—to know that—at least partly, I agree with you.”
Dumbfounded by the cleric’s surprise confession, neither constable could speak as the old man continued, “Oh...I believe in the Prophets—make no mistake about that.” The vedek clarified, stating solemnly and reverently, “I have seen them and have seen too many of their prophecies bear fruit through the years to ignore them.” Pausing for a moment as his words sunk in, the abbot continued, “But...I also believe that we in the Vedek Assembly and in the clergy have wrongly used the name of the Prophets to gain and hold power—and...” he sighed as his head lowered, “...I fear that the Prophets will soon exact a fearful price on us all for our arrogance.”
“And the Blood-Wraith?” Daren persisted, “I suppose you’re going to tell me that’s real as well and not just a bogeyman...”
“Oh...” The old man responded, his face taking on a grave countenance as he spoke, “...the Blood-Wraith is quite real, young man, I assure you. And...if you and your partner will accompany me and some recently acquired friends of mine to the Tomb of Kai Winn Derela, you will find out for yourself just how real—and frightening—it truly is.”
***********************************************************************
“The constable and his associate will be joining us on our trip.” Vedek Tamil declared as he entered the chamber where Liz and the rest of the landing party stood waiting. “They have every reason to be here.” The old abbot continued to speak, cutting off Liz’s protests, “They’re investigating a series of murders of young women...”
“I see...” Liz replied through pursed lips, “If you really think it’s necessary.”
“It is.” The priest answered back definitively. “Now...I will leave you all to get better acquainted with each other. Barring unforeseen events, we will leave for the Tomb within the hour.”
After the priest had departed, the older of the two men approached Captain Shelby. “Samal...Kendra City Constabulary. May I speak with you for a few moments...”
“Sito...” Liz responded, putting just the slightest note of haughtiness in her voice as befitted one of her d’jarra speaking with someone of a slightly lesser order, “Sito Narandra. Of course you may, Constable. How may I assist you?”
“My partner and I noticed that your caravan was newly arrived in our city. Perchance...” he asked politely, “...do you have a prior relationship with Vedek Tamil?”
“Personally—no.” Liz admitted, “But our family has traded through intermediaries with the monastery for some time.”
“Where does your family come from?” The constable, again respectfully, inquired.
Knowing an interrogation, no matter how polite, when she saw one, an unruffled Liz responded without missing a beat, “Lanar Province. My sister wanted to come here personally and we decided to combine business with a pilgrimage to the monastery.”
“I see...” The wily constable persisted, “But...why would you be interested in visiting the Tomb of Kai Winn Derela?”
“Merely historical interest...” Liz responded with a shrug of her shoulders. “When I mentioned to the vedek my interest in that period, he suggested a tour of the Tomb. He thought I might find it interesting.”
“Hmmm...” Samal, not really buying the petite blonde woman’s story, yet at the same time not ready to press the issue, nodded his head respectfully, “Well...let us hope that it will be a profitable journey for us all.”
Appearing once again at the threshold, Vedek Tamil called out, “Everyone is ready, I trust. The way is long and if we wish to reach the Tomb by sunset we need to depart now.”
*********************************************************************
Pausing at the entrance to ‘Rick’s’, the Sutherland’s lounge, Talana gasped in astonishment as her eyes took in the 1940s Moroccan cabaret decor—the bar, roulette and craps tables, couples talking and laughing amongst themselves, a few couples on the floor dancing to a jazzy tune played by the band accompanied by a man playing the piano. Her eyes scanning the bar, the Andorian science office at once recognized the admiral, seated next to the Sutherland’s Chief Medical Officer, his hand beckoning her towards their table.
“Talana! Over here!”
Approaching the admiral’s table, Talana shook her head, “I can’t believe this place! On a luxury liner—yes. But on a working starship?”
“Yeah...kind of takes your breath away, doesn’t it?” Admiral Bateson chuckled good-naturedly. “If it’s any consolation to you, it took me some time to get used to it too. Anyway, if you think this is something...you should take a tour on a Galaxy sometime. Now that will blow your mind!”
“You should have seen the ship when we still had families on board.” Denise added, a rueful tone to her voice.
“Families?” An astonished Talana echoed as she took her seat opposite the couple. “I heard on Lexington not so long ago that there was some debate about allowing family members on board starships, but I didn’t think anything was going to come of it. What happened?” She then asked, her eyes once again scanning the bar, this time for the presence of obvious civilians, “Why did you take the families off—personally I think it’s a good idea—it’d cut down on a lot of broken marriages and relationships...”
“Things happened.” Morgan replied in somber tone only to be cut off by his old friend.
“The Borg and the Dominion War, right?” Her face darkening to a deep blue, as she saw the look on the admiral’s face, the lovely Andorian confessed, “I’m sorry, Morgan, but to get to those log reports...well...I couldn’t help but...”
“Your curiosity got the better of you.” Bateson chuckled, completing his old friend’s statement. You never could leave well enough alone.”
Her mind recalling what she saw and read about the horrible events of those hurricanes, Talana placed a hand on her old friend’s arm. “I’m sorry, Morgan...Denise. I couldn’t even imagine what you and everyone else involved went through. I don’t know what to say.”
“Not much to be said.” The admiral replied, he lips turning down into a frown. “Well...” he sighed, “...the damage is done. You know, of course, that you cannot discuss this with anyone else in your timeline...”
“I know.” Talana acknowledged, her head lowered. “I just wish...”
“Don’t.” Denise chimed in, her expression one of compassion and empathy. “You can’t do anything about it. All we can do is move forward and try our best to be true to who and what we are.”
“Even though sometimes that can be incredibly hard.” Morgan added, a grim tone still in his voice.
“Especially when it’s incredibly hard.” Dr. Murakawa gently chided as a waiter brought their food to them. “That’s when it’s most important.”
*********************************************************************
“This is it.” Vedek Tamil declared, stopping at the entrance to the tomb of Kai Winn Derela. “Before we can proceed, all who are about to enter must first undergo the Ritual of Purification to seek his and the Prophets’ consent. Failure to do so would incur their wrath.”
The ritual, to the surprise of Shelby and the non-Bajoran members of the group, was actually quite brief. The vedek first sat cross-legged on the ground, and, his arms out in the manner of traditional Bajoran prayer, meditated for several minutes before rising. Then, taking a flask of fresh springwine from one of his acolytes, the elderly cleric bade each planning on entering the tomb to kneel. Approaching each person in turn, the priest touched their ear and then offered them a sip from the flask. After he had completed that part of the ritual, Vedek Tamil once again assumed the Bajoran position of prayer, this time, chanting an oral supplication. Rising again to his feet, the old man announced, “The Prophets and the Kai grant their consent. We may proceed with their blessing.”
Watching as the vedek and his guests entered the tomb, leaving behind a couple of the younger acolytes to keep watch over their camp, the possessed Aliz Bathory flashed an evil grin. The Blood-wraith was happy. Everything was going according to plan and soon she would have everything...and everyone...in place. Soon, those ‘Prophets’ sitting in smug triumph in the Celestial Temple would pay. Soon, she and her fellow exiles would reclaim their home. But for now, the blood-wraith decided, licking her lips in anticipation, she was hungry. It had been so long since she had last tasted fear and those two youths sitting by the fire looked so scrumptious...so full of life...
Re: Suthy/Lexington: Blood Cries Part 13
When things go according to the Blood Wraith's plan, then things are not going according the right plan. Liz and co. better even the score before they walk right into a trap.
And somebody really should tell Talana that curiosity killed the Andorian cat.
When things go according to the Blood Wraith's plan, then things are not going according the right plan. Liz and co. better even the score before they walk right into a trap.
And somebody really should tell Talana that curiosity killed the Andorian cat.
uh oh! Why does the Blood Wraith want access to the tomb? Spooky and spine tingling 
There is great world building with the Bajorans here. Please continue.
Suthy/Lexington: Blood Cries Part 14
Sorry about the lengthy time between postings, but I'm at a difficult stretch in the story now and RL has been pretty busy as well!
Sorry about the lengthy time between postings, but I'm at a difficult stretch in the story now and RL has been pretty busy as well!
BLOOD CRIES: PART 14
As she entered the tomb in the lead, with Lieutenant Sito and Vedek Tamil alongside her, Captain Shelby allowed herself to feel a brief moment of excitement as the light from their flashlights dispelled the shadows of the ancient burial site. Brushing aside thick palukoo webs, Liz paused for a moment as she heard a skittering before her. Shining her light down at the source of the noise, she spied one of the house cat sized arachnids scurrying for the safety of the shadows.
“They’re harmless...” The Vedek grinned, “Although their bite can be painful if they manage to get their mandibles into you.”
“Palukoos...” Daren grimaced, “I hate palukoos.”
“My...we used to roast them over an open fire at a...at a place I stayed at once...” Sito recalled as her mind flashed back to one of the refugee camps she stayed at as a child.
“Never cared too much for them, myself.” Constable Samal harrumphed, “Too tough and they’ve got a bitter aftertaste.”
“If you’re starving in a refugee camp and they’re all you’ve got to eat...” Sito whispered under her breath, her voice inaudible to all but the old priest, “...then they taste better than the finest hasperat.”
Frowning as he heard the young woman’s words, the old abbot shook his head sadly. Truly future generations pay for the sins of the present.
“Let’s keep moving, people.” Liz urged as she once again took the lead, using a machete-type blade to cut through the thick cobwebs.
“She doesn’t mess around, does she?” Lieutenant Mtolo remarked as he trudged behind the captain and Sutherland security chief.
“Nope.” Cilla Oudekirk replied with a note of admiration in her voice, “She sure doesn’t.”
“Sounds like you have a crush on her.” Lieutenant Bateson teased, smiling broadly so as to not offend the usually touchy Cilla.
“Not a crush.” The Dutch communications officer replied with a frown, “It’s just good to see a woman in command for a change.”
“What about Marietta deVeers and some of the other women captains?” Morgan countered as he shooed away a particularly aggressive palukoo. “I’ve worked with Captain DeVeers and she’s one of the most ‘in charge’ people I’ve ever met.”
“Yeah...” Cilla retorted, “...but what is she commanding now? That’s right—a destroyer.” The willowy Dutch woman pointed out with a grimace, “That woman should be commanding a Connie and you know it! And I can think of at least three or four other women who should be flying Connies too and they’re either just department heads or assigned shore duty.”
“Give it time, Cilla.” Bateson urged, “They’re building more Connies and the ‘Old Boys’ aren’t going to be in charge forever. Soon, men like Commodore Wesley and women like Commodore Paski, Captain DeVeers, and Brooks Erdolan are going to be calling the shots—then you’ll see things change.”
“It better.” Cilla spat out as she hacked viciously at an especially thick cobweb, “That’s all I’ve got to say.”
************************************************************************
“Be careful...” The old priest cautioned as the group advanced deeper into the tomb. “There might be traps...”
“Grave robbers?” Liz exclaimed, “I never thought that Bajorans would have a problem with tomb robbing...”
“Unfortunately...” the old man answered back as Lieutenant Mtolo and one of the acolytes took the point, “...the lure of easy wealth all too often overcomes the respect due to the honored dead.”
Hacking at the thick palukoo webs, the young acolyte never noticed the pressure plate he stepped on. Hearing an audible click and spotting a motion out of the corner of his eye, called out as he launched himself at the young man, “Dive!”
The young monk, frozen in place, stood transfixed in place as the sharpened wooden spike drove itself into his chest just moments before the Zulu security chief reached him. Arriving too late, Nealo shook his head as Captain Shelby approached.
“I see.” Liz responded quietly, motioning to two other acolytes, “Get him outside—and watch yourselves.” Turning her attention back to the security chief, Captain Shelby inquired, “You want a break from point?
“No, sir.” Lieutenant Mtolo replied, “I’m good.”
“All right.” Liz answered back as she hefted her machete, “I’ll join you, then.”
“This is it.” The elderly abbot announced as the party paused before what appeared to be a wall. Advancing to the wall, the priest took a burned out torch from its cradle. Lighting it, he replaced it and then did the same to four other torches. As the light from the torches slowly bathed the antechamber, the traces of a doorway revealed itself on the wall. Approaching the doorway slowly and reverently, Vedek Tamil touched first the lower left corner, then the upper right, then lower right, then upper left. Pausing, the vedek took a small signet ring out of his pouch and affixed it to his middle finger. He then placed the ring flush against the center of the door. Hearing a grinding sound, Liz watched in fascination as the stone door slowly slid down to the floor until completely disappearing. “We may proceed now. But...we only have until the torches burn out. If we tarry any longer—we will be sealed in here forever.”
“Then let’s get going and quit wasting time.” Captain Shelby responded as she followed the abbot into the burial chamber. “The sooner we find what we need, the better.”
Entering the burial chamber, Liz immediately spotted the raised sarcophagus in the middle of the chamber. On either side of the head of the sarcophagus stood two pillars, each one meter in height, each one bearing a chest.
“The writings of Kai Wynn Derela lay within one of the chests.” The elderly vedek declared, answering Liz’s unspoken question.
“And inside the other?” Lieutenant Bateson interjected as he and Cilla entered the burial chamber.
“Death.” The abbot simply replied.
“So...” Liz inquired, with just the faintest touch of irritation and sarcasm in her voice, “Any ideas on how to avoid the ‘death’ part of the equation? From what I see, we have a fifty/fifty shot right now...I’d rather we narrow that down to a one hundred percent margin of safety.”
Turning about, the old man saw the light from the torches outside beginning to fade, “Then, my dear...” the priest smiled, “...we had best hurry.”
Drawing closer to the chests, Lieutenant Oudekirk carefully investigated the sigils engraved on the outside. “What are these symbols?” The Dutch linguist inquired as she quickly and accurately copied the pictographs on to a 24th century padd that she had been issued on the Loire.
“These pictographs haven’t been used for thousands...tens of thousands...of years.” The elderly priest marveled, “They were used by the earliest Servants of the Prophets...
“Can you translate them?” Captain Shelby inquired, her lips turning down into a worried frown.
“They’re fragments from sacred text...very obscure and very ancient selections at that.” The elderly vedek replied as his eyes carefully examined each of the symbols. “But there are pictographs missing. Note...” he instructed as he pointed to several blank spaces between symbols on both chests, “...here...here...and here. It appears that Kai Winn Derela wants us to discover the missing symbols...”
“And then once we have the complete translation...” Cilla concluded, “...we should be able to figure out which chest to open.”
“Great...” Nealo groused, “...a scavenger hunt. So...” the Zulu security officer queried, “Any ideas on what sort of symbols we should be looking for?”
His eyes turning to the walls, also carved with runes and pictographs, the old man answered, “I think we will need to search here.” Reading from right to left, the old man traced the symbols with his fingers. “Here.” He announced, pointing to an ovoid symbol. “That’s one.” Continuing his task as the torchlight outside continued to dim, the priest found two other pieces of the puzzle just as one of the torches died out. Hearing a creaking sound coming from the burial chamber doorway, the priest declared as he resumed his task, we must hurry.”
“Can you help him Lieutenant Oudekirk...Lieutenant Sito?”
“I don’t know, sir.” The Dutch linguist replied, “It’s like trying to decipher hieroglyphics without the Rosetta Stone.”
“Maybe I can help.” Jaxa chimed in as she joined the Dutch communications officer who was at that moment working alongside the priest. “Wait!” The young Bajoran security officer called out just as a second torch was extinguished, causing the door to begin its slow rise out from its slot in the floor. “Here. That has to be one.”
Rushing over to the young blonde’s side, Vedek Tamil nodded his head, “Very good, my dear. That should be the last one. Tell me though...how did you know?”
“I didn’t.” Sito confessed, “It just...” she shrugged her shoulders, “...it just...felt...right.”
His lips turning up into a gentle smile, the old man responded as he placed a kindly hand on the younger woman’s shoulder, “I know, my child, that you have lost your faith, but please also know that you are touched by the Prophets and that they are watching out for you.” His gentle smile now turning into a sad one, the priest added, “Whatever else happens, remember that in the days ahead and know that you are blameless.”
“What are you talking about, Vedek?”
“Nothing, my child.” The priest replied, the sad smile still on his face. “Just the nattering of an old man. Come...we must return to the task at hand—our time draws short.” Returning to the sarcophagus, the abbot slowly and painstakingly drew the pictographs on the chests, filling each of the empty spaces. His lips moving as he read silently, Vedek Tamil turned his head towards the left chest. “That is the correct one. Open it.”
“Are you sure?” A skeptical Liz inquired.
“Yes. That is the correct chest.” The vedek repeated as another torch died out, leaving only one more still lit. “Now...we must hurry.”
“Right.” Liz agreed, taking a deep breath as she opened the chest, revealing the scroll inside. “This must be what we’re looking for. Let’s get out of here before that torch burns out.”
Escaping the burial chamber last, just the last torch died and the door slid shut behind her, Captain Shelby handed the scroll to the elderly priest. “What can you make of his, Vedek?”
********************************************************************
Finally deactivating the forcefield holding him in confinement, Commodore Wesley fought down his first impulse to dash out through runabout’s open hatch and into the safety of the countryside as he knew that he was: one, an alien on a strange planet, and two that the powerful being that had taken over his crewman would probably be able to easily track him down anyway. Besides, escape was not what was on his mind. Rather, he sought information. Information that would help him to defeat the entity that had so violated Aliz and had murdered and tortured his crew. Quickly moving towards the computer, the commodore spoke up, “Computer? I need all information you have available on pah-wraiths.” Reading intently as the computer flashed all of the information in its database on the pah-wraiths, Robert nodded his head intently, “Ok, computer. Now, I need all you have on the Orb of Renascence, Bajoran orbs in general, and the Gem of K’Tesh...”
“There is no information in my data banks on a Gem of K’Tesh.” The computer’s feminine voice responded. “The Orb of Renascence is mentioned in Bajoran sacred scriptures as being...” Robert listened intently as the computer imparted the limited information it had available on that particular orb and then the somewhat wider—yet still all to scanty—information on the Bajoran orbs, including a brief mention of Captain Benjamin Sisko, his role as the Emissary, and the Fire Caves.
“All right, Computer.” Wesley commanded, as he remembered the pah-wraith’s command to deliver that orb and the gem to the Fire Caves, “I need to know everything you have on Captain Benjamin Sisko, what his function was as Emissary, and his encounter in the Fire Caves.”
“That information is restricted to flag rank officers or higher.” The computer responded.
Sighing and then exhaling, a slight grin crossed the commodore’s face. Well...the worst it can say is no. “Computer. What is the current stardate?”
“The current stardate is 4758.75.” The computer promptly responded.
“Therefore...” Wesley continued, “...your protocols should authorize release of the requested information to all current flag rank or higher officers possessing the proper authorizations codes, correct?”
After an almost interminable period, the computer responded, “Affirmative.”
“Ok, computer. My command authorization is Wesley, Robert. Commodore, Command code Alpha Tango Whisky 1001 Alpha.”
“Command code authorization authenticated.” The computer responded as it displayed on the monitor screen all that was known of Captain Benjamin Sisko, his career as both a Starfleet officer and Emissary of the Prophets, and then finally, what little was known of his encounter in the Fire Caves.
As the faintest notions of a plan began to take shape in his mind, a smile crossed Wesley’s lips. Taking a breath, the craggy faced former boxing champion dictated as series of directions and then ordered, “Computer. Load the following program, but do not execute until given the following code: Lady Lex One.”
“Program loaded.” The computer responded.
“Good. Now erase all logs of activity since I logged in.” Nodding his head in satisfaction as the computer carried out his instructions, Wesley returned to his makeshift prison and, after reactivating the forcefield, laid back and went to sleep.
As she entered the tomb in the lead, with Lieutenant Sito and Vedek Tamil alongside her, Captain Shelby allowed herself to feel a brief moment of excitement as the light from their flashlights dispelled the shadows of the ancient burial site. Brushing aside thick palukoo webs, Liz paused for a moment as she heard a skittering before her. Shining her light down at the source of the noise, she spied one of the house cat sized arachnids scurrying for the safety of the shadows.
“They’re harmless...” The Vedek grinned, “Although their bite can be painful if they manage to get their mandibles into you.”
“Palukoos...” Daren grimaced, “I hate palukoos.”
“My...we used to roast them over an open fire at a...at a place I stayed at once...” Sito recalled as her mind flashed back to one of the refugee camps she stayed at as a child.
“Never cared too much for them, myself.” Constable Samal harrumphed, “Too tough and they’ve got a bitter aftertaste.”
“If you’re starving in a refugee camp and they’re all you’ve got to eat...” Sito whispered under her breath, her voice inaudible to all but the old priest, “...then they taste better than the finest hasperat.”
Frowning as he heard the young woman’s words, the old abbot shook his head sadly. Truly future generations pay for the sins of the present.
“Let’s keep moving, people.” Liz urged as she once again took the lead, using a machete-type blade to cut through the thick cobwebs.
“She doesn’t mess around, does she?” Lieutenant Mtolo remarked as he trudged behind the captain and Sutherland security chief.
“Nope.” Cilla Oudekirk replied with a note of admiration in her voice, “She sure doesn’t.”
“Sounds like you have a crush on her.” Lieutenant Bateson teased, smiling broadly so as to not offend the usually touchy Cilla.
“Not a crush.” The Dutch communications officer replied with a frown, “It’s just good to see a woman in command for a change.”
“What about Marietta deVeers and some of the other women captains?” Morgan countered as he shooed away a particularly aggressive palukoo. “I’ve worked with Captain DeVeers and she’s one of the most ‘in charge’ people I’ve ever met.”
“Yeah...” Cilla retorted, “...but what is she commanding now? That’s right—a destroyer.” The willowy Dutch woman pointed out with a grimace, “That woman should be commanding a Connie and you know it! And I can think of at least three or four other women who should be flying Connies too and they’re either just department heads or assigned shore duty.”
“Give it time, Cilla.” Bateson urged, “They’re building more Connies and the ‘Old Boys’ aren’t going to be in charge forever. Soon, men like Commodore Wesley and women like Commodore Paski, Captain DeVeers, and Brooks Erdolan are going to be calling the shots—then you’ll see things change.”
“It better.” Cilla spat out as she hacked viciously at an especially thick cobweb, “That’s all I’ve got to say.”
************************************************************************
“Be careful...” The old priest cautioned as the group advanced deeper into the tomb. “There might be traps...”
“Grave robbers?” Liz exclaimed, “I never thought that Bajorans would have a problem with tomb robbing...”
“Unfortunately...” the old man answered back as Lieutenant Mtolo and one of the acolytes took the point, “...the lure of easy wealth all too often overcomes the respect due to the honored dead.”
Hacking at the thick palukoo webs, the young acolyte never noticed the pressure plate he stepped on. Hearing an audible click and spotting a motion out of the corner of his eye, called out as he launched himself at the young man, “Dive!”
The young monk, frozen in place, stood transfixed in place as the sharpened wooden spike drove itself into his chest just moments before the Zulu security chief reached him. Arriving too late, Nealo shook his head as Captain Shelby approached.
“I see.” Liz responded quietly, motioning to two other acolytes, “Get him outside—and watch yourselves.” Turning her attention back to the security chief, Captain Shelby inquired, “You want a break from point?
“No, sir.” Lieutenant Mtolo replied, “I’m good.”
“All right.” Liz answered back as she hefted her machete, “I’ll join you, then.”
“This is it.” The elderly abbot announced as the party paused before what appeared to be a wall. Advancing to the wall, the priest took a burned out torch from its cradle. Lighting it, he replaced it and then did the same to four other torches. As the light from the torches slowly bathed the antechamber, the traces of a doorway revealed itself on the wall. Approaching the doorway slowly and reverently, Vedek Tamil touched first the lower left corner, then the upper right, then lower right, then upper left. Pausing, the vedek took a small signet ring out of his pouch and affixed it to his middle finger. He then placed the ring flush against the center of the door. Hearing a grinding sound, Liz watched in fascination as the stone door slowly slid down to the floor until completely disappearing. “We may proceed now. But...we only have until the torches burn out. If we tarry any longer—we will be sealed in here forever.”
“Then let’s get going and quit wasting time.” Captain Shelby responded as she followed the abbot into the burial chamber. “The sooner we find what we need, the better.”
Entering the burial chamber, Liz immediately spotted the raised sarcophagus in the middle of the chamber. On either side of the head of the sarcophagus stood two pillars, each one meter in height, each one bearing a chest.
“The writings of Kai Wynn Derela lay within one of the chests.” The elderly vedek declared, answering Liz’s unspoken question.
“And inside the other?” Lieutenant Bateson interjected as he and Cilla entered the burial chamber.
“Death.” The abbot simply replied.
“So...” Liz inquired, with just the faintest touch of irritation and sarcasm in her voice, “Any ideas on how to avoid the ‘death’ part of the equation? From what I see, we have a fifty/fifty shot right now...I’d rather we narrow that down to a one hundred percent margin of safety.”
Turning about, the old man saw the light from the torches outside beginning to fade, “Then, my dear...” the priest smiled, “...we had best hurry.”
Drawing closer to the chests, Lieutenant Oudekirk carefully investigated the sigils engraved on the outside. “What are these symbols?” The Dutch linguist inquired as she quickly and accurately copied the pictographs on to a 24th century padd that she had been issued on the Loire.
“These pictographs haven’t been used for thousands...tens of thousands...of years.” The elderly priest marveled, “They were used by the earliest Servants of the Prophets...
“Can you translate them?” Captain Shelby inquired, her lips turning down into a worried frown.
“They’re fragments from sacred text...very obscure and very ancient selections at that.” The elderly vedek replied as his eyes carefully examined each of the symbols. “But there are pictographs missing. Note...” he instructed as he pointed to several blank spaces between symbols on both chests, “...here...here...and here. It appears that Kai Winn Derela wants us to discover the missing symbols...”
“And then once we have the complete translation...” Cilla concluded, “...we should be able to figure out which chest to open.”
“Great...” Nealo groused, “...a scavenger hunt. So...” the Zulu security officer queried, “Any ideas on what sort of symbols we should be looking for?”
His eyes turning to the walls, also carved with runes and pictographs, the old man answered, “I think we will need to search here.” Reading from right to left, the old man traced the symbols with his fingers. “Here.” He announced, pointing to an ovoid symbol. “That’s one.” Continuing his task as the torchlight outside continued to dim, the priest found two other pieces of the puzzle just as one of the torches died out. Hearing a creaking sound coming from the burial chamber doorway, the priest declared as he resumed his task, we must hurry.”
“Can you help him Lieutenant Oudekirk...Lieutenant Sito?”
“I don’t know, sir.” The Dutch linguist replied, “It’s like trying to decipher hieroglyphics without the Rosetta Stone.”
“Maybe I can help.” Jaxa chimed in as she joined the Dutch communications officer who was at that moment working alongside the priest. “Wait!” The young Bajoran security officer called out just as a second torch was extinguished, causing the door to begin its slow rise out from its slot in the floor. “Here. That has to be one.”
Rushing over to the young blonde’s side, Vedek Tamil nodded his head, “Very good, my dear. That should be the last one. Tell me though...how did you know?”
“I didn’t.” Sito confessed, “It just...” she shrugged her shoulders, “...it just...felt...right.”
His lips turning up into a gentle smile, the old man responded as he placed a kindly hand on the younger woman’s shoulder, “I know, my child, that you have lost your faith, but please also know that you are touched by the Prophets and that they are watching out for you.” His gentle smile now turning into a sad one, the priest added, “Whatever else happens, remember that in the days ahead and know that you are blameless.”
“What are you talking about, Vedek?”
“Nothing, my child.” The priest replied, the sad smile still on his face. “Just the nattering of an old man. Come...we must return to the task at hand—our time draws short.” Returning to the sarcophagus, the abbot slowly and painstakingly drew the pictographs on the chests, filling each of the empty spaces. His lips moving as he read silently, Vedek Tamil turned his head towards the left chest. “That is the correct one. Open it.”
“Are you sure?” A skeptical Liz inquired.
“Yes. That is the correct chest.” The vedek repeated as another torch died out, leaving only one more still lit. “Now...we must hurry.”
“Right.” Liz agreed, taking a deep breath as she opened the chest, revealing the scroll inside. “This must be what we’re looking for. Let’s get out of here before that torch burns out.”
Escaping the burial chamber last, just the last torch died and the door slid shut behind her, Captain Shelby handed the scroll to the elderly priest. “What can you make of his, Vedek?”
********************************************************************
Finally deactivating the forcefield holding him in confinement, Commodore Wesley fought down his first impulse to dash out through runabout’s open hatch and into the safety of the countryside as he knew that he was: one, an alien on a strange planet, and two that the powerful being that had taken over his crewman would probably be able to easily track him down anyway. Besides, escape was not what was on his mind. Rather, he sought information. Information that would help him to defeat the entity that had so violated Aliz and had murdered and tortured his crew. Quickly moving towards the computer, the commodore spoke up, “Computer? I need all information you have available on pah-wraiths.” Reading intently as the computer flashed all of the information in its database on the pah-wraiths, Robert nodded his head intently, “Ok, computer. Now, I need all you have on the Orb of Renascence, Bajoran orbs in general, and the Gem of K’Tesh...”
“There is no information in my data banks on a Gem of K’Tesh.” The computer’s feminine voice responded. “The Orb of Renascence is mentioned in Bajoran sacred scriptures as being...” Robert listened intently as the computer imparted the limited information it had available on that particular orb and then the somewhat wider—yet still all to scanty—information on the Bajoran orbs, including a brief mention of Captain Benjamin Sisko, his role as the Emissary, and the Fire Caves.
“All right, Computer.” Wesley commanded, as he remembered the pah-wraith’s command to deliver that orb and the gem to the Fire Caves, “I need to know everything you have on Captain Benjamin Sisko, what his function was as Emissary, and his encounter in the Fire Caves.”
“That information is restricted to flag rank officers or higher.” The computer responded.
Sighing and then exhaling, a slight grin crossed the commodore’s face. Well...the worst it can say is no. “Computer. What is the current stardate?”
“The current stardate is 4758.75.” The computer promptly responded.
“Therefore...” Wesley continued, “...your protocols should authorize release of the requested information to all current flag rank or higher officers possessing the proper authorizations codes, correct?”
After an almost interminable period, the computer responded, “Affirmative.”
“Ok, computer. My command authorization is Wesley, Robert. Commodore, Command code Alpha Tango Whisky 1001 Alpha.”
“Command code authorization authenticated.” The computer responded as it displayed on the monitor screen all that was known of Captain Benjamin Sisko, his career as both a Starfleet officer and Emissary of the Prophets, and then finally, what little was known of his encounter in the Fire Caves.
As the faintest notions of a plan began to take shape in his mind, a smile crossed Wesley’s lips. Taking a breath, the craggy faced former boxing champion dictated as series of directions and then ordered, “Computer. Load the following program, but do not execute until given the following code: Lady Lex One.”
“Program loaded.” The computer responded.
“Good. Now erase all logs of activity since I logged in.” Nodding his head in satisfaction as the computer carried out his instructions, Wesley returned to his makeshift prison and, after reactivating the forcefield, laid back and went to sleep.
Suthy/Lexington: Blood Cries Part 14 cont
Opening the scroll, Vedek Tamil carefully read the ancient glyphs, “My child—the task you must undertake will be an arduous one and will test you to your limits. You must pass a series of trials. The first trial will await you in the Celestial Temple...” he explained as he pointed at a pictograph that looked to the blonde captain to be a perfect representation of the Bajoran wormhole, “...if you pass this first trial, your second trial will await you in the domain beyond the temple. There you will find your way barred by your past and future enemies. You must find a passage that does not dam the flow of this river...” he said as he pointed to another pictograph. “The final test...” the elderly priest sighed as he shook his head, “...I cannot decipher. I’m sorry, my dear.”
“That’s all right.” Liz smiled back. “I’ll deal with it when the time comes.”
Smiling back at the petite captain, the old vedek grasped her ear, “With a pah as strong as yours, I have no doubt you will, my child. Now...shall we go? I’m an old man and all this excitement has fatigued me.”
“You can probably outlast us all, Vedek.” Shelby chuckled, “All right everyone...” she commanded, “...you heard the man—it’s time to let the dead go back to their rest.”
************************************************************************
Exiting the tomb, Liz and the rest of her group stood frozen in place as a grisly sight awaited them. The bodies of the two acolytes who were ordered to stand guard lay gutted on the ground, their chests flayed open as the possessed Aliz stood between them, her knife still dripping in blood. “It is good to see that you are carrying out your task...” her lips turning up in an evil grin, the pah-wraith inside the young Hungarian woman taunted, “...but you better hurry or I might soon run out of playthings. Then I will have to go hunt somewhere else—and I do so hate having to relocate.”
“The Blood-Wraith.” The old vedek gasped as his acolytes stood in stark horror while the others in Captain Shelby’s landing party drew their weapons.
“Impossible.” Daren, the younger Bajoran constable, gasped to his partner Samal, who stood almost frozen in place, his eyes gazing into the malevolent red eyes of the possessed woman standing before them. “The Blood-Wraith is just a legend...a nightmare to scare little children...”
Slowly recovering, the older man whispered back, “Then how do you explain her.”
“You didn’t have to kill those men.” Liz growled as her hand instinctively dropping to her phaser as she spoke.
“No...” the entity gloated, speaking through Aliz’s voice, “...but I wanted to. And you know your weapons will not harm me—they will only destroy the shell I am currently residing in—and you can’t risk that—can you lanyunoka?”
On hearing the Hungarian word for granddaughter, Cilla barely repressed a gasp of astonishment, drawing a questioning look from Lieutenant Bateson. Shaking her head once, the willowy Dutch woman watched warily as the possessed Hungarian helmsman smirked malevolently, “So much power...so much knowledge...and yet it is all useless to you.” Her head turning towards Lieutenant Sito, the Blood-Wraith’s smile grew wider, “Aren’t you the conflicted one? All those voices in your head.” Her eyes briefly flared an even brighter red as she gestured in the direction of the Sutherland’s security chief before exulting triumphantly, “There...isn’t that better.”
“Much better..” The Huntress grinned triumphantly as she took control thanks to the pah-wraith’s powers. Swiftly drawing her Andorian knife, she plunged it deep into the side of the hapless Lieutenant Mtolo standing next to her as she used the Zulu security chief as a human shield. “Thank you. You have no idea how I much I have looked forward to doing that.”
“There is a certain...pleasure...in shedding blood so directly...isn’t there, my dear?” The Blood-Wraith purred as the possessed Aliz ran her hand down the Huntress’s back in a sensual gesture.
The Huntress smirked as she joined the Blood-Wraith’s side, tossing Nealo aside much as one would throw away a used rag. “Yes. I’ve been confined for too long while that weak and whimpering fool was in charge. It is good to finally be free.”
“Lieutenant Sito.” Liz commanded, hoping that an appeal to the Starfleet officer’s strong sense of loyalty and duty would rally her, “I know you’re still in there...fight them...you can beat them—you’re stronger than them.”
“She can’t hear you.” The pah-wraith gloated triumphantly. “That part of her personality is as buried as your nagyanya and will remain that way as long as I desire. Now...” she commanded as she kicked the softly gasping Nealo in the side, “...bring me the Orb and the Gem...unless you wish to see even more die.” Placing her arm around her new Bajoran follower’s waist, the Blood-wraith tempted coyly, “Come, my dear. There’s someone I want to introduce you to...someone we’re going to have great fun with...”
Rage and anger at the Blood-wraith mixed with fear for what the two possessed women had in store for her grandfather as Shelby was forced to watch helplessly while the two strode haughtily away. Moving quickly, Dr. Vincent, his medical tricorder and dermal generator already in hand, rushed to the side of the injured Nealo.”
“Captain?” The balding doctor called out to a still frozen in place Captain Shelby. “Captain!” Charles repeated in a louder voice.
Barely hearing the urgent shout from the Lexington’s CMO through her fugue state, Liz murmured almost under her breath as she slowly recovered, “Yes, Doctor?” The blonde captain weakly replied.
“I’ve managed to stabilize Lieutenant Mtolo’s condition, but we need to get him to a proper medical facility as soon as possible.” His eyes boring into Shelby’s the doctor emphasized, “Do you understand me, Captain?”
“What?” Liz stammered, “Yes...” she then quickly declared as she rallied herself, “You’re right.” Coming to a decision, she spoke to the elderly abbot, “Vedek? We must take care of our injured man...”
“You can take him to the monastery.” Vedek Tamil offered, “Our infirmary is reasonably well equipped.”
“Thank you for your kind offer.” Liz replied as Constable Samal approached, “But we can take care of him.
“What just happened here?” The older constable demanded, “And who are you—really?”
“Later.” Liz replied in a soft voice, “I promise. But for now...we need to see to my injured man. And then...” she vowed as the steel returned to her eyes, “I have a score to settle with a certain Blood-Wraith.” Once again addressing the priest, Captain Shelby urged politely, “If you’d please go ahead of us...”
“Of course, my child.” The Vedek responded as his acolytes retrieved their fallen companions. Placing his hand on the petite captain’s ear, his lips turned up in a sad smile, “Go with the Prophets.”
************************************************************************
“Oh Robert...” The possessed Aliz called out tauntingly as she entered the runabout. “Time to wake up! I’ve got a surprise for you!”
“What do you want?” Commodore Wesley growled through clenched teeth as she seemed to stare through the eyes of the young woman and directly into the heart of the entity that had possessed her.
Momentarily startled by the sheer presence and dignity of the man who faced it, the pah-wraith paused. Then, quickly recovering its confidence, it sneered, “Now is that any way to talk? And after I’ve brought a friend?” Motioning with her hand, she called out, “Jaxa, dear? Come in.”
Startled by the appearance of a young blonde woman with the nose ridges common to the dominant race on this planet, Robert declared, “I am not going to let you harm this woman in front of me.”
“Now, why would I do a thing like that?” The Blood-wraith teased. Shaking her head, she mocked, “Not that you could do anything to stop me. But no...that’s not why she’s here...” It was then that the commodore noticed that the strange woman was playing with an Andorian war knife. “Oh no...I brought her here for a special reason...” Turning to the Huntress, the possessed Aliz flashed an evil grin, “Didn’t I tell you that I would keep my promise? Now you’ve got someone to play with...” Looking once again into Wesley’s eyes, the pah-wraith gloated, “We’re going to have such fun...”
As the possessed Aliz finished speaking and as he looked into the eyes of the strange woman who was at that moment eying him hungrily while she idly picked her fingernails with her knife, for the first time in a long time, Commodore Robert Wesley truly felt fear.
************************************************************************
Waiting until she was sure that the Bajorans were safely out of eye and ear shot, Liz flipped tapped the comm badge that she had worn concealed under a shawl. “Shelby to Loire. Emergency transport.” Immediately after the captain and her party had rematerialized inside the runabout, Liz turned to the Lexington’s CMO and Lieutenant Oudekirk. “Take Lieutenant Mtolo to the sickbay in the rear. While we dust off. Lieutenant Bateson—take the copilot’s station. We’re going to go back to the Lexington, the that Orb, then hunt down that goddamned blood-wraith and get our people back. And you can make book on that.”
************************************************************************
Almost immediately after the Loire had set down in the Lexington’s shuttle bay, Captain Shelby was out of the runabout and issuing orders. “Take the lieutenant to sick bay at once. Misters Oudekirk and Bateson—you’re with me.” Several moments later, the three officers were back on the Constitution class starship’s bridge with Liz sitting in the high backed captain’s chair. Taking a data slate from the yeoman standing next to her, Liz spoke to the starship’s executive officer as she wrote, “I want you to tell the chief engineer to be ready to adjust the shield frequencies to these settings at a moment’s notice...”
“What?” The Bear exclaimed, “At those levels, our shields will burn out after only a few seconds.”
“Long enough to save this ship if we run into what I hope we don’t run into.” Liz replied, her lips a thin line. “Just carry out my orders.”
“Aye, Sir.” Alexei responded as he turned to execute the orders his new captain had just given him.
Addressing Lieutenant Bateson, Liz then ordered, “Helm, set us on course 249 mark 30.” Raising her voice, the captain then announced to her bridge crew, “As you are all aware, this mission has been classified as Ultraviolet under the Archer Protocols. That means that you are not to speak of what you are about to see and where we are going to anyone else—including your family. I’m sorry that you won’t be able to share your experiences with your friends and loved ones, but at least you will have the satisfaction of knowing that you’re about to go and you’re about to see things that no Federation ship or crew will see for years. Mr. Bateson...take us out...maximum warp.”
“Is that female insane?” The Lexington’s Tellarite chief engineer snorted as Commander Kuznetsov relayed Shelby’s orders to concerning the shields. “The entire deflector array will burn out after thirty seconds if we adjust the frequencies to those levels!”
“I know, Mr. G’arv.” The big Russian replied not without a small amount of sympathy. “But Captain Shelby’s orders were explicit, and...like it or not...Commodore Wesley did place her in command. Now...” the Bear insisted, his voice taking on a distinctly lower rumble, “...will you be able to do it, or must I go down there myself?”
“Of course I can do it!” The testy Tellarite bit back, “And I don’t need you to threaten me as if I was a cub ensign either.” With that the chief engineer cut off the intercom and turned to one of his subordinates, “Walker, you useless whelp—get your scrawny ass over here! You’re coming with me to deflector control—I’m about to do something incredibly stupid and I want you with me to learn how a genuine clusterfrackup works!”
Opening the scroll, Vedek Tamil carefully read the ancient glyphs, “My child—the task you must undertake will be an arduous one and will test you to your limits. You must pass a series of trials. The first trial will await you in the Celestial Temple...” he explained as he pointed at a pictograph that looked to the blonde captain to be a perfect representation of the Bajoran wormhole, “...if you pass this first trial, your second trial will await you in the domain beyond the temple. There you will find your way barred by your past and future enemies. You must find a passage that does not dam the flow of this river...” he said as he pointed to another pictograph. “The final test...” the elderly priest sighed as he shook his head, “...I cannot decipher. I’m sorry, my dear.”
“That’s all right.” Liz smiled back. “I’ll deal with it when the time comes.”
Smiling back at the petite captain, the old vedek grasped her ear, “With a pah as strong as yours, I have no doubt you will, my child. Now...shall we go? I’m an old man and all this excitement has fatigued me.”
“You can probably outlast us all, Vedek.” Shelby chuckled, “All right everyone...” she commanded, “...you heard the man—it’s time to let the dead go back to their rest.”
************************************************************************
Exiting the tomb, Liz and the rest of her group stood frozen in place as a grisly sight awaited them. The bodies of the two acolytes who were ordered to stand guard lay gutted on the ground, their chests flayed open as the possessed Aliz stood between them, her knife still dripping in blood. “It is good to see that you are carrying out your task...” her lips turning up in an evil grin, the pah-wraith inside the young Hungarian woman taunted, “...but you better hurry or I might soon run out of playthings. Then I will have to go hunt somewhere else—and I do so hate having to relocate.”
“The Blood-Wraith.” The old vedek gasped as his acolytes stood in stark horror while the others in Captain Shelby’s landing party drew their weapons.
“Impossible.” Daren, the younger Bajoran constable, gasped to his partner Samal, who stood almost frozen in place, his eyes gazing into the malevolent red eyes of the possessed woman standing before them. “The Blood-Wraith is just a legend...a nightmare to scare little children...”
Slowly recovering, the older man whispered back, “Then how do you explain her.”
“You didn’t have to kill those men.” Liz growled as her hand instinctively dropping to her phaser as she spoke.
“No...” the entity gloated, speaking through Aliz’s voice, “...but I wanted to. And you know your weapons will not harm me—they will only destroy the shell I am currently residing in—and you can’t risk that—can you lanyunoka?”
On hearing the Hungarian word for granddaughter, Cilla barely repressed a gasp of astonishment, drawing a questioning look from Lieutenant Bateson. Shaking her head once, the willowy Dutch woman watched warily as the possessed Hungarian helmsman smirked malevolently, “So much power...so much knowledge...and yet it is all useless to you.” Her head turning towards Lieutenant Sito, the Blood-Wraith’s smile grew wider, “Aren’t you the conflicted one? All those voices in your head.” Her eyes briefly flared an even brighter red as she gestured in the direction of the Sutherland’s security chief before exulting triumphantly, “There...isn’t that better.”
“Much better..” The Huntress grinned triumphantly as she took control thanks to the pah-wraith’s powers. Swiftly drawing her Andorian knife, she plunged it deep into the side of the hapless Lieutenant Mtolo standing next to her as she used the Zulu security chief as a human shield. “Thank you. You have no idea how I much I have looked forward to doing that.”
“There is a certain...pleasure...in shedding blood so directly...isn’t there, my dear?” The Blood-Wraith purred as the possessed Aliz ran her hand down the Huntress’s back in a sensual gesture.
The Huntress smirked as she joined the Blood-Wraith’s side, tossing Nealo aside much as one would throw away a used rag. “Yes. I’ve been confined for too long while that weak and whimpering fool was in charge. It is good to finally be free.”
“Lieutenant Sito.” Liz commanded, hoping that an appeal to the Starfleet officer’s strong sense of loyalty and duty would rally her, “I know you’re still in there...fight them...you can beat them—you’re stronger than them.”
“She can’t hear you.” The pah-wraith gloated triumphantly. “That part of her personality is as buried as your nagyanya and will remain that way as long as I desire. Now...” she commanded as she kicked the softly gasping Nealo in the side, “...bring me the Orb and the Gem...unless you wish to see even more die.” Placing her arm around her new Bajoran follower’s waist, the Blood-wraith tempted coyly, “Come, my dear. There’s someone I want to introduce you to...someone we’re going to have great fun with...”
Rage and anger at the Blood-wraith mixed with fear for what the two possessed women had in store for her grandfather as Shelby was forced to watch helplessly while the two strode haughtily away. Moving quickly, Dr. Vincent, his medical tricorder and dermal generator already in hand, rushed to the side of the injured Nealo.”
“Captain?” The balding doctor called out to a still frozen in place Captain Shelby. “Captain!” Charles repeated in a louder voice.
Barely hearing the urgent shout from the Lexington’s CMO through her fugue state, Liz murmured almost under her breath as she slowly recovered, “Yes, Doctor?” The blonde captain weakly replied.
“I’ve managed to stabilize Lieutenant Mtolo’s condition, but we need to get him to a proper medical facility as soon as possible.” His eyes boring into Shelby’s the doctor emphasized, “Do you understand me, Captain?”
“What?” Liz stammered, “Yes...” she then quickly declared as she rallied herself, “You’re right.” Coming to a decision, she spoke to the elderly abbot, “Vedek? We must take care of our injured man...”
“You can take him to the monastery.” Vedek Tamil offered, “Our infirmary is reasonably well equipped.”
“Thank you for your kind offer.” Liz replied as Constable Samal approached, “But we can take care of him.
“What just happened here?” The older constable demanded, “And who are you—really?”
“Later.” Liz replied in a soft voice, “I promise. But for now...we need to see to my injured man. And then...” she vowed as the steel returned to her eyes, “I have a score to settle with a certain Blood-Wraith.” Once again addressing the priest, Captain Shelby urged politely, “If you’d please go ahead of us...”
“Of course, my child.” The Vedek responded as his acolytes retrieved their fallen companions. Placing his hand on the petite captain’s ear, his lips turned up in a sad smile, “Go with the Prophets.”
************************************************************************
“Oh Robert...” The possessed Aliz called out tauntingly as she entered the runabout. “Time to wake up! I’ve got a surprise for you!”
“What do you want?” Commodore Wesley growled through clenched teeth as she seemed to stare through the eyes of the young woman and directly into the heart of the entity that had possessed her.
Momentarily startled by the sheer presence and dignity of the man who faced it, the pah-wraith paused. Then, quickly recovering its confidence, it sneered, “Now is that any way to talk? And after I’ve brought a friend?” Motioning with her hand, she called out, “Jaxa, dear? Come in.”
Startled by the appearance of a young blonde woman with the nose ridges common to the dominant race on this planet, Robert declared, “I am not going to let you harm this woman in front of me.”
“Now, why would I do a thing like that?” The Blood-wraith teased. Shaking her head, she mocked, “Not that you could do anything to stop me. But no...that’s not why she’s here...” It was then that the commodore noticed that the strange woman was playing with an Andorian war knife. “Oh no...I brought her here for a special reason...” Turning to the Huntress, the possessed Aliz flashed an evil grin, “Didn’t I tell you that I would keep my promise? Now you’ve got someone to play with...” Looking once again into Wesley’s eyes, the pah-wraith gloated, “We’re going to have such fun...”
As the possessed Aliz finished speaking and as he looked into the eyes of the strange woman who was at that moment eying him hungrily while she idly picked her fingernails with her knife, for the first time in a long time, Commodore Robert Wesley truly felt fear.
************************************************************************
Waiting until she was sure that the Bajorans were safely out of eye and ear shot, Liz flipped tapped the comm badge that she had worn concealed under a shawl. “Shelby to Loire. Emergency transport.” Immediately after the captain and her party had rematerialized inside the runabout, Liz turned to the Lexington’s CMO and Lieutenant Oudekirk. “Take Lieutenant Mtolo to the sickbay in the rear. While we dust off. Lieutenant Bateson—take the copilot’s station. We’re going to go back to the Lexington, the that Orb, then hunt down that goddamned blood-wraith and get our people back. And you can make book on that.”
************************************************************************
Almost immediately after the Loire had set down in the Lexington’s shuttle bay, Captain Shelby was out of the runabout and issuing orders. “Take the lieutenant to sick bay at once. Misters Oudekirk and Bateson—you’re with me.” Several moments later, the three officers were back on the Constitution class starship’s bridge with Liz sitting in the high backed captain’s chair. Taking a data slate from the yeoman standing next to her, Liz spoke to the starship’s executive officer as she wrote, “I want you to tell the chief engineer to be ready to adjust the shield frequencies to these settings at a moment’s notice...”
“What?” The Bear exclaimed, “At those levels, our shields will burn out after only a few seconds.”
“Long enough to save this ship if we run into what I hope we don’t run into.” Liz replied, her lips a thin line. “Just carry out my orders.”
“Aye, Sir.” Alexei responded as he turned to execute the orders his new captain had just given him.
Addressing Lieutenant Bateson, Liz then ordered, “Helm, set us on course 249 mark 30.” Raising her voice, the captain then announced to her bridge crew, “As you are all aware, this mission has been classified as Ultraviolet under the Archer Protocols. That means that you are not to speak of what you are about to see and where we are going to anyone else—including your family. I’m sorry that you won’t be able to share your experiences with your friends and loved ones, but at least you will have the satisfaction of knowing that you’re about to go and you’re about to see things that no Federation ship or crew will see for years. Mr. Bateson...take us out...maximum warp.”
“Is that female insane?” The Lexington’s Tellarite chief engineer snorted as Commander Kuznetsov relayed Shelby’s orders to concerning the shields. “The entire deflector array will burn out after thirty seconds if we adjust the frequencies to those levels!”
“I know, Mr. G’arv.” The big Russian replied not without a small amount of sympathy. “But Captain Shelby’s orders were explicit, and...like it or not...Commodore Wesley did place her in command. Now...” the Bear insisted, his voice taking on a distinctly lower rumble, “...will you be able to do it, or must I go down there myself?”
“Of course I can do it!” The testy Tellarite bit back, “And I don’t need you to threaten me as if I was a cub ensign either.” With that the chief engineer cut off the intercom and turned to one of his subordinates, “Walker, you useless whelp—get your scrawny ass over here! You’re coming with me to deflector control—I’m about to do something incredibly stupid and I want you with me to learn how a genuine clusterfrackup works!”
Great segments - tension, murder and mayhem mixed with humor - nice! Now I wonder what Shelby has up her sleeve?
I also liked the homage to Indiana Jones, particularly this line:
“Palukoos...” Daren grimaced, “I hate palukoos.”
I also liked the homage to Indiana Jones, particularly this line:
“Palukoos...” Daren grimaced, “I hate palukoos.”
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