Episode 5
The Spider and the Fly
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 14a
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Back to the story
Chapter 1
Patrol of the Cardassian-Federation Demilitarized Zone had
perhaps been the
farthest thought from the crew's minds, though after the stress
of their recent
"volunteer" mission, the silent somewhat unsettling peace of
patrol might be
welcoming. Of course, as is the case with any infamous
Federation ship, the
peace would be short-lived. How this supposedly boring duty
ended however, was
far from the any expected outcome ...
{Bridge, Griffin - On Patrol}
Only three hours of patrol, and Sable could already feel her
brain crying
against the solemnity. She longed to use her skills beyond the feeble
monitoring of ship's helm systems, but it seemed that this time, her desire
would go un-rewarded. Of course she understood that the lulls must follow the
bangs of action, but that did not mean she had to like it, nor did it require
that she take comfort in the peace, though their stress levels had been
"through hell and back." Since the time she could remember clearly, she had
always lived in a never ending chaos, always calm to a point of awe; but when
the atmosphere was lacking such electricity, she found herself restless in
anxiety.
It occurred about this time, as Sable began to reflect upon her consuming
boredom, that the serious echo of a red alert klaxon brought the crew to the
edge of their seats. Quickly, Sable looked over her instruments as the
computer automatically raised the shields, having activated the alarm on its
own accord due to sensor readings it found potentially endangering.
"Sensors have detected several large explosions," Sable reported, having "beat"
the other bridge officers to the task. "Approximately, fifty kilometers off
the port bow; bearing three four zero mark three two three. Low level shock
waves will impact in five seconds."
"On screen," Myst ordered.
The screen flashed, filled with an orange, red glow.
"Source?" Ivanof inquired as he braced his hands upon the second command chair
arm rests. The galaxy class cruiser shook very slightly, undetectable by most
of the crew and inhabitants.
"Unknown, sir," the chief science officer reported in turn. "However, I'm
reading high amounts of tritanium, duranium, and ... hypercarbon residue ..."
"Hypercarbons?" Ivanof repeated, suddenly intrigued. He thought a moment then
looked to Captain Myst who nodded in affirmation. "Helm, can you take us in
for a closer look?"
Sable studied her own displays for a pause, then replied, "Yes, sir. Ten
kilometers, give or take a few." She smirked, turning toward the executive
officer.
"Take us closer then."
"Aye-aye, sir," Sable replied, she quickly entered the course change, half
smiling as she did so. She reached for the final key that would confirm the
change ...
... And the ship shook violently, throwing some from their stations and seats.
Sable grasped tightly to her console, her eyes scanning the displays, widening
in slow recognition. *Oh no ...* she thought, swallowing hard; white light
overwhelming the view screen.
"Bridge to engineering," the Chief Engineer reported crisply over the com
system. "There's a lot of stress on the warp core down here. Something's
snagged our warp bubble!"
"Shut down the core!" Myst replied just as crisply.
"I already tried with no effect. The core is frozen," he returned.
"Eject then," Myst ordered, looking to her first officer.
"That won't work," Sable managed to interject weakly, the shock wearing thin
and her calm self returning. She had never expected to find herself in this
situation again ...
Myst narrowed her eyes, gazing oddly at Sable, sensing emotions from the helm
officer that she had thought were well repressed. "What should we do then,
Commander?" Myst asked.
"Send a message," Sable answered.
"That's impossible," the communications officer replied. "We're going too fast
..."
"No," Sable interrupted with a sudden acid. "Telepathically."
The bridge grew strangely quiet and Myst closed her eyes in concentration,
though she knew not what to send, nor to whom she must send it ...
Moments later, Myst opened her eyes and the Griffin began to slow, the light
fading into many small points of light.
"We're being hailed," the communications officer reported.
"On screen," Myst ordered slowly, standing from her chair in some distraction.
A man much like one who had visited her ship not long ago stood erect on the
view screen, scowling. "I am Captain Pricilla Myst of the Federation star
ship, Griffin," Myst greeted hesitantly.
"Yes, I know," the man replied, giving her an odd grin.
Sable felt herself grow pale in recognition of the man before them. *I should
be dead if luck can turn so cruel,* she thought to herself ...
Myst stepped back, shocked to hear Sable's voice within her mind so clearly.
She gave the communications officer the signal to mute audio. "Sable, why do I
get the feeling you know something vital that we don't?"
Sable swallowed again, turning slowly to face her Captain. "This ... is very,
very bad ..." she stopped, feeling the glare of the man on the view screen
behind her. The knowledge that he could not hear her was far from comforting.
"He is a leader ... of the enemy faction."
"Enemy faction?" Myst inquired, then looked up for a moment, and the man
grinned again sending shivers down her spine. There was much she did not
understand, this man a member of a people the Federation knew very little of
except that they existed ... yet one thing was clear, they had fallen into fell
hands ...
Back to Top
Chapter 2
{The Quarters Of Anna Krasinski}
Jaquelle was sitting across the table from Anna enjoying their
once a week
lunch. Suddenly Anna stopped her fork in mid air. She had a
strange look on
her face, but before Jaquelle could get a word out the red alert
klaxon sounded.
"Anna, what is it that you noted?" Jaquelle asked.
"Something is wrong with the warp drive," Anna responded.
Jaquelle understood, she knew that most of the good engineers
and science
officers in the fleet could tell the speed of the engines simply
by standing on
the metal plates of the decks. Anna was no different. But suddenly, the ship
shook violently almost throwing Jaquelle and Anna out of their seats. Just at
that moment a rush of voices came into Jaquelle's head. First Sable's distinct
words of (OH, no,) then more word's of Sable, then Captain Myst and finally
everybody's all at once. Jaquelle was almost overwhelmed. Being only part
Betazoid rarely did she hear the actual words of others, and only on Betazed or
other empathic worlds did she actually have to concentrate on filtering the
voices of others in her head. But suddenly she felt like a small child who had
acquired her telepathic abilities too young, before being trained properly.
But she had been trained and instinctively she reverted back to her Betazoid
training and reinforced the shields in her mind. She didn't even hear Anna's
inquiry at first.
"Jaquelle, are you all right? Jaquelle.....Jaquelle?" Anna called getting
more and more concerned.
Jaquelle regained her composure, "I'm fine. What is happening?"
"Unsure," replied Anna. "But I know where I must be."
Jaquelle knew where she had to be also.
{Science Lab deck 15}
Anna walked into her lab, the red alert klaxons were still sounding. Anna
looked at her instruments. She had programmed them to start collecting data at
the start of any red alert. She noted several large explosions had occurred,
first 50 kilometers off the port bow, then low level shock waves. Her readings
were also telling her that there were elevated levels of tritanium, duranium,
and hypercarbon residue in the area. She also noted that there was a lot of
stress on the warp core.
Anna quickly took over the controls. She knew there must be a ship out
there and she was bent on finding it and stopping it.
{Bridge}
Jaquelle stepped onto the bridge. She could see Sable turned towards
Captain Myst and Myst looking at the view screen obviously concerned. Jaquelle
looked up at the screen. The face showed a grin, but suddenly he looked over
to Jaquelle. The grin left his face, and an amazed scowl glared at her.
Jaquelle could sense the age of the being. It was a feeling that she often
had when she visited her mother's side of the family. Luckily her mother and
father had taught Jaquelle well. They knew that being a cross between an
El-Aurian and Betazoid would cause Jaquelle to be in unusual situations.
Again, instinctively she reverted back to the training gained from her parents.
Jaquelle just stood, with shields in place, staring at the being, and
listening. The face on the screen grew more annoyed. In her head she heard
him think:
(El-Aurian, what are you doing with them.) Then she heard him think
(Borg.)
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Chapter 3
{Conference Room}
It wouldn't have taken a telepath to recognize that the
Griffin's senior
staff were on edge. The sudden and unexpected crippling of the
ship had been
shocking enough. But the feeling of unease had only been made
worse by the
waiting. Their "host" had been evasive, giving very little
information but
promising more once he had a chance to discuss the matter with
his superiors.
That had been hours ago and attempts to hail their presumed
attacker had met
with no sucess. So as the wounded Griffin reamined stuck in unfamiliar
territory, there was nothing to do but wait.
Rinali was managing to remain calm, though the events had shaken her
somewhat. She, as had most of the other telepaths on board it seemed, had
experienced a momentary collapse of the mental walls that usually kept her
telepathic abilities under tight control. Rinali wasn't as strong as many of
the other telepaths on the ship and her attempts over the years to get her
abilities completely under her control had made her sensitivity to others'
thoughts somewhat weaker. But she had been able to sense very strong
feelings from some of the crew, which was quite startling since Rinali had
been on the holodeck running a program on a Cardassian battle legend. The
experience had given her a few useful insights into her fellow crew members'
reaction, but it was still unsettling, especially considering that those same
mental barriers had been violated before and not so long ago.
Rinali glanced around the room at her fellow officers. O'Roarke and McInnis
were both absent for the moment. From what Rinali had heard, the doctor was
busy tending to anyone injured when the ship was apparently hijacked.
Nothing life threatening, fortunately. And no one had to tell Rinali that
McInnis was going near insane trying to repair the damage to the ship.
Rinali imagined that the captain had called this meeting not simply to get
her crew's opnions on the current situation, but to give them something to
focus on other than waiting. Rinali had sent her people to check for any
damage that engineering hadn't found yet and offer what reassurance they
could to the civilians. Aside from that, there hadn't been much to do.
"You would think he would give us some idea of why we're stuck here," Ivanof
was saying. "We aren't in any condition to fight, so us being on edge really
isn't an advantage."
"It's possible," said Captain Myst, looking thoughtful, "that they didn't
actually intend to trap us here. If we hadn't been able to hail them
telepathicly, they might not have realize that we were there."
That seemed an unpleasant thought. Rinali wasn't too knowledgable about
engineering, but she could guess what would happen to a speeding ship with a
damaged warp core.
"Still," the captain continued, "intentional or not, they have us trapped and
they seem to want to keep it that way, whatever the reason."
"He might not be quite so confident as he initially seemed," Ivanof
suggested. "Something seemed to upset him early on, then he started acting
evasive."
Captain Myst turned her attentions to Lieutenant Commander Daem. The
counsellor's eyes were lowered and she appeared distant, deep in thought.
The room was silent for a moment, then Rinali spoke.
"What I would like to know is what they could possibly be after. From
everything Starfleet knows about their technology, we have nothing to offer
them. If this was simply a mistake, it would make more sense to destroy us
before we have a chance to make repairs."
The last comment came out a little more bluntly than Rinali had intended and
she was glad she was speaking before officers rather than her staff with its
smattering of uneasy newcomers.
Rinali felt a sudden quick sensation, like a small tug at the edge of her
mind. Rinali was familiar with this feeling, "the compromise", as she
refered to it. Since she fought so hard to keep her mental powers under
control, she often found herself unaware of things most Betazoids would
easily notice. So whenever her suppresed telepathic abilities sensed
something that would be of importance to the concious mind, Rinali felt this
sort of mental nudge telling her to loosen her control and pay attention.
Much as she detested her Betazoid gifts, Rinali appreciated this little
reminder and made no effort to suppress it.
As Rinali loosened her hold on her telepathic abilities, she knew almost
immediately what she was being alerted to. Lieutenant Commander Sable,
though outwardly rather calm, was in fact extremely nervous, more so than
anyone else in the room. It occurred to Rinali that Sable hadn't spoken that
much during the discussion.
"Did you wish to add anything, Lieutenant Commander Sable?" she asked. Sable
looked up, seemingly startled, but said nothing. Rinali felt herself growing
annoyed. Sable obviously knew more about their foes than anyone here,
possibly more than anyone in Starfleet. So why wasn't she offering more
information? Surely she would have some idea of their possible tactics,
customs, motives....
A thought came to Rinali suddenly. She stood and walked over to where Sable
was seated. She spoke quietly and without drama, as if she were asking a
simple question.
"Lieutenant Commander, are they after you?"
Back to Top
Chapter 4
Ryan Sable looked up, her obviously troubled eyes meeting
Rinali's.
"Perhaps if they determine who I am...," she replied hesitantly.
"But until
then... not any more than they are after any here."
"How so?" Priscilla asked carefully. She could tell her Chief Conn Officer
was more than a bit reluctant to share what she knew. After a moment of
silence, Priscilla leaned forward, clasped her hands, and took on the patient
parent tone. "Commander. If you know anything about how those people
operate, I need you to tell it to us. We have over a thousand people on
board, people in our care. The more we know about our current situation the
better we can protect everyone."
Ryan turned towards the Captain. She slightly nodded once, and then began to
speak. Though her voice was soft, it carried over the silence of the other
officers. "We aren't the first ship to be unintentionally caught like this,"
she began. Then she paused a moment as if trying to remember things that had
been intentionally forgotten. "They imprison those they capture. Some are
used as soldiers in their war. Others are... enslaved."
None of the officers gathered at the table liked the sound of that.
"What war?" Ivanof asked.
"The civil war between the Ayáti and the Bisra," she replied, the last word
clearly turning bitter in her mouth.
"And the man who hailed us, I take it he's the leader of the Bisra?"
Priscilla asked.
"Yes," Ryan replied. "His name is-"
"Strur," both women said together.
Everyone looked to Priscilla, expressions ranging from curiosity to surprise.
"Captain?" Ivanof prompted.
Priscilla waved the question off. "Predire Emir gave me a bit of information
before he left. Something about a prophesy?" she said, looking to Sable for
another answer.
Ryan sighed heavily. "The Predire guide the Ayácèní, or rather those that
are still loyal. They are naturally immortal... were," she explained with
strain evident in her voice. "The prophesy foretold that if one Predire was
killed, by unnatural means, then the link between them all would be broken.
The rest would succumb to mortality." She took a deep breath before
continuing. "Strur... murdered..."
What she was trying to say was understood by all. Priscilla decided to spare
Sable.
"Is it standard procedure for them to imprison those they snag?" she asked.
Ryan, thankful for a partial change of topic, just nodded.
"Then why haven't they started taking prisoners?" Rinali wondered aloud for
them all. "Why be so evasive and refuse communications while having to
'consult' with superiors?"
"And if this Strur is the leader of the faction, what superiors are there to
consult with?" Ivanof asked.
Looking around the table at each other, no one seemed to have any answers.
Finally Jaquelle spoke. "I have no answers, only something that will only
bring more questions." Everyone turned to listen. "When I came onto the
Bridge during the communication, Strur communicated telepathically with me.
He knew I am half El-Aurian and was quite surprised to see me. And he
mentioned the Borg."
"Commander," Ivanof said to Sable, "you wouldn't happen to know why-"
Ryan shook her head.
"All I know," Jaquelle continued, "is that he is old, though he doesn't look
it. Old like the people of my El-Aurian heritage. The same people who were
nearly wiped out by the Borg, forcing them to seek refuge in this galaxy, or
rather our own, since we're no longer in our galaxy."
Priscilla shook her head slightly. Dozens of questions and no answers. Not
even a hint of how or where they could start working their way out of this
sinister tangle.
"Myst to McInnis," she called out. "Please tell me you have something
definitive to report."
Editor's Note: It seems Strur has changed gender and Strur's name has changed spelling
(from Struer to Strure to Strur) somewhere between Episode 3 and this chapter.
The gender thing could have something to do with Strur's strange
resurrection. That's the running assumption anyways.
{Bisra Ship}
Strur waited impatiently.
And waited.
And waited.
He didn't like to be kept waiting.
Finally he received the signal that what he had asked for had arrived. As
his subordinates brought it in, he shot them a look that could have killed if
he hadn't been so preoccupied with what they presented to him.
His equivalent of an executive officer stepped up beside him as the item was
placed on the table.
"I don't understand," the 'XO' began. "Everyone knows the prophesy of the
Predire's mortality. I could recite it for you word for word. Why waste the
time bringing this in?"
"You're too arrogant for your own good," Strur scolded as he began skimming
through the lines of ancient words and their translations lying before him.
"There is much you don't know."
"Such as?" the other prompted.
"Ah," Strur exhaled quietly to himself. He turned to his XO. "Such as
this," he said pointing.
"What's this?" the other asked in awe. "I haven't seen this before."
"Yes, I know. There is more to the prophesy. My family has kept it well
hidden through the generations, to keep the Ayáti from knowing their own
fate," he explained with a dangerous smile.
"But why-"
"Because," Strur replied, beginning to get annoyed with the other, "it
advises how to determine the outcome of the war. The warning signs, and how
either side can manipulate circumstances to their benefit. However, I don't
remember it all, so be quiet and let me read."
Both bent over the prophecy's translation and began to read.
-------
The murder is complete. The link is broken. The Predire unravel, yet this
shall not be their followers' undoing.
Beware the signs:
First: One from a distant and lesser race, years before is taken as child by
the Predire's successor. This being made it back to the galaxy of origin,
only to now return.
Second: With this being is another, one descended of the First Fallen.
-------
"The First Fallen?" the XO inquired.
"The El-Aurians," Strur explained. "The first civilization to completely be
destroyed by the Borg."
"But they were wiped out!" the XO exclaimed.
"Of this region of space, yes," Strur replied. "According to legend, a few
managed to escape to another place.
"Another galaxy?"
"It appears so. It was unmistakable, she is one of them, at least half.
Here, this is what I am looking for."
-------
Where the First Fallen go, their would be exterminators follow. Yet only
they know how to evade total destruction at the hands of the Hybrids.
Third: The Mechanical, though having taken no sides, have only struck
against those whom do not support the Predire. Until now.
Fourth: Where the First Fallen evade, only the Mechanical can turn back.
Now the end is near. At least one side will fall in the wake of this, the
Hybrids' second driving off. Then the war is over. None victorious, only
survivors.
Time is short for survival. The signs realized in reverse order. If the
assumed child is found before the Hybrids locate the only First Fallen alive
but hidden, apart from each other the two individuals can assure success for
one side.
-------
"Aaahhh," the XO said upon completion of reading. "So by keeping the
knowledge they did secret, your family has keep the Ayáti from knowing how
to stop us from winning, while also instilling fear in them with the part of
the prophesy they did make common knowledge. Brilliant!"
"I would expect nothing less," Strur replied. "Now all we need to determine
is which on that ship is Predire Emir's assumed child."
"What about the ship? The crew?"
"I care more about the war than some obsolete ship. Leave it and its crew to
defend themselves. We don't need captives anymore, only the two from the
prophesy." Strur collected the prophesy and it's translation, then began to
head out. "Prepare for the El-Aurian to be transported and cared for at our
most defensible location. I shall discover which Emir has taken to heart.
That one will stay with me."
{Conference Room, USS Griffin}
Before the Captain received a reply, Counselor Jaquelle Daem disappeared.
"Wha-" Ivanof began to exclaim. Rinali was on her feet in an instant. But
everyone knew there was nothing to be done.
"Where'd she go?" Ivanof asked.
"Bride to Captain Myst, we're being hailed by the ship."
"On my way," Priscilla replied. Everyone got up and headed for the Bridge.
Priscilla held Ryan back briefly, and Ivanof stayed to see what was going on.
"Take the ship and find Predire Emir, he said you'd know where." the Captain
ordered Sable. "He told me this might happen. He said you'd be their last
hope, but not why. Only he can help now." And with that she walked out.
{Bridge, USS Griffin}
"On screen," Priscilla ordered. Strur filled the view screen again.
"Captain," he began pleasantly.
"Return my officer," she demanded of him.
"Now now, that's no way to speak to your host," he scolded playfully.
"You want something, what is it?" she replied.
"Very well, have it your way," he said, his expression turning cold. "I want
the one who knows Predire Emir personally, or I will kill everyone on your
ship."
A couple people inhaled sharply. Sable nearly went pale as she turned to
face Priscilla.
"And I suppose you'll need proof of identity before you keep your word," she
said dryly.
"Of course," he replied. "And rest assured I'll be able to tell if you're
lying in your statements."
"Very well then," she said. "When he's angry his Yárë turns a dark shade of
blue, almost as dark as the empty sky."
Strur smiled the smile of someone very pleased with themselves, and Priscilla
disappeared.
"Captain!" Ivanof exclaimed in surprise.
"Take your ship and leave, before I change my mind and kill you all anyways,"
Strur informed Ivanof and then terminated the transmission.
"How could she have known that?" Ryan wondered aloud. "He never let anyone
see..."
"He told her," Ivanof said, beginning to put pieces together. "Get us out of
here, Commander. Captain's orders."
"Aye sir," Ryan said turning to her station still half in disbelief.
Back to Top
Chapter 5
{Griffin, Bridge}
"Commander we can't leave! Captain Myst and Councilor Daem need
us," said Lt.
Travin.
"Maintain your post Lieutenant," said Ivanof calmly. "We are not
leaving them
behind. But we need to make contact with the Predire, plus we
have an
ambassador to the Predire. Commander Sable, please join me in
the Captain's
ready room. Lt Travin you have the bridge." He said rising to
his feet.
{Griffin, Captain's Ready Room}
"Alright Commander Sable. We need help here. Commander do you have a means of
reaching the Predire. I know you have a connection. We need that now."
Sable shifted hesitantly while staring to the floor. "It won't be easy, sir.
May even prove fruitless. I haven't been in this quadrant for ten years, and
I'm sure a lot has changed."
Ivanof pinched the bridge of his nose before he continued. "Commander, right
now, to get the Captain and councilor back, we'll need to make that possibility
bear fruit. Now you know these people. Do you have the means or not?"
Sable nodded in affirmation, but was obviously far from confident. "I'm sure I
could figure something out," she replied, swallowing.
"Now the Captain said she had spoken with these people. I'm going to research
her files and try to find another connection. I need you to work on your
connection."
Sable's brow creased in some confusion. It was unusual for the Ayati to make
contact with other "lesser" races if they could avoid it. "Understood, sir,"
she spoke as one who wished to say more, but loathed to do so.
"Dismissed."
Sable bit her lip and nodded, turning smartly and heading for the door. Sable
stopped at the door, suddenly turning back to Ivanof, an odd urgency in her
eyes. "Commander," she said swallowing, "we may not survive this. Even though
he let us go for good faith, we'll be captured again very soon ... or
destroyed."
"Alright, what do you suggest? Our warp system cannot recreate that type of
power."
"I don't know!" she said roughly, trying to control her building panic. "I
don't know!" She repeated as she began to pace.
"Ok. Relax Commander. Work on reaching the Ayati. I'm going to call a senior
staff meeting in an hour."
Sable nodded uneasily, mumbling, "yeah, sure." She halted her pacing, her head
flashing up harshly as she shook herself. "I mean, yes, sir."
"Commander. Look. I know you're under a lot of stress here. Right now we need
to reach the Ayati. Either they come out and get us or we have to find a way
to get to them. I'm going to have Anna and McInnis work on getting our engines
to attempt to recreate their technology. Now you have a telepathic link with
these people. And you are the Predire's daughter; at least that's what I
gathered. Coordinate with Dr. O'Roarke, and try to see if there's a way to
maybe enhance your telepathy.
"Yes, sir." Sable said, yet she remained in the ready room, silent and
preoccupied, biting her tongue ... (I tell,) she thought to herself, (and I
could cause a lot of problems.)
"Something else Commander?"
Sable looked up from her pondering somewhat startled. "Sir?" she asked, trying
to convince the Commander otherwise.
"Something's bothering you."
She sighed. "It's nothing really, sir," she began...
"But," Ivanof said prodding.
"I..." she bit her lip again, sighing a moment later.
"Commander if you have something to tell me. Anything, I want to hear it."
Ivanof said.
"Several years ago I was assimilated by the Scralen," she said, irritated. "I
still carry their cybernetics. What is left wasn't meant for long-range
communications or similar heavy operations, but," she paused for a moment.
"McInnis might be able to help me... upgrade." She looked expectantly towards
the commander, silent and grave.
"Wait. Assimilated. Like the Borg?"
"The Scralen were the predecessors of the Borg. They were created by the
AyaCeni, the parent race of both the Ayati and the Ky-Racen factions. They
were created as androids but then the first Struer reprogrammed them and they
turned on and assimilated their creators. Most of those assimilated became the
Borg we know of, revolting against the Scralen, and causing a great deal of
chaos. The Ayati attempted to hunt down the new Borg and eventually drove them
from this galaxy to ours."
"Then how were you assimilated by the Scralen?" Ivnaof inquired, confused.
Sable sighed mentally, clenching her fist and wishing she had kept silent.
"When I was three, my father's ship, the USS Acari, had been snagged by an
Ayati ship while on mission in the Beta Quadrant. They dragged us along in to
their home galaxy before they realized we were in tow. The stress damaged our
ship beyond repair and we were forced to evacuate, but the Predire's ship could
not handle the rescue attempt alone. Some how, the Predire was able to
convince a nearby Bisra ship to help. I was rescued by the Bisra," she grew
quiet for a moment, and the commander waited patiently. "What the Predire did
not know is that ship had no intention of releasing it's share... and that they
had also recently attacked a Scralen outpost. Before anyone could react, the
Scralen appeared and took the ship into custody, crew and passengers alike.
And that is how... I was assimilated," she ended, hanging her head slightly.
"So these cybernetics," Ivanof began "What do they do for you?"
"At the moment, all that is left perform pretty insignificant jobs. I have a
skeletal reinforcement. It adds some strength, but not much more than a
Vulcan," she explained, embarrassed. "And what is in my head merely acts like
a memory enhancer ... there is some ability to communicate and other things,
but most were disabled when I was rescued."
"But what was their former function. Were you connected to a "collective" like
the Borg?" He asked concerned.
"Yes, sir. I was. They are the predecessors of the Borg and many of their
systems are similar, but the Scralen have grown far more advanced." She said,
repeating herself somewhat.
"I see. Is there a danger of the Scralen locating you?" He said worried.
"Danger sir?" She said confused.
"If McInnis begins modifying you, is there a possibility the Scralen could
detect that and try to re-assimilate you?"
Sable stared at the Commander oddly, having forgotten that she was the solo
barer of her knowledge on this ship and those around her would not by magic
just simply become aware of the information. Frustrated and uncomfortable, she
mentally sighed. "The Scralen are not like the Borg, sir. They only
assimilate in self-defense. Unless we had attacked them, they should just
simply ignore us..." she paused, taking a deep breath. "But there is another
similar danger, sir," she added softly, obvious, disquiet anxiety in her eyes.
Ivanof looked on with concern, recognition of that same dread surfacing in his
mind. He had seen it in the eyes of the Intrepid crew during the Borg
incursion at sector 001; yet here the look seemed intensified ten fold. "Could
the Borg-?" he began to ask.
Sable interrupted quickly, "-hear me?" Her eyes seemed to grow dark, almost
sadistic. "Yes."
"But they were driven from this galaxy, assuming that we are in another galaxy."
Sable nodded in affirmation, replying, "we are several quad-trillion light
years from the Milky Way, but the Borg are also not restricted to our galaxy if
the worm holes still exist. The Borg did not arrive from here simply by flying
through empty space, Commander. The distance is to great to fly in a short
time, even for the AyaCeni."
Commander Ivanof grew quiet in pondering. He felt he knew too little, and the
weights of the decisions to be made were too great. "Get with McInnis," the
commander replied after a time, "and see what you two can do about that
upgrade."
"And if the Borg hear us?"
"That's a chance I'm willing to take..."
Back to Top
Chapter 6
Jaquelle kept her eyes open and her mind closed as she appeared.
Instantly
she knew she was no longer on board the Griffin. But she had
never experienced
a transporter like the one she had just been subjected to. It
was, by all
accounts instantaneous.
As she scanned her surroundings, she was in a room. As she
sensed her
surroundings, she could tell she was in a place with very old
beings. She knew
she had to be aboard Strur's ship. But why? Why was he so
intrigued by her?
As she looked around it was clear that she was not imprisoned in any type
of holding cell. Quite the opposite. The room she was in was well appointed,
almost opulent. She stood for several minutes taking it all in and deciding
what her next move should be. Slowly, while trying to maintain her mental
guards, she tried to listen to the voices on board. The voices she heard were
overwhelming, she had full telepathic abilities with these people. But she
couldn't understand the language. She tried to pick up empathic
feelings when suddenly, like a bolt piercing in her mind, she could hear the
thoughts of Captain Myst. They had not been there before, she was sure.
(Captain) Jaquelle thought.
(Counselor,) the response came. It was Captain Myst. (Don't communicate
anything. They know I am who they need, the one who knows Predire Emir
personally.)
Jaquelle understood what the Captain was trying to tell her. Before she
could even think of a way to let her know that, the door to her room opened. It
was Strur and another. In her mind Jaquelle could hear their words.
(I am Strur, and this is my First,) Strur thought, pointing to his XO next
to him. Jaquelle could sense the reverence he was giving her, but stayed
quiet. After all she was El-Aurian and listening is what she knew she should
do.
(We mean only to make you comfortable,) Strur continued. (You are
El-Aurian, we know of your history, we know of your people. Consider yourself
our guest.)
(I prefer to be comfortable on my own ship,) Jaquelle responded.
(I am sorry, that is not possible,) Strur thought. (Your ship is already
on it's way. We have chosen to allow them to leave to show you we mean no
harm. All we want is to help you find the others like you. Surely that is the
only reason why you would travel with them. But our ship is faster, and we
know more of the galaxy you are from. We could help you find the others like
yourself )
Jaquelle knew she was in a cat and mouse game. If she made a wrong move,
they would pounce on her. They needed her, but she was not sure why. It was
clear that they did not know there were other El-Aurians in the galaxy. This
had to be her advantage.
(You know of others?) she thought.
Strur's XO's eyes grew a bit wide.
(She is the one) he thought. (The only one. The prophesy is coming true.)
Strur became so angry at his XO's slip, that he want to reach over and tear
his mind out. Instead he stormed out of the room. The XO followed behind
quickly. Jaquelle knew she had just gained an edge. But what?
Back to Top
Chapter 7
{Griffin, Security Office}
After the sudden removal of Lt. Daem and Captain Myst from the
ship, the
security office had become the site of near-constant activity.
Various members
of the security team were constantly popping in and out with new
reports,
information, and most frequently, questions. Though she tried to
remain calm
in the fact of this, Rinali was obviously upset by the loss of
two crew
members, one being the captain no less. The security team had
learned several
new Klingon curses.
Things were starting to calm down now, not that it comforted Rinali any. The
initial flood of new information, much of it from Commander Ivanof regarding
Lt. Cmdr Sable, had at least given her something to do. The security staff had
been informed of the possible Borg threat, though not the full reason for it,
as Rinali thought that was private. Ensign Fortunato was on the bridge ready
for potential conflict or to warn Rinali if anything suspicious came up.
Ensign Edward and a few other crew members had been sent down to the civilian
quarters with strict instructions not to mention the Borg in any way so as not
to cause a possibly needless panic. The rest of Rinali's staff was scattered
throughout the ship, checking and reporting on damaged areas, standing guard at
important locations in case anyone decided to beam in for an attack. And
Zosin... Zosin was with Lt. Cmdr. Sable.
Rinali would have gone herself, but she doubted it would help. She had put her
fellow officer on the spot earlier, pointing out that she might have been the
reason for their troubles with Strur. Given that, Rinali thought her presence
might be less than comforting while Sable underwent her "upgrades."
Still, Rinali had felt the need to supply Sable with some protection, since she
was the real object of Strur's unknown quest. And aside from her feelings of
personal responsibility, Rinali did not wish to face her mother if anything
were to happen to Sable. Zosin's quiet presence never seemed to bother anyone,
so Rinali had sent him. So far, there had been no reports of serious trouble
anywhere, but still Rinali worried, mostly about Sable's
modification. She didn't doubt McInnis's skill, but this was a very delicate
operation. There was still much to be learned about Borg implants, let alone
Pre-Borg ones.
"Lieutenant."
The communication from Zosin snapped Rinali out of her thoughts.
"Report," she said tersely.
"Lieutenant, I think you should come down here. The modifications are complete
but...something's wrong."
Back to Top
Chapter 8
{Subsection of Engineering}
Scott looked at Cmdr. Ivanof as if he had 6 heads.
"You want me to do what? Do you have any idea what in the nine
hells you are
asking me to do?"
The Commander nodded. "I know exactly what it is that we are
asking of you Lt.
McInnis."
Scott was flat out stunned at their request. They wanted his to
put Borg like
implants INTO a Starfleet officer, not out of mind you, but
into. What are they
thinking? No good can come of this, and nothing is worth the
risk...
Scott just stared for a minute blankly, then responded. "I take it then, that
this is an order Commander, because there is no way I am going to do this
voluntarily..."
Ivanof nodded. "Due to the circumstances, and her agreeing to it, and even
suggesting it... it is."
Scott nodded and sighed. He knew his past was going to come back to bite him in
the rear again.
Back in his days at the Academy, for his "Cadet Cruise", Scott had decided
instead of running off and seeing the stars, to instead stay in good ole Sector
001 and learn more about engineering. His skills were good, and his robotics
and biorobotics focuses before engineering caught the attention of a special
project team at Starfleet. Though his Uncle's reputation didn't hurt either...
Project Discovery, as it was named, was designed to understand the technology
that Starfleet had discovered from multiple instances, the most prolific, and
Scott's concentration, was Borg Robotics and BioEnhancing Robotics. He studied
and learned more about the Borg's technology in a few years than most engineers
would even know in their entire Career. The thought of the social and mental
ramifications of the Borg never phased Scott, he thought of it as a stage
between Human and Android.
They were hitting him like a ton of bricks now as Sable walked in.
He looked quietly over to her, half stunned that he was going to do what he was
about to do, and partially shocked that she had agreed.
"I'm not a doctor, so I asked the Medical staff to send it's best available..."
Sable nodded, stoically, though inside she was probably scared beyond belief.
Scott sighed. "I can't talk you out of this can I?"
Sable just shook her head a moment. "It is the only way to get the Captain and
Counselor Daem back and get the Griffin back to our galaxy..."
Scott nodded and motioned to the modified medicinal table. He thought to
himself... (yes, but at what cost...)
{2 Hours later}
Scott worked feverously to figure this technology out. It wasn't "older than
Borg", it was more advanced, and in it's ultimate simplicity it could be very
confusing, to anyone but Scott. The Borg were a technologically advanced and
adapting race... these folks were advanced, but advanced within the realm of
complex simplicity. It all came back though, to the central core attachment on
the base of her skull, behind her throat. It was the dormant brains of this
operation, both figuratively and literally.
As Scott worked with both the ships computer and his "project" he began to
formulate his theories and practices on this new technology. How to augment her
ability to communicate with this device to those who she needed to was easy
enough. What perplexed him though, was a simple red wire, which ran up into her
brain. How archaic...how...odd...
With effort he eventually figured out what it went to, and with gentle tender
hands and a lot of help from the medical staff, he extracted a blue crystal,
which the wire led to, and he knew what this was...and he wasn't happy.
{4 Hours later}
"Alright. Let's close her up, she should be..."
The lines on the monitor went flat in a hurry
"...Fine?"
The next few minutes were a flurry of energy and motion as Scott was all but
thrown out of the way and the medical team set to reviving Sable.
One of the staff near the door hit their communicator.
{Travin's Office}
"Lieutenant."
The communication from Zosin snapped Rinali out of her thoughts.
"Report," she said tersely.
"Lieutenant, I think you should come down here. The modifications are
complete but...something's wrong."
{Back in engineering a moment later}
The lines popped back up, and Sable came around in short order. Though for that
one minute, Scott's heart almost exploded in concern. Scott walked over and
sighed, shaking his head and looking to the medical staff.
"Don't bring her around until I talk with the Commander..."
He turned and walked off without a sound to the Commanders office. He didn't
need an appointment, and the small crystal in a sealed container in his hand,
gave him carte blanche to make that appointment now...
Back to Top
Chapter 9
{Captain's Ready Room}
"Captain's Personal Log, Stardate 55008.4
Last night's banquet for the families of the Senior Staff went
very well. I'm
very happy for the large turn out. We're a lucky crew to have
such amounts of
love and support in our lives. Even those not on such good terms
with their
families seemed to find all they needed in friends, whether old
or just met
within the last few days.
Of all I met, I must say I was most impressed with Lieutenant
Travin's brother,
Creenan. Starfleet is lucky to have such a capable up-and-coming
diplomat. Of
course I probably feel this way because I see so much of myself at that age in
him. But-"
"Computer, skip ahead to sentence containing the first reference to the name
'Emir'," Yuri's voice interrupted. A second later the computer beeped its
completion of the order.
"After the banquet I had a very intriguing, and very strange talk with Predire
Emir - Lieutenant Commander Sable's visitor. He spoke of some sort of prophecy
in his people's heritage. Apparently the Predire, those who were immortal
before he was selected to replace the first of them ever to be killed, had kept
this prophecy so well hidden amongst them that not even he knew of it until
they chose to reveal it to him not too long ago. This is partly what caused
him to travel so far to visit with Ryan, and me? At least that's what he said.
I'm not quite sure what he wants me to do about... anything. He was very
elusive and intentionally confusing in the way he spoke. I did manage to
decipher that I'm supposedly not in this prophecy, though Ryan is and some
other member of my crew may be. All I do know is that if we ever run across
someone named Strur and he asks for the crew member who knows Predire Emir, I'm
to give this Strur a specific description that Predire Emir gave to me.
I'm sorry Commander, I don't know any more than you. Though perhaps, if you
ever listen to this, by now you've learned something more helpful. Of course
as far as I know, none of this may ever be relevant. Predire Emir never said
when things would begin happening. If the prophesy is even valid or just a
misremembered dream over the millennia... or did he mean the prophecy has
already begun to be fulfilled? *sighs* Your guess is as good as mine...."
Yuri sighed as well.
As he turned off the log the door chime rang.
{Strur's ship, hours later}
Priscilla could feel Strur storming towards the small cell she was being held
in. She was sure the fact that none of his officers had successfully
interrogated her during the last half day was a good part of his problem. She
knew he was also still upset by how his First had behaved in front of Jaquelle
hours ago before they moved her. Overall he some issue about lack of, good
help was it? It seemed Strur had finally decided he was going to deal with
Priscilla on his own. (This isn't going to be pretty,) she thought to herself.
She was used to being in a telepathic society, though her skills were limited
to only being able to communicate with those generally listening or
communicating directly with her. Normally, that is. Here, for some reason,
she was strangely just as telepathic as anyone else. And despite her best
efforts to strengthen and close off her mind using her rigid Vulcan heritage
and training, she couldn't do more than keep things to an empathic level. At
least that meant no one else could read her thoughts or communicate
telepathically with her without her letting them, only emotions. Of course
that also meant the reverse was true.
"Yes, he's dangerously manipulative. So he's going to be harder than the last
couple," she noted to herself. "Just stick to speaking aloud and you should be
able to handle this, for now."
Strur entered the detainment area with a flourish and a force of will. He
stared at Priscilla. She knew he was trying to ask something of her, but she
wasn't "listening."
"Where have you taken my officer?" Priscilla demanded of him.
He looked at her with a mixture of surprise and annoyance. "Why force us to
use voices," he demanded to know, intentionally refusing to answer her question
to show he was clearly in charge and would be doing all the demanding here.
"We will speak aloud or we will not speak at all," Priscilla retorted, laying
down rules for this confrontation before he could and thereby gaining an upper
hand.
Strur didn't try to hide the anger he felt when he realized he had been out
maneuvered before things had even begun between the two of them. "Very well,"
he almost growled at her. Before he could get his next sentence out, Priscilla
jumped in a spoke.
"Where have you taken my officer?" she asked again. "She's been taken off this
ship, I can feel that-"
Strur interrupted her. "That's doesn't concern you. Now, you will tell me
where the Predire are," he demanded.
"It does concern me," she replied, ignoring his demand, "I'm responsible for
the welfare of every member of my crew and you-"
"We are now responsible for her welfare!" he replied becoming frustrated and
angrier. "WHERE are the Predire!?!"
Priscilla didn't respond, which initiated the next struggle between the two of
them. They tried to stare each other down for minutes before Strur's patience
wore thin and he spoke, again gaining Priscilla a bit more control in the
confrontation.
"You *will* tell me," he said menacingly.
"I'll tell you what," Priscilla said with her best negotiation voice. "Let's
compromise." She could see Strur was immediately set against the idea, and was
about to deny the offer, so she spoke over him.
"I'll answer your questions-" she said loudly so he could hear her over his
refusal. He immediately hushed so she dropped her voice back to a normal
level. "-if for each one I answer you answer one of mine."
Strur eyed her warily as he considered the idea. "Very well," he agreed.
"Remember, I can tell if you lie."
"As can I of you," she replied, mentally adding to herself, (now.)
"Your officer is being well cared for by my people and is being transferred to
our most secure location for protection. That is all you need to know," he
said as he located himself a chair, indicating that despite their current
agreement the struggle between the two of them was ongoing, and he had just
scored a minor success.
Priscilla looked directly at him, wondering if it would hurt if she let this
one slide, or if he would hurt her worse in the future if she sat on the floor
to spite him.
"I don't know where any of the Predire currently are," she said to answer his
first question. He scowled at her. "Tell me about the prophecy to end the
war," she said.
"How do you know about-" he began to ask with genuine surprise. Priscilla held
up her hand.
"It's my turn to ask a question," she stated.
"That wasn't a question," he retorted.
"Very well," she said as she thought of how to rephrase the question. "I am
assuming some here, but since this prophesy is to end a war, it must mention
steps... or signs!" she said coming up with a word she felt fitted well. "What
are the particulars of the ones that have been fulfilled and how many are left?"
"The Scrälën mistakenly attacked a Predire ship about one half of your years
ago," Strur began slowly, intentionally taking his time with his reply.
Priscilla didn't mind, but she acted as if she did so that he would continue to
make the answer longer. She wanted to waste as much time as possible. "We
then received word they repelled a Borg scouting mission a quarter that much
time ago. Your El-Aurian officer was noted on your ship during our first
communication with your ship. And you were there for when it was determined
you as knowing Emir personally. There are no other signs left. Just the final
steps of keeping you and your officer separate and using you both to win the
war."
"I see," was Priscilla's poker face reply.
"You said you do not 'currently' know where any of the Predire are. So which
ones do you know the future location of and what are those locations?" he asked
with a sly and satisfied smile.
"Predire Emir is the only one I know," Priscilla replied slowly, knowing this
question had been coming and hoping enough time had passed since the Griffin
left for them to have found some kind of safety or at least effective defense.
"Of course," Strur said with a dismissive wave. "Where and when?"
"You only asked for location," she replied, stalling.
"I asked for names, times and places!" he responded.
"You're exact words were: 'You said you do not "currently" know where any of
the Predire are. So which ones do you know the future location of and what are
those locations?'," she retorted.
Strur began to fume, but then realized he still had information he wanted from
her, and she seemed willing to comply as long as he played along. "Very well,"
he sneered. "Where?"
"He will be... on my ship," she replied with a touch of apprehension.
Strur's eyes went wide. "WHY!?!" He quickly added: "and When?!"
"It's my turn to ask a question," she replied calmly, which intentionally only
instigated him more.
"It had better be quick," he warned through clenched teeth.
She tried to think of something that would catch his interest enough to keep
him from ordering his ship to track down the Griffin, at least for long enough
to buy them time. "What are you going to do to my ship when you find it
protected by Predire Emir and his followers?"
"Use you and your knowledge to get to Emir and through him the rest. How do I
get through his ship's defenses?"
(All I can do now is keep him talking,) she realized. (Don't let there be a
lull in the conversation as long as we're both willing to play this game.) "I
don't know," she replied. "How do you plan to use Predire Emir to get to the
rest?"
"I don't know. How can you not know his ship's defenses with all the time
you've spent on his ships?"
"I have never been on any of his ships. How can you expect to succeed in your
plan if you don't know how to carry it out?"
"The prophesy foretells success, I will watch for all to fall into place and
take advantage of it when the time comes. How is it the one Emir has taken as
a child has never been on one of his ships?"
Priscilla paused. "The one has."
"You said you had never been on one of his ships," he replied with confusion.
"Now what are you going to do when you find my ship protected by Predire Emir
and his followers?" Priscilla asked, waiting for him to put two and two
together.
"You're not the one?" Strur asked with shock as he realized the truth.
"You haven't answered my question."
Strur stood with a look that felt it may actually have killed her if Priscilla
wasn't behind a force field. "This - isn't - over," he said coldly with a
quiet forcefulness.
She knew otherwise.
Back to Top
Chapter 10
{Griffin, Captain's ready room}
McInnis walked in without bothering to wait for an answer to the door chime.
"Commander...” Scott began.
“Come in Lieutenant!” Ivanof said his tone dripping
with half sarcasm and a good dollop of anger. “I’ll
assume something is wrong or do you burst in on the
captain in this manner?"
"I have a report sir, which at this point supercedes
courtesy..."
"Explain."
Scott placed the canister with the crystal he took
from Sable on the desk gently.
"In about 14 hours this rock was going to make us into
space dust,” McInnis said calmly as Ivanof leaned over
and picked up the canister. "Now it is a dormant, but
highly explosive material that I have never seen
before. It might explode if shaken too much but by
too much I mean it would have to be the ball in a good
rugby game."
"First of all. Lieutenant. How is Sable?” Ivanof
asked.
"Alive...mostly. She's stable but I told the doctor
O’Rourke not to bring her around yet..."
“Are the cybernetics working?"
"Well,” he began hesitantly “Yeah, they are, but she
isn't. Well, part of her isn't. You are holding part
of her consciousness in your hand.”
"Sickbay to Lieutenant McInnis," O’Rourke’s voice came
over McInnis’ comm badge.
"Go Ahead..."
"Lieutenant, Sable has regained consciousness. I
tried to sedate her, but she isn't responding to
treatment," said O’Rourke.
"Understood, let it be for now, I will bring the
Commander."
They could hear Sable sigh frustrated in the
background.
"Understood, Sickbay out."
“Just remember,” McInnis began, “you ordered me to do
this, so when I go down there and she swings at me,
you best get in the way and take the punch
Commander..."
Ivanof straightened his uniform and gesture for
McInnis to lead the way out of the ready room. “Come
on.”
Scott nodded and as Yuri passed him on the way to the
turbolift.
"She may not be happy about this,” McInnis began to
reiterate, “but remember, both you and her asked for
this."
"I'm fully aware of these consequences Lieutenant. We
need these peoples help. She's the key to that,"
Ivanof said just before the doors of the turbolift
opened.
"Well internally the key looks like a cross between a
human and a pinball machine now, so I hope she doesn't
scare them off.”
"From what I understand of her relationship with the
Predire, it shouldn’t matter."
As Ivanof and McInnis entered sickbay, Sable slipped
smoothly off the bio-bed, and made a line for the
Commander. "I'll take that thank you," she said
simply, grabbing the crystal from Ivanof.
“I take it you need this?" Ivanof said as she ripped
the canister from her hand.
"Your assumption would be correct." She set the
container on a near by tray, staring at it intently.
After several long moments, with a wink to McInnis,
she raised her arm, and pointed her fist at the
crystal.
"So what is this Commander?” Ivanof asked
Without warning, assimilation tendrils ejected from
under the skin between her knuckles. She winced
slightly as the tendrils attached themselves to the
crystal. One of the tendrils expanded to accommodate
the crystal and the other fed the crystal into Sable’s
body. Ivanof, McInnis and O’Rourke watched as the
crystal, now a small bulge underneath the skin, moved
its way up her arm, through her neck and into her head
where it slipped into the skull of commander Sable.
"That," Sable commented as the crystal took its place
internally, "is my operations cortex." She smirked
slightly at Ivanof's shocked response. "Don't worry
commander. I don't bite."
"Watching that. It just takes some getting used to.
My apologies."
"Emm ... yes, it does," she replied slowly as the
cybernetics within her began to come online.
Scott simply watched quietly. He knew more than he let
on, but didn’t say a word. He knew Sable's secrets,
but that doesn't mean he would say anything. He
understood the power of what he knew, and no one
should know those things.
"Now commander, how has this affected you. Are you
reconnected to the Scralen collective?"
Sable thought for a moment, then almost android like
said, "Yes."
"Is this a danger to us?" he asked.
Scott shook his head slightly; noting even his beside
manner was better than Ivanof's. He looked over to
Sable. "Can I get you something to drink...you've been
asleep for a while."
"No," she answered Ivanof, her gaze then transferred
to Scott. "Yes, please."
Scott nodded and walked quietly over to the
replicator, instinctually calling for his favorite.
"Chocolate Milk," he said. The Replicator began to hum
and soon a tall glass of brown milk sat on the pad.
He grabbed the glass he brought it over to her.
Ivanof nodded to Scott in a "Good Job" manner.
Sable smiled, taking the glass. "Thank you Scott."
She turned back to Ivanof, smirking at some thought
she had caught from Ivanof's mind. "Yes, sir. I will
access the Scralen's communications network." She
took a sip of chocolate milk.
"Alright.” Ivanof said after giving Sable a moment.
“I know this must be difficult for you Commander."
She concentrated for a moment, one stray thought of
wonderment at Scott knowing her favorite drink
surfacing.
"Difficult?” she said moderately confused.
"Reconnecting to something you have been separated
from for so long."
"I ..." her voice softened, her concentration
breaking. "I don't know."
"Does the main computer get separation anxiety when
you don't talk to it for a while sir?" Scott asked
honestly without sarcasm.
"I'm not a computer," Sable suddenly barked sourly.
Scott nodded. "I never said you were, but the part I
just adapted to you...is..."
“Lieutenant,” Ivanof interjected as McInnis had
clearly crossed a line. “Keep the comments to
yourself.”
Sable ran a hand exhaustedly over her forehead,
frustrated.
"Well when you are done Commander,” Scott said looking
at Ivanof. “-let me know. I don't want to be in the
way for your questioning." He then moved over and
leaned against the wall. He was disgusted for himself
for what he had done to Sable and what he knew about
her.
"How do you feel commander?" Ivanof said after
disciplining McInnis.
"I ... " she said looking at Ivanof, trying
desperately to blink the commander back into focus.
Ivanof put an arm out and prepared to catch her.
McInnis came forward then with the same intent.
Ivanof pushed her back so she could at least lean
against the biobed.
"Uh ... what ... what was the question again?" she
swallowed.
"Steady. I was asking how you are feeling."
Black rushed in on her vision, and she fell limp,
slipping from the bio-bed. Luckily both Ivanof and
McInnis were prepared to catch her as she fell.
Together, along with Dr. O’Rourke they put her onto the
bed.
"Lieutenant, are the cybernetics working properly?"
He said turning to McInnis.
"They are 100% up to snuff sir commander. Although her
brain is probably exhausted from all the data she is
probably receiving and can't handle it, so it knocked
her out."
“Her body is being pushed further than it has been in
a long time. Heart rate, respiration, brain activity
are all of the charts.” O’Rourke stated showing the
biobeds readouts to Ivanof and Scott. “She should wake
in a few hours.”
“I was going to say before she revived. That it would
take some time for her to assimilate to the
transition.” Scott said.
"Understood. Thank you lieutenant. I wouldn’t have
asked her to do this if I didn’t have to She actually
was the one who suggested we use the cybernetics.”
"I've suggested adding a foosball table to the rec
lounge but that doesn't mean you signed the paper on
the spot..."
"Delivery was actually waiting at starbase 523, if we
ever get there.”
“I know why you agreed..." He sighed and looked her
over from an engineering point of view. "Her dilithium
core is empty sir... IE She needs rest.” An awkward
moment passed between them then McInnis registered what Ivanof had said. He
looked to the commander and said: "Well hot diggity, I
hope it has all the slopes in the corners, I hate it
when it-"
"Borg interlink frequency detected! Vessel is on
intercept course. ETA 23 hours, 15 minutes," said
Sable suddenly snapping into a sitting position, eyes
wide, adrenaline forcing her awake.
"What?!?” Ivanof said turning.
"Awww Shit..." said McInnis.
“Sable can you hear me?"
Sable jumped from the bio bed, landing on unsteady
feet next to McInnis. "Yes, I can hear you and I
said, there's a Borg Vessel on intercept course with
the Griffin. Fusion Tactical Cube," she snapped.
"What? Fusion Tactical Cube?"
"Well sir...," He looked to the commander and then
grabbed Sable in his arms, holding her firmly so she
didn't need much effort to stand. Ivanof took her
other arm. “It looks like we have less than a day
till the end of our world. I don't think that she
multiplied by four either..."
"A Fusion Tactical Cube consists of eight smaller
Tactical Cubes. This type of ship can out gun and out
run the Griffin ten to one," said Sable sighing."And
it is currently on an incercept course."
"Perfect. Mcinnis can you find a way to scramble
these interlink frequencies?"
Scott nodded and understood. "Not without scrambling
Sable, sir. In fact it’d take about 20 hours, 37
minutes, to take Sable out of the communication. We
had best move on this plan of yours sir."
"Sable, can their sensors pick us up or is it the
interlink frequency that is giving our position away?”
"Sensors, sir. I didn't attract them, the Griffin
did. Apparently, we're sitting right on top of a Borg
Sensor Array," sable replied.
"Sable. If we were to head to Scralen space would
that get the Borg off our backs??” Ivanof asked
worried she was going to pass out again.
"It ..it might," she replied, her eyes narrowing.
Scott continued holding Sable instinctually.
"McInnis I know you've been busy. But have you gotten
a report on the engines?? I have the feeling were
gonna need them.”
Scott nodded, placing Sable in the bed. "Aye Cap'n,
I'll get down dere and giv ya awl I gots," he said in
a fair impression of his uncle. With that, Scott
headed to engineering.
"Just what I wanted to hear, Lieutenant,” Ivanof said
smiling.
Sable growled, climbing back out of the bed to follow
McInnis.
"Sable,” Ivanof said, pushing gently on her shoulders.
“Until you’re stronger I'm confining you to sickbay.
You need to rest.”
"I need to help," She said still trying to get up.
Scott turned to the Commander and Sable before he
left.
"Commander. I'll get us to Scralen space. I need you
to tell them were coming,” Ivanof said calmly.
"I doubt she'll stay sir. I could always use a hand in
Engineering," McInnis said from the door.
"Nu huh," she returned defiantly. "You're asking for
a complete overhaul if you want those engines ... but
I know a way to emulate their technology. You need
me." She nodded to McInnis for his support, half
smiling.
"Dr. O’Roarke, can you help her?”
"I don't know," the doctor replied. "Everything I've
tried to give her, she's rejected."
"Give me your strongest stimulant. That'll work."
Sable offered.
"Whoa...hold it," Ivanof started, and the Doctor was
nodding. “We need you Sable. I won't have you crashing
on us."
"To hell with the stimulate,” McInnis chimed in. “I
have a bottle of Uncle's finest in my quarters. It'll
keep her going."
"I won't crash ... " she stated simply, adding to
herself, (yet.)
"Sable, you can go to Engineering. But I'm having Dr.
O’Rourke accompany you.”
Sable stifled further sighing. "Yes, sir."
"Dr. O’Rourke has authority to restrict you if she
feels you’re going too far over redline. Agreed?”
"Yes, sir," she replied acidly, taking a deep breath.
She slowly got up and O’Rourke took her arm. She was
following McInnis slowly with O’Rourke in tow when she
turned to Scott curiously, "You're uncles finest?"
Scott smiled as he escorted Sable to Engineering.
"It's an old Human drink called whiskey. It let him
put up with McCoy and Spock at the same time..." With
that they left for Engineering.
Ivanof left Sickbay and made his way to the bridge.
In the turbolift Ivanof suddenly had a thought. He
tapped his comm badge.
“Ivanof to Sable.”
“Sable here, sir.” She replied wearily.
“The Borg sensor array. How did you know where it
was?” Ivanof asked.
“Have Lt. Travin modify sensors for subspace emissions
in the J band. The Borg hide them within subspace
conduits but need to open the conduit. It’s not
overly noticeable, but it can be found.”
“But Commander, how did you find it?”
“It’s part of the Scralen intelligence readings on
this sector.”
“Do we need to modify our photon torpedoes to destroy
it?”
“No Sir. I can provide you with a map of this sector
when you get to the bridge.” This was said just as
the doors opened. Travin stood from the Captain’s
chair.
“Lt. Travin. Modify sensors to sweep for J band
subspace emissions. There is a Borg Sensor array
inside of a subspace conduit. When you find it target
and fire.”
Travin stepped up to the tactical station and began
making modifications. “I see it commander. It was
nestled right under us. Luckily it’s far enough off
that our torpedoes won't damage us any further.” She
began punching in the sequence and soon the array was
locked. “Ready to fire sir.”
“Fire,” Ivanof said. With that five bright red
objects streamed from the ship. All torpedoes
impacted at key points on the array. Then those five
flashes expanded into multiple larger flashes as the
impacted and blew the array to pieces.
“Alright. Now we need to set course for Scralen
space. Helm. Set course.” He paused as he consulted
the map Sable had provided. “297 mark 135, Full
Impulse. Engage,” Ivanof said.
They were not far off, but it would still be several
weeks at warp 9. He hoped Sable and McInnis would be
able to make the appropriate modifications to make
this trip far faster. Ivanof sat in the chair
pensively as he wondered if Captain Myst would be
there when they returned.
Back to Top
Chapter 11
Jaquelle was getting annoyed at being unstuck in reality. Soon
after Strur
left she was instantaneously moved to what appeared to be some
type of
transporter room. But before she could even clearly focus, she
was
instantaneously moved again. This time she was able to focus on
her
surroundings. They were even more decadent then the last place
they were
holding her. Tapestries intricately woven in gold hung on the
walls. High
ceilings were painted with elaborate murals. Furnishings were
meticulously
hand carved. Plush carpeting lay beneath her feet. But even through such lush
carpeting, she could tell that she was on longer on a ship moving through space.
(I guess I do have a bit of engineering in me,) mused Jaquelle to herself,
being sure to keep her mental guards up. She felt a bit less tense than she
normally would be in this situation knowing that she obviously was very
important to Strur's people.
(Well Tottol, we're not in Kan Sas anymore) she thought, referring to some
story she read long ago about a girl and her dog moved from their dull planet
to a bright one. And just like that girl, she didn't care how opulent this
place was, she wanted to get back to where she belonged.
Jaquelle tried to sense her surroundings. She could not sense anyone near.
There didn't even seem to be guards outside the door. All the voices she
heard were far away, and speaking the same language that she did not
understand. Jaquelle decided to see what the security on the door was like.
As she approached the door, it just opened. She put her hand near the doorway
to see if there was a force field. None. She cautiously peered out the door.
There was no one. She stepped out the door into a long hallway
decorated much like her room, that stretched seemingly endlessly on both sides
of her, no alarms. In the far distance on each side she could see light coming
from an alcove or hallway. Jaquelle stepped back into her room.
Jaquelle started to fiddle with her right ear lobe. Sometimes Anna
Krasinski's paranoia does have it's place. Anna had been concerned about Strur
showing a great interest in Jaquelle when they were on the bridge. Being the
eternal worrier, Anna kept insisting that he might try to take her for some
reason and had pestered Jaquelle to allow her to put a homing device in the
soft part of the lobe of Jaquelle's ear. Jaquelle being distracted by
the stress of the crew allowed her to do it in hopes of bringing Anna's stress
level down.
Actually the devise was sort of ingenious. The mechanics were made of a
tiny, soft, fatty type of material, almost exactly like her lobe. She noted
that back in sick bay when she scanned it, that it was almost indistinguishable
from human ear tissue. As a doctor she probably would have missed it if she
didn't know it was there, and certainly an alien race would not know the
difference. While the device would work for long distances on
it's own, Anna had actually made earrings that would amplify the signal. She
had honed it to a peculiar frequency band that was so narrow that no race she
could find had ever used it due to it's size.
Jaquelle activated the device. (Now,) thought Jaquelle to herself, (It's
time to explore my surroundings.) Jaquelle headed out the door, down the long
hallway to her right.
Back to Top
Chapter 12
{Griffin, Engineering}
Sable climbed from under a console, pulling herself from the
floor by
the edge of the paneling to study the calculations working away
on the
screen. Tense minutes passed as the implants within her
processed the
information scrolling by, while her Human half lay occupied in
thought
mentally elsewhere. That was the one advantage of the Scralen devices
that she had always taken for granted. Her physical body was not
wholly dependant on them for survival, the brain having been encased
in the thinnest layer of the electronics rather than having been
partially replaced; and the crystalline cortex being only a few
millimeters in size, required little room as well. The design allowed
her consciousness to remain separate, in a manner, from the constant
computations, while also allowing for a complete de-assimilation if
ever performed. The skeletal enhancement was merely a collection of
what some might call "nanoprobes", woven tightly together and able to
detach an create other devices if needed by the mere connection. The
matrix of minute devices had been used recently to create the
assimilation tubules, and had been used to seal small wounds. It was
a wonder of advanced technology.
A pause in her thoughts and slowly she looked up from her console for
a moment, staring at McInnis, eyes narrowed in contemplation. She
stole a deep breath and returned her gaze to the read-outs.
"Thanks," she quietly mumbled after a hesitant pause.
Scott looked up quietly from the console he was chugging away on.
"For?"
Ryan seemed to grimace slightly. "For ... helping me ... upgrade."
She looked down embarrassed. "I ... didn't know how much I missed
being connected ..." she spoke slowly, then rushed on, "I know it
sounds weird." She laughed distractedly. "It ... just ... yeah."
Now thoroughly uncomfortable, she shrugged and climbed under the
console to adjust a power coupling.
Scott shook his head slightly. "I didn't want to. The commander
ordered me to. Four years of working on Borg Technology made me
realize that it wasn't just some metal strapped to wetware. It's
different..." Scott sighed and returned to what he was doing.
"Though I am glad it turned out alright, and that you were
not...hurt."
Sable smirked, climbing back out as her discomfort vanished again into
an unexplainable feeling.
"You couldn't have hurt me, I'm far too advanced remember?" she
commented nonchalantly with a wink. "In the end I would have fixed it
myself."
Scott nodded though it was apparent that he was struggling internally
with something.
"Yeah, yer probably right..."
She patted Scott reassuringly on the back with a smile, disappearing
shortly behind the warp core. Scott let out a breath as she patted
him and lowered his head, chugging away again on the computations that
she needed done to retrofit the engines.
After a silence, Ryan called out, "Scott, you any good a magic
tricks?"
Scott smirked.
"I keep this ship running, I think that makes for a good performance."
He nodded. "My Uncle is..."
Sable grinned, leaning around the warp core, her voice light. "Ah,
but can your uncle create paralithium?"
Scott shrugged.
"I don't think it would be impossible for him... Would take him a
couple days of intense work but I am sure he would figure it out..."
Sable arched an eyebrow, just staring at McInnis with a small amount
of exasperation, her point having been missed; and Scott raised an
eyebrow in return.
She sighed in some frustration and turned mumbling, "All right, I'll
do it." Scott's brow furrowed.
"Sure, yeah, you just handle that..." Scott didn't handle personal
interactions well. He knew he could do it too, but Sable
was...well...more suited technically now to everything. Even to the
point of Scott knowing she could do his job if she wanted to. He knew
her capacity, and it...well...scared the crap out of him. "What
simple thing would you like me to task myself with in the mean time?"
Sable scowled. "That isn't funny." As far as she was concerned,
Scott was the resident expert and she, a mere library for him to dig
into.
Scott shrugged. "What do you want me to say, you know as well as I do
that you know what needs to be done and have the capacity to do it 10
times faster than me now, I am here to help you... not the other way
around."
She sighed for what must have been the thirty millionth time, and
turned on her heal, marching to Scott. A sad look crossed her face.
"There is a great difference between having a talent and using it, and
knowing how to do something because the information was planted in
your head. Sadly, I'm only the latter and doubt I could do any of
this without the polydeutronic implants. Don't demote yourself Scott.
You have a lot of good talent here, and I am only here to offer you
my library of knowledge ... in fact, I don't even need to be here."
She handed him a PADD. "This is all the information you'll need in
order to imitate their engines. Straight from my head." She cracked
an odd half smile, half grimace.
Scott sighed and looked down for a moment before looking back up.
"Yeah, I can make what we need, and I can build it, and make it
work... but I can't make myself laugh and for some reason you can. So
when the Commander asks me to have this done in some ungodly short
amount of time, I am going to need your help to laugh in his face...
and them make it happen sooner than that." He shrugged. "I learned
too much in working on you Sable, for both our own goods. So let's get
cranking on this engine mod before the Commander gets all uppity on
us. Besides, we have a couple folks who need our help..." Scott
seemed very tumultuous on the inside, though his half grin tried to
cover it on the outside.
Sable nodded in agreement, moving to make some comment as Ivanof broke
over the intercom speakers, "Bridge to Engineering."
"Go ahead Commander..." Scott responded. (This is where he asks me
the status of the refit and I tell him 16 hours...cuz it should take
4...)
Ivanof's voice seemed tight, "Lieutenant I need an time estimate on
those engines, and please don't give me anything longer than 30
minutes."
Sable, looked on with an arched eyebrow. (Now that's impossible ...
Geeze.)
Scott lowered his head.
"Why is it whenever you call down here sir, I feel like god because
you are always asking me to perform miracles..." He looked to Sable
and a light unlike one she had seen from him burst almost from his
smile. "If we get it done in 30 minutes, Sable and I get extra shore
leave..."
Sable smirked, laughing slightly. "We need four hours bare minimum,
Commander, no less," Sable spoke solidly.
Scott quietly walked over to a secluded datapad, a large one which was
not connected to any other apparatus. He smiled and began typing on
it, walking over to Sable.
"Let me see that PADD."
She nodded, handing the device to him. He attached it to an odd
apparatus on the side of his large PADD and continued typing, waiting
for the Commander's reply. In a few short moments a wry grin came to
his lips and he looked at Sable with almost amusement.
Ivanof's voice was grave, "McInnis, if you're god, then I'm praying to
you to get us outta here in less than 30 ... cause the Borg will be
here in less than 33 minutes."
Sable's eyes went wide and she gulped. She had forgotten to
periodically check the interlink frequency. (They found a worm hole,)
she thought hoarsely to herself. She gazed at McInnis oddly. "What
is it?" she asked of his grin.
Scott chuckled and almost broke out in a huge laugh. "Very well....
30 minutes...God Out." He looked at Sable. "We need the Cargo Bay
Replicator and a reroute of a couple systems, but I have some friends
who work even faster than you lass, and they are up for the task." He
turned the PADD around and showed Sable the schematics of the refit to
the Griffin and a small swarm of happy little blips on the side of the
screen, inside, almost jumping up and down. "Nanites..." He smirked.
"And did I mention that they hate the Borg..."
Sable was utterly stunned, "But where did? How? I thought ...?"
Scott smirked.
"Don't mind me, in order to play God for the commander, I have to
break the rules. Besides, they didn't want to go..."
"Oh," Sable replied simply.
Scott shrugged.
"I don't get much choice about rules when I get 30 minutes to make the
world change. Care to handle the assembly work with me here, while
they build us the things we need there?"
Sable smiled after a moment nodding. "Aye, aye ... God." She saluted
smartly, grinning.
Scott smirked, giving a sweeping and gallant bow in return.
"I've been called worse... maybe if the Commander lives up to the
shore leave, I can introduce you to Scotland..."
{GemNevenan-AvaGem Colonized World, Ky-racen Occupied}
Jaquelle drifted about the elegantly garnished halls, hesitant at each
bend and intersection, watching those who passed her with kind smiles
and little other attention in wary apprehension. She knew that her
exploration must eventually bring her to some unwanted meeting with
adversary; and yet, as the distance from her "cell" grew, the less
confident she became of such a meeting occurring. There was an aura
of peace in the air that calmed Jaquelle's thoughts, leaving only her
curiosity and a feeling of detached alertness.
A smell of freshness caressed lightly on a breeze tickled her face and
hair as she came upon a new intersection in the halls. Slowly she
turned, the hall opening into a grand arch, sunlight warming her face
as a soft, echoing voice sang unfamiliar words from some unseen place.
She stepped forward, the light, air, and singing voice casting a
graceful sensation upon her, as though she sailed upon the floor
through the archway with little effort, the pull of gravity or feel of
the floor beneath her beyond her comfortable peace. The arch opened
with sweeping grandeur into a lush courtyard; the sunlight raining
down upon the stonework of the building and center pavilion as though
it were tangible gold, the leaves of the trees shining as though
dripping with silver and deep greens, the flowers with rich blooming
colors. Jaquelle looked upon the beauty in shocked awe; too real to
be a dream yet too perfect to be real. In her awed distraction she
began to softly descend the short set of stairs to the grass at first
unaware of the alien woman that now approached her from the side. In
the last moment she turned to face the woman on her heal warily, but
her apprehension quickly melted as the odd peace over came her again.
"Jaquelle," the woman greeted, her voice smooth as in song. "I am
Wilwarin." The alien woman smiled, bringing Jaquelle's attention to
the soft point in the woman's ears and lack of yari (the crystal
in the forehead of members of Emir and Strur's race).
"You are not ..." Jaquelle quieted for a moment, sorting through her
mind to remember the name that had escaped her, as Wilwarin gazed on
with soft piercing eyes.
"I am not a member of the Eldárá," Wilwarin gently suggested, her head
slipping to a light tilt.
"I don't know of the Eldara. I was thinking more along the lines of
the AyaCeni," Jaquelle corrected innocently.
Wilwarin raised a soft palm, slowly bringing the hand to her own mouth
in a kind command for silence. "We do not call them by their
Predirian name," she explained with a silencing grace. Her eyes
narrowed as she studied Jaquelle, her head still held in it's slight
tilt. "I am AvaGem," Wilwarin explained after some time. "The Eldara
rescued my people from destruction many centuries ago." In the
distance, the single voice that first graced Jaquelle's ears at the
archway crested, joined buy a skin-tingling chorus in her song.
Jaquelle stifled a physical jump, questions of all sorts suddenly
clouding her mind and melting the peace that settled there. Wilwarin
smiled, knowing the new chaos in Jaquelle's mind.
"Come," she guided softly, "we have prepared the evening meal. You
may eat, and then I will answer all the questions you shall ask of me
as I may." As though she were a mere flower lying on smooth water,
Wilwarin slid down the path, leading Jaquelle to the large stone
pavilion in the center of the courtyard.
The pavilion filled quickly, though in a quiet grace and order. From
the tables the aroma like the flowers of the gardens rose. Jaquelle
was gently ushered to the center table, shown to stand in wait on the
right-hand of the head of the table. On either side of the table were
three tables, similar to the center table, though lacking in equal
length. Around the seven tables each person stood in wait, watching
to some point still distant in the garden. Jaquelle followed their
gaze, glimpsing the approach of another AvaGem and her entourage.
Soon the woman had entered the pavilion and upon sitting herself at
the head of the center table, the rest of the company sat as well and
the food served.
"My lady," Wilwarin spoke reverently from Jaquelle's side as they ate,
to the woman at the head of the table. "This is Jaquelle Daem of the
Griffin."
"Yes," the woman's voice sang. Her long blonde hair flowing through
the breeze, blue eyes piercing as she studied Jaquelle.
{Griffin Engineering 29 minutes later}
"...and on top of everything else, they're extremely punctual," McInnis
noted as his large PADD indicated the nanites had finished exactly on
time. He looked up at Sable. She had the oddest expression on her
face. "Commander?" he prompted.
"I've managed to contact Predire Emir..." she replied with a mixture
of relief and excitement in her voice.
"More good news," McInnis replied with a nod.
"Oh?" she asked.
He motioned with his PADD, "The nanites are done."
"Then while you get these Engines up and running, I'll be heading to
the Bridge to pilot them!" she said, happy that things finally seemed
to be going their way.
{Griffin, Bridge}
"Borg ETA, 2.5 minutes," Travin announced when Sable stepped off the
turbolift. "Lieutenant McInnis reports the engines are ready."
"Then get us out of here, Commander," Ivanof ordered.
Sable nodded and slipped into her chair. "Setting course for Scralen
borders," she announced as she keyed in the commands.
"Enga-," Ivanof said as Travin interrupted.
"Ship approaching at... incalculable velocity!"
Ivanof spun on his heal to face her. "Identify!"
"The specifications match Strur's ship. Their firing-"
"Commander-" Ivanof began, turning back towards Sable.
"Already on it," she replied, her hands dancing over her console. The
Griffin lurched as the engine modifications through it into motion
faster than normal. Weapons fire from Strur's ship streaked past the
port side, then the Griffin was gone.
"Report," Ivanof ordered as he sat in the command chair.
"We'll beat out the Borg," Travin replied, relaying information as
fast as she could get it from her station. "Strur's ship is altering
course to follow... at current speed he'll over take us in... two
minutes. It'll take us-"
A proximity alarm went off on Travin's console, and the Griffin rocked
gently as Sable executed a break-neck maneuver.
"Apparently Strur's weapons have a greater range than ours," Travin
commented.
"Greater range, yes much, but the further out they are the less
accurate their weapons become," Sable added over her shoulder, not
taking her eyes off what she was doing. But even though it didn't
distract her, she still wasn't able to avoid the entire volley that
streaked in from Strur's ship to pound the Griffin.
The ship shook under the impact of one of the weapons, not violently,
but enough to herald the fight to come.
"Shields holding at 87%," Travin reported. "We won't make it to
Scralen territory before Strur's ship intercepts us."
"That's okay," Sable replied. "They're coming to us. If we can hold
present course, they will arrive in fifteen minutes."
Back to Top
Chapter 13
{Bridge}
"Red Alert," Ivanof ordered. "Have all civilians report to their
quarters or
assigned shelter areas."
{Space}
Thanks to the new manner in which the Griffin was traveling, the
stars
streaked by in a hazy blur of blue and silver. It would have
been an eerie
yet spellbinding site... if anyone was paying any attention.
Strur's ship gracefully turned off it's course and took up a new one parallel
to the Griffin. Three small spots light up briefly as the enemy ship fired
on the Griffin. Anticipating the trap, Sable was already turning the
Griffin's course onto a new tangent. Tendrils streamed out, an energy web of
some sort attempting to ensnare the ship. Narrowly avoiding being caught,
the ship still wasn't maneuverable enough at high speeds to avoid contact
completely. The shields shimmered and crackled against the alien energy as
the hull visibly began to burn under the intense heat being generated.
The Griffin fired a spread of torpedoes in return. All but one bounced off
the shields of the enemy ship, completely ineffective. The one lonely one
that actually managed to have an effect merely exploded in a burst of oranges
and yellows as the ship's shields momentarily glowed underneath before
regaining their typical strength. No damage was done.
Long seconds later the tendrils finally dissipated against the Griffin's
shields. Strur's ship regained a common course with the Griffin and tried
its web weapon again, and just as quickly as needed the Griffin shifted again
to avoid it. Yet it never moved too far off its true course towards help.
Strur's ship changed tactics as well as course, and began raining fire down
on the Griffin.
{Bridge}
"Weapons ineffective. Shields holding. Structural integrity grid limits are
being tested all over the ship," Travin reported. "Estimate ten minutes
until they overload."
"We're still twelve minutes from help," Sable reminded them from over her
shoulder. "If we were to make a dead out run for it, no evasive maneuvers,
we might be able to pull away from them," she suggested. "They'd be forced
back to conventional weapons."
"Reroute power as needed," Ivanof said to Travin, partially distracted by
having to divide his attention between all the current situations.
"That's not going to help, sir," she replied. "The ship simply wasn't
designed to travel this fast."
"Do it, Commander," Ivanof told Sable. "All available power to aft shields."
{Sickbay}
"Medical Emergency!" a half frantic voice called from the comm system. "Deck
14, section 11!"
Dr. O'Roarke glanced up from the patient she was tending to long enough to
tap her communicator. "Transporter room, emergency transport from Deck 14,
section 11," she ordered tersely.
"Acknowledged," Winsor replied. "I can't get a lock, sir," she reported
frustratedly moments later. "There's too much radiation flooding the area."
O'Roarke shook her head. "Quarantine off Deck 14, sections 9 through 13, and
evacuate the surrounding areas" she ordered as she began cleaning up what she
was doing. "Only let people out. And get them out ASAP!"
She turned and looked around. "Doctor Moyer!'" she called out, not seeing
who she wanted.
"Doctor Moyer just started surgery," Nurse Leonid informed her from a few
patients away.
O'Roarke nodded, though she wasn't very pleased with any of the current
situation. "Computer, activate the EMH."
"Please state the nature of the medical emergency," the EMH said as he
materialized.
"Triage, while the CMO makes a house call," O'Roarke informed him as she
walked off. She grabbed a medical kit and filled several hyposprays to help
deal with radiation poisoning. "Leonid, you're with me."
The nurse nodded and walked over to O'Roarke, who administered a dose from a
hypospray to each of them. Then the two women walked out.
{Deck 14}
O'Roarke and Leonid stepped out of the turbolift to a horrible scene. A
couple people lay against either side of the corridor, placed carefully,
their bloody red and black burned skin visible from meters away. A third
crouched over one of the others, swaying slightly back and forth. Just
beyond them the bulkhead against the outside hull was awkwardly bent and
twisted. Beyond that the corridor darkened, lit only by the sporadic
sparking behind bent and broken wall and ceiling panels. The women could
hear moaning echoing from beyond site down the corridor. As O'Roarke bent
over one of the two people, they heard a voice call out.
"Hang on! I'm coming!"
Leonid looked to O'Roarke. "Stay here, tend to them," O'Roarke ordered. She
began to make her way down the corridor. When she reached the quarantine
field, she had it dropped for a moment so she could pass into the radiation
infested area. Once she turned the corner just beyond, she was able to make
out a form moving a few meters ahead.
"Hello?" she called.
"Help us!" the form replied. O'Roarke hurried over, finding one very large
person carrying another more human sized person. Neither were identifiable
through their wounds and the darkness. She began to give help in carrying
the woman, when the man carrying her pulled away. "There are four more alive
in the rooms back there," he motioned with his head towards a couple doors on
the opposite side of the corridor from the outside hull. O'Roarke nodded and
headed back as the man headed out.
She met the man just outside the quarantine field as she was heading out and
he in. She set down the person she was carrying and stopped him with a
firmly placed hand and a shake of her head. "You've been exposed too much
already."
"They're my neighbors and friends," he replied stubbornly, "I'm not leaving
them."
"I'll get them, you need immediate medical attention."
The man looked off down the corridor. "Your nurse has a look that tells me
I'm already dead. At least let me die helping them."
O'Roarke gave him an odd look and pulled out her tricorder. She barely
needed to scan him to tell there was no treatment she could provide him.
"Alright," she said, letting him pass as she picked back up the person she
was carrying and headed for where Leonid had set up a very temporary
treatment area.
When she arrived she noted three people were missing. "Taken to sickbay I
presume?" she inquired of her nurse.
"Yes, Doctor," Leonid replied, not looking up from her current patient. "Two
more stretchers are on their way."
"Add three to that number," O'Roarke ordered as she lay down the person she
was carrying before turning around and heading back for another.
She passed the man once more in the corridor at the quarantine field. They
were only dropping it as much as they needed to, once for both of them
heading in each direction. "One left," he said, carrying a person over each
shoulder.
"I see," she replied. "Nurse Leonid will give you something for the pain."
He nodded and headed off.
Seconds after man reached Leonid, they heard a loud explosion. The ship
rocked hard and the entire corridor fell into darkness. Tense moments
passed. When nothing else happened, the two sighed in relief. Suddenly
Leonid's tricorder began beeping an alarm. She looked at it and in the
little light it shed she turned to the man.
"The quarantine field is down. The radiation is spreading, levels are
steadily rising."
"Let's start evacuating these people into the turbolift," he said. She
nodded.
Once they had the four in place, they stepped on as well but waited. After a
moment the man stepped off. "I'll find them, you get these people to
sickbay."
Leonid nodded. As the turbolift door's closed the man headed off. He
carefully made his way down the corridor towards the bend. "Doctor!" he
called out on his way. When he rounded the corner, he stopped in his tracks.
The stars were staring back at him.
{Bridge}
"Direct hit, hull breech on deck 14," Travin reported. "Force fields are
holding."
The comm came alive with a slightly Scottish accented voice. "McInnis to
Bridge, what the heck is going on up there, I didn't pay for the roller
coaster ride."
{Sickbay}
The man staggered into sickbay. Nurse Fort moved to help him, but was
stopped by Leonid's voice.
"Don't! He's alight!" she warned, referring to the radiation he was
saturated with. Then she quickly guided him to sickbay's radiation safe area.
"Where's Doctor O'Roarke?" she asked along the way.
"With the stars," he replied simply with a grimace. Leonid gave him a
confused look. "She's dead," he explained between painful breaths. "Blown
up in that explosion we heard."
Just then the lights went out, immediately replaced by the emergency back ups.
Back to Top
Chapter 14
Engineering shook, as well as did the rest of the ship, and
Scott was none
too thrilled about it. He wasn't about to get his butt shot out
from underneath
him by some foreign race he had never even heard about.
As the ship rocked again he slapped his comm badge.
"McInnis to Bridge, what the heck is going on up there, I didn't
pay for the
roller coaster ride."
In short order the Commander replied.
"Lt. McInnis, we are under fire and unless you can do something
to correct it,
keep the comm lines clear."
Scott thought for a couple moments, unsure how to reply, until that wry grin
the Commander would grow to love and the Engineering crew would grow to hate
came to his face.
"Are we just going to try to outrun them without returning fire?"
"That was the precepts of your engine modification was it not Lieutenant?"
"Yeah, well you never told me we were having more company than the Borg..."
"Your point Lieutenant?"
"I need permission to reroute weapons, as well as all non essential systems to
engineering, and I might be able to give you folks a hand..."
After a few tense moments and the ship rocking again under weapons fire, he got
back a reply.
"Permission granted Lieutenant, make it good."
"Understood, McInnis out."
With a flurry of action and direction and some help from his new found nanite
friends, Scott put into motion a plan that could make or break them, but his
math added up, and as long as he had enough power from the newly configured
engine system and core mounting and energy relays, it could work.
A minute later he shut down all non essential system, including weapons... and
engaged the TCD...
Back to Top
Chapter 14a
{Engineering}
Eventhough it was 15 decks away, McInnis could sense the drain the TCD was
placing on the energy powering the ship's remaining active systems, he could
feel it through his feet. But always one to make absolutely sure about
everything he did, he checked the console in his office to make sure.
"McInnis to Bridge," he said, tapping his comm badge. "We have to slow down."
"The point is to outrun them, Lieutenant," Ivanof replied.
"If we don't slow down within three and a half minutes, we're going to come
to a dead stop. Emphasis on that second to last word," McInnis warned. "The
TCD isn't interfacing as well as I'd hoped with the engine modifications."
"Commander? Lieutenant?" he inquired.
{Bridge}
Sable barely turned at the question, hands still dancing over her console.
Travin piped up first. "Assuming they can no longer detect us, which is a
good bet based on how inaccurate their weapons fire has become, slowing down
may be beneficial. It'd add another unknown variable to their equation of
where we could possibly be," she advised.
"It'll take longer for the Scralen to reach us, but Strur wouldn't assume
we'd be on a different course. We've been pretty obvious about where we're
trying to go. And if he assumed a different speed, it'd probably be that
we'd be going faster," Sable added, agreeing with Travin.
"And then he'd run into them before us a well. Sounds good," Ivanof said.
"Lieutenant McInnis, how much do we need to slow down?"
{Strur's ship, Command Center}
"Where'd they go?!" Strur demanded to know.
"Unknown," his XO replied. "They're still there, they have to be," he added.
"We just can see them for some reason."
"Continue firing!" Strur ordered in frustration. "Blanket a wider area and
pay attention to when we hit them!"
{Strur's ship, Holding Cell}
Priscilla sat quietly, mentally listening to everything going on around the
ship. She had been forgotten for now. But she didn't mind it that way at
all, it let her monitor them without being noticed.
For a moment she allowed herself some wishful thinking. She always missed
her sister's presence in her mind when they were separated by too great of
distances. But now was one of the few times she wished she that wasn't so.
If only she had access to her sister's wealth of knowledge and skill, or
herself had any Engineering inclinations at all, she might be able to
actually DO something besides spying. But then again, everyone has their own
strengths that invariably come in handy at some point. So Priscilla went
back to waiting while listening to and learning more about Strur and his crew.
Back to Top
Chapter 15
{Griffin Main Bridge}
“Commander, the Borg ship is still approaching us at a
high warp. It will be in range of us in seven
minutes,” Travin reported. Ivanof had almost
forgotten about the old threat when Strur had decided
to become the new one.
“Commander Sable, how far away are we from Scralen
space?”
“With the new modifications and our current speed, we
can reach them in fifteen minutes. The Scralen are
not willing to violate Eldaran space. We need to
reach them.”
“Alright Commander Sable. What if we disengaged the
TCD and went back to full throttle. Would we be able
to at least get the Strur between the Borg and us?” I
think the Borg would attempt to assimilate Strur’s
vessel before us. Is that accurate.”
“I cannot say, Commander. It’s possible but we are of
Federation design. The Borg are aware of our presence
even with the TCD. But it is possible.”
“Lt. Mcinnis?”
“Yes Commander," Mcinnis replied. Ivanof could
almost hear the non-vocal groan in the man’s voice.
“We need to go back to full power on the new engines.
How long can you hold them and the shields if we
disengaged the TCD at full power?”
“Standby Commander,” Mcinnis replied.
{Engineering}
Mcinnis went to the interface device he had been using
to speak with the nanites.
(Ok guys. I know you guys are tired, but the Borg are
breathing down our necks. The Commander wants to shut
down the TCD and bolt for Scralen space. We need to
be able to maintain the shields and attempt to keep
Strur between the Borg and Us. Is this possible.)
The Nanites visually began discussing things. Then an
answer came. One which, when they presented it to
Mcinnis made him cringe, but he knew it had to be
done. The engines wouldn’t hold at full power. The
nanites asked for 3 class 8 probes and access to the
Cargo bay replicators.
“Commander. I have a solution, but it’s very
unorthodox. I had been planning on mentioning them
but haven’t had the time,” he said wincing as he said
it.
“Mention what?” said Ivanof. His tone was dark as if
Ivanof knew he wouldn’t like this.
“Okay. Remember the nanite incident we had a few
months back? Well I happened to get a hold of a few.
I was intending to report it, but then they started
growing and soon I had a thousand of them. They don’t
mean us any harm and actually have a grudge against
the Borg. They are engineers and have actually been
the ones who gave us the miracle of the engines we’re
pushing way too hard. I proposed your plan to them
and they came up with a different one. They want to
place a couple of million of themselves inside of
three class 8 probes which will be launched at the
Borg at 3 locations they’ll designate. Once the
probes implant themselves into the ship they will
begin replicating using the Borg’s own materials from
their essential systems. I just need three probes and
the cargo bay’s replicators. Then the nanites will
give Travin the coordinates to launch the probes.” He
finished his pitch and waited for the commanders
response.
“Proceed Lieutenant, but we will speak of this when we
get the Captain, and Daem back. Ivanof out.”
{Bridge. 2 minutes til the Borg intercept. 10 minutes
until Scralen space.}
“Commander,” came Mcinnis’ voice came over the comm,
“We are ready to fly. I’m loading the probes now.”
“Commander, I am receiving the coordinates for the
probes. Locked and ready.”
“Fire when ready, Lieutenant.”
The Griffin was still traveling faster than any
Federation ship had ever gone as three small probes
exited the rear torpedo launcher and their impulse
engines flashed as they sped towards their
destinations.
{Strur’s ship, Bridge}
“Erisaj! (Captain or appropriate term)” said
Strur’s tactical officer, “I’ve detected a massive
Borg ship on a near intercept course with us. But yet
it looks as if they are chasing something that is behind
us... Wait. Three small projectiles have appeared out of
nowhere and have impacted on the borg’s hull.”
“Turn the ship around. I think they have managed to
get behind us. Very clever,” Strur said with the
smile of one expecting to succeed in the hunt.
He was to be disappointed. The Griffin visually came
onto his viewscreen but they were traveling so fast
that the light reflected from the ship only showed
where they were.
“Fire all weapons!” Strur yelled.
The energy web and his phasers streaked after the
afterimage of the Griffin only to pass through it!
“What?!? Impossible!” Strur roared. “What has
happened?”
“I’m not sure Erisaj. They are not registering on our
sensors.”
“I CAN SEE THEM YOU SPINELESS KEMLR. Find out how
they are evading our sensors and then destroy them!
If they reach Scralen space we will have to break off
pursuit. And if that happens, I will have your remla
for my evening meal. Understand?”
“Yes Erisaj.”
{Borg Ship}
Impact detected.
Trajectory of projectiles coming from Federation ship.
No Discernable Damage.
Maintain course and speed to capture and begin
assimilation of Federation ship containing species
652148 and other less notable species.
Error detected. Main Sensors. Switching to Auxillary
and beginning regeneration cycle.
Error detected. Navigation Systems. New Course
entered by unknown means.
Shutdown engines.
Error detected. Engines. Failure to obey shutdown
directive.
ALERT ALERT Proximity detectors showing cube 25484632
on collision course with unknown object. Mass appears
to be consistant with Eldaran craft.
Error detected. Internal communications overridden by
unknown means.
These are the Nanites from the Federation. Resistance
is never futile.
Error detected. Self Destruct sequence initiated.
{Griffin Bridge}
Ivanof watched the rear view of the ship as it passed
Strur’s ship which had slowed to come about to
re-engage them. Now an amused look was on his face as
he watched the plan the Nanites had recommended came
to fruition. The cube was hurtling through space at a
faster rate than Strur’s ship and nearly hit them. If
Strur’s ship had been any slower it would have been
destroyed as the massive collection of cubes. Then a
blinding white light emerged from inside the cube and
engulfed Strur’s ship. The Griffin was 2 minutes from
Scralen space and their only pursuers had just been
caught in the blast radius brighter than any star
Ivanof had ever seen. As the light faded a cloud of
debris drifted out from where the cube had been. On
the outer edge Sturs ship could be seen with blackened
scorch marks across most of the hull and she was
drifting at an odd angle.
“Strur’s ship is currently disabled. Engines, shields
and weapons, all offline,” Travin reported.
“What about life signs?”
“Most are unchanged. I am picking up a Human
bioreading. It’s the Captain!”
“Sable. Head back. We are bringing Captain Myst her
ship back.”
{Sickbay 4 hours later}
Priscilla awoke to see the concerned faces of Dr. Moyer
and Cmdr. Ivanof over her. Moyer was working on
sealing a plasma burn on her right leg.
“Welcome back Captain,” Ivanof said. “How do you
feel?” He asked.
“Glad to be back. How is the Griffin?” She asked
softly.
“We’ve made it into Scralen space with the help of
Sable and McInnis. The ship is currently being
repaired by Mcinnis’ staff and the Scralen have been
kind enough to loan us a couple of their engineers to
help better mesh their technology in with ours. In
total since you were captured we’ve had fifteen deaths
and another 200 or so wounded. Dr. O'Roarke was one of
them. I’m sorry Captain. The rest of this should
wait until you’ve rested and healed up.”
“I’m going to the bridge,” Myst said, but then
the spinning screaming headache and the firm grasp of
the doctor placed her back on the biobed.
“I’m sorry Captain. But you’re in no condition to be
in command. And as acting chief medical officer, I’m
placing you on medical leave for at least the next 24
hours.”
“I’ve got things under control captain. Rest now.
I’ll have my report ready for you when the Doctor says
it’s ok.”
“Alright. Thank you Yuri,” she said as she closed
her eyes. She felt the hypospray touch her neck and
heard the soft hiss as Dr. Moyer injected her with a
sedative. As she drifted off to sleep she whispered
softly: “I’m sorry Marina.”
Back to Top
Chapter 16
{GemNevenan-AvaGem Colonized World, Ky-racen Occupied}
Jaquelle gazed into the night sky as Wilwarin had directed her,
a silver half
moon seemed to leap from the dark, diamond rich heavens,
stinging the eye
with its technological and adversarial existence. Slowly her
eyes returned
to the beautiful rolling landscape before her, and then to
Wilwarin and the
other AvaGem who had thus far been referred to as "My Lady," the
woman
obviously a leader of some sort among her people.
"Strur?" Jaquelle deduced remembering all that she had been told
between the
conclusion of dinner and now.
"Yes," Wilwarin answered in a smooth untouched voice.
"Your people will be looking for you, Jaquelle," the leader spoke, "if we are
to avoid detection, we must act quickly."
"What do you mean, my lady?" Jaquelle inquired, feeling inclined to address
her as her own people did.
"We have always been loyal to the Ayati," Wilwarin explained, "and though
under siege we have succeeded in constructing a reliable underground. We may
yet be able to return you to the Eldar and from there your people."
Back to Top
Chapter 17
"Why do you stay, My Lady? Jaquelle asked. The leader of the
AvaGem did not
respond. She did not need to. She knew what Jaquelle meant and
she knew that
Jaquelle would ask the next question.
"If you have an underground that could get you out of here, why
do you stay?"
continued Jaquelle.
"Look about you," Wilwarin said calmly, almost reverently, "it
is paradise."
Jaquelle nodded. She understood. She could feel in herself that
it would be
quite easy for even her to succumb and stay. But...
"Countless civilizations have been captives at one time in their existence,
many by those who seem to be magnificent benefactors. And yet, sooner or
later, no matter how much like paradise, a prison is still a prison." Jaquelle
answered.
The leader of the AvaGem finally broke her silence.
"We are not held here. This is where we desire to be." The leader could
sense the puzzlement in Jaquelle's mind,--their planet was occupied. How could
this be where they desired to be?
"There is a prophecy," the leader continued. "Both the Ayati and the
Ky-ràcèn people know of it. Stur knows that there is a hidden part to the
prophecy that foretells that someone like you will come. He knows that now the
end of the war is near. At least one side will fall in the wake of this, and
then the war is over. None victorious, only survivors. He thinks that by
keeping you apart from another in the prophecy it will keep the Ayati from
winning the war. He thinks it is the final part, but he is mistaken. There
is yet another part to the prophecy. And for it to be fulfilled we must send
you back. When that happens, our world will no longer be occupied and our
people will live long here."
"Come ... follow, " said the leader as she slowly glided off. Jaquelle
moved easily beside her. The rest stayed as the leader had not invited them to
come. She noted that despite the perceived imminent threat of danger from the
search for Jaquelle, she was not in a hurry. As she proceeded she explained to
Jaquelle.
"In past times we were known as being creatures who moved through time and
space. That is not entirely correct. We never had the means to move through
time, only the Guardian of Forever could do that. But we had great portals
that helped us appear to be instantly light years away. We had the technology
to place essences of any place our people had been into those portals so that
we only need step through any of our portals and be in that place. Our
underground network, on other planets maintains the portal here and upgrades
it."
"Up to this point I have not had any problem keeping the portal closed and
therefore hidden from those who occupy our planet. I am the only keeper of the
secret of the portal here."
Jaquelle and the Leader glided effortlessly through a maze of corridors
while the leader talked and Jaquelle listened. Suddenly the corridor opened to
a luscious garden. Fresh green flora covered the ground, while flowers and
waterfalls surrounded the garden.
"The portal is here," the Leader stated.
Jaquelle looked and listened as hard as she could but could not find the
portal. The leader reached out and touched Jaquelle's hand. Suddenly Jaquelle
saw that the entire garden was a portal. As she scanned the entire area, she
saw what seemed to be glimpses of thousands of places, planets and ships,
mountains and rooms, all manners of landscapes. The Leader concentrated on
Jaquelle's mind and the portal.
"There," said the Leader. She pointed to an area amidst all the images.
The image she pointed to grew large. Jaquelle instantly recognized it as
inside the Griffin. Soon it spanned the portal.
"How do have that?" asked Jaquelle.
"It comes from you," she responded. "And now you must step through and go
back to your people."
Jaquelle was hesitant, but she had the sense of calm and the presence of
mind to know it was the right thing to do. She glided over to and through the
portal.
{USS Griffin}
A loud clanging noise almost knocked Anna off her chair in her science lab.
She had meant to program the alarm loud, but obviously went a bit overboard.
She quickly checked her computer for coordinates.
"Anna to Captain Myst," she quickly blurted out, but there was no answer.
"Anna to the Bridge," she went on.
"Bridge here," came back the voice.
"This is Anna, I need to talk to the Captain," she said hurriedly and quite
excited.
"This is Commander Ivanof, Ensign Krasinski, the Captain is under sedation in
sick bay. What may I do for you?"
"Ah, I'm ah sorry Commander." Anna always felt uncomfortable with Ivanof.
"Well, you see I um persuaded Commander Daem to um put a transmitter in her
ear. Well, actually it was in her ear lobe..."
Ivanof had always been a bit impatient with Ensign Krasinski.
"Ensign Krasinski, what are you trying to say?" he snapped. "And turn off
that clanging noise."
"I've found Commander Daem," she blurted.
"Where," said Ivanof, his intolerance clearly heard. "What coordinates?"
Anna was so shaken by Ivanof that she just repeated the coordinates from her
panel and turned off the alarm.
"Ensign, those are the coordinates of the conference room." Ivanof barked.
"What are you talking about?"
"That is just it, Commander, she is in the conference room," Anna said with
as much authority as she would muster. Ivanof just rolled his eyes.
But Lt. McInnis was on the bridge at the engineering station. He had come
to know that although Anna was shy, she was gifted and extremely reliable.
"Computer," said McInnis, "where is Lt. Commander Daem?"
"Lt. Commander Daem is in the conference room," answered the computer.
McInnis turned and headed to the conference room. Lt. Travin pulled a phaser
and followed.
"Computer," Ivanof called. "If Commander Daem is in the conference room,
why wasn't there an intruder alert when she beamed in?
"Lt. Commander Daem is not an intruder, she is the ship's counselor,"
stated the computer.
{Conference room}
Jaquelle carefully studied her surroundings for more than a minute.
Indeed, she did seem to be in the conference room of the Griffin. She slowly
opened her mind. She could sense the emotions of the crew. She turned to go
toward the door when suddenly it opened and there was Lt. McInnis and Lt.
Travin with a phaser.
Back to Top
Chapter 18
{Griffin - Conference Room}
Rinali Travin lowered her phaser, looked at the ship's
counselor, and hoped
that the woman couldn't sense the full extent of her joy at
seeing her. Though
she had not, to her knowledge, indicated it to anyone, Rinali had been deeply
affected by the loss of Dr. O'Roarke. It always troubled her when someone died
on her watch. Rinali had tried to push the thoughts from her mind for the time
being, to concentrate on the problems at hand. But still, she could not help
but feel that dull grief that she knew would only get worse once no more
pressing matters were occupying her mind. That fact made it even more of a
relief that Lt. Commander Daem had returned unharmed.
"Welcome back, Lieutenant Commander," Rinali said, allowing herself a small
smile. The other woman smiled in return. Lt. McInnis, his curiosity about Lt.
Commander Daem's return evidently satisfied, turned and left the two,
presumably headed back to the engines.
"Travin to bridge," Rinali called, returning to her more businesslike demeanor.
"Lieutenant Commander Daem has returned."
Commander Ivanof gave an audible sigh of relief.
"Both of you report to the bridge," he ordered. "I imagine Lt. Cmdr. Daem has
a lot to tell us."
{Griffin - Bridge}
Counselor Daem had just finished relating what had happened to her since her
disappearance from the Griffin. Since most of the senior staff was already on
the bridge, with the exception of Lt. McInnis, Ivanof had called an informal
meeting there rather than reconvene in the conference room.
"So the question," Lt. Travin was saying, "is what would be the best thing for
us to do now."
"Before we decide that we need to know what our options are," Commander Ivanof
replied. "Bridge to McInnis. How are the engines faring?"
"Not as bad as they could be. Between what the Scralen were able to do and the
nanites pitching in, we should be able to get back to federation space."
Commander Ivanof grimaced, remembering the talk he would have to have with
McInnis about the nanites once this whole thing was over.
"So leaving is a possibility," Ivanof concluded. "I doubt that Strur's ship
has recovered enough to give us any trouble. But given what Lt. Cmdr. Daem has
told us, should we be leaving?"
The question seemed to be addressed to everyone, but Cmdr. Ivanof was looking
at Lt. Cmdr. Sable. She had a somewhat uncomfortable expression.
"I...I think that would be best," she said quietly. "We aren't really involved
with this war and to the degree that we are...."
She paused and glanced at Counselor Daem.
"...it would be better if we left. We're completely out of our league here and
even if we did try to help, I think it would only make things worse."
It was clear that Sable wished she could be saying something else, something
that would mean that she could actually help the AyaCeni rather than simply be
a hindrance. But those were the facts and nothing could be done about it.
Ivanof simply nodded.
"Set coordinates for nearest Federation space," he said. "We're going home."
{Strur's Ship - Bridge}
Few things, Strur thought, were worse than his current situation. Those
Federation pests had somehow found a way to outsmart him, which was
embarrassment enough. But on top of that, they had left his ship scorched and
foundering and in such abominable condition that repairs were taking a
ridiculously long time.
"Erisaj?" Strur's simpering second-in-command approached him cautiously,
standing several feet away.
"What?" Strur growled. He doubted it was good news.
"Our scanners have picked up the Griffin again. They appear to be heading away
from us. I...I think they may be leaving."
"Can we fire on them yet?"
Strur's officer lowered his head. "N-no, Erisaj. The engineers say the
weapons won't be ready for at least..."
Strur held up a hand as a thought struck him. The Griffin was leaving. But
these Federation creatures were notoriously sentimental about their own. They
wouldn't be leaving without a member of their crew, let alone a senior officer.
So if they were leaving, then...
Strur clenched his fist in rage. To be tricked once was shame enough. But he
had been warned about this. Rumors of an underground movement in the occupied
worlds had made their way to him. But he had dismissed them. Surely no one
would be foolish enough to mount a resistance of any substance under his rule?
"Oh no," he murmured is an icy whisper. "They won't get away with something
that blatant. They'll see who they're dealing with."
Strur turned to his cowering officer.
"Are communications operational?"
For once, Strur's second brightened.
"Oh yes, they've been operational. Of course, they aren't completely up to
maximum performance, but we can still..."
"Contact Jatars on GemNevenan," Strur interrupted. "Tell her to put
Contingency Taghra into motion immediately."
"Contingency Taghra?" The officer shuddered as a malicious grin spread across
Strur's face.
"We have a traitorous colony on our hands," Strur grinned. "So we're going to
get rid of it."
Back to Top
Chapter 19
{GemNevenan}
Wilwarin stood silently at the edge of the garden disguised portal. Tears
gleamed in her eyes, but she did not give into them. She couldn't. Not
yet.
She waited patiently, unmoving. The terrible sounds from beyond echoing
through the halls her only company. She felt she had been waiting so long
that she might as well be a statue... but she knew it really hadn't been that
long. It only seemed so.
Finally she saw movement. Quickly the movement resolved into four figures.
She had hoped for more, but was happy nonetheless that any had managed to
come.
"My La-" one began, but she cut him off with a wave of her hand.
"No time. You will each be going individually," she said as she turned to
face the portal. "Tell the others of what has happened here, but do not let
the underground be deterred by it!" They nodded in understanding. She
concentrated, pulling several possible destinations from amongst the
thousands of glimpses that lay within before trying to decide on just four.
Methodically she sent the first three through. When the fourth stepped
forward she turned to him and held out a small package of some sort.
"You *must* make sure this reaches the Predire," she informed him.
"With my life," he swore as he took it and secured it in his robes. "What
about you? Where will you go?"
She shook her head slightly as she invoked the portal again.
His eyes went wide. "You're not leaving?" he asked with fear.
"I can not," she explained. "If I leave, the portal will fall dormant and be
unprotected."
"But if you stay, they will kill you too," he pleaded.
"As long as the portal remains, they will not be able to find me here," she
assured him. "Now go!"
The man nodded, and did as he was told-
{Emir's ship}
-and stepped onto a ship unlike he had ever seen.
"Who are you?" a Ky-ràcèn demanded of him, quite shocked by his abrupt
appearance.
The AvaGem was momentarily afraid. Until he realized Wilwarin would not have
sent him into such immediate peril, and therefore this person must not be
Ky-ràcèn but actually Ayati.
"I have a message for the Predire and no other," he replied.
{Minutes later}
Emir looked over what he had been given, shocked beyond belief as he listened
to the AvaGem recount Strur's actions.
"There is more than one hidden prophecy," Emir thought aloud as he realized
what he was holding. "This makes at least three. And it seems none had the
one relevant to themselves."
"I'm sorry?" the AvaGem asked, not understanding.
Emir looked up at him. As the two of them were alone, and he needed to sound
things out to get a better understanding of them himself, he decided to
speak. "It's seems pretty clear to me that Strur's part of the prophecy, or
at least the part we believe he has which is why I acted as I did, was
actually in reference to your people, not his. And this," he said holding up
what he had just been given, "may apply to either his people or mine.
Meaning the one we hold may refer to either or neither. There is no longer
any way to tell.... I must confer with the rest of the Predire!"
{USS Griffin, Bridge}
Captain Myst walked out of the turbolift and looked around. She stopped as
her eyes landed on the forward view screen, not sure what to make of what she
saw.
"Captain?" Travin asked after a few moments, wondering if something new had
just happened.
Rinali's voice snapped Priscilla out of her trance, and she looked over at
her Chief of Security. Yuri stood from the Command Chair and turned to find
the Captain.
"Dare I ask?" Priscilla said to Rinali.
"New engines," she replied. "We're almost-"
"Entering Federation space," Sable announced from the Conn.
Priscilla nodded and began to make her way to the center of the Bridge.
"It's good to see you up and about Captain," Yuri said.
"Thank you," she replied. "I-"
"Approaching our previous coordinates," Sable announced.
"Slow to Impulse when we arrive," Priscilla replied.
Sable nodded, and the ship shook slightly almost immediately. Then the view
screen fell back into a typical star field. Priscilla smiled. "It's good to
be home," she said, looking from the view screen to Yuri and sitting in her
chair.
Sable then fell out of hers.
"Commander?!" Priscilla and Rinali said together.
"Medical Emergency," Yuri called out to the computer. Immediately the
Bridge's EMH appeared. It wasted no words, quickly determining who had the
problem and moving to her side.
"Her muscular and nervous systems have been overtaxed somehow," the EMH
reported to no one in particular. "And I'm detecting cybernetic enhancements
in multiple areas not matching her medical records."
"We know," Yuri replied. Priscilla turned to him with an arched eyebrow and
distinctly questioning look. "Beam her to sickbay and let them treat her,"
he ordered. The EMH nodded and set about complying with a beam out for the
unconscious Conn officer while Yuri faced Priscilla.
"There's a lot you missed. Everything is in our reports," he explained.
Priscilla began to look around as he finished. "They're waiting on your
desk."
Priscilla nodded slowly. "Very well. You have the Bridge, Commander," she
said, heading into her ready room. She hesitated a moment, turning back to
face him. "Let's meet in the morning to discuss the Memorial services."
Yuri nodded solemnly.
{Hours later, Sickbay}
Priscilla walked in clearly on a mission. She moved directly to Sable's
side, calling for Doctor Moyer on the way. He immediately showed up.
"How is she?" Priscilla asked concerned.
"Stable, for now. We're keeping her under observation for at least another
day. She's been running on stimulants for much too long. She'll be out for
a long while."
"Because of the... 'enhancements'?" she asked.
"Yes, most definitely," he replied. "But given time she'll adjust to-"
"Take them out," Priscilla said flatly.
"I- uh-, " he began, caught off guard by her abruptness.
"Take, them, out," she ordered with measured words. She was trying to keep
any fear from her voice. She had already lost too many people on this
impromptu trip, and she didn't want to loose another due to timing or
Borg-like implants.
"I can't," he said helplessly. "I don't know how."
She tapped her comm badge. "Myst to McInnis. Report to Sickbay immediately,"
she ordered.
She semi-patiently waited for Scott to arrive. When he finally did, she
pointed to Sable.
"Whatever you did, undo it."
Scott didn't say anything. He walked over to Sable's side, pulled out a very
generic looking Engineering tool, and turned her head. He carefully fiddled
behind her ear for a couple seconds. The next thing she knew, Priscilla saw
Sable's body just seemingly "reject" some very technological looking devices.
McInnis collected them and turned towards Moyer, who was immediately over
Sable with a tricorder.
"Everything else will pass through her systems naturally," he informed the
Doctor. Then he turned to Priscilla. "She'll be back to exactly as she was
when I got to her in a few hours," he said.
"Thank you," Priscilla replied with a relived sigh. "That's perfect."
{Next morning, Engineering}
Yuri walked into the seemingly calm and quiet center of the heart of the
ship. He looked around, seeing a handful of people scattered about either
hunched over or under varying consoles but not seeing the man he was looking
for. He moved in a few paces further, enough to see into the Chief
Engineer's Office. There he found McInnis plugging away at something, his
brow furrowed, while Ensign Ary Belieze and Ensign T'Lis hovered very closely
over either shoulder.
"There," Scott said as he pointed to a spot on an engine schematic with a
note of relief and a small amount of urgency in his voice.
Both Ensigns nodded once, T'Lis turning quickly and hurrying to another
station to work. Belieze slid into McInnis's place to continue monitoring as
he moved off to do some other thing. Yuri took that moment to approach.
"Lieutenant," he said calling McInnis's attention. "We need to talk."
"Sorry sir, not right now," Scott replied looking in Yuri's direction but not
actually stopping. "Engines," he said simply as an explanation as he headed
off.
Scott had been giving Yuri that same line for days now. And though he knew
how important and time consuming dealing with the new engines was, Yuri
couldn't shake the feeling that he was also intentionally being avoided.
"Myst to Ivanof," Yuri's comm badge chirped before he could pursue McInnis.
(Perhaps it is time I talk to her first,) Yuri reasoned.
"Ivanof here," he replied after a tap.
"Report to my Ready Room, Commander. I'd like to review some things with
you."
"Yes Captain," he replied as he began to head to the nearest turbolift. "I
also have something I'd like to discuss with you."
{Captain's Ready Room}
Yuri waited for the doors to open in response to Priscilla's answering of the
chime. Then he walked straight in.
Priscilla sat leaning against one arm with her elbow on her desk re-reading a
PADD held in her other hand. She looked up at Yuri's approach, her eyes
meeting his. He didn't need to hear the tone in her voice to tell she was
displeased.
"Nanites?" she asked.
"I haven't had an opportunity to speak with him fully about that," he replied
immediately.
"You knew?" she asked trying to determine if she should be surprised and
concerned, or just concerned.
"It seems Mr. McInnis withheld information that a faction of Nanites,
specifically Engineering Nanites-"
"They're all Engineers," Priscilla interrupted to correct.
Yuri nodded. "Regardless, a small faction come to McInnis, and he decided to
keep them."
"And you knew about this?" she asked again.
"I was not informed of their existence until after we were being attacked by
Strur and needed to depart... rapidly," he replied staunchly.
Priscilla stood deliberately, laying the PADD down before placing her hands
on her hips. "Have you spoken with him about this yet?"
Yuri considered his words. "I have not had the opportunity to since we
returned to Federation space."
"I'll take care of this one," she informed him.
Yuri didn't hesitate even a second. "Permission to be present during his
discussion."
Priscilla almost opened her mouth to deny him, but caught herself and thought
a moment on his request. "Hm," she said quietly and began to pace slowly.
She thought for a couple of moments. "I had preferred to keep it just him
and I. But... I supposed it would be best to have you there as well." She
turned to face him. "As long as you agree to stay quiet," she said with a
tone of finality. She clearly had a lot she wanted to say and had no
intention of being interrupted while doing so.
Yuri inhaled slightly, his face barely taking on a look only few could
decipher as one of unhappiness.
"You can talk to him after if you wish," she noted.
He nodded in approval.
{Engineering, the next day}
Scott quietly looked at the oversized data pad, knowing what was the next
step. He had spent all of his free time getting to know them and now getting
ready to part ways.
He had thought of them not as a creature, or as a tool, but as friends. It
would be difficult seeing them go off to some Starfleet lab until someone
gave them the chance they deserved.
Scott shrugged and sighed, placing down the data pad after saying his last
goodbyes, he knew hundreds of them just by designation, but now, he just
looked at the OTHER data pad in his hand, the one with the meeting scheduled
with the Captain and the Commander.
"Ah well, there goes my career..."
He shrugged again, not quite caring right then, he had known he had done the
right thing. Even if it was in the wrong way but he had no choice. Either way
it was a wonderful career while it had lasted, but soon it would be time to
either be removed from duty or give in his resignation. Starfleet would never
let him continue without this incident weighing over his record.
He shrugged, any sign of happiness long gone from his face, he wasn't even
going to fight back when he was yelled at. It wasn't worth it to him at the
moment. Starfleet had taken his entire family from him, and now they were
taking his friends...
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