Unofficial Literary Challenge 22 - The Changeling
---
The woman sitting at the pilot’s seat of the Yellowstone Runabout smiled at Kathryn. Her round face was graced with soft cheeks and thin lips. Yet her cat-shaped eyes relayed a sharp intellect. Brown hair fell straight, ending in curls, halfway down her chest covering Science career pipes on the uniform. Kathryn returned the smile through the small desktop viewscreen. The conversation, so far, had been filled with remembering Academy days.
Snapping her fingers, Kathryn became excited from another recollection. “Speaking of bad boyfriends, I dated a Bajoran with Klingon tattoos on his back, do you remember him?”
Alison Burnett squinted as she searched her memories. Kathryn continued. “I met him at a party and he was all over me. He was so good looking and fun but he did have a mean streak. We dated a few weeks.”
The Lieutenant Commander smirked and then nodded. “I think I remember him, did he wear earrings on both ears?”
Kathryn’s eyes widened, “yes! You may have met him once or twice.”
Alison covered her mouth as if embarrassed. “He asked me to date him while you were seeing him too. I threatened to haul him to the ethics board, and then punched him in the face.”
Kathryn feigned disappointment. “What?!” Both women burst into laughter. Kathryn wiped away a tear. “No wonder he broke it off. What an idiot. Although the board would have laughed you out of the room, I guess I should thank you for that.”
Alison also dabbed at her eyes to keep the thin mascara from running. “Only in the Academy , right?” Sher smile faded. “Shall we get down to business?”
“Yes, yes indeed.” Kathryn wore a seriousness that fit her rank as she interlaced her fingers on the ready-room desk. She sat upright and tried to remain congenial but could not hide her solemnness. “Solaris is en route to your location and we should be there shortly.” Kathryn placed a hand on a PADD next to the screen without looking away. “I’m sure you can guess that my orders are to bring you in –“, she cleared her throat, surrendering to the gravity of the situation. “Dead or alive.”
Alison was not surprised and her countenance hardened. “Starfleet is that serious? Kathy, look at those orders: you are being ordered to kill me if you have to. Defection is not a death sentence.”
“I’ve read them, more times than you think.”
“And yet, they send one of my Academy friends to do their dirty work?”
“Would you rather someone else?”
Turning away from the screen, Alison sighed. “I’d rather not even have that choice –“
“That’s my point Alison, you have a choice! If you choose to turn around, then the punishment won’t be severe.” Kathryn had sat back and opened her arms wide showing some frustration.
Alison was resolute and she shook her head. “I have chosen. So many rules and regulations, my work was being controlled by idiots and pantomimes. The secrecy was almost conspiratorial and the War was a breaking point. The Federation is no longer the shining beacon of order and stability it promotes to the rest of the galaxy … at least not for me anymore.
Leaning forward, Kathryn became animated. “And defecting to the Terran Empire was the best alternative?! You could have resigned, or even told Admiral Quinn to burn in Sto’Vo’Kor. Even the Orion Syndicate in this universe would make a deal you couldn’t refuse with what you know.”
A chime activated and Anthi’s voice coldly declared from the bridge next to Kathryn’s ready-room, “we are at the coordinates as ordered, Captain.”
Alison looked away at a console within the Runabout. “Confirmed. Kathy, you really shouldn’t be here. If you leave, then there will be no more surprises.”
Kathryn looked down as she spoke, her own resolution growing. “The secrets you have about Black Talon are why the Federation sent me. The longer this goes on, the worse it will be for you. Don’t do this.”
A new very familiar voice was heard from Alison’s side. “Okay, that’s enough.” Another woman gruffly pulled Alison out of the pilot seat, sat down herself and started tapping at the console.
Kathryn was genuinely shocked. “You! Are you behind Alison’s defection?!”
Mirror Kathryn smiled mischievously and brushed aside a thick lock of burgundy hair from her face, revealing the black eyepatch across her left eye. “Maybe.”
The door to Kathryn’s room swished open and Anthi stopped at the threshold. “Captain, a Tachyon burst was detected and a Terran ship came through. It’s –“
“The Abyssal”, Kathryn interrupted not looking away from the screen and seething with fury.
Kathryn on the shuttle mocked, “so, Captain Beringer, if you really want to get into a shooting match, then your friend is in the crossfire.”
Ignoring her doppelganger, Kathryn glanced to Anthi, “prepare Pattern Rho Tycho, but hold station otherwise.”
Anthi nodded and left the room quickly as the Terran responded, “Wise move, Captain. Although your style for naming ship maneuvers is so formal. We like things to be simple and straightforward. Next time, just say it: rescue transport.” Alison stood behind the seat into view. Kathryn could not read any emotion on her old friend’s face.
“Go to Hell. You heard my orders; I’ll vaporize the shuttle before it enters Terran space.”
Mirror Kathryn pursed her lips. “Tsk tsk, Captain, that’s not noble at all. In fact, that sounds very … Terran of you.” She laughed at her whimsical verbal parry.
Tapping her combadge, Kathryn hoped for the best outcome, and leapt out of her chair toward the bridge, leaving the laughing in the room behind her. “Anthi, execute!”
She could feel the ship lurch as it quickly moved toward the shuttle. On the main viewscreen, the Terran Advanced Heavy Cruiser also stirred. A tractor beam emitted from the Abyssal and caught the tiny vessel.
Kathryn barked, “S’Rel, do we have Alison?”
The Vulcan was furiously tapping keys on her console. “There is interference, as if she were being transported already.”
In an instant, Kathryn recalled how Alison was one of her first true friends in the Academy; she accepted Kathryn and helped her to push past prejudices and anger made from years of captivity with the Orions. Alison didn’t smile often, but when she did it was inviting and infectious and Kathryn immediately missed her friend and regretted not saying more to her since Graduation Day. Her thoughts turned to the Black Talon suit and the lengths Kathryn went to preserve its secret, yet feeling happy to know Alison was a part of the project. Finally, the words from her orders flashed in front of her.
Dead or Alive.
The Terrans could not have Black Talon. Kathryn frowned with her next words. “Phasers, fire at the shuttle.”
Anthi tapped a key and bright orange streaks reached into the void . The small ship was incinerated and the fireball dissipated quickly.
The Abyssal banked away from Solaris, and accelerated at impulse speed while it’s deflector emitted a beam toward a point in front of the ship.
S’Rel declared they were being hailed and Kathryn nodded.
The large viewscreen changed to show the Mirror Captain’s face, a wide grin mocking Kathyrn. “I’m surprise you went through with your orders. That was very cold-blooded back there.”
Kathryn gulped. “Is Alison with you?”
The Terran shrugged, still wearing her grin. “If you want to look for her, then one day you’ll find out.”
---
Cast for crew:
Kathryn Beringer - Rachel Nichols
Alison Burnett - Alexa Davalos
Anthi Ythysi - Katheryn Winnick
S'Rel - Morena Baccarin
Showing posts with label Abyssal. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Abyssal. Show all posts
Tuesday, August 2, 2016
Friday, August 14, 2015
Undeniable Evidence
Literary Challenge 22 - Undeniable Evidence
---
In the Briefing Room …
The initial words on the data slate screen tore through Kathryn’s heart. She held her breath and dreaded reading through the whole document. Events as they were described were created in her mind’s eye and clashed with her sense of reality. Anthi Ythysi, Commander and First Officer of the Federation Starship Solaris, was being accused by the Deferi for theft of highly sensitive technology and four counts of murder. Damning evidence was added to the report as investigation showed DNA patterns with accompanying images, showing hair follicles and finger prints.
Then Kathryn re-read the alleged time of the crime and all anxiety washed away. She forced herself to hide the relief as muscles relaxed. The rest of the document was scanned quickly, yet respectfully. Kathryn placed the data slate on the desk and slid it toward the constable standing on the other side of her desk. Shaking her head, she confidently stated, “This was not perpetrated by my First Officer.”
Standing at attention, the Deferi’s affect changed from triumph to incredulity. “I beg your pardon Captain? Forgive my impertinence, but did you not see the evidence gathered?”
With a wry smile, Kathryn stood and walked around the desk and stopped at the window. Outside floated an asteroid containing a supply depot manned by the Deferi. As an Excelsior-class ship, the Transwarp computer granted greater control of faster-than-light speeds than most of the other Federation vessels. Thus, Solaris was sent to retrieve materiels for the war effort. Kathryn didn’t mind duty behind the lines, as her minor efforts assisted the greater cause. And on this visit, the Deferi was accusing Anthi of having done more than manage a supply run.
Kathryn turned on her heels to look at the constable. She was resolute with her disclosure. “You see, at the time of the crime, Anthi was with me. We were running battle simulations in our Holodeck. There are logs and witnesses, other than myself, to corroborate this fact and dispute the accusations.”
The Deferi slightly bowed his head. “That may be so, but from our point of view, the facts in the report are incontrovertible. With respect to the Alliance, and to balance the loss to your crew, two hours are granted to make accommodations. We are confident the criminal will be turned over for processing.”
+++
In Kathryn’s Ready-Room …
“Captain, this is just not possible,” Anthi was exasperated. Looking at the data slate, she shook her head as her Andorian antennae twitched.
Kathryn was sympathetic. “I know. It’s unbelievable. Yet, Annika confirmed it’s your DNA.”
“But you know the truth!”
“And the Deferi knows another one.” Kathryn sighed. “I’m not saying they are right; they can’t be. Yet, time is against us before action happens. We’re on our own to solve this.”
Anthi stood. “Solve what? I didn’t do this!”
Kathryn raised a hand to calm her animated friend. “I know. There must be an explanation for how you could be in … two places … at … once.” Thoughts whirled in Kathryn’s head. Her words raised a probability not considered before.
“Captain?”
Looking to her friend, Kathryn smiled quickly and then headed toward the Bridge. Anthi curiously followed and saw Kathryn head toward Omazei’s science station. Sitting at the console was the Trill Science Chief.
“Omazei, run a sensor scan of local space. Look for Tachyon emissions or traces of interphasic rifts.”
Without questioning, Omazei’s fingers danced upon the console surface. Within seconds, the viewscreen altered from normal space to a tactical display. On the screen was the asteroid and Solaris’ position in orbit. The image expanded to show the entire system and a red dot appeared near the sun. “Sensors have detected a concentration of Tachyon particles at that location.”
“How old is that phenomenon?”
After reading more data, Omazei replied, “at least six hours.”
Kathryn pursed her lips. “Okay. Try this: scan the outpost. Find Anthi.”
Everyone on the bridge stopped working to look at Kathryn.
She looked around. “I know it sounds crazy, but I think this station was visited by the Terran Empire.”
Omazei recovered first and tapped on her console. “Captain, Anthi, er, the other Anthi, is on the station!”
“Can you lock on her position and transport to the brig?”
Anthi grinned, “that’ll be a pleasant surprise”.
Nodding, Omazei added, “it can be done.”
“Good.” Kathryn turned to Anthi. “Want to see yourself without using a mirror?”
Anthi cracked the knuckles on her hand. “Yes.”
+++
Later, in the brig …
Kathryn stepped closer to the shielding. The hairs on her neck raised and her nose was tickled by the energy field. “I guess I shouldn’t be surprised.” Behind her, Anthi stood next to the Deferi constable.
On the other side of the shield, the Terran Andorian looked almost feral. Her hair was disheveled while fingernails were long and dirty. Dried blood stained her Starfleet uniform. She smiled and Kathryn could almost make out fanged cusped. “I’m past due reporting. My captain will be here any minute. You are all dead.”
“Including you?”
Anthi spat, “very likely.”
Crossed her arms, Kathryn paced along the edge of the force field and was smug. “I’ve met your captain. She can be ruthless, so I wonder: if you have not reported back, then what’s to say she hasn’t abandoned you?”
That comment surprised the Andorian. She turned around and sat on the bench without saying a word, then looked at a side wall and scratched at her thighs.
Kathryn grunted. “No. If I were your captain, I wouldn’t do that to you. If the plan was to implicate my First Officer, then you were easy to find.” She pointed a finger to the captive. “That’s right, you have turned into a liability to your captain.” Looking to the walls of the brig before turning away, Kathryn spoke over her shoulder. “Enjoy your stay on Solaris. I doubt your return to the Abyssal will be as comfortable.”
The Deferi constable stopped Kathryn. “Captain, lives were taken and property stolen. There would be a tilting of justice, if she were to stay here!”
“Constable, if the Abyssal comes back for Anthi, then it would be very wise she stay on board my ship.” Kathryn looked back to the Terran prisoner. “It seems you have just become a bargaining tool. Well done, your mission was a grand success.”
Turning to her First Officer, Kathryn ordered, “Anthi, go to Yellow Alert. We’ll wait for a day, and then remand her to Deferi Authorities. If Kathryn really wants her back, then we’ll cross that bridge. Otherwise, she will spend the … balance of her days in this Universe.” Glancing to the constable, she asked, “is that acceptable?”
The constable smiled triumphantly and nodded.
---
Cast:
Kathryn Beringer - Rachel Nichols
Anthi Ythysi - Katheryn Winnick
Omazei - Gemma Arterton
Deferi constable - Walter Goggins
---
In the Briefing Room …
The initial words on the data slate screen tore through Kathryn’s heart. She held her breath and dreaded reading through the whole document. Events as they were described were created in her mind’s eye and clashed with her sense of reality. Anthi Ythysi, Commander and First Officer of the Federation Starship Solaris, was being accused by the Deferi for theft of highly sensitive technology and four counts of murder. Damning evidence was added to the report as investigation showed DNA patterns with accompanying images, showing hair follicles and finger prints.
Then Kathryn re-read the alleged time of the crime and all anxiety washed away. She forced herself to hide the relief as muscles relaxed. The rest of the document was scanned quickly, yet respectfully. Kathryn placed the data slate on the desk and slid it toward the constable standing on the other side of her desk. Shaking her head, she confidently stated, “This was not perpetrated by my First Officer.”
Standing at attention, the Deferi’s affect changed from triumph to incredulity. “I beg your pardon Captain? Forgive my impertinence, but did you not see the evidence gathered?”
With a wry smile, Kathryn stood and walked around the desk and stopped at the window. Outside floated an asteroid containing a supply depot manned by the Deferi. As an Excelsior-class ship, the Transwarp computer granted greater control of faster-than-light speeds than most of the other Federation vessels. Thus, Solaris was sent to retrieve materiels for the war effort. Kathryn didn’t mind duty behind the lines, as her minor efforts assisted the greater cause. And on this visit, the Deferi was accusing Anthi of having done more than manage a supply run.
Kathryn turned on her heels to look at the constable. She was resolute with her disclosure. “You see, at the time of the crime, Anthi was with me. We were running battle simulations in our Holodeck. There are logs and witnesses, other than myself, to corroborate this fact and dispute the accusations.”
The Deferi slightly bowed his head. “That may be so, but from our point of view, the facts in the report are incontrovertible. With respect to the Alliance, and to balance the loss to your crew, two hours are granted to make accommodations. We are confident the criminal will be turned over for processing.”
+++
In Kathryn’s Ready-Room …
“Captain, this is just not possible,” Anthi was exasperated. Looking at the data slate, she shook her head as her Andorian antennae twitched.
Kathryn was sympathetic. “I know. It’s unbelievable. Yet, Annika confirmed it’s your DNA.”
“But you know the truth!”
“And the Deferi knows another one.” Kathryn sighed. “I’m not saying they are right; they can’t be. Yet, time is against us before action happens. We’re on our own to solve this.”
Anthi stood. “Solve what? I didn’t do this!”
Kathryn raised a hand to calm her animated friend. “I know. There must be an explanation for how you could be in … two places … at … once.” Thoughts whirled in Kathryn’s head. Her words raised a probability not considered before.
“Captain?”
Looking to her friend, Kathryn smiled quickly and then headed toward the Bridge. Anthi curiously followed and saw Kathryn head toward Omazei’s science station. Sitting at the console was the Trill Science Chief.
“Omazei, run a sensor scan of local space. Look for Tachyon emissions or traces of interphasic rifts.”
Without questioning, Omazei’s fingers danced upon the console surface. Within seconds, the viewscreen altered from normal space to a tactical display. On the screen was the asteroid and Solaris’ position in orbit. The image expanded to show the entire system and a red dot appeared near the sun. “Sensors have detected a concentration of Tachyon particles at that location.”
“How old is that phenomenon?”
After reading more data, Omazei replied, “at least six hours.”
Kathryn pursed her lips. “Okay. Try this: scan the outpost. Find Anthi.”
Everyone on the bridge stopped working to look at Kathryn.
She looked around. “I know it sounds crazy, but I think this station was visited by the Terran Empire.”
Omazei recovered first and tapped on her console. “Captain, Anthi, er, the other Anthi, is on the station!”
“Can you lock on her position and transport to the brig?”
Anthi grinned, “that’ll be a pleasant surprise”.
Nodding, Omazei added, “it can be done.”
“Good.” Kathryn turned to Anthi. “Want to see yourself without using a mirror?”
Anthi cracked the knuckles on her hand. “Yes.”
+++
Later, in the brig …
Kathryn stepped closer to the shielding. The hairs on her neck raised and her nose was tickled by the energy field. “I guess I shouldn’t be surprised.” Behind her, Anthi stood next to the Deferi constable.
On the other side of the shield, the Terran Andorian looked almost feral. Her hair was disheveled while fingernails were long and dirty. Dried blood stained her Starfleet uniform. She smiled and Kathryn could almost make out fanged cusped. “I’m past due reporting. My captain will be here any minute. You are all dead.”
“Including you?”
Anthi spat, “very likely.”
Crossed her arms, Kathryn paced along the edge of the force field and was smug. “I’ve met your captain. She can be ruthless, so I wonder: if you have not reported back, then what’s to say she hasn’t abandoned you?”
That comment surprised the Andorian. She turned around and sat on the bench without saying a word, then looked at a side wall and scratched at her thighs.
Kathryn grunted. “No. If I were your captain, I wouldn’t do that to you. If the plan was to implicate my First Officer, then you were easy to find.” She pointed a finger to the captive. “That’s right, you have turned into a liability to your captain.” Looking to the walls of the brig before turning away, Kathryn spoke over her shoulder. “Enjoy your stay on Solaris. I doubt your return to the Abyssal will be as comfortable.”
The Deferi constable stopped Kathryn. “Captain, lives were taken and property stolen. There would be a tilting of justice, if she were to stay here!”
“Constable, if the Abyssal comes back for Anthi, then it would be very wise she stay on board my ship.” Kathryn looked back to the Terran prisoner. “It seems you have just become a bargaining tool. Well done, your mission was a grand success.”
Turning to her First Officer, Kathryn ordered, “Anthi, go to Yellow Alert. We’ll wait for a day, and then remand her to Deferi Authorities. If Kathryn really wants her back, then we’ll cross that bridge. Otherwise, she will spend the … balance of her days in this Universe.” Glancing to the constable, she asked, “is that acceptable?”
The constable smiled triumphantly and nodded.
---
Cast:
Kathryn Beringer - Rachel Nichols
Anthi Ythysi - Katheryn Winnick
Omazei - Gemma Arterton
Deferi constable - Walter Goggins
Thursday, June 4, 2015
Monday, December 2, 2013
Mirror, Mirror on the ... viewscreen?
Literary Challenge 37 - Mirror, Mirror on the ... viewscreen?
---
Cast:
---
On the viewscreen, a human female grinned. Her bright red
hair was straight and flowed around her shoulders. Scars ran across the left
eye from the forehead to the cheek and most of the damage was covered by a
black eye patch. She was clearly sitting in a shuttlecraft since the background
revealed walls and functional panels with no other crew member in sight.
"Hello captain," says Kathryn Beringer with a grin. "I have a favor to
ask."
Everyone looking at the viewscreen on the bridge of the Solaris was stunned. Some looked to their captain for a response; others just sat quietly, fingers raised above their stations waiting for orders.
Captain Beringer stood from the command chair. "I wondered if I'd ever meet ... me."
The one with the eye-patch raised her head slightly without looking away. "Under other circumstances, I wouldn't care to and doubt we would have. I'm glad to see you're still alive. For now." Her grin widened.
Kathryn lowered her head and looked at the screen sternly. "You're right, I shouldn't care either." She looked to her Tactical Officer. "Anthi, remove that shuttle from this universe."
"Belay that order," shouted Kathryn from the screen. The Andorian heard her 'captain's' voice and paused; it was all the time the visitor needed. "I can save the Federation."
Kathryn raised her hand and Anthi caught that queue then sat back in her chair.
"I'm reluctantly listening."
Kathryn on the screen waved a finger. "We need to talk privately. I'll meet you on your ship as a sign of good faith."
Kathryn on the ship crossed her arms and considered the offer; the taste of ordering her alternate-self a quick phaser-fueled death was on the tip of her tongue, but the idea that one person had the means to 'save' the Federation was too-good to pass. Yet, any person to say something like that must be desperate and in a low position to bargain or negotiate ... and that appealed to Kathryn.
"Lower your shields, prepare to be transported."
On the screen, Kathryn stood and walked to the center of the shuttle with raised hands. "I surrender," she said with a perfectly toothy grin.
+++
30 minutes later, in the Officer's Ready Room
“That's insane.” Kathryn Beringer was visibly angry at her mirror self.
“That's the way of the universe,” replied the other Kathryn.
The 'prime' Kathryn sat like a statue staring at the eye patch. “So the part about saving the Federation was a ruse?”
“Of course it was! I’m staring down the barrel of a gun and needed to get out of the way. Look, I can't be in two places at once. But for this, I must be and you’re my only way out.”
“This is really thin, Captain. Why should I help you?”
The other Captain nodded. “I asked for a favor ... as much as I hate to ask. This is a quid pro quo situation. Basically, you'll have a one-time ally, you have my word.” Another toothy grin followed.
“What is the value of your word?”
The alternate Kathryn's grin faded and she leaned over the table. “Captain, I'm sure we differ in many ways, but I'll kill you before you question my honor again. We know how big the galaxy is, and every starship Captain can use all the help they can get.” She crossed her arms and sat back.
+++
15 minutes later, in the Captain's Ready Room, all Chiefs are present with the ‘prime’ Captain Beringer, the alternate Kathryn beamed back to her shuttle ...
“Respectfully, that's insane.” Anthi's Andorian voice was stern.
Chief Science Officer Omazei spoke next. “Captain, I appreciate your risk-taking in the past but this is beyond reason.” The demure Trill hid the inner strength she displayed so often on the Bridge.
Finally, the hulking Andorian Chief Engineer Thel Ythysi crossed his arms and frowned, but was otherwise silent.
Kathryn looked to each as they presented their opinions in their own way, and then nodded. “I understand. Nonetheless it is happening.” She raised a hand to stop any protest. “I appreciate your concern, but I assure you taking this 'job' may have a payoff worth the investment. Look, we've been through a lot together and if I have earned any trust then I'm cashing it all in all on this one.”
“Why?” Omazei was uncharacteristically blunt.
“Because I believe the ends justify the means.”
+++
1 hour later, on board Abyssal, Mirror Kathryn's flagship ...
In the room, the two women looked at each other, one an exact copy of the other. The Captain of the ship beamed with a bright smiled. “Your Science Officer did an amazing job replicating that scar. Now all you need to do is be a real ***** to my bridge crew. Remember, look over their shoulder and correct something, anything. If they snarl or say anything … pistol whip them into compliance. You shouldn't have too many problems really. They know what it's like.”
“Just get this done quick. The more I think about it, the less your offer appeals to me.”
Kathryn smirked. “That's the Federation in you.”
The modified Kathryn rolled her eye, took a step away, cleared her throat and stalked into the corridor leading to the turbolift. The other Kathryn checked her combat harness to make sure all the components were in place. Once satisfied she waited another several minutes; just enough time required to get from this room to the Bridge. She gave another two minutes then walked the opposite direction down the corridor.
Several minutes later she came to a crew quarter door and looked both ways before requested access. The door opened to reveal a naked male. The Deltan smirked. “It's about time you came around to my way of thinking.”
Kathryn pushed on past him. “Daikar, we don’t have much time.”
“Well then, I'm sorry to report, but you're going to be late.” He started to caress Kathryn's shoulders and she responded by leaning into his muscular chest while fidgeting with the straps to her combat harness, its clamps unsnapping almost rhythmically to his kisses on her neck. Daikar's hands moved from her thighs and under the straps as if trying to assist its removal.
Kathryn pulled away from his arms. In her hands was a small pistol whose power charge was warming up. Daikar's face contorted from surprise to anger. “What's the meaning of this?”
“You will never touch another woman again.” She pulled the trigger and the thin Tetryon beam lanced into the darkness. Daikar tried to scream but the beam burned first into his throat. As his skin boiled then dissolved subatomically, Kathryn dragged the beam down. The charge expired silencing the weapon as Daikar’s body collapsed to the floor. Almost fifty percent of his body was disintegrated. The acrid smell of exposed internal organs assaulting her sense of smell, Kathryn gagged then pressed her communication badge. The signal to her compatriot sent, she exited the room as quietly as she entered.
+++
On the bridge of Abyssal, Kathryn's badge chirped. She stood over the still form of a Tellerite on the deck with her phaser pistol in one hand. She looked around at the others then pointed in a wide arc without saying a word. The rest of the bridge crew looked at their respective consoles in submission.
“Tactical, you have the con,” she barked. “And get this scum off my bridge floor.” As a Terran officer shuffled toward the fallen comrade, Kathryn slowly walked toward the turbolift. Once inside, she smirked as the doors closed.
---Everyone looking at the viewscreen on the bridge of the Solaris was stunned. Some looked to their captain for a response; others just sat quietly, fingers raised above their stations waiting for orders.
Captain Beringer stood from the command chair. "I wondered if I'd ever meet ... me."
The one with the eye-patch raised her head slightly without looking away. "Under other circumstances, I wouldn't care to and doubt we would have. I'm glad to see you're still alive. For now." Her grin widened.
Kathryn lowered her head and looked at the screen sternly. "You're right, I shouldn't care either." She looked to her Tactical Officer. "Anthi, remove that shuttle from this universe."
"Belay that order," shouted Kathryn from the screen. The Andorian heard her 'captain's' voice and paused; it was all the time the visitor needed. "I can save the Federation."
Kathryn raised her hand and Anthi caught that queue then sat back in her chair.
"I'm reluctantly listening."
Kathryn on the screen waved a finger. "We need to talk privately. I'll meet you on your ship as a sign of good faith."
Kathryn on the ship crossed her arms and considered the offer; the taste of ordering her alternate-self a quick phaser-fueled death was on the tip of her tongue, but the idea that one person had the means to 'save' the Federation was too-good to pass. Yet, any person to say something like that must be desperate and in a low position to bargain or negotiate ... and that appealed to Kathryn.
"Lower your shields, prepare to be transported."
On the screen, Kathryn stood and walked to the center of the shuttle with raised hands. "I surrender," she said with a perfectly toothy grin.
+++
30 minutes later, in the Officer's Ready Room
“That's insane.” Kathryn Beringer was visibly angry at her mirror self.
“That's the way of the universe,” replied the other Kathryn.
The 'prime' Kathryn sat like a statue staring at the eye patch. “So the part about saving the Federation was a ruse?”
“Of course it was! I’m staring down the barrel of a gun and needed to get out of the way. Look, I can't be in two places at once. But for this, I must be and you’re my only way out.”
“This is really thin, Captain. Why should I help you?”
The other Captain nodded. “I asked for a favor ... as much as I hate to ask. This is a quid pro quo situation. Basically, you'll have a one-time ally, you have my word.” Another toothy grin followed.
“What is the value of your word?”
The alternate Kathryn's grin faded and she leaned over the table. “Captain, I'm sure we differ in many ways, but I'll kill you before you question my honor again. We know how big the galaxy is, and every starship Captain can use all the help they can get.” She crossed her arms and sat back.
+++
15 minutes later, in the Captain's Ready Room, all Chiefs are present with the ‘prime’ Captain Beringer, the alternate Kathryn beamed back to her shuttle ...
“Respectfully, that's insane.” Anthi's Andorian voice was stern.
Chief Science Officer Omazei spoke next. “Captain, I appreciate your risk-taking in the past but this is beyond reason.” The demure Trill hid the inner strength she displayed so often on the Bridge.
Finally, the hulking Andorian Chief Engineer Thel Ythysi crossed his arms and frowned, but was otherwise silent.
Kathryn looked to each as they presented their opinions in their own way, and then nodded. “I understand. Nonetheless it is happening.” She raised a hand to stop any protest. “I appreciate your concern, but I assure you taking this 'job' may have a payoff worth the investment. Look, we've been through a lot together and if I have earned any trust then I'm cashing it all in all on this one.”
“Why?” Omazei was uncharacteristically blunt.
“Because I believe the ends justify the means.”
+++
1 hour later, on board Abyssal, Mirror Kathryn's flagship ...
In the room, the two women looked at each other, one an exact copy of the other. The Captain of the ship beamed with a bright smiled. “Your Science Officer did an amazing job replicating that scar. Now all you need to do is be a real ***** to my bridge crew. Remember, look over their shoulder and correct something, anything. If they snarl or say anything … pistol whip them into compliance. You shouldn't have too many problems really. They know what it's like.”
“Just get this done quick. The more I think about it, the less your offer appeals to me.”
Kathryn smirked. “That's the Federation in you.”
The modified Kathryn rolled her eye, took a step away, cleared her throat and stalked into the corridor leading to the turbolift. The other Kathryn checked her combat harness to make sure all the components were in place. Once satisfied she waited another several minutes; just enough time required to get from this room to the Bridge. She gave another two minutes then walked the opposite direction down the corridor.
Several minutes later she came to a crew quarter door and looked both ways before requested access. The door opened to reveal a naked male. The Deltan smirked. “It's about time you came around to my way of thinking.”
Kathryn pushed on past him. “Daikar, we don’t have much time.”
“Well then, I'm sorry to report, but you're going to be late.” He started to caress Kathryn's shoulders and she responded by leaning into his muscular chest while fidgeting with the straps to her combat harness, its clamps unsnapping almost rhythmically to his kisses on her neck. Daikar's hands moved from her thighs and under the straps as if trying to assist its removal.
Kathryn pulled away from his arms. In her hands was a small pistol whose power charge was warming up. Daikar's face contorted from surprise to anger. “What's the meaning of this?”
“You will never touch another woman again.” She pulled the trigger and the thin Tetryon beam lanced into the darkness. Daikar tried to scream but the beam burned first into his throat. As his skin boiled then dissolved subatomically, Kathryn dragged the beam down. The charge expired silencing the weapon as Daikar’s body collapsed to the floor. Almost fifty percent of his body was disintegrated. The acrid smell of exposed internal organs assaulting her sense of smell, Kathryn gagged then pressed her communication badge. The signal to her compatriot sent, she exited the room as quietly as she entered.
+++
On the bridge of Abyssal, Kathryn's badge chirped. She stood over the still form of a Tellerite on the deck with her phaser pistol in one hand. She looked around at the others then pointed in a wide arc without saying a word. The rest of the bridge crew looked at their respective consoles in submission.
“Tactical, you have the con,” she barked. “And get this scum off my bridge floor.” As a Terran officer shuffled toward the fallen comrade, Kathryn slowly walked toward the turbolift. Once inside, she smirked as the doors closed.
Cast:
Kathryn Beringer - Rachel Nichols
Anthi Ythysi - Katheryn Winnick
Thel Ythysi - Kevin Sorbo
Omazei - Gemma Arterton
Daikar - Billy Zane
Tellarite - Random Extra 1
Terran Officer - Random Extra 2
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