[REDACTED]

Literary Challenge 58 - [REDACTED]
---

The light was intense. Agent Corin Plys was not only sweating from the heat of the lamp, but also from the gaze of his superior officer standing to his right. The metal table where Corin sat was slowly radiating heat from the lamp as well, making his palms wet. His mind was racing with many thoughts as the temperature was distracting him from the mental exercise. He thought about taking off his shirt and splashing into a cool waters of some perfect lagoon somewhere else. The idea of standing under a frigid waterfall in an arctic area while naked quickly replaced the lagoon. Then the image of an Excelsior-Retrofit class starship burst through the waterfall as Corin forced himself back into the present. It didn't make the discomfort any better and he licked the perspiration from his top lip.

"USS Solaris, Excelsior Retrofit, commission date 2399, Deneb V shipyards ... current command by ... Kathleen Beringer." Corin looked at the PADD on the table. He could see data was available on the subject of his 'interrogation', but the angle of the screen made the PADD useless. he rubbed the bruise on his right hand from his last attempt to use it.

"False! Try again." The superior officer wore the black of Section 31. A patch covered his left eye and a scar ran across his chin from ear to ear. He was leaning close to Corin's ear and smiled as he chided the agent.

Corin licked his lip again. Which part?! His lips trembled slightly as he tried to recall what he studied, then it came to him like a phaser pulse. "Kathryn! Kathryn Beringer."

"Good." The officer stood and took a few steps around the other side of Corin's chair. "Tactical threat assessment."

The agent's confidence surged through the discomfort. He enjoyed learning about starships more than people: there was more order in service records and history in his mind. Corin smiled a little as he recalled what he planned to say. "The hull of Solaris is relatively new and the Retrofit required Duranium reinforcement due to the extra stresses placed on the ship. The four Scarbak IX mass driver impulse engines are made specifically for the Excelsior-type ... " Corin realized he was off track after looking up to his superior and noticed a frown forming.

"Er, the Solaris has been fitted with rare Federation-syle Spiral Wave Beam Arrays. Captain Beringer was authorized to replaced the standard Akira-type photon torpedo launchers with a missile launcher system. Although forward firing only, the wide arc of fire adds to the destructive potential of the ship. She is also favoring the use of mines. Both auxiliary weapons provides a non-traditional offense profile."

"Well done Agent Plys. What of her Captain?"

"Him, sir. Beringer refers to her ships in the masculine tense."

The superior raised an eyebrow. "Impressive note, Plys." He picked up the PADD and scrolled through information. After a few seconds he said, "proceed."

Corin cleared his throat and looked at the PADD. His confidence wavered but he sensed he was on a roll. Somehow the heat was not as intense as before, yet it didn't stop the bead of sweat rolling down his chest. "Kathryn Selena Beringer, 32 years old. Six feet tall, burgundy hair, grey eyes. Born in Las Vegas, Western Corridor. Her family was on the SS Triantar en route to the Hesperus II colony when it was attacked by Orion Syndicate ships. She was the only survivor from her family and sent to the Dilithium mines on Nurga Prime."

The superior did not look away from the PADD. With his frown in-place he only nodded as Corin spoke. "Her record of her time at the mines is incomplete. Why."

The agent shrugged and then quickly looked to the superior hoping he did not see the action. Seeing the superior's back was to him, Corin mentally relaxed. "Even during the entrance assessment at the Academy, Beringer was not forthcoming. In my report is an attachment from a mind-meld session with one Counselor A'Mand. It is her recommendation that Beringer's record be reviewed periodically due to deep-rooted anger against the Syndicate specifically and the slave-trade generally. There are a few records of Beringer taking unusual personal risks or even not follow protocol to satisfy her vendetta. She has been absolved of all action so far because of her otherwise exemplary service record."

The superior turned on his heel and placed the PADD on the table, then leaned in toward the agent. "Threat Assessment?"

Corin forced himself not too look away. Licking his lips, he hoped this process was ending soon. "Beringer has a personal agenda but it can be considered to be aligned within acceptable parameters. She is a risk-taker but also within acceptable parameters and is demonstrably well-versed with Starfleet regulations and protocols as befits her rank. My contact on board Solaris says she is well-liked and popular with the crew. I am still researching a potential romantic involvement with another Captain ..."

The superior's eyebrow raised as Corin paused.

"Daniker. Daiker. Daikar! Of the ..." Corin started snapping his fingers trying to recall the name of a starship; an old habit until the words came to him. "U.S.S. Cordorba!

Standing straight, the superior asked, 'so that is not confirmed." It was not a question.

Corin shook his head, a drop of sweat landed on one hand. "So far there is nothing to substantiate the rumor." Logically, it is not fact."

The superior nodded his head. Corin cleared his throat and continued.

"Based on official and anecdotal records, it is my estimation that if backed into a corner, Beringer would not only stay on Starfleet's side, she would do it out of a personal sense of honor, conviction and duty. If any action or orders provide her an opportunity to take action against the Syndicate she would complete the mission with verve."

"Verve?"

Corin blushed under the harsh light and gaze from his superior. 'Yes, sir."

Present From The Past

Literary Challenge 57 - The Sheliak Corporate
---

"Jolan'tru, Captain Beringer".

"Greetings, Ambassador V'Sar. Thank you for coming."

The Romulan nodded his head and entered Kathryn's Ready Room after she waved toward a chair in front of her desk. His hands were clasped in front of his long robes which flowed gracefully as he walked the short distance to the chair and sat down. Following V'sar, Kathryn circled to her seat opposite him and also sat down, then straightened her on-duty jacket.

As Kathryn called the Ambassador to her office she started the conversation. "Concerning the Sheliak, I'm curious about the Romulan perspective."

V'Sar raised eyebrows quickly as he thought. "D'Tan has no quarrel with the Corporate. He is a peaceful man and is designing the Republic to be the same way. Yet, he is not afraid of conflict for the preservation of what is left of the Romulan race, Tal'Shiar notwithstanding. Therefore, it is our interest to maintain good will with the Sheliak. Obviously, I am here to make that a reality, but the Sheliak are ... resistant to our current suggestions for a new treaty."

Kathryn nodded as V'Sar spoke. "If I may, I have a point of view I'd like to share." Seeing V'Sar not respond for a second, Kathryn continued, "as you may know, the Sheliak are afraid."

The Ambassador cocked his head as if unprepared for the statement. "Forgive me, Captain. I wish to understand."

"The Sheliak want a new territorial treaty because the prior treaty involved a government that no longer exists. As you aware, they are an ... exacting ... race. So anything presented to them must not have room for anyone to wiggle. It is my estimation, they are afraid of what D'Tan and New Romulus will do without the legal constraints of the previous treaty. They are afraid of what the Romulan could do, not what is being done. We need to assuage those fears. How far is D'Tan willing to go with the negotiations?"

V'Sar stood and paced the floor for a few steps before turning to Kathryn. "Captain, D'Tan is willing to rewrite the entire treaty in order to maintain the status quo. Any plans to colonize other worlds will be an effort to expand quickly. The territories within the previous treaty would be very challenging to make comfortably habitable even with our natural resistances, so to speak."

Kathryn thought for a moment. "Do the Sheliak know this?"

"Of course not. As you know, negotiating is a power game. If the Sheliak knew this position we would be at a disadvantage."

"But if the status quo is desired, then what is the advantage to secrecy."

V'Sar smiled, "for its own sake, Captain Beringer."

Kathryn frowned slightly. "I see. May I make a suggestion?"

The Ambassador spread his hands out, "of course."

She stood from her chair and handed V'Sar a PADD. He took it and slid his fingers up and down the screen. as he read, his countenance was one of confusion. "This is the exact same treaty but with name changes?"

Kathryn shrugged. "Why not? If the Sheliak are worried about a possible future, and the Romulans want the status quo, then why not introduce an ... update, so to speak, to a perfectly functional treaty from the past?"

"But what if the Romulan Republic ... updates, its position?"

Kathryn looked as neutral as she could toward V'Sar. "I think we should cross that bridge when get there. For now, let's solve one problem at a time and the current problem is dealing with a race that is afraid of what the Romulans might do. Since, as you say, D'Tan wants to handle the future like he is handling the present, then why not give the Sheliak a treaty that honors that idea. The Sheliak may be less resistant to further negotiations ... now."

V'Sar smirked. "Interesting point of view, Captain Beringer."

---

Cast:
Kathryn Beringer - Rachel Nichols
Ambassador V'Sar - Michael Fassbender

Academy Teachings

Literary Challenge 56 - Academy Teachings

The rifle was sleek and cool to the touch. Kathryn smirked slightly as she lifted the rifle and looked down the sight. She activated the targeting system and swiveled in a circular motion to complete the calibration. Tetryon rifles were a personal favorite of hers, even though she typically used Phaser rifles for away missions.

The combat holodeck doors swished open and Anthi Ythysi, the ship's First Officer, stepped into the darkened room. Kathryn nodded to her Andorian friend and continued practicing quick-lifting the rifle. Anthi opened the nearby locker and pulled a Polaron rifle. "Mind if I join you?"

"Not at all. I welcome the company actually."

Both women completed looking over their respective rifles in silence and stepped toward the circle in the center of the room. Once inside the ring they put their backs toward each other and the dim lighting of the room faded to black as the program waited for a command to activate.

"Something on your mind, Captain?"

"Am I that transparent?"

"No offense, sir, but we're at Earth Space Dock, still aboard the ship, in a Holodeck, holding rifles to use against multi-colored balls of light."

Kathryn hmphed. "Fair enough. I've been invited to the Academy to share my ideas on ... something. It's an open topic and my presentation is tomorrow. So, I'm working a few ideas in my head."

"Care to share?"

"Oh, you know, the usual: life on a ship, our Dyson Sphere experience, the Mirror Universe Borg - things like that."

They stood in silence with the rifles held up to the shoulder expecting the program to activate, but both knew nothing would happen until the conversation was over.

"Permission to speak freely, Captain?"

"Of course."

Anthi cleared her throat, "they already get plenty of talk about 'duty', but I'd like to share with you something I picked up from Bur'ar I think deserves some attention and may be worthy for the future officers of Starfleet."

Kathryn lowered her rifle hearing her Security Chief's name. The Klingon was a permanent member of Away Team Alpha. He was granted permission to use his family Bat'leth for combat, eschewing the use of energy weapons. He was the best martial artist on the ship. "Oh?"

"Yes, sir. It may be a Klingon maxim, although, I've heard a similar form used within the Andorian Guard. The idea is 'duty' is the ultimate expression of personal honor. Soldiers live and die to preserve their honor. Therefore, life is directly tied to their duty, from the cook to the General."

"But Starfleet officers are more than soldiers. We are scientist, doctors, engineers. We can't purely live the soldier's life - it's not our way." Kathryn raised the rifle to her shoulder and mentally noted the moment's irony.

"I agree. But Starfleet was founded on noble ideals and duty is not taken lightly. Remember, Thel's response to a Lieutenant who didn't follow procedures? Ultimately she failed in her duty. In these trying times, we may not be soldiers by spirit - but we must be soldiers in mind and body."

Kathryn was silent for a few seconds before she spoke. "Computer begin sharpshooter program Beringer Four in thirty seconds."

"Acknowledged," replied a serenely sounding female voice.

Looking over her shoulder, Kathryn asked as she placed a finger on the trigger, "What was it that Bur'ar said?"

Anthi gripped her rifle tighter, preparing to best her commanding officer again. "The joy of life is to die knowing your task is done. The fear of death is that we die our work incomplete."

---

Cast:
Kathryn Beringer - Rachel Nichols
Anthi Ythysi - Katheryn Winnick

Mentioned but not seen
Thel Ythysi - Kevin Sorbo
Bur'ar - David Ramsey

Borg Are Borg

Literary Challenge 55 - We are the (Mirror) Borg
---

"So, the Captain said, 'In Starfleet, sometime you have to pick the lesser of two Zeebles."

The table of retired Admirals erupted in laughter, much to the annoyance of nearby patrons at the restaurant. Risa's suns had passed the horizon hours ago, but the restaurant was as lively with various groups now as it had during the sunset hours. The Admiral who had told the last tale was still wiping tears with his napkin as the laughter turned to chuckles.

The Klingon at the table placed his drinking glass on the table with a heavy hand, achieving his goal of gathering the group's attention. "Excellent tale Calgar! I think it's time to hear from Admiral Beringer. You were the last of Starfleet's active Captains to fly an Excelsior-class ship before they were decommissioned. Tell us about an interesting mission with her."

Kathryn's mirth faded and she looked into her wine glass. "Him, my ships were always referred in the masculine tense." She turned away and looked toward the view of the deep, silent complete blackness of the ocean. "Solaris was my finest ship and I fought hard to keep him that way for as long as I could." She raised her glass, "if I may, esteemed colleagues, a toast to our ships and crew of the past. May they forever fly among the stars."

The other three Admirals raised their glasses. Admiral Matthew Calgar further added, "until they burn their last lights". He smiled at Kathryn and his grey closely trimmed beard revealed a clean row of white teeth.

Admiral Granon Trex, the Klingon, slurped his glass empty before admonishing Kathryn. "I hope you are not dodging your story telling this evening Admiral."

Having returned Matthew's smile with one of her own, Kathryn looked to Granon. "Patience is a virtue in the rest of the galaxy. If you learned it earlier you may have had your rank bar quicker." Kathryn beamed as the others almost spit up their drinks. Granon grinned as he wiped the corners of his mouth.

"This was in the Mirror Universe -", Kathryn was interrupted by the collective groan from the group. "Oh, be quiet. If you read my report, then nothing I'm about to say is new."

"My crew had just foiled an attempt by the Terran Empire to use the Bajoran Wormhole as a stable gateway between 'Verses. I ordered Solaris to enter the wormhole to conduct various scans and probes, you know, standard protocols -"

"Let me guess," Admiral Tracy Kent interrupted. Her bright red lips a stark contrast to her white-powdered face and long, straight, dark black hair. She looked more Vulcan than Human at her advanced age, and certainly spoke like one. "Your ship mysteriously found it's way into the Mirror Universe by some technical means only your Chief Science officer could explain rationally."

Kathryn feigned surprise, "you knew Omazei too?" Both women chuckled. "Yes, the details escape me now and I don't recall how much I cared to know then. All I knew is the Wormhole not only dropped us off in the Mirror 'Verse, we were also at the approximate coordinates in the Delta Quadrant where the tunnel ends." She shrugged, "or begins depending on your point of view."

"How did you know you were in the Mirror Universe?" Granon refilled his glass as he spoke.

"Easy. There was nothing on the other side. Except a Borg Cube."

Granon coughed into his drink, Matthew's eyes widened, and Tracy crossed her arms with a grin. Kathryn calmly took a sip from her own glass.

Tracy broke the silence. "Well, you are sitting with us, so you clearly survived the encounter."

"Don't spoil it Tracy," chided Matthew.

Kathryn raised a hand to calm Calgar  "It's understandable. As you all know, spending time with Omega Force means you get training and equipment. Needless to say, we made it back. Beat up, but we did it."

Granon wasn't satisfied. "How are the 'Mirror Borg'?"

Kathryn frowned as she recalled the event. "We actually considered they would be radically different from our version. You know, being in an alternate Universe. After several minutes in silence, we decided to scan the Cube for anomalies or differences. Then they responded over the comms."

Matthew and Granon were clearly involved. Tracy still had her arms crossed. Kathryn continued, "It was a little disappointing to hear the monotone voice saying, 'Hello Captain. We are the Borg." She opened her eyes wide and twisted her lips to mimic a robot talking.

"Did they really say 'Hello Captain'?" Tracy looked skeptical.

Suddenly looking annoyed, Kathryn said, "of course not." She relaxed. "My senior staff started making suggestions, but once the Borg beams started flashing, there was only one logical course of action."

"Fight?" Matthew grabbed his glass and drank a gulp.

Kathryn shook her head.  "Run. We dodged, weaved and rolled as Solaris would allow. My Chief Engineer yelled Andorian curses at every maneuver I ordered. Meanwhile, my Science Chief worked frantically to find a way back home without bringing these Borg with us to DS9."

"Nothing a simple interphasic shift couldn't solve, right Admiral?" Granon finished his glass again.

Tracy chimed in, "indeed. If I recall, align the deflector dish to emit a Tachyon burst and -".

"No, not this time." Kathryn interrupted and continued without pause. "I ordered our entire payload of Nukara web mines deployed and when the Cube was slowed we came about and poured as much firepower available. We probably burned out a few emitters in the process. The Cube fractured and that's when we knew we won. They fought back hard though." Kathryn finished her glass. "When it was done we took our time licking our wounds while also finding our way out. We also reviewed combat logs and scanned the debris field."

Matthew finished his glass and quickly raised his hand at a passing waiter to order more wine for the group. "What did you find?"

Kathryn huffed. "Our scans proved the Borg were not from our Universe."

"But how are the Mirror Borg different from our Borg?" Tracy repeated Granon's earlier question finally showing interest in the tale.

"From the entire experience, I can't say they are different at all. We concluded that Borg are Borg, no matter what 'Verse you're in."

---

Cast:
Kathryn Beringer - Rachel Nichols
Tracy Kent - Monica Bellucci
Matthew Calgar - Conleth Hill
Grannon Trex - Orlando Jones

The Gateway

Literary Challenge 53
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Captain's Log, Stardate 91400.7

The Solaris is en route to New Romulus to attend a ceremony as D'Tan is planning to activate the Iconian Gateway. Admiral Cheliss has informed me that he is also sending several other Federation diplomats due to the importance of the event. The Iconian Gateway is known to have caused the extinction of the Dewans, and even though the Romulans are sure to have taken acute precautions to avoid a similar destiny, any unforeseen effects will be met with the appropriate response. Thus, several other combat-ready ships are meeting in-system.

To prepare for the event, the crew have pulled extra time on their respective shifts to make Solaris better than tip-top shape in the event any of D'Tan's delegation honors us with a visit. On a more serious note, I have also ordered extra combat drills for both space and ground combat.

Our travel to Bajor, and ultimately to Solanae, is put on hold for this. And frankly, after a visit from Q, I'm considering this detour to be worthwhile.

Personal Log, Stardate 91400.8

D'Tan is a bold man. I understand his motivations, as far as I know them. He wants to improve the Romulans, to make them better than before. It's admirable. They will pay a price for their desires, but do they really know the cost?

I'd like to think, if I were in his shoes, I would make the same decision. The potential benefits outweigh the risks, even given the catastrophic history. The efforts the Romulans have gone to avoid repeating the past are many and great. I agree with the current thought that the Federation has almost done the same with the Bajoran Wormhole - and there was a war before there was peace. If war comes from the portal, it may actually be a unifier to the galaxy ... Borg notwithstanding. If the same planetary calamity were to begin, the Romulans would be safe from extinction - the Federation and Klingon interests would prevent that.

So ... what if ... what if the Gateway works as wanted. New planets to explore, new cures to be found, new alliances to forge. These were the thoughts when the Bajoran Wormhole was discovered, and everyone knows the immediate result. So what if the opposite of that experience happens?

The galaxy stands at the precipice of either greater strife or greater prosperity, and D'Tan holds the key on New Romulus. Either way, my crew and my ship will be there to see the door open.

---

Cast:
Kathryn Beringer - Rachel Nichols

Hello Again, Q

Literary Challenge 52
---

The doors to the bridge swished open and Kathryn expected to see the order and quiet of her bridge crew dutifully focused on various tasks. Instead, everyone was standing straight and only Staza Murai held a weapon in her hand, pointed toward the Captain's chair. Looking at her chair, she noticed another Starfleet officer sitting relaxed and looking toward the main viewscreen. Kathryn didn't recognize the person sitting as a member of her crew and she stopped next to the command seat.

"Hello, again, Q ..."

The human-looking female smiled then looked up at Kathryn. "'O Captain, my Captain' ... so the Earth poem goes. I think. I read it before I came aboard but fell asleep after the first line."

Kathryn crossed her arms. "You should make time to read it all. It's a sad tale for a great man of Earth history."

Q shrugged. "Indeed. Yet, I do think your trip is done."

"Is that right."

"That's right. Before we get to business, kindly tell your Orion slave girl to drop her weapon. It's rude to point it without using it."

Staza's eyes flared anger and Kathryn nodded toward her. Staza looked to First Officer Anthi Ythysi who nodded as well, then lowered her disruptor pistol.

Q looked to Staza, and without losing the smile, said, "not that it would have worked on me anyway."

Kathryn snapped her fingers. "Q, let's focus on why you are here."

Turning to Kathryn, Q stood and brushed at her uniform. "Ah, yes. Shall we retire to your quarters?'

"How about my ready-room." Turning toward the office door, she spoke over her shoulder. "Anthi, you have the con."

Q followed Kathryn into the room and waited for Kathryn to sit in her chair.

"Forgive me, Q. Welcome aboard."

Q's eyebrows raised. "Thank you, Captain."

"You're welcome. Now get to it."

"Ah, ever the conversationalist. In short, do not go to Solanae."

It was Kathryn's turn to be surprised. "Pardon me?"

"You know, the ... what do you humans call it ... ah, yes. The Dyson Sphere."

Kathryn could not contain her surprise and laughed out loud once. "The great Q comes to my ship to warn me? I didn't think you cared. I'm touched."

Q's eyes narrowed. "Don't be so smug. I'm doing you a favor."

Kathryn stood and smirked. "Remind me about that again?"

"I'm telling you, Captain, the Voth are more advanced than your tribes are collectively. The Borg are animals compared to the Voth, which makes every species in the galaxy like amoeba in comparison. You, personally, will experience great hardship and suffering if you travel to Solanae." Q's demeanor darkened as she spoke.

"Hyperbole suits you well, Q." Kathryn walked to the replicator and keyed a command. A clear glass with a dark brown liquid materialized and she took a sip from it, licking her lips to savor the taste. "Of all the ships in the Federation, why are you here, on this one ship to warm me personally?"

Q sat into a chair in front of Kathryn's desk. "Have you ever asked why you are where are now? And I mean beyond adventure, duty, honor, revenge or ambition. I'm talking about your raison d'etre?"

Kathryn took another sip. "You mean, you don't know either?"

"I'm not joking, Captain. This, Dyson Sphere, will challenge you ... will change you." Q shook her head. "You may not like what you will become."

"Maybe that's my choice to make."

"Maybe choices can be influenced to not be made."

"Maybe, as an officer in Starfleet, I don't have that luxury. If I am ordered to go to the Sphere, then that is my duty."

Q scoffed, "oh, please. All sentient being have the power of choice, it's understanding the consequences that drives those choices."

"Exactly! Thank you for pointing out the obvious. You still have not answered my question."

Q paused. "Oh, yes. Why you?" Kathryn nodded, then sipped again. "Because the Continuum hoped this Sphere would never be found. Now that it has, it is bringing the species of the galaxy to it like moths to a flame ... and it is a very bright flame indeed. Of all the species the Continuum has faced, humans continue to intrigue us." Q stood and stepped toward Kathryn then spoke in hushed tones. "But this Sphere will damage the human race in ways you cannot imagine. Not even the Borg try to assimilate them. They have tried and failed."

She stopped within inches of Kathryn. "I do not want you to go there." Q leaned in and kissed Kathryn on the lips, then disappeared in a flash before she could react.

---

Cast:
Kathryn Beringer - Rachel Nichols
Q - June Diane Raphael
Anthi Ythysi - Katheryn Winnick
Staza Murai - Sarah Lind

In Enemies, Find Allies

Literary Challenge 43 - In Enemies, Find Allies

---

The two officers walked the length of the corridor on Deck 8. Being on the saucer section of Solaris, the main corridor was a circle that surrounded the main computer core. Several other hallways branched into and away from the main path and each time the couple came to an intersection, only one would look to see if anyone was coming or going.  Deck 8 tended to be free from foot traffic regardless of shift, and this was why the two officers chose this place to have their walks.

The Andorian First Officer looked to her Captain. "Sugihara wouldn't say more?"

Kathryn Beringer did not look up from the floor and shook her head. "I'm sure he doesn't know about my past and, if I were in his shoes, neither would I care. We are Starfleet, it is my duty, right?"

Anthi smirked, "Yes, sir."

The Captain looked up and sighed. "I guess it is safe to say, that if Sugihara gave the green-light to this diplomatic situation, then who am I to question that?"

"Forgive me for stating the obvious, but you are Captain of a Starfleet vessel. That gives you the right."

Kathryn nodded and smiled. "Thank you, Anthi. You are a great friend, but a better XO? There is no one else." She stopped and looked to Anthi. "Tomorrow the Alcubierre will meet us and our 'guest' will officially join our crew. Besides, she might be as resourceful as Sugihara promised."
+++

Standing in the transporter room, Kathryn gave herself the once-over. Her ambassador jacket was bright white with blue trim. The rank and Starfleet badges crisply reflected the lighting of the room. Beside her stood the three highest-ranking officers of Solaris: First Officer Anthi Ythysi. Beside her stood her barrel-chested brother, Chief Engineer Thel Ythysi. To his side was the diminutive Trill, Science Chief Omazei. Each of them wore their dress uniform appropriate to receive the special guest. All of them seemed relaxed, and each of them knew what was about to happen, but none could tell what would happen after that.

The Ensign at the transporter pad broke the silence. "They are ready for transport, sir."

Kathryn nodded and within seconds the transporter pad activated, then the shimmering curtain faded. Anthi briefly looked to Kathryn to see a response, but could not tell in the second she looked away from their guest.

Standing on the pad, the female looked into the darkened room. Her dark brown armor clanked and leather creaked as she shifted her weight onto one leg. Raising a hand to her hip she looked directly to Kathryn. Deep blue eyes sparkled as she smiled. Her dark green hair framed her smooth green skin.

"Captain Beringer, I presume?"

Kathryn breathed in quickly then stepped forward and extended her hand. "Staza Murai, welcome aboard the Solaris.

The Orion stepped off the pad and accepted the gesture. "Allow me to be blunt Captain, we need to talk."

"Of course, I expected that actually. Do you wish privacy?" Kathryn waved to the doors.

Staza stepped away then looked over her shoulder and smiled, "bring who you wish. The more the merrier."
+++

"I'm surprised Sugihara didn't say more." Staza Murai sat back into her chair as if relieved.

"None more than me," Kathryn said. "I'm curious why you specifically requested to be aboard Solaris?"

"Because, Captain, you are very well-known in the Orion Syndicate"

The four Starfleet officers looked to one another. Anthi spoke first. "That doesn't make sense"

Staza smiled at the Andorian. "It shouldn't, but it's the simple truth."

Kathryn could feel her frustration rising. She looked at Anthi before responding, "You have me at a disadvantage."

Crossing her legs, Staza spoke slowly. "Captain, you've been interfering with Syndicate affairs for several months. In their circles you are called 'Ous noum hid'. Roughly translated as-"

"'Scarlet Scorpion'", Kathryn interrupted.

"Nodding, Staza smiled. Are you aware of the attention you are gathering?"

Kathryn shook her head. "Frankly, I don't give a damn."

Staza smile widened. "That's why I am here. My brother was a third in the Ceasc Suel Cartel and was falsely accused of selling secrets to a rival group within the Syndicate: that's a death sentence." Her stare hardened. "Orions are nothing if not loyal to family."

After a few seconds, Kathryn sat back in her chair. "That interesting. Orions are loyal at the cost of their own lives.  Revenge can transend time.  So, your brother was accused of a crime he did not commit and you're out to punish his accusers.  Yet, your here on a Starfleet vessel wanting to join my crew at the behest of the highest ranking Diplomat in the Federation." She leaned forward and clasped her hands together. "Why are you really here?"

The Orion smiled slowly. "I have offered my intimate knowledge of the inner workings of the Syndicate to Starfleet, on the condition I serve aboard your ship."

---

Cast:
Kathryn Beringer - Rachel Nichols
Anthi Ythysi - Katheryn Winnick
Thel Ythysi - Kevin Sorbo
Omazei - Gemma Arterton
Staza Murai - Sarah Lind