Academy Days

Literary Challenge 18 - Academy Days 

 

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The small pond in the Academy quad seemed to be perpetually serene. It was that perception that attracted Kathryn to this place after her first year. She did her best to schedule classes to allow time to eat lunch at the quad grounds. That time was one of a handful of hours she was not otherwise sleeping, studying or attending class. Looking into the pond, a few fish swimming darted back and forth, yet their motions didn't disturb the water's surface. On more than one accession, Kathryn would touch the water's edge to see if it was replaced with a hologram, and every time she was surprised to feel cool liquid to her touch.

A nearby tree provided the few seats other cadets could use from its radiating roots. She climbed onto a large root that protruded from the ground. It twisted back into the earth and the apex of the wood was well worn with years of use from other cadets. Kathryn mused how she always found the spot empty, as if everyone on campus knew this was her spot during the mid-day to enjoy her lunch and quiet-time.

Kathryn was several years older than the average cadet and that set her apart from most of her classmates. It may also have contributed to her lack of friends in reasonable quantity. It really didn't bother her as she dedicated the bulk of her time 'catching up'. At least that was her opinion. Being a slave to the Orions, her subsequent escape and the journey back to Earth, took a lot of time that would have, should have been spent in any other way.

She pulled her satchel forward as she sat down on the root and grabbed a pre-made sandwich box. After taking a bite, she let the juices from the replicated meat tingle her taste buds. Smiling from the strong flavor of Sarnakian Cured Beef, she pulled out a PADD from the satchel. Chewing slowly, she pushed back loose strands of burgundy hair and tucked them behind her ear. The PADD activated to the latest entry: a lecture on stellar cartography in the Beta Quadrant.

Being mid-day, several cadets walked on the pathway nearby, so Kathryn was used to the soft steps taken by others. Yet, it was the moving shadow over the edge of the pond that caught her attention. Looking up, Kathryn squinted from the sunlight to see a human male. He wore a similar cadets uniform with Science colors and stopped from coming closer.

"I hope you don't mind if I sit?"

Kathryn got used to the bright light and shook her head, watching the man sit next to the root's entrance into the ground. His brown hair was longer than most others but still within regulation. A sharp jawline supported average cheekbones and a pointed nose. Full lips were licked to stay moist. After crossing his legs he looked up to Kathryn and smiled. She privately commented how his hazel-colored eyes seemed to invite her to return the smile with her own.

He looked back to the pond. "The water is always calm, that's why I like sitting here."

"Is that right?" She was a little surprised at his comment and curiosity was piqued.

Nodding, he looked back to Kathryn. "I don't usually come here during the day. I take nightly jogs around campus after class and stop here to rest."

Kathryn nodded and took a bite of her sandwich to keep from replying. She also caught herself wanting him to keep talking. His voice was strangely soothing. It reminded her of the automated reminders around campus.

"That must be a good sandwich?"

She swallowed the bite and nodded. "Just something I put together."

He looked at her PADD. "What are you studying?"

Handing him the device, she recognized he had not introduced himself yet and decided to go along anyway. "Professor Worriz's idea to track Tetryon emissions during a sensor analysis of local system space is interesting."

The younger cadet nodded as he read a few lines, and then returned the PADD to Kathryn. "Are you majoring in Astrometrics?"

Kathryn looked at her sandwich, took another bite intentionally and shrugged.

"I see. Please forgive my prying." He leaned toward her and extended his hand. "I'm Kyle Retarius."

Swallowing her morsel, Kathryn reached for Kyle's hand. "Kathryn Beringer."

His grip was gentle, yet firm and he held hand her hand until she pulled away first.

"Now it's my turn, what's your major?" Kathryn took another bite larger than the others.

Kyle looked over his shoulder opposite Kathryn before responding. "Temporal mechanics."

Kathryn nodded as she chewed.

"I've always been curious about the idea where a small change in the past can be so impactful to the future. I mean, is it possible that killing a single mosquito in prehistoric times could say, kill all the dinosaurs?" Kyle paused. "That's a bit extreme. Actually that's a very silly example, but you see what I mean?"

Nodding again Kathryn replied, "well, maybe not probable, but possible? Good luck with those studies, I had to retake the introductory class because the subject is not intuitive to me."

Kyle smiled and shrugged humbly. "I must admit that I've noticed you sitting here regularly. Would you be interested in dinner with me? I know a Pan-European bistro downtown that serves a dish you must experience with me."

Kathryn raised her eyebrows. "Oh, really?" She looked into his eyes to see if he would look away, but Kyle did not blink. For several seconds Kathryn weighed options and there were really only two to consider: yes or no. Kyle was cute and so far pleasant. Anything resembling 'dating' since her escape from Orion captivity was really flings that had ulterior motives attached. Besides, all Kyle was offering was a shared meal. Maybe a break from her studies would do some good? Then again, she was not really interested in a relationship. Having one while also working a Starfleet career would be challenging, if not distracting.

"Still thinking about it?"

Kathryn blushed as she realized her pondering options took longer than usual. She made a choice and wanted to take control.

"Sure. Yes. Are you free tomorrow night?"

It was Kyle's turn to raise eyebrows. "Uh, yes, absolutely! I'll send a message with details?"

He stood and wiped his pants clean.

Kathryn nodded and smiled. Kyle started walking away with a triumphant smile on his face. Kathryn mused that he looked good in uniform.

 

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Cast:

Kathryn - Rachel Nichols
Kyle Retarius - Matthew Fox

Hector's Walk

Unofficial Literary Challenge 11 - Delta Recruit, Prompt 2

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Lipstick was expertly applied with decades of experience. Smacking her lips, Kathryn smiled at herself in the mirror. Turning her head she checked her hair style for the day then stepped away to look at the uniform. Brushing her shoulders to wipe away dust that was not there, she nodded in satisfaction. Turning toward the door, the gray-colored ball near her feet was noticed last-second and Kathryn stumbled to avoid it, arms wide as she awkwardly danced around the immovable object. Catching herself she turned and frowned.

Merow?

Kathryn signed a little, and then smiled as she knelt down while reaching for her pet. The feline gracefully leaned forward to meet Kathryn's outstretched hand and started to purr.

"Duty calls, Hector."

She patted his head then stood to walk out of her quarters. Turning as the doors opened, Kathryn said, "this time don't go into the Jefferies Tubes."

Hector licked a paw and wiped it across an ear.

Merow.

+++

In a Jefferies Tube junction, Ensign Mallory Aralla pulled Lieutenant Jim Bushel toward her by the collar. He kissed her passionately, lowering his hands and cupping her buttocks. The action caused Mallory to breathe harder and press further onto his mouth. She raised a leg to wrap around Jim"s waist as he pulled her from the floor.

Mallory opened her eyes to look at Jim when movement caught her attention behind him. Fear struck like a thunderbolt that their tryst was discovered by another crewman and she pulled away from Jim. He looked confused by the sudden withdrawal.

Merow?

Both sighed at the sight of Hector looking at them. Jim turned back to Mallory and leaned in to continue when she ducked under an arm to escape.

"Sorry, Jim."

"What?"

Mallory pointed to Hector. "That's the Captain's pet. I hear his collar has a built-it camera."

Jim looked amused. "You think the Captain sends her cat to spy on the crew?"

"Not taking any chances. Maybe after our duty shifts?"

Sighing, Jim looked to Hector. "Sure."

Hector's tail swished.

Merow.

+++

Lieutenant Vivian Warshawski looked at the rank pip in her hand for several seconds while sitting in the shade between two cargo canisters. Placing her head in her hands she started crying, curls of long blonde hair bouncing with each breath. Her soft sobbing echoed in the cavernous cargo bay. When she was finished, Vivian snorted mucus and stared at the cold steel floor.

"I ... I can't do it. There are more deserving on the team."

Vivian heard small steps padding around a canister and she became curious. Sliding out from the darkness, she met two golden eyes staring back at her.

"Oh, hello Hector. A little far from home too?"

Merow?

Vivian nodded and reached for the cat but stopped short to let Hector sniff her hand.

"I know, smells like coolant or a gel-pack. Sorry."

The feline started to purr and walked into her hand, rubbing from head to tail and rounding back to repeat. Vivian smiled and scratched Hector"s back as he paced.

"I mean, why did he pick me?"

Hector stopped and sniffed at the air.

"Truth be told, after I was put in the brig, I thought my career was over."

The cat yawned wide.

Vivian paused as memories raced from one image to another: from pouring over technical readouts, to stealing a quick snack in between assignments. Her smile faded slightly recalling her last boyfriend broke up with her because she had been so busy for the past few months.

"Yeah well, Jim was a jerk anyway."

Hector walked up to Vivian's hand that held the rank pip and sniffed her skin. He then pushed the top of his head onto her hand compelling more back scratching. The pip fell to the ground and Hector sniffed at it, and then swatted it playfully toward the lonely Engineer.

Picking it up, Vivian looked at the silver bar. She recalled the look on Thel's face when he presented it to her; he had a faint smile on his face, as if he were proud of her! Maybe, in light of her previous transgression and her diligent efforts to make up for that, she had proven her worth - to the ship, to the crew, to the Chief Engineer! Her smile returned.

Sniffing back her melancholy, Vivian looked back to Hector. "You know, I can do it. I wasn't looking for a promotion, I earned it. If Thel thinks I am up for the job, then I can't let him -."

Merow, Hector interrupted.

"Heh, you're right. I can't let the Captain down either."

Hector purred.

+++

Ensign Engig pulled the panel from the wall and set it to the side. Looking both ways down the hallway the Saurian recognized being alone then opened the repair kit. Pulling out a PADD he accessed the designated schematics then looked back and forth from the device in his hand to the technical maze inside the wall.

"Let's see. Circuit A-One to router four seven."

Without looking, the engineer reached for a tool in the kit and touched soft hair instead of hard metal. Engig yelped from surprise and jumped from the wall.

Hector ran away a few steps then turned and hissed, showing fangs and raised fur.

Engig slowly stood and raised a hand as if to calm the animal. "Sorry, I didn't see you there." From embarrassment, he looked both ways of the hallway again. Noticing he was alone with the cat, Engig gradually returned to the open panel.

Hector deliberately crawled to the opposite wall and kept an eye on the red skinned Saurian.

Both settled into their place calmly. Hector's tail swished back and forth on the carpeted floor while Engig worked on damaged circuitry. Occasionally he would look over his shoulder to see if Hector had moved.

Hector just watched Engig.

After several minutes, Engig placed the tools into the kit, and locked the panel back onto the wall.

Slowly standing, he turned to the cat still sitting on the floor who just watched him contently. Thinking of what to say to the feline, Engig struggled with the idea of talking to an animal that more than likely would not understand a word. He mentally shrugged away whatever words he could use and decided on a course of action.

Engig saluted.

Hector licked a paw and wiped it across an ear.

Merow.

+++

"Go!"

Arms quickly moved in blurred motions. The two officers grabbed at parts laid out on a table as if randomly and attached them to a metal frame. With each piece clicking into place, another piece was already in motion to be added to the frame. A third officer watched intently while keeping count silently.

The shortest of the three, a Tellarite, snapped a piece and looked up for a split second. Reaching for a part, he smiled. "You too slow, Carter."

The Human fit his scope into place. "I've beaten you seven times in a row, Tras. The less you talk, the faster you'll be."

Bur'ar tried not to roll his eyes or say something to refocus the two officers. They were to assemble, then disassemble, their MACO rifles twenty times before allowed to join the team in the mess hall. Their banter finally came to blows and the Klingon security chief had had enough. This was the first level of their 'rehabilitation'.

The doors swished open and Bur'ar looked at who entered the room, then to Tras and Carter. Realizing he was the only one who noticed the doors open, a mischievous thought came to his mind.

Standing, Bur'ar shouted, "officer on deck!"

Stumbling to their feet, the other two snapped to attention as rifle parts fell and clattered to the floor. After several seconds, Tras and Carter looked around but did not see anyone they should be saluting to.

A grey cat peeked out from behind a nearby console.

Merrrooww!

Bur'ar bellowed in laughter.

"Aw, Chief. That wasn't funny!" Carter started picking up rifle pieces.

Tras helped. "Yes it was. You jumped faster than escaping Vaadwaur ships."

Bur'ar pretended to wipe a tear . "Silence, that's the lesson here."

Hector turned and quietly left the room.

Gesturing to the closed doors, Bur'ar continued. "See. The animal gets it."

+++

Kathryn entered her quarters and fell forward onto the couch, sprawling arms and legs. Several seconds passed in relative silence as the ship's engines hummed at a lazy Warp 2. Kathryn relished the moment.

Hector rubbed his head into her open hand resting on the floor and she responded by scratching the top of his head. He purred.

"I hope you had a good day, Hector."

Merow.

Kathryn smiled. "Good, anything interesting out there?"

Hector sniffed the air, then lifted a leg and started grooming himself.

"I guess not."

 

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Cast for crew:
Kathryn Beringer - Rachel Nichols
Bur'ar - David Ramsey
Vivan Warshawski - Megan Hilty
Mallory Aralla – Alexandra Daddario
Jim Bushel – Jason Ritter
Engig – Scott Caan
Carter – Rick Cosnett
Tras – Peter Dinklage
Hector - Nebelung, mannerisms from my own cat

Mentioned but not seen:
Thel Ythysi - Kevin Sorbo

A Bad Deal

Unofficial Literary Challenge 10 - Redux (LC 17 Mirror ... rorriM)

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A Bad Deal

She held up the crystal to the light and looked at it with her good eye, the other being covered by an eye patch. It was translucent and orange-colored, cut to be shaped into a thick saucer and was about human thumbnail-sized. Kathryn didn’t have a jeweler's eye, yet she felt like she was looking at perfection. The Lobi Crystals were a special currency in the known galaxy to acquire items not on the common market, from exotic food to weapons and even starships. She looked at the cache she just acquired from the Ferengi and surmised she might be able to buy a reclaimed Tholian fighter craft. The difficulty to pirate one was not worth the effort. The Consortium did the work for her (by whatever means they have), all she had to do was buy the ship using these Crystals. It would be a nice addition to her shuttle bay. The Abyssal was not a carrier and if an Empire Captain was to have discretion with her ship, then Kathryn's was to collect shuttles from various races.

Staza Murai sat at the edge of Kathryn's desk and started pouring Saurian Brandy to celebrate. "Well baby, you did it. It was nice to see the Ferengi get ripped off for once."

Kathryn lightly slapped then rubbed Staza's thigh and smiled. "That was negotiation at its finest, and I didn't have to shoot the grubby little Lober either. I'd rather not have to vacuum his ashes from my carpet." She looked into the crystal again. "Still, my trust for Fidas ... only goes ... so ... far." Kathryn pulled the crystal closer to her eye, and then tapped her combadge. "Thel, meet me in Science Lab Two immediately."

+++++

The Andorian Chief Engineer stood from the electroscope and looked to his Captain. "They are fake."

Kathryn's dark demeanor soured. "What."

Thel placed a hand to his chin as he considered his words; Kathryn was not pleasant to be near when she was angry. Yet, he was always direct and factual with Kathryn. He earned her respect and knew that was invaluable social currency on her ship; there was no need to waste it now. "These could pass for real Crystals, but are counterfeit all the same."

Turning on her heels, Kathryn placed both hands on her hips as she paced in front of the console. Thel could not tell if she were deep in thought or trying to stay calm. Stopping, she took a deep breath before responding, "tell me how. Someone is going to pay for this."

+++++

Kathryn stormed onto the bridge. Everyone jumped at her entrance and she marched directly to the helm. The Rigelian helmsman stood to let her sit down and was rewarded with being shoved to the floor. The Captain seemed to stab the console with her fingers as she plotted a course.

"S'Rel, find the ion trails to the Ferengi ship that warped away and give me their heading," she yelled.

"Aye, Captain," was the only response the Vulcan provided as she tapped onto her console.

Three very long seconds passed, then the helm station chirped and Kathryn's jaw clenched. She finished her calculations. Looking to the helmsman on the floor she snarled, "get up."

She moved to her own chair and slammed a fist on the arm rest activating the shipwide channel. "This is the Captain. Prepare for boarding action. We attack within the hour."

The helmsman sat in his chair and reviewed Kathryn's plot, he turned to her anticipating a command. She was already looking at him. He trembled as he spoke, "Captain?"

Calmly, she said, "maximum warp. Get me to that damn ship."

+++++

The D'Kora'class ship burned in space. Scores of blast marks marred the orange-hued hull. A debris field of metal and Ferengi bodies littered the space at every hole made by the Abyssal. It was held in place by a tractor beam from the Terran Empire vessel even though its engines were offline.

On board, Kathryn stomped her way toward the bridge. After shredding the shields, she could have beamed directly to the bridge and settled the score with the Ferengi Captain, but she relished the idea of punishing the crew for following such arrogant stupidity. So Kathryn ordered an assault from shuttles and boarded the D’Kora through its voluminous cargo bays. Her crew would suffer losses, but Kathryn mentally shrugged at the thought. Her crew comprised of well-trained soldiers and warriors from across the Terran Empire and replacements would be drafted as she needed them. Besides, those that fell were either weak or unlucky. Still, the Ferengi were no match. Kathryn did not worry.

Holding a falchion in her left hand and a phaser pistol in her right, she led two other DRACO-clad soldiers through the ship. Both were Gorn and fiercely loyal to her. Srazi and Garzas considered themselves to be her personal guards anyway. Turning a corner toward the doors to the bridge, two Ferengi defenders fired disruptors wildly, missing the three Terrans. Kathryn lifted her pistol and calmly fired twice. Both defenders died in front squealing as they fell to the floor.

The doors swished open and Kathryn swung the falchion at the two dead guards. The upswing lifted a head and propelled it into the room, blood splattering where it landed and rolled away. The bridge crew, except one, cowered as Kathryn strode into the room. The Ferengi Captain stood resolute as she pointed her sword at him.

"Fidas! Did you think you could get away with trading fake Lobi Crystals with the Terran Empire?!"

The Ferengi looked around his crew and frowned. He lowered his head. "It was not my intent to insult the Empire. The negotiation was made in good faith."

"The fact remains the Crystals are worthless." She nodded toward Garzas, who pulled a few crystals from a pouch and crushed them easily with one armored hand. He rolled the fragments in his fingers and they quickly turned to white powder that slipped through his fingers. A distinct aroma filled the air as the powder fell.

Fidas sniffed, and then coughed lightly as the sharp scent pierced his sense of smell. His affect was blank as he said, "spare the rest of my crew."

Kathryn did not expect that response, yet she capitalized on his calm demeanor. "Not surprised, eh? That tells me you knew about the deception. I must admit, using salt was interesting, stupid but interesting. Now, tell me where the Crystals came from."

The Ferengi Captain raised his hands to chest height and shook his head. "We just delivered the -"

A phaser beam blasted a hole through Fidas' left ear lobe and burned a console behind him. Screaming in pain and falling to his knees, blood leaked down his neck. Fidas clutched the wound and writhed in agony. The bridge crew sank to their knees.

Kathryn lowered her pistol. "Who is the first officer of this scow?" No one spoke up, but she could tell who it was from the looks of the others. She pointed her falchion at the quivering Ferengi. "Next time a woman asks a question, you will answer. Tell others what you have seen here. Now go, find an escape pod."

Shuffling past the others quickly and nodding furiously, the Ferengi left the bridge.

Kathryn turned and started walking away from the bridge, the two Gorn following by walking backwards with rifles pointed at the bridge crew. She tapped her combadge and said loud enough to be heard by everyone, "Commander Ythysi, when we return, please destroy Captain Fidas' ship to star dust and take your time doing so." Kathryn turned on her heels and looked back at Fidas sternly. "The Empire doesn't take kindly to bad deals."

The doors to the bridge closed.

 

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Cast for crew:
The Abyssal - Mirror Kathryn's ship, same ship, different name as I wanted the Mirror version to be a reflective opposite.
Kathryn Beringer - Rachel Nichols
Thel Ythysi - Kevin Sorbo
S'Rel - Morena Baccarin
Staza Murai - Sarah Lind

Fidas - Jason Alexander
Ferengi First Officer - Sidewalk Extra 1

Garzaz - Lance Storm
Srazi - Chris Jericho
Rigelian Helmsman - Sidewalk extra 2

Mentioned but not seen:
Anthi Ythysi - Katheryn Winnick

The Game

ULC 9 - The Game

 

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"Are you sure? The woman in this picture is at the arena?" Bur'ar was deadly serious and imposing. His Klingon demeanor made the Talaxian vendor more timid than before.

Looking at the picture again, the vendor looked to the group of three people starting at him. They wore brown-colored and dirty cloaks that covered their entire head and body. Only a little part of the face could be seen. "Y-y-yes. I'm sure of it. She's won a few fights I think. I put some money for her to win tonight too!" He became excited, hoping his smile would lighten the mood. He knew he failed and looked away.

Bur'ar lowered the PADD and glanced to the Away Team. Ian replied to the vendor, "thanks. I'd cancel that bet if I were you." The three walked away, and then stopped under an alcove to consider their plan. They looked around to see if anyone was looking until S'Rel pulled out a tricorder.

"I'm still not reading her combadge. It's logical her captors have destroyed it."

The other two nodded at the Vulcan. Ian tapped his combadge. "McKinnon to Solaris, we'll need a scan of the arena grounds and structure. Send a schematic to our tricorders. We may have found the Captain and Doctor."

"Good news Ian. Downloading as soon as we can." Anthi's voice sounded relieved.

Bur'ar nodded. "We'll see if we can find our way to them before the next round."

With that, the three exchanged looks then headed toward the arena.

---

The Klingon held a hand to his phaser pistol but did not pull it from the holster. He nodded to S'Rel who then opened her tricorder and scanned the keypad lock. Entering a few codes, the door clicked and she pulled it open. Inside, the room was clearly an infirmary but was not sanitary enough to be healthy for patients; certainly not for Starfleet standards.

Four beds were in the room and two were occupied. S'Rel and Ian went directly to one of them as they recognized the woman on the bed from her blonde hair. Ian looked around the room while S'Rel did a visual inspection. "Doctor Kramer?"

Annika slowly opened one eye, the other was bruised shut. Other bruises were visible on her face and a dirty cloth was taped to her forehead. Dried blood crusted at the edge of the make-shift bandage. "You're late." Even though she whispered, her voice was coarse and gravely.

The Vulcan raised her eyebrows. "You do not have a restraining collar. That will help with egress."

Annika looked down toward her legs. "No need". Ian pulled the sheet and noticed the metal frame holding Annika’s leg straight.

"Doctor, was this injury a result of the arena combat?"

Nodding, Annika replied, "Captain can be a ***** when she's angry."

"The Captain's behavior is from the restraining collar. We've learned it injects the user with a chemical compound that enhances strength and survival instincts while inhibiting memory and judgment. The Captain is not herself wearing the collar."

Annika nodded. "It's more than that; it's an explosive device. There are perimeter sensors that will activate the charge if the user attempts escape."

S'Rel furrowed eyebrows. "That changes our current plans."

Ian lifted the kit already on his back to shift the weight of its contents. "I've got an idea. If I can find high enough ground, then removing the collar is possible, if not challenging. The Captain would not approve, though."

Bur'ar stepped into the room and closed the door. He raised a finger to his lips and the phaser pistol appeared. S'Rel joined him from the other side of the door and pulled out her own pistol. Heavy footsteps were heard approaching toward the door. Some deep laughter boomed in the hallway, and then the footsteps continued away from the door until there was silence. Both lowered their pistols.

S'Rel went back to Annika's bed and pulled a hypospray from her kit. Applying a small dose of pain nullifier to Annika’s neck, she then placed a combadge in the Doctor's hand. Tapping her own, S'Rel ordered, "Solaris, medical emergency, Annika to beam up to sick bay." The Doctor was washed in blue transporter particles and disappeared. She then stepped toward the other bed and scanned the injured gladiator who was so battered it was hard to recognize the female Nezu. She looked to Bur'ar and shook her head.

Covering their heads with the cowls from their cloaks, they left the infirmary.

---

Standing amid the rowdy crowd, two officers positioned themselves at the railing overlooking the arena grounds. Bur'ar growled as he tapped his combadge. "Ian, we're too late." Three combatants entered the arena from separate doors. All were clearly female: a Krenim, Ocampan and Human. Each wore simple leather-like armor in various dull colors covering torsos and lower limbs. They lined up in the center of the arena and faced toward the organizer’s section. A voice boomed through the building announcing the next match.

Ian responded, "I see her. Will this be a 'smash-and-grab'?"

"Yes."

---

Ian locked the scope into place and calibrated the sight. Lifting a leg from the bipod, he brushed away dirt from the ledge used to support the rifle. Activating the power supply, orange-colored photonic stabilizers appeared along the barrel near the emitter. Looking through the scope, Ian sighted his target.

Starfleet Captain Kathryn Beringer.

---

Bur'ar watched a massive four-armed reptilian-like gladiator stomped toward the three women who stood their ground and readied various weapons. Raising a huge spiked club, the gladiator tried to crush the Ocampan. She easily dodged the attack and struck against the fighter's wrist with her long pike. He back-handed the woman who spun from the counter-attack and collapsed to the floor a few meters away. The crowd cheered.

This was a diversion the other two women exploited as they flanked the gladiator. The Krenim used her shield to parry a large sword strike from the gladiator, but the force of the swing pushed her to the ground. Kathryn used the Krenim's fall as a launch pad toward the gladiator's back. Bringing a pair of long knives down, she pierced the gladiator's armored scales. The creature screamed from the pain and the crowd roared.

The first woman recovered, found her pike and charged the gladiator. Stabbing into a leg, the gladiator grabbed the Ocampan's head and lifted her from the ground with ease. She screamed until her head was crushed, spraying the gladiator with blood.

---

Everything was happening quickly. Bur'ar tapped his badge and said, "that's enough." He leaped over the guard rail into the arena, his cloak flowing open revealing the black-colored uniform of Starfleet. Without a word, S'Rel followed soon afterward as the crowd erupted into jeers and cheers. The announcer shouted through the microphone while the swirling combat ensued.

---

Ian saw Bur'ar's jump from peripheral vision, then closed his left eye to focus attention through the scope. Kathryn was moving quickly, but he was able to keep her in his sight. "C'mon, c'mon", he whispered as he knew Bur'ar and S'Rel were getting closer to her.

The combatants became distracted by the uproar from the crowd. When Kathryn paused in her steps, Ian kissed the air and pulled the trigger.

---

S'Rel saw the phaser bolt strike against Kathryn's neck. The restraining collar was blasted toward the gladiator, landed on the ground and exploded, throwing dirt into the air. The gladiator howled and Bur'ar charged into the smoke and dirt cloud. Covering her eyes from the shower of sand, she heard the impact of bodies slamming into each other. She stopped when she realized Bur'ar had tackled Kathryn to the ground.

Pulling out her phaser, she fired into the large shadow through the smoke. Another animalistic shriek responded. Tapping her combadge, S'Rel quickly said, "Solaris three to beam up, now!"

A large spiked club swished into the space evacuated by S'Rel as she was teleported away.

 

---

 

Cast:
Kathryn Beringer - Rachel Nichols
Ian McKinnon - Ben Browder
S'Rel - Morena Baccarin
Bur'ar - David Ramsey
Annika Kramer - Abbie Cornish
Talaxian vendor - male street extra #1
Ocampan fighter - female street extra #1
Krenim fighter - female street extra #2
Gladiator - CGI c/ Weta Workshop
Dead Nezu - female street extra #3

Heard but not seen:
Anthi Ythysi - Katheryn Winnick

Stranger Than Fiction

LC 15 - First Contact

 

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The ship almost glowed in the darkness of space. The grey dull metallic color of the boxy hull contrasted sharply against the neon green of the dominating figure. The eagle’s head crested the bow of the ship and its wings embraced both sides to the oversized engine ports. A central spire rose from the hull and was the bridge of the ship. Any elegance of the eagle was marred by the utilitarianism of the rest of the ship.

Kathryn looked at it from the conference room with both fascination and worry.

Anthi rested an arm on the viewport ledge. "Ugly thing, if I do say so myself."

Kathryn did not look away. "Ugly or not, the crew are human and that's ... bothersome."

"What do you think about that?"

Solaris had been on standard patrol routes in the Beta Quadrant. Having a Transwarp Drive meant it was easier to pull the ship to various duties on short notice. Kathryn shrugged. "We're in the Delta Quadrant and that means there is stranger out here than I care to count. I don't know what to think of that at this point."

The door chimed before they swished open. A giant human male confidently entered the room. His feet were sandaled with bare upper legs covered by a leather-like green loincloth. His bare chest was crossed by leather straps connected to ornate pauldrons on each shoulder. A bright golden helmet covered his head and had golden metal wings flaring from the sides. He carried a golden-tipped trident. After a few steps into the room he tapped the trident onto the floor then raised both arms wide.

"Greetings! I am Dorykone, captain of the sacred guard. Hail, Torsis, herald to the Preservers of Truth. Speak when spoken to or perish." He lowered his arms and stepped aside.

Kathryn and Anthi looked to each other, astonished at the man's opening words.

A small, grey-haired man with a hunched back walked into the room. His cane quietly tapped against the carpeted floor. He wore a long turquoise-colored robe that shimmered as he moved. With long greying hair that crowned a balding head, his face twisted into annoyance when he looked up to Dorykone, then transformed into a friendly smile when he saw Kathryn.

"Oh my, you are more beautiful in person!"

Kathryn blushed a little from the sudden informality. She recognized Torsis from the initial contact with the ship and she agreed privately that the main viewscreen did not always accurately represent a person's visage for he looked older now. She bowed her head slightly. "Herald Torsis, welcome aboard the Federation vessel Solaris."

Torsis looked to the ceiling and squinted an eye. "Ah, Latin for pertaining to the sun. Interesting name for a starship, don't you think?"

Kathryn raised her eyebrows. "It's not typical nomenclature, yet it was not my choice."

"And what name do you believe this fine ship deserves?"

Waving to a nearby chair to offer it for her guest, Kathryn said, "I've never really thought about an alternate name, it just seems fitting to me now."

Walking slowly toward the chair, Torsis lifted his cane and pointed toward his ship floating in space. "That boat is called the Ocean Rider. It's not comfortable, but I didn't expect it should be for its maiden voyage." Sitting, he grunted a little as he made the chair comfortable by wiggling into it. Dorykone strode to stand vigilant behind the chair, which caused further annoyance to Torsis.

"If I may Torsis, that is a beautiful name and fitting since you are a descendant of ... Atlantis?"

The old man smiled broadly. "Thank you, I named the ship myself so the compliment is rewarding." He looked around the room and settled on the Andorian First Officer. "It seems the galaxy is much larger, and prettier, than we thought."

Anthi shifted a little in her seat and Kathryn placed a hand on the table as a signal to Anthi. They developed various gestures to help with communication in formal settings. Kathryn disliked keeping her XO on task, but Torsis seemed to be crossing an informal line and Kathryn wanted to steer the conversation in a particular direction.

"About that, the Federation has segmented the galaxy into four quadrants. We are currently in the Delta Quadrant, where the Federation and its allies have started exploring with more ease and intensity. Correct me if I'm wrong, but your people come from Atlantis?"

Torsis smile waned a little. "Our capital city and planet share the name. Ocean Rider is our first successful attempt at faster-than-light travel. We were surprised to bump into you and your ship. It's a very pleasant surprise, don't get me wrong."

Kathryn smiled a little as she decided to abandon formality to get to the point of her concern. "Torsis, are your people ... human?"

The old man's smile disappeared. He turned his head to speak to Dorykone. "Leave us."

The order surprised the large guard. "But Herald, I -"

Torsis raised his hand to interrupt but said nothing. Dorykone stood strait and looked forward. "As you command." He turned and left the room, leaving the three to sit quietly until the doors closed.

"To answer the question, yes, we are."

Kathryn pressed on. "From ... Atlantis?"

Torsis nodded, then shook his head. "Not in the mythical sense. The reason I had Dorykone leave the room was because the Preservers of Truth guard our greatest secret: his ancestors are from Earth."

There was a pause before Kathryn raised her eyebrows and sat forward in her chair.

"We created a culture based on the myth of a great and 'perfect' civilization."

Kathryn shook her head. "There are so many questions ..."

"Why would we do that? Because Earth culture was ravaged by conflict and despair, so much so that it only took a few months for the members Colony Six to choose to leave Earth after the Tunisia Incident of 1947."

Anthi cleared her throat.

Torsis continued and spoke with excitement as if he couldn't hold back the story, "the colony's scientists were able to create a Tachyon wormhole large enough to transport the entire station. Luckily, we arrived in orbit above a habitable planet. The entire population went on-world and solemnly vowed to start over." He waved his arms in front of him to show off the product of the tale. His smile was prideful.

Kathryn looked to Anthi who affect was blank. She could not blame Anthi if she didn't believe Torsis, yet she couldn't waste time with her own incredulity. Grasping for a reply, Kathryn replayed the story in her head and very little made sense.

"I'm curious, what’s the population of Atlantis?"

Surprised by the question, Torsis recovered quickly. "Oh, close to three million by now?"

Anthi voiced what Kathryn thought immediately. "Three million? How is that possible within five hundred years?"

"Well, as you know, the typical colony housed up to four-hundred thousand persons. So, given enough time-", he leaned forward, looked to Kathryn and grinned, "- and the proper motivation to procreate, then a healthy population can grow." He jerked a thumb toward the door and snarled. "It seems we have some very healthy children. He could use a mate to help relax."

"Yes, indeed. Please forgive my impertinence Torsis, but you mentioned earlier that the greatest secret to your culture was guarded by 'Preservers of Truth'?"

Relaxing back into the chair, Torsis nodded. "It is ironic, don’t you think? Atlanteans hold the idea of honesty and truth to others above all else, yet the wise few keep the highest truth from ... everyone."

Anthi replied, again speaking Kathryn's thoughts. "Why are you telling us about this?"

Torsis looked surprised. "Because you are not Atlantean. I'm sure the Federation has a non-interference policy of some sort?"

Nodding, the Captain replied slowly. "Of some sort, yes."

Torsis beamed. "Good! The first from the colony worked very hard to rebuild a civilization founded on higher principles of benevolence toward each other, based on a model that never existed, yet was ideal."

Something about the Herald's story was not adding up at all. He was clearly human and declared he was coming from an mythical human civilization ... then Kathyn became inspired.

"Torsis, the culture you escaped from, did it have a name?"

"The Terran Hegemony. Clearly, it has been overthrown and replaced by the Federation?"

Kathryn looked to Anthi who reflected her own surprise. Turning back to Torsis, she said, "it is ... complicated. Well, I think it's time for a small break. If you wish I can have you escorted to our lounge or dining area?"

Torsis smiled and tapped his cane onto the floor. Dorykone stepped into the room calmly and bowed his head. "Yes, that would be delightful! Would either of you lovely ladies be joining me?" He looked to Dorykone then scowled. "I meant us?"

"I do apologize, Anthi and I must attend to other duties. Can we meet again in one hour?"

"I am looking forward to then. Thank you for your courtesy, Captain." Torsis turned and slowly exited the room.

Kathryn looked to Anthi. "Thoughts?"

Anthi's antennae twitched. "Alternate reality, or ... some other less-respectful option."

"Like I said, it's stranger out here than I care to count."

 

---

 

Cast:

Kathryn Beringer - Rachel Nichols
Anthi Ythysi - Katheryn Winnick
Torsis - Mel Brooks
Dorykone - John Cena

First and Fail

She placed both arms on the rests of 'the Chair'. Kathryn smelled the faint odors of fresh paint, new carpet, and that slight burn from fabricated duriplast. She wiped clean a small console on the armrest of smudge marks from the tips of her fingers before realizing it would never stay clean. She smiled at the idea of her wiping the surface clean every few minutes with the cuff of her uniform and that action becoming the defining moment of her career with Solaris.

It was a good ship with a reasonable history for his age. Being the last Excelsior class constructed in the twenty-fourth century was its own status, being the most recent in the class to receive a refit was another one. Now Kathryn Beringer was the newest Captain for this class of starship. Looking around at the bridge crew, she was proud to have almost 90 percent of the surviving crew from the Galatea follow her; most from their own request and several from her own recommendations. But Solaris was a larger ship, so she had to spend a lot of time getting acquainted with new crew during the refit process.

She smiled, absorbing the feeling of the ship, from the almost imperceptible hum from massive engines to the armored skin that gave Solaris its shape.  Ian McKinnon's voice broke her chain of thought. "We are cleared from Space Dock local, switching to impulse."

Kathryn sat straighter in her command seat. "Helm, ahead one-half impulse speed. Take us to LaGrange point beta in Neptune's orbit, then hold station."

Ian looked back with raised eyebrows. When she returned his glance, he turned back around quickly. "Aye, Captain."

Kathryn nodded to herself. It was her second order for the new ship, behind clearing Earth Space Dock. Ian was the newest of her bridge crew for alpha-shift. He was confident and hot-headed on occasion, but his dossier showed him to be a highly skilled starship pilot. Ian was also attractive: sharp jawline framing facial hair that, although shaved smooth, seemed to shadow his skin.  Dark brown eyes that sought truth in words and evaluated action.  Ian was muscular enough to fit the stereotypical 'jock'.  Seeing him pilot the ship, Ian's physique ran counter to the delicate maneuvers required to pilot a starship.

She shook her head from thinking about him further and turned to her Andorian Chief Engineer. Thel Ythysi stood next to the chair at the console with a hand to his chin, clearly deep in thought. Kathryn could tell he was troubled, so she stood to meet him. "A smile for your thoughts?"

Thel looked quickly from the console to Kathryn and back. "You would think, after all these decades, someone at S.C.E. would have made the Transwarp engines fool-proof."

Kathryn rolled her eyes and sighed. "Surely, you don't think the rumors are true?"

"Oh, I'm very sure they are not rumors, sir. 'First and fail', so they say. And my name is Thel."

She feigned surprise. "Is that a joke?"

The Andorian's antennae twitched. "Don't tell anyone."

Kathryn smiled.

Ian interrupted the activity on the bridge with his announcement. "Holding station at LaGrange point Beta, Captain."

"Let's see if the rumors are true. Helm, plot a course for Deep Space Eight and engage Transwarp Drive."

"Plot laid in, Transwarp Drive engaged in 5 ..."

An audible hum slowly filled the room.

"4 ..."

Kathryn could feel the floor vibrate slightly.

"3 ..."

She darted to her chair and switched the main viewscreen –

"2 ..."

-to a rear view camera. The nacelles started to glow.

"1 ..."

Kathryn clenched the arm rest pads with anticipation.

"Warp."

A small grinding sound like a bag of wrenches thrown into a blender underground was heard and the glow from the nacelles dimmed.

Thel slapped his forehead and his console started to light up from damage reports.

Kathryn nodded. "Huh. So I guess the rumors are true."

---

Cast:
Kathryn Beringer - Rachel Nichols
Anthi Ythysi - Katheryn Winnick
Thel Ythysi - Kevin Sorbo
Ian McKinnon - Ben Browder

To Look No Further

Literary Challenge 55

---

 

Solaris turned to Starboard, and toward the enemy's ventral side while increasing speed. Bright beams of orange light laced from Spiral Wave beam banks and struck the Voth cruiser's port shielding, itself bright blue flashes of light as the shielding absorbed the attacks. The Federation vessel crossed the ecliptic and more orange beams quickly filled the space between the ships. The Voth shielding was strained, then failed, as beams chewed into the armored underbelly near the engines. The Bastionclass ship was wounded as internal explosions bubbled the exterior plating. Solaris banked to port and deuterium vented from the impulse engines, accelerating the ship away.

The Voth cruiser stalled and started to fall from the sky. Seven kilometers away, Solaris coughed a quantum torpedo from its aft launcher. It impacted against the nose of the enemy cruiser, further disfiguring the sleek hull. Explosions continued detonating and ripping the ship to pieces. At its current altitude, debris will take ten minutes to fall to the surface, all the while trailing smoke, metal and death.

---

"Well done. Return to Yellow Alert. Helm, plot a course back toward the Allied Zone." Captain Kathryn Beringer smirked as she stood from the command chair. She pulled at her jacket as she watched the aft video of the Voth cruiser disappear from view, then turned to the Engineering station. Chief Engineer Thel Ythysi sat looking at his console. Images of the Excelsior-class ship had red dots scattered in various locations, some turned blue then green as Kathryn walked up behind him. "How's he doing Chief?"

Thel didn't pause. "The ship sustained minor damage overall. The Voth anti-proton weaponry is not impressive and their ships, although quick, are like flying aluminum cans."

Kathryn smiled. "After that fight, I agree." She patted Thel's shoulder then stepped to the Science station where Omazei sat looking over her console. Trill marks were visible from her neck due to short brown hair before disappearing under the color of the uniform jacket. She looked up when Kathryn approached.

"Omazei, may I see you in the Astrometrics lab in fifteen minutes?"

"Of course, sir."

With that, Kathryn nodded and looked toward her First Officer, "Anthi, you have the conn." She entered the turbolift to make sure she was at the lab before Omazei arrived.

---

The doors to the lab swished open and the Science Chief entered the darkened room. A translucent image of the Solonae Dyson Sphere rotated from the center console and it's light illuminated the room, casting dark shadows in every direction. Kathryn was hunched over looking at a screen from the center console then looked through the image at Omazei as she walked toward her Captain.

"Thank you for being prompt. I'm looking at our mission parameters and I'm going to make a recommendation to change them. I wanted your feedback before I send the request."

Omazei nodded then looked at the screen Kathryn was standing over. The ship's current position was dotted on a detailed map with a blue triangle. Various other ships were represented as either green or red triangles for the Romulan and Klingon factions at the Sphere. Whenever Voth ships were reported by real-time feed, then a purple triangle would appear. The Solaris was in the relatively quiet Allied Zone, having just recently exited the orange tinged Contested Zone.

Kathryn looked toward the floating image of the Sphere above them. "What can you tell me of the progress for the Sphere's exploration?"

"It's proving to be a challenge due to the Voth's technical supremacy, thus the efforts of Joint Command have been to maintain control of the Allied Zone." Omazei tapped onto controls at a nearby console and brought up various data. "Yes. Twenty ships have been dispatched to conduct further exploration of the Sphere beyond the Allied and Contested Zones to date. As you know, this is a massive structure that will take many years to fully explore properly. All scientific research is delayed due to the conflict."

"Have they been successful?"

"Relatively. Progress is slow because of the scale. It's easy to chart a star system using long-range sensors and probes. But the Sphere is something completely different: there's the external and internal surface of the shell, with the atmosphere above and space between it and the star it encompasses. There is still argument if the Sphere will require using a new system to measure coordinates! Then there are the Omega Particles -"

Kathryn raised a hand to interrupt, "I see. If we used standard planetary coordinates, could you show me where Dyson Joint Command would be?"

"Yes, sir, but we have to make some assumptions, the first being that the Sphere has poles relative to the galaxial-plane. Given that- ", Omazei entered more commands and the image of the Sphere added a cylindrical line making an axis showing theoretical north and south poles. Then very small areas became highlighted toward the zenith pole. It expanded as Omazei zoomed-in, forcing the Sphere's borders to disappear. "- DJC is approximately at 36 degrees 10 minutes 30 seconds North, 115 degrees 8 minutes 11 seconds West in the northern hemisphere. Give or take several seconds, if not minutes because of the scale."

"Interesting. By chance, have any vessels been catalogued as missing?"

"Yes." More commands were input and more data scrolled on a screen. "The Misericorde, and Kerg'kak. Both deep space science vessels. The Misericorde was sent toward the western border of the Allied Zone and expected to have a 50 degree parabolic arc, whereas the Kerg'kak went north with a 30 degree arc."

Kathryn nodded. "Thank you, Omazei. This will help with my recommendation."

"If I may, sir. What is your recommendation to Command?"

Kathryn's eyes almost sparkled. "To go looking for the Misericorde.

 

---

 

Cast:

Kathryn Beringer - Rachel Nichols
Thel Ythysi - Kevin Sorbo
Omazei - Gemma Arterton

Mentioned but not seen:
Anthi Ythysi - Katheryn Winnick
Helmsman - Random extra #1