Mail Day

Unofficial Literary Challenge 30 - Mail Day

---

“So, this is it?”  Kathryn spoke to Petty Officer Joleim, the Quartermaster to Shuttle Bay Four.  She stood over a small crate approximately 60 centimeters square and was worn down with scrapes and minor dents from years of use being a standard Starfleet mail container.

Closing a tricorder, the Benzite looked up.  “Yes, Captain.  Per standard procedures, the logs were reviewed before conducting a level five scan, and not seeing any concern, I processed the package from the Savoyard.”

Kathyrn nodded and looked questioningly at the female Caitian Security Guard standing a few paces behind Joleim.  Her arms were crossed behind her and she stood passively looking to the distance.  Her tail swished in a way that suggested she was irritated with the situation.  Kathryn sympathized for Ensign Kirat; Joleim was very meticulous with his duty and more than once he had called Security to handle minor incidents.  She recalled Kirat’s name appearing on most of the after-action reports.  Clearly the Caitian was assigned to this area.

Seeing where Kathryn was looking, Joleim answered, “pardon me Captain, protocols demand Security presence when the quartermaster deems the situation is outside normal parameters.”

“I understand.”  She paused as she looked back to the crate.  “What have your scans revealed?”

Standing, Joleim cleared his throat.  “Well, my initial review of the transit logs did not seem out of the ordinary.  The package originated from Starbase-39 and has been transferred two times on well-vetted transport vessels before ending its journey here.  The standard level five scan is meant to detect trace elements of known explosives or combustibles only, and finding none is certainly predictable as the crate would not have been able to be transported to this ship in the first place.  As you know.”

Kathryn blinked patiently.

The Benzite continued.  “What seemed out of place was that the contents were either not included by the sender … or were redacted.”

That comment surprised Kathryn and she did not hide her thoughts.  “That sounds a little conspiratorial, wouldn’t you agree?”

Joleim tilted his head as he thought quickly.  “To the contrary, Captain.  I am postulating reasons for the missing information in the manifest.”

“Fair enough,” Kathryn exhaled quickly.  “Who is the sender and who is the recipient?”  

Looking at a PADD, Joleim answered, “Kit Walker to Kiera Cameron.  This is also an oddity as there is no crewmember aboard this ship with that name.”

Kathryn couldn’t help to roll her eyes.  “No, indeed there is not.  So, let’s take a peek inside shall we?”

Joleim started to protest as Kathryn bent down and quickly entered an override code into the access panel.  The top of the crate hissed open and Benzite jumped back suddenly, resulting in Kirat drawing her phaser pistol.  Kathryn calmly pushed the panel wide open and stuck her hand inside the box.  Pulling out a Romulan-styled PADD, she looked up to the shocked Quartermaster.  She stood and inspected the gray-colored device.

“Stand down Ensign, this package was anticipated, from a certain point of view.  It was meant for me.”

Kirat holstered the pistol.  “Aye, Captain,” responded Kirat with a little relief.

Joleim composed himself.  “Forgive me Captain, this is not expected protocol.  Should I have followed another policy for this situation?”

“Not at all Joleim, you executed your duty perfectly.” 

The Quartermaster beamed from the compliment.  His face suddenly looked dumbfounded.  “I do not understand, why the subterfuge?”  

Kathryn held up the device.  “What, this?”  She giggled to herself.  “I’m happy to say that Solaris just got information that will help Chef Nadaka make the most amazing Romulan brioche.”

Joleim tilted his head again, his face expressionless.

“It’s a professional joke from the sender,” Kathryn said reassuringly and smiled.  “I’m sure you’ll enjoy the results soon!”

As she turned to leave, Kathryn spoke over her shoulder.  “Joleim, please audit the logs to declare the package was received by me.”

The Benzite tilted his head to the one side again.  “Aye, Captain.”

+++

The turbolift doors opened.  Kathryn stepped in, spun on her heels to face the empty passageway and ordered, “Deck One”.  

After the doors closed, she enthusiastically entered a code to unlock the PADD’s screen, expecting the see a message from friend Daikar. 

Her smile faded when Franklin Drake’s image appeared instead.  The Section 31 operative smirked, knowing she did not appreciate what he was about to ask her to do.  “Greetings, Captain Beringer.  There is something happening in the Gamma Quadrant.  Let’s talk about that …”

---

Cast for crew:

Franklin Drake - Victor Webster

Kirat - Kylie Jenner

Joleim - Richard Harmon

Kathryn Beringer - Rachel Nichols

Mentioned but not seen:
Daikar - Billy Zane
Chef Nadaka - TBD

Saying Hello

Literary Challenge 21 - Saying Hello


---

The multicolored lights were bright while cacophonous music roared throughout the room. Several patrons from varying races were dancing on the floor in the center of the room. Those not dancing were either sitting at tables enjoying the view or drinking. Club 47 was where officers came to let off war-weary, stress-filled steam or to relax.

In an adjacent observation lounge, passive lighting created calming moods and thick doors subdued the high energy emanating from the dance floor as a stark juxtaposition. Only a few tables were occupied and Kathryn sat overlooking the cavernous interior of Earth Space Dock. The synthetic Kanar in her hand was a close substitute to the real thing. Taking a sip, she swirled the liquid around her tongue before swallowing it.

With a PADD in hand, she smiled at the words on the slate and could almost recite them from the screen. All of Kathryn’s senior staff and over 70% of the crew from Galatea would follow her to the next assignment floating inside Space Dock. That was atypical, yet somehow Kathryn had overcome the odds. She would have to thank Admiral Felczer for considering and fulfilling her request to transfer most, if not all, of Galatea’s crew. They were family and she wanted them to stay together as much as possible.

Looking up through the large wall-sized window, she could see several ships in various stages of docking or repair. The gigantic doors of the station were slowly closing as an Armitage-class ship cleared the threshold. Her eyes settled on one ship in particular. It was an older design, first introduced in the 22nd century and had sharp corners compared to the current design-style. The ship’s saucer-shaped primary hull was a hall-mark of the Federation and sported the longest nacelles of any starship (relative to the rest of the ship). Primarily used for diplomatic purposes within the past century, its numbers have dwindled due to attrition. But the one capturing Kathryn’s attention was the last of its class constructed in the 24th century.

“She’s beautiful, wouldn’t you agree?”

Startled from her reverie, Kathryn turned to the voice and looked up to a human male. He held a half-full glass of clear liquid as he stared out the window.

“Pardon me?”

The man wore Captain’s bars on his collar with red piping on the jacket. Casually pointing, he explained, “the Excelsior out there. It’s the only one of its kind birthed here and certainly special.”

Kathryn looked out the window and nodded. Regarding the Captain, he stroked a well-manicured moustache to the tip of his goatee, and was clearly focused on the ship. “Um, yes, I suppose so.” She waved to a chair and invited, “care to join me, Captain –“

“Ricol. Hassid Ricol.” He looked down and smiled. “You must be Kathryn Beringer.”

Surprised he knew her by name; Kathryn noticed he had not taken a seat. “I didn’t know I was famous.”

“You’re not, except to me.” Hassid’s smile disappeared. “Tell me, Captain, do you really think you’ve earned the right to Solaris?

Kathryn sat back into her chair, stunned. “Excuse me?”

Hassid rested his glass down on the table with more force than expected. “How long have you been wearing those rank bars anyway? Months, maybe a year or two?” Placing both hands on the table, he leaned in closer and hissed, “I was promised Solaris. I’ve earned the honor to be her Captain.”

Kathryn willfully paused for a few seconds as she absorbed the moment. Feeling pushed into a corner, she decided to push back. Standing, she grabbed the PADD off the table and became resolute against Hassid’s threatening posture. Placing a hand on a hip and shifting her weight to one leg, Kathryn smirked and raised the PADD. “Not according to this,” she parried.

The Captain straightened and rolled his tongue in his jaw as if to keep from saying something or to calm himself down.

Suddenly, another officer arrived and almost stood between Kathryn and Hassid. “Excuse the interruption, but I could tell the conversation was about to get exciting. Let’s have a seat to relax.”

The other Captains glared at the officer. Also wearing Captain pips on the collar, his jacket was filled by muscles on his chest and arms. A square jaw framed sharp facial features under a bald head. His toothy smile was soft, sultry and inviting.

Hassid scoffed, “Captain Daikar. Saving a damsel in distress again?”

Kathryn could feel her restraint waning. “Now look here-“.

“Captains, Daikar interrupted. He looked over his shoulders as if to remind the others they were not alone in the room and to lower voices. With a more calm tone, he asked, “should we keep this civil or take it outside?”

Kathryn ignored Daikar’s attempt to resolve the situation. “I shouldn’t have to remind you, Captain Ricol, that no one owns any ship. I earned my rank and that’s all. If you have a problem with my posting on Solaris, then the answer is simple: too bad.”

Eyes flashed with anger, Hassid lunged toward Kathryn. Daikar stepped up and used Hassid’s momentum to spin him away and toward another table. As he crashed into the furniture, the commotion captured attention from the other patrons in the room. Kathryn watched one officer tap his badge.

Pushing away a chair as he stood, Hassid wiped his short-cut hair. Breathing heavy, he pointed to Daikar. “You’ll pay for that.”

Daikar chuckled. “Bill me.”

Hassid huffed away from the pair and through the doors.

Turning to Kathryn, Daikar extended a hand. “I’m sorry you had to experience that.”

“It’s no bother, I’ve been through worse. Listen, you shouldn’t have done that, Security is sure to be on their way. What was his problem anyway?”

Daikar waved to dismiss the comments and smiled. “I can handle them. Ricol is a brute and a bully. He's has had it coming to him. For what it’s worth, he’s in it for the glory, not the duty.”

Kathryn nodded. “It seems you two have some history?”

“Yes. Would you want to hear about it?” He pulled a seat and began to sit.

Blushing a little, Kathryn acknowledged an urging to sit down. Pride caused Kathryn to resist the invitation; she could have handled Hassid Ricol herself. She looked around the room for an excuse to justify not staying any longer. Finding a holographic chronometer on the wall, she sighed with a little relief. Still, Daikar was surprisingly attractive and she questioned whether it was due to his gallantry or good looks.

“I … can’t, maybe another time.” Kathryn turned on her heels and started walking out the door.

“Wait! I didn’t get your name?”

Kathryn stopped and looked back. Again, she caught herself wanting to sit next to Daikar. “Kathryn Beringer. If you will excuse me Captain, I have a new ship to inspect.”

---

Cast:
Kathryn Beringer - Rachel Nichols
Daikar - Billy Zane
Hassid Ricol - Matt Nable

Why Not?

Literary Challenge 9 - Shore Leave

"I think the phrase is, 'when the cat's away the mice will play'".

Kathryn looked away from the console and closed her eyes, quietly wishing her solitude was not interrupted. She then turned to face the speaker, not hiding the annoyance on her face.

The female intruder smirked as she ran a finger against another console's edge then looked to her fingertip. "So why is the cat not away while the mice are playing?" Her smirk changed to a small frown as she rubbed away imaginary dust or dirt, then looked to Kathryn.

"Because, Q, they deserve a break."

"Tsk, tsk. Don't you deserve to play too?" Q sauntered closer to Kathryn.

"Maybe I am having fun. Ever consider that humans can enjoy their work?"

"Maybe fun is actually on the planet below?"

Kathryn crossed her arms. "Maybe you should get to the point this time?"

Q pouted. "Aw Kathy, I'm only trying to help! You look stressed. Although you do have a certain amount of grace under pressure that your species would call 'sexy', I stand by my original intent."

Kathryn sighed. "I appreciate that Q, actually." She looked away remembering the recent days. "Ever since we found the Misericorde, the crew has been on edge. Taking a break from the Sphere was needed."

"I warned you not to go there, you know." Q walked over and rested against the console next to Kathryn.

"It was my duty."

"Pfft. Duty shmooty. You humans really don't like taking advice from omnipotent beings. Well, you really should listen to me this time, Kathy. Take a break." She raised her hand and waved as if painting on a canvas. "Can't you imagine it? The clear blue water like a mirror reflecting the azure sky. Verdant trees swaying with a gentle breeze that briefly bushes your hair and tickles your ear. Twin moons lighting your path to the secluded candlelit dinner waiting for you?"

Kathryn could indeed 'see' the imagery described to her and she caught herself nodding slightly then stopped herself. "Risa does have all that I suppose."

Q grinned. "I know." She snapped her finger.

---

Blinking to clear her eyes, Kathryn could tell without looking her uniform was replaced with a summer dress. The white silk-like garment shimmered from the moonlight. She turned toward a window and could see her hair style changed from the regulation bun to a low ponytail style that flowed over a spaghetti-strapped shoulder. Long-stringed earrings danced above the collar bone and her lips were painted with bright red lipstick.

Kathryn rolled her eyes and looked around. At the end of the walkway was a table with two lit candles and half-filled wineglasses. As she walked toward the table her high-heeled shoes clicked and echoed into the night air. For a second, Kathryn let go of the rigors and structure of Starfleet and felt like-

"A woman, like a perfect dream."

Kathryn spun toward the sound of the voice. "Daikar?"

The tall Deltan entered the moonlight from a shadowed pillar. His broad shoulders filled the formal suit but did not seem tight against his frame. His bald head glistened with the slight humidity. He smiled and slowly walked toward Kathryn.

Kathryn's eyes widened and she realized her jaw had dropped. "Did Q bring you here too?"

Daikar stopped a few paces away and stared into Kathryn's eyes. She smiled briefly and started feeling nervous. When she realized she was more concerned than attracted to him is when he stepped forward, wrapped his arms around his waist and kissed her.

At first Kathryn relaxed into Daikar's embrace as she reveled in the moment. Her left ear twitched enough to divert her attention from his tongue-swirling kiss. Kathryn realized Daikar's kissing was becoming painful to her lips and she pushed away. Daikar resisted until Kathryn stepped back with one foot and shoved him away.

Daikar looked surprised. "I thought you wanted this?"

Kathryn was stunned. "I - what?"

"Come now Kathy, I can tell you are attracted to me." He smirked and licked his top lip, "I felt it."

Taking a step back, Kathryn became angry. "This is not like you at all." She wiped her lips, red lipstick smeared across the back of her hand.

Daikar sighed and his shoulders slumped. "Well, I tried." He lifted a hand and snapped his fingers.

---

Blinking to clear her eyes, Kathryn could tell without looking her uniform was replaced with a summer dress. The white silk-like garment shimmered from the moonlight. She turned toward a window and could see her hair style changed from the regulation bun to a low ponytail style that flowed over a spaghetti-strapped shoulder. Long-stringed earrings danced above the collar bone and her lips were painted with bright red lipstick. She looked the same before her encounter with Daikar.

Kathryn looked around, frustrated and angry. "Q!"

A female appeared from around a shadowed pillar. Dressed exactly like Kathryn, Q walked confidently toward Kathryn with a smug look on her face. "I tried to help you relax and yet, you resisted." She stopped a few paces away, crossed her arms and twisted her lips to a wry smile. "But not at first."

"That's not funny. What made you think that's what will help me relax? If anything, I'm more stressed now than when I was working!"  Kathryn realized Q can be anyone she wants to be, and her eyes widened. "Was that you?!"

"Sadly, no. He was literally a figment of your imagination."

"What?!"

Q raised her hands. "Stay calm, nothing a quick review of Starfleet records couldn't help with. Very interesting stuff in those antiquated computers you use. I think Section 31 are the good guys, if I do say so myself."

Kathryn started getting a headache. "Stay with me Q."

"Look. You are overworked. The burden of responsibility weighs you down and even the Continuum sees it. Give yourself a break! Look around you. We are on Risa! Although a barren wasteland compared to ... never mind. This is where humans like to go to relax. I know you really want to come here, but your 'duty' compels you not to. I'm here to try to convince you otherwise."

"Why?"

Q spread her hands out wide, then snapped both fingers. In a flash she was gone and Kathryn could hear her from everywhere. "Why not?

---

Cast:
Kathryn Beringer - Rachel Nichols
Q - June Diane Raphael
Daikar - Billy Zane

Call To Arms

Literary Challenge 41 - Call To Arms

---

2 hours ago

"Captain, their forward shields are down!" Anthi's usually calm demeanor disappeared at the climax of the battle.

Kathryn stood and pointed at the burning starship on the screen. "Weapons, Fire!"

From the lower rear hull, a large missile was ejected. Its bio-neural intelligence quickly scanned the area, locked on the enemy ship, activated thrusters and primed the warhead. The Solaris banked to starboard as the warhead sped toward it's victim three kilometers away. The Orion Brigand Cruiser coughed a torpedo at the missile but was shot down by the massive projectile's point-defense system. The missile penetrated the forward hull like a needle into a puss-filled bruise. Internal atmosphere vented for a half-second before the detonation ripped the ship apart. Chunks of burning hull and thousands of small debris, metal and organic, blossomed from the fireball that consumed the rest of the ship.

On the bridge, Kathryn looked away from the screen to the crew on the bridge. "Good work everyone. Anthi, you and Karl are on the assault team. Omazei, you have the con.  Contact Lieutenant Retarius and Doctor Kramer to meet us in transporter room two. I'm giving this op two hours with reports. At that mark, bring in the M.A.C.O. Team for clean-up and recovery."

The Trill Science Chief nodded gravely and started tapping at her console.

+++

10 minutes later

The Away Team was assembled in the transporter room and all were strapping kits and checking weapons. The click-and-clack merged with the hum of the ships engines.  Kathryn noticed the concentration on the team's faces and decided something needed to be said. "Ok, before we transport, the Orions on the station have lost their way out. That means they'll be fighting from a corner. They'll be more vicious on defense, so we need to keep up the offense. There are two objectives: security of the crew and preservation of research material. Lieutenant Retarius is joining the team for the secondary goal." She looked at each of the team as she spoke. "But there is a tertiary objective: enemy combatants are to be treated with extreme prejudice."

Medical Chief Annika Kramer, spoke after several seconds of silence, her voice almost booming even in an attempt to keep it conversational. "Sir, is that necessary?"

"Yes, Doctor.  The research conducted on the station is highly sensitive and therefore valuable to the war effort. For that reason, only the station crew and this team are allowed to walk away from this situation."

Security officer Karl Melango spoke next, "What about the Cordorba?"

Kathryn looked in his direction. "They will be turned around if ... when ... we succeed."

Anthi was next, her Andorian antennae twitched nervously as she spoke. "These are Orions, Sir. Is this a coincidence?"

Everyone looked at Kathryn for a response. They all knew bits of her past but only Anthi knew the full story.  For her part, she looked down, closed her eyes and took a deep breath. When she looked back to Anthi, her affect was neutral as if she resigned herself to what was said next. "'Duty to Starfleet before duty to self', that is what I said to Admiral Decker when I spoke for this crew as we joined the Dawn Patrol Task Force.  To answer the question, yes.  Thank you for keeping me honest Anthi. Right now, we are alone, so my orders are for the safety of the station crew and protection of the research."

Kathryn felt insincere saying it but her words were true and she hoped the team would believe them. She could tell her First Officer was not convinced. Looking at the others it was hard to tell, yet she knew they would follow her orders.  Kathryn slung the phaser rifle over her shoulder, nodded, and turned to step onto the transporter pad.

+++

1 hour later

She lifted the rifle to her shoulder and squeezed the trigger.  An orange beam raced to her target, burned through the shielding and pierced into the helmet. She raked the beam down into the torso as the body convulsed to death. Releasing the trigger deactivated the beam, the armored soldier collapsed and silence returned to the darkened corridor.  Kathryn peered down the hallway and waited a few seconds. Not hearing more sounds, she exhaled in relief and looked at the team. Everyone's armor was scored in various places but otherwise no one was injured and doing very well. They were facing a corridor with a side path a few meters to the right. The research hub was at the end of the hallway where the concentration of the remaining invaders and station crew were kept.

Kathryn motioned for Annika and Karl to advance down the side path, the other two with her against the final door. As the team split, Margaret set up a phaser turret at the intersection of the hallway, aiming toward the door. Anthi watched the doorway while Kathryn turned to face the path they came from.

Margaret whispered, "Turret is set up and primed."

"And you are sure the suit doesn't conceal anything the user holds?" Kathryn whispered over her shoulder.

The Lieutenant nodded as she made a final adjustment on the remote turret.

"Ok. Anthi, you're up."

The Andorian took a few steps back and lowered her rifle. Anthi removed a folded cloth from her kit and started fitting into the black body suit. She zipped up to her breasts, reached behind the new layer and tugged at her Andorian combat knife before zipping up to her neck. Pulling forward a cowl that covered her head, she tapped a code onto an unseen pad within the suit above her right breast.  Anthi suddenly became invisible excepting for a very faint silhouette seen only barely as she moved toward a Jefferies tube.

The hatch plate moved to the floor by unseen hands, a few seconds passed and was lifted back into place.

Kathryn smiled. "By the way Retarius, next time I tell you to turn over everything to me, do it. This time I'm glad you didn't." She tapped her badge twice.

Her badge vibrated as Karl responded silently. Kathryn tapped three times to send the code designed to let Karl know that Anthi was deployed.

+++

5 minutes later

Kathryn looked at her PADD as it revealed the technical layout of the room beyond the doors. She grinned as the enemy red dots were congregated near a console, while the station crew green dots were huddled in a corner next to a single red dot. Anthi's blue dot slowly moved toward the lone red one. The rest of the Away Team surrounded the room at both entrances. If Kathryn opened her door the turret would have a clear line of sight to the enemy. It would be too easy.

+++

Inside the room

Anthi was three meters away from the Orion guard. He was a hulk of a man and was menacing the crew with a deadly stare. His back was to Anthi as she approached. She quickly unzipped the suit, reached for her knife and charged. One scientist saw the knife appear out of nowhere and became terrified. The Orion spun to look and raised the disruptor pistol as the blade flashed across his neck. Anthi grabbed the pistol and twisted it away with one hand. She spun the knife in her other hand then drove it hilt-deep into an eye socket, splashing her with orange blood.

Outside the room

The blue and red dots touched. This was it. Kathryn braced herself.  That was Margaret's sign to open the door. As the door hissed open the group of Orions spun around , clearly surprised.  They drew weapons just as the automated turret clicked, finding targets it released its charge.  Kathryn pressed her rifle's trigger quickly to fire short bursts.

The group of Orions danced as the barrage of phaser bolts chewed and burned into them.

+++

5 minutes later

"Solaris, this is the Captain. Crew is secured, Team is safe, situation under control. Stand by."

Omazei sounded relieved.  "Understood, Captain. Glad to hear your voice. Standing by."

She looked down the hallway to watch Anthi removing the stealth suit out of sight from everyone else in the room. Annika scanned the station crew with her tricorder and conducting necessary triage. Margaret was talking with the lead researcher at a console, schematics concerning the stealth suit were visible between them.  Karl inspected the Orions for anything valuable to determine the 'why, who and what' of their coming to the station.

Kathryn walked to an Orion body.  She tore an arm sleeve open. Karl watched her and looked at the exposed arm. A dark scar ran down the arm. He recognized the gang symbol and looked to Kathryn.

"Is that -"

"Yes."  Kathryn interrupted but did not look away and pulled out a tricorder, scanning the body.  Karl stood and watched, knowing the Captain owned the situation. Anthi walked up to Karl, surveyed the scene and waited as well. Kathryn finished her scan and stood. "None of these." She stalked to the lone sentry Anthi dispatched and repeated her scan.

Once the scan was complete, the display informed Kathryn there was a match. She opened a smaller PADD strapped to her thigh, keyed in a command and struck through a name from a list. When she returned to Karl and Anthi, she pointed a thumb over her shoulder. "That was one of them."

+++

Now

"... and after all enemy combatants were neutralized, the station was secured. Replacement parts and components are being transferred as we speak."

"Good work Captain Beringer. Are you sure you don't need Codorba to assist? Maybe a joint patrol of the system perhaps?" The male Captain's bald head shined in the light of his Ready Room. He smiled in a way that was inherently charming to Kathryn, but she couldn’t tell if that was a genuine feeling from her or not.

"Thank you Captain Daikar but unfortunately that will not be necessary." Unfortunately?! Kathryn's thought disappeared quickly. "By the time you arrive we'll have handled that and anything else. But if the situation gets worse I'll be sure to contact Starfleet with a special note to you?" She rolled her mind's eyes to herself.

"That would be welcome. I hope to hear from you in the future either way. Daikar out."

The screen went blank and Kathryn sighed in relief and then looked to Anthi sitting on the other side of her desk. The First Officer leaned forward in her chair and rested her arms on the table. "Kathryn, officially speaking, have you told anyone in Starfleet about the details of your past?"

"Do you think my judgment is biased?"

Anthi sat back. "Not really, but I'm not in the mood to start doubting you."

"Good. Let me know when that happens. To answer your question, other than you ... no, and for the record, that is how it will stay."

"So, what happened here was ... coincidence?"

Kathryn nodded and smiled. "Luck more like it."

---
Cast:

Kathryn Beringer - Rachel Nichols

Anthi Ythysi - Katheryn Winnick

Omazei - Gemma Arterton

Annika Kramer - Abbie Cornish

Karl Melango - Jeremy Renner

Daikar - Billy Zane

Prized Possesions

Literary Challenge 1 - Prized Possessions

---

The two officers entered the room and the doors closed silently behind them. The Captain of the ship motioned to a seat in front of her desk and the other quietly moved from the doorway. She watched as the man sat down and then absentmindedly sat in the other chair in front of her desk. The Deltan watched her and smirked slightly.

“So, this is the Solaris,” the man said to break the silence. “She is a fine ship indeed.”

Kathryn Beringer looked away and forced herself to watch the fish swimming in the fish tank. “Yes, he is. Speaking of which, I want to thank you again for your handling Captain Ricol in Club 47. I know it’s been several weeks since that incident but you really didn’t have to do that. I can take care of myself.”

Captain Daikar raised an eyebrow when Kathryn used the male gender to refer to the starship. “Well, like I said then, Ricol is a brute and a bully. It was not his place to accuse you of stealing this ship because no one owns any ship in the fleet. You were assigned to Solaris and it was that simple. Besides, if I had not interfered, I doubt I would be sitting here right now.”

Kathryn blushed slightly. “Indeed. Well I felt the need to offer my thanks again.” She looked from the fish tank back to Daikar. His bald head framed the hard features of his face. Ocean-blue eyes were stern yet inviting and his cheeks seemed to pull his full lips into a perpetually congenial smile. The strong jawline finalized a commanding presence his muscular frame exuded. Kathryn struggled slightly against Daikar’s charm. She turned toward the bar in the back of the room and realized she was not sitting behind her desk and rushed to say something to continue conversation. “May I offer you a drink?”

For his part, Daikar was patient. “Yes, actually. I’d like an Earth Scotch if possible.”

Kathryn stood and walked to the replicator. She enjoyed Scotch as well and replicated the drinks. Turning, she was surprised to see Daikar had walked to the other side of the room and was inspecting something against the wall. She recognized the item of his curiosity and met him. Daikar accepted the drink, took a sip then pointed to the object encased in glass.

“What is that?”

After a sip, Kathryn licked her lips and nodded. “It’s a piece of carpet from the floor to the aft shuttle bay of Galatea, an Exeter class and my previous command.”

Daikar raised his eye bows and took another sip to hide his surprise. “That must have an interesting story.”

Kathryn shrugged imperceptibly, turned and walked toward the edge of her desk. Leaning on it, she raised the cup to her lips and spoke without drinking. “The Galatea was shot apart by Klingons.” Daikar looked over his shoulder to her as if asking for more detail.  After a slight pause, she continued with a far-away glance as she recalled the entire moment. “Nothing exciting: we were pinched between two Vor'cha looking for easy prey and got battered on the run. After limping back to ESD, Quinn personally handed me the scrapyard papers.” She took a gulp from her cup and looked into the fluid that remained. “I loved that ship with a passion.”

Daikar looked back at the token and nodded. “That’s a shame.” He sipped from his cup. “So how did this end up as a souvenir?” He walked back to his chair as Kathryn spoke.

“I was the last crew member off Galatea and by the time I reached the door to the shuttle bay I realized I had nothing but memories … I had to take something from the ship, something I could hold. So I cut that chunk out, walked into the shuttle and waited on Space Dock for a new command.” She spread her arms out as if to show off the entire ship and smiled.

Daikar returned the smile, stood and raised his glass to toast. “Well then, here’s to our ships, may they carry us across the galaxy and back safely.”

---

Cast:
Kathryn Beringer - Katheryn Winnick
Daikar - Billy Zane
Mentioned but not seen:
Hassid Ricol - Matt Nable

Mirror, Mirror on the ... viewscreen?

Literary Challenge 37 - Mirror, Mirror on the ... viewscreen?

---

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.

---

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