Fast Rescue

Unofficial Literary Challenge 18 - Prompt 3, "Where Are You?"

 

---

 

The Vaadwaur’s lifeless body collapsed, smoke rising from the multiple phaser blasts to his cloak.

Still crouching, Anthi looked around the room still pointing her rifle at the large male, the room started to smell of cooked flesh.  A meter away to Anthi’s right, Staza Murai glanced around the transporter console, and then looked to Anthi as she slung her rifle over a shoulder.

“That was unexpected.”

Ignoring the casual comment considering the blast marks from the shootout decorating the transporter room, the Andorian looked toward her left and saw Omazei grimace from a burn wound to her shoulder and waved off Anthi’s look of concern.  The Trill’s face transformed to shock and she quickly moved to another officer across the room.

“Brin!”

The Talaxian was crumpled against a bulkhead, blood oozing from an open laceration at his stomach.  Anthi stood and could tell Brin was dead.  Nonetheless, Omazei tapped her combadge and ordered an emergency transport to Sick Bay and both were washed in a blue translucent shower before disappearing.

Finally, the transporter officer stood.  Anthi recognized the human female.  “Ensign, what the hell happened?  Where’s the Captain?”

Cira Beitz wiped sweat from her brow while also moving a strand of loose brown hair from her eyes.  The rest of her jaw-length hair was disheveled.  Attacking the console, she quickly responded, “The record shows her pattern was intercepted and redirected.”  She nodded to the Vaadwaur.  “His pattern infiltrated the beam at the same time.”

Staza stepped forward.  “Can you locate Kathryn?”

The question raised Anthi’s eyebrows and her antennae turned toward the Orion.  The First Officer was surprised at Staza’s congenial use of the Captain’s first name.  Although Anthi did the same regularly, she didn’t think the Empire’s liaison was on friendly enough terms with Kathryn.

The Ensign’s fingers fluttered across the console again.  “Yes.  She’s still on the surface near the transport site.”

Anthi and Staza looked to each other with equal horror.  “Get her out of there”, ordered the Andorian.

After a few moments, Cira shook her head.  “I’m unable to secure a lock for more than a second.  She’s been moved to one of the hab-domes.”  After another second, “she is in a room with three others.”

The First Officer stepped up and verified Cira’s results.  She whispered a curse.  “Keep trying.”  Looking to the Orion, Anthi invited, “ready to rescue the Captain?”

Staza pulled her sleek plasma rifle off her shoulder and checked the charge.  Satisfied, she winked and stalked to the transporter pad.

Anthi followed.  She tapped her combadge.  “Bridge, the Captain is still on the surface.  Staza and I are going to get her back.”  She checked her own power supply, then pulled a stun grenade from her belt pack and armed it.

Turning to the transporter officer, she asked, “can you drop us in that room?” 

Cira shook her head again.  “Too much interference in the building.  But outside –“

Anthi interrupted, “do it.”  She pointed to the Vaadwaur corpse.  “And get that filth off this ship.”

+++

Crossing his arms, the Commando sneered, “by now your team is dead.”  The guards to either side of Kathryn’s chair huffed, thinking their leader’s comment was comical.

Kathryn looked up.  One eye was swollen shut from a purple contusion.  She smirked from bloodied lips.  “One man against hundreds, he will not get far.”

“It will not matter, because we have you.  The Federation will –“

The door behind the Commando burst open and Staza rolled to the side.  As she stopped in a crouch, a teal-colored beam lanced through the room to a guard on Kathryn’s left.  He yelped as the plasma beam seared through his chest and caused his jacket to burn.

Lying on the ground outside the doorway, Anthi took a shot into the room.  The orange phaser beam found the other guard’s face, charring skin.

The officer pulled a pistol from a holster and returned fire toward the door while moving behind Kathryn’s chair.  Staza and Anthi fired again but missed their mark.

Pointing the gun to Kathryn’s head, the officer shouted, “another shot and your Captain dies.”

After a few seconds of tense silence, Anthi lowered the rifle and slowly stood with hands raised.  Staza continued to crouch but lowered her rifle to the floor.

Grinning, the Commando was smug.  “Good, good.  Three top officers from [i]Solaris[/i].”

Anthi ignored him.  “Captain, you look down and out.”

Kathryn’s eyes widened and she looked to Anthi’s right hand.  The Andorian’s palm was facing outward and a thin black ring encircled the middle finger.  “This is going to hurt.”

“Eh?”  The Vaadwaur looked down to Kathryn and that was Anthi’s chance.

The Tactical officer quickly flung her arms forward.  The grenade hidden from the Vaudwaar’s view soared toward him, the locking pin still on Anthi’s finger.  As the small cylinder flew, Kathryn ducked at the waist and fell to the floor.  The Commando’s surprise was obvious as he just stared at the projectile.  At impact on the Vaadwaur’ chest, the stun grenade exploded, engulfing him in a vapor of smoke while the shock wave from the blast pierced his ears.  Kathryn screamed from the grenade’s effect.

Anthi dropped to the ground and lifted her rifle as Staza did the same.  They fired into the Commando’s chest and he crumpled to the floor, lifeless.

Rushing to Kathryn as she writhed in pain, Anthi tapped her badge.  “Cira as soon as we leave the building, beam us out, emergency protocols.”  The Andorian and Orion lifted Kathryn to their shoulders and exited the building, then disappeared before Vaadwaur reinforcements arrived.

 

---

Cast for crew:
Kathryn Beringer - Rachel Nichols
Anthi Ythysi - Katheryn Winnick
Staza Murai - Sarah Lind
Cira Beitz - Selma Blair
Omazei - Gemma Arterton
Brin - Miles Teller
Vaadwaur Commando - Male street extra 1
Vaadwaur Soldiers (2) - Male street extra 2 and 3

 

In A Name

Unofficial Literary Challenge 16 - A Future That Many Will Never See - Prompt 1

---

The wind crossing the bridge was strong enough to have pulled Kathryn’s hair bun apart. Long burgundy hair flowed from the invisible currents. A burst of air forced her to pull the satchel back over her shoulder while also tightening the grip on the long coat’s collar. Kathryn noticed that the guard wall, though solid, did not seem to block any of the San Franciscan wind gusting through the Bay Area. Her uniform boots clicked sharply against the ferro-steel of the walkway and seemed not to blend with the occasional roar from the transit tube five meters away. Wincing from the cold Kathryn kept her pace strong to ensure she was at the meeting spot on time. The closer she got to the apex of the bridge the more she could see the Orion invited to the ceremony. Staza Murai also wore a thick long coat in the style of the Klingon Empire colored black with grey highlights. Her verdant hair moved with the wind like Kathryn’s, yet the shorter style made it easier to fall back into place when the air calmed. Staza’s eyes were closed and she clearly did not want to stand on the Golden Gate Bridge longer than she needed to, if at all.

Smiling, Kathryn said, “thank you for being here.” She placed the metallic satchel between them. It landed with a metallic crunch and was clearly heavy.

Staza spoke through her teeth, “my pleasure, Captain. I have not waited long. Your message was a bit cryptic though, so I am very curious about this ceremony we are to attend. Especially here.” Staza looked around until another gust of wind pierced her discomfort, forcing a shiver and withdrawing into the coat as best she could.

A tube-tram zoomed past before Kathryn replied. “It’s just something I do when Solaris is in dry dock here at Earth.” She bent down and opened the satchel. Staza leaned over Kathryn’s shoulder to see the contents. Standing, Kathryn pulled out small silver metal rectangular slates approximately twelve by two by one centimeter. She placed the slates to the left hand, yet held one with the right. She turned it over until words faced her.

Kathryn looked to Staza, and then to the Bay River below. “Cameron Umbebu.” She threw the slate over-hand. It sparkled as it tumbled toward the water far below. After a few seconds she held another slate and read the name aloud before she threw it over the side.

Staza looked into the satchel again. “Forgive me, Captain, but there must be over one hundred of those plates.”

“You’re right, two-hundred-forty-seven to be exact.” She looked at another plate. “Tuomas Kernig”. The slate was thrown.

“This is a funeral ceremony?” Staza shivered from the wind again.

Kathryn looked to Staza, nodded and smiled. “It’s not much to look at, but I’ve already written the letters and visited families where I could. This is my personal way to say good-bye to the crew of my ship.”

“Why here?”

“All Starfleet crew start their formal career in the Academy, as you know.” Kathryn nodded in the direction of the campus to the south. “I think it is fitting they end their career here, instead of the unforgiving deep, silent, complete black.”

Another tube-tram sped past them before Staza said, “that’s very poetic. But why here, on this bridge?”

Kathryn reached for a few more slates. “Privacy.” She held the slates in both hands and looked at them for a few seconds. “I couldn’t do something like this on Academy grounds. Yet, I wanted to do something more for these crewpersons more than what regulations or traditions demanded. So, I made my own tradition. Their names on these plates, left in the waters near the Academy, make me feel like they will live forever, even when I’m gone.”

Staza nodded and looked down to her feet. “You really care for your crew. I’m … impressed.”

After a few seconds, Kathryn moved plates to prepare for another throwing and continued, “I chose to accept my rank, even though I may not have been the most qualified. It has been my decision to keep Solaris, even though I earned other commissions. My crew joined Starfleet by choice, knowing their lives could be cut short from conflict or accident. And some are on these plates because of my decisions. They gave up everything … for Starfleet. For me.” Kathryn looked at the name in her hand. “Regig Zthar”, and she threw the slate.

Looking away, Staza took a step to the side giving Kathryn command of the rail where she stood. “I knew Regig. He was kind to me when I first arrived to your ship.”

Kathryn looked over her shoulder. “For a Tellarite, that means something.”

“Captain, why did you invite me?”

“We’ve had our differences. But we’ve also worked through them.” Kathryn shrugged. “I’d like to think I’ve earned your trust, because you have earned mine. So, I wanted to share this moment with you.”

Staza smirked mischievously. “Now tell me why I’m really here.”

Kathryn turned to face the Orion. The wind swirled around them, blowing their hair wildly. Once calm, Kathryn said, “If the time comes, I’m hoping you will stand here and throw my name.”

---
Cast for crew:
Kathryn Beringer - Rachel Nichols
Staza Murai - Sarah Lind

A Bad Deal

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

---

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.

 

---

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

A Green Lie

Literary Challenge 68 - STO Halloween
---

"And that's why we call it 'Halloween'". Kathryn smiled, then sipped from her short glass.

Staza Murai returned the smile then looked out the window of Headsail Lounge. Located on Deck 15 to starboard side, the large windows revealed streaks of light as Solaris traveled at a lazy Warp 3. The majority of the ship's crew was due for shore leave and Risa was their destination. As the Diplomatic Attaché for the Klingon Empire on board the ship, Staza made effort to learn from the crew of a Federation vessel. Her association with the Captain of the vessel was expected and Kathryn was very approachable, rumors in the Syndicate notwithstanding: the "Scarlet Scorpion" was not the crazed rogue captain Staza was told would be at the helm.

Kathryn lowered her drink. "What about you? Any traditions from your culture to share?"

The Orion casually shrugged. "Oh, I'm sure there is plenty in the Federation's cultural records."

"Reading about it from an anthropologist is not the same as hearing it from a direct source. Wouldn't you agree?"

Staza looked back to Kathryn and thought for a second. "Yes, I agree. Good point." Sitting straighter and facing forward, Staza reached for Kathryn's drink and took a sip. Kathryn did not blink, as if she expected it.

Smiling a little then looked at her arms, Staza said, "tell me, Captain, do all Orions have green skin?"

Kathryn sat straighter, surprised at the question. "I ... I've seen different shades of green. But, yes,"

"Ah, then you would be wrong."

Leaning forward, Kathryn was wide-eyed.

The Orion leaned forward and lowered her voice as if telling a secret. "Orions were once three sub-races: Green Orions like me, Grey Orions and Ruddy Orions."

"Ruddy?"

Staza looked around as if Kathryn spoke too loud. "Yes. Yellow to dark red skin tones. They were created by the Preservers to be the leaders and administrators. To accomplish this, they enslaved the Green and Greys as they needed. Also, biased and unjust laws kept them in power until uprisings and mass exodus left them with no labor force. They didn't know how to 'do' the things needed to maintain a civilization. With enough time, they became extinct because of their greed for power and control at the cost of the resource they exploited."

"And what of the Greys?"

Green lips curled as if disgusted. "They were pitiful in their own existence. Genetically altered by the Ruddy's to be smart and inquisitive, they handled the technical and scientific aspects of our culture. Ironically, their intelligence was their doom: to keep them in line, the Ruddy's also modified their genes to be very vulnerable to disease and illness. Some Greys were born so susceptible, they were confined to live in hermetically sealed housing their entire lives. Oh, there were a few lucky ones, but they were extremely rare and faked illness so not to stand out and be 'special'. Staza shook her head. "Needless to say, they are extinct because their genetic malfunctions simply eroded their ability to successfully reproduce."

There was a moment of silence as the two women stared at each other. Kathryn took a sip from her drink. "I had no idea."

Staza traced an infinity loop absent-mindlessly on the table while smiling. "No one does."

"What do you mean?"

"As I'm sure you are aware, Orions, by our nature, are secretive and revel in playing 'the long game' in everything we do. So it was the Green Orions that orchestrated the other's demise. Nordell The Calculating, a Green, laid the framework for the genocide of the Ruddys and Greys in his apocryphal 'Gri Ando Meli Entro', or Plan of Grand Revenge. You see, Nordell considered the Green Orions as the superior race, so he created a plan that, over thousands of generations, have led to the Orion culture as you know it."

Kathryn's jaw dropped. "That's incredible!'

The Green Orion shrugged. "Well, the truth is actually less colorful."

"Wh ... what?"

"Orions are just another space-faring race, that has an eccentric way of doing business. From a certain point of view."

---

Cast:
Kathryn Beringer - Rachel Nichols
Staza Murai - Sarah Lind

Myths & Lore

Literary Challenge 65 - Myths & Lore, prompt 1

The air was damp and the lighting was weak enough to cast shadows in many directions around the room. It was a decent-sized office and cluttered with artifacts from around the galaxy. All the extra items spread around the room had no discernible order. Layers of dust, or dirt, covered most of the items against the walls; those closer to the desk at the center of the room were obviously 'newer' to their owner. The desk was simple, yet large and metallic. A single desk lamp seemed to struggle staying active as it flickered with any bump against the desk. Several PADDs from multiple origins scattered across the desk top. The man sitting at the desk was slender and sweating profusely. The tattered suit he wore was grungy, as if he never bothered to change clothes. He licked the salty sweat from the top lip as he looked toward his visitor.

"I know beauty when I see it." He expanded his arms as if to show off the wares within the room. His toothy grin was marred by missing teeth.

Staza Murai crossed her legs, revealing more green-toned silky smooth bare legs than her short skirt already revealed. The warmth didn't seem to affect her and she smiled. "Your appreciation is renown, Mr. Berkati -"

"Please, call me Mathis. It is not often I receive glamorous guests."

"Ah, yes ... Mathis. No doubt my contacts informed you of what I was looking for?"

Mathis inhaled deeply before standing and nodded as he walked around the desk to sit at one corner. His grin never faded. "About that, not only is it highly valuable -". He leaned in and stopped grinning, "- it's also very dangerous. Now what would an Orion entrepreneur want with this ... thing." Mathis looked behind Staza quickly before returning his gaze at her cleavage.

A form shifted from the darkness, yet Staza did not take her eyes away from Mathis even though he wasn't looking at her, per se. "You don't need your guards with me. I have no secrets you couldn't get otherwise." She leaned in closer, which only made her cleavage deeper from the simple translucent shirt. His eyes widened slightly. "All you have to do is ask." She relaxed back into the chair. "And since you asked nicely, you know the Federation is hunting for that ... thing. Your reputation suggests you have to hide from legal authorities to prevent capture. So, the truth is I am really here to be your partner for a one-time transaction, one that will surely net you enough profit to get you out of the rare artifact business the rest of your long life. My connections within the Klingon hierarchy would make us both very wealthy, so wealthy you might even be able to buy a planet."

At that, Mathis looked into Staza's eyes, inhaled deeply, and stood. He turned and stretched as he walked back toward his chair. Running a hand through sweat-slick hair, he wiped it on his shirt before saying, "that's a lot of money."

"Only if you agree to the terms." Staza stood, placed both hands on her hips and rested on one leg which angled her other leg out of the skirt.

Mathis looked to the guard again, before looking at a PADD directly in front of him. He nodded slightly then looked up. "You still have not answered my question. What do you want with this?" He kicked something thick and metallic under his desk.

Staza turned and walked away slowly from the table. Looking toward the guard in the shadows she noticed it was a Breen, holding a short-barreled rifle. She couldn't tell what style the weapon was but it looked similar to a Tetryon rifle. Looking back to Mathis, she commented, "I've never seen a Breen up close." She walked toward the soldier swinging her hips as she walked. "Mathis, have you ever seen a female Breen before?"

The dealer breathed audibly then kicked the case again. "I can't say I have, actually."

Staza stood two meters away from the large Breen and looked him up and down. Then slowly turned toward Mathis. "Don't you think the rest of our ... negotiations, should be held in private? There are a lot of details to be worked out. I'd hate for you to lose an opportunity all because you feel the need to be protected. Besides, I speak with Syndicate interests in mind. As you know, they are not often willing to share their concerns with ... well ..."

Mathis took another deep breath and smiled. "Yes, I see your point." He nodded toward the guard.

The Breen simply turned away from Staza. The pathway to the door was a maze of small containers and artifacts he had to navigate, which brought him within arm's reach of the Orion.

Staza lunged toward the Breen's left side and kicked the rifle from his hands. It spun in the air briefly and Staza's arms twisted to catch it. The Breen did not recover fast enough as she placed the rifle barrel under the left arm and pulled the trigger. A bright blue flash engulfed the torso of the Breen and his arm was severed. She fired into the gaping wound as the Breen fell, it's gravelly voice screaming until it collapsed. A third shot disintegrated the helmet.

She spun on her heels to face Mathis. He had fallen back into his chair with both arms covering his head. Quickly, Staza grabbed the Breen's severed arm and threw it onto the desk. It clattered amongst the PADDs, scattering them and causing a lot of noise as they fell to the floor. Mathis yelped in fear.

Walking around the desk, she noticed the metal container, then tapped Mathis with the rifle. He cowered further into his chair. Staza could smell fresh urine.

She tucked the PADD with her fake deal into the waistline of her skirt. "Come now, Mathis Berkati, surely you are tougher than a woman with a gun."

Mathis seemed to recover any sense of bravery he owned. He jumped from the chair and backed a few steps away, his pants wet. "What's going on here?!"

"I'm taking this crate, free of charge."

"But ... you're with the Syndicate!'

Staza looked at Mathis with derision. "Seriously? Did you really think the Syndicate would pay for this? I'm surprised you're even in the business thinking like that. Then again, I bet this was your first really big shake. Nice try, Mathis Berkati. Just let the big boys and girls play the game."

Mathis seemed to sweat more. "What ... do you plan to do with me?"

"First, tell me who got this crate out of Fed space."

"I ... I don't know."

Staza scooped up the Breen's arm with the rifle and flicked it toward Mathis. It slapped him across the face before he tumbled to the floor trying to dodge the lifeless appendage. "The Syndicate doesn't ask twice", she yelled as she pointed the rifle toward Mathis' groin.

"Aiee! Okay, okay. All I know is that a small group of people bust into some storage facility, then shopped the crate using a narrow-band subspace signal. The carrier waves are not monitored by Starfleet."

"Did you meet them?"

"All I did was respond to their hails when they arrived in system three days ago. I met with ... Jortan ... or something. I think he was an ex-Fed MACO gear-head because he had on that armor, you know? He transported the crate directly to this room."

She lowered the rifle and tried to push the crate with one leg. It didn't budge but she wasn't really trying. "What was exchanged?"

Mathis tried to stand until Staza raised the rifle. "All he wanted was civilian shipping information from Qo'noS to the Dyson Sphere. It was too good a deal to pass up!"

Staza squatted near the crate without looking away from Mathis. She reached into her blouse and pulled a small device from her bra, then snapped it onto the crate. It shimmered and hummed, then disappeared. She smiled, "that was a little uncomfortable to wear so I appreciate your brevity."

Mathis rolled his eyes in shame.

"So to answer your question: I'm not going to do anything, but I will let my contacts with the Klingons know about our meeting. Good luck, Mathis Berkati." She threw the rifle onto the desk, then was washed in a familiar blue shower before disappearing.

+++

On board Solaris ...

Staza Murai coalesced on the transporter pad and looked toward the other person in the room.

Captain Kathryn Beringer stood away from the console. "Welcome back. The crate is secured in the Brig."

"Thank you, Captain. That was rather unpleasant."

Kathryn waved toward the door and Staza exited the room first. They took a few steps in the hallway before Kathryn said, "I hope it was worth it. Lore is simply too dangerous to be let loose in clumsy hands."

Staza nodded. "I see."

They stopped at a turbolift and Kathryn turned to Staza. "I appreciate you burning a few contacts within the Syndicate for this. It won't happen again."

Staza looked down and the doors opened. "I agree, but it was worth it." She walked into the turbolift and turned to face Kathryn still in the hallway. "No more favors ... Scarlet Scorpion."

Kathryn nodded sullenly and the doors swished as they closed.

---

Cast:
Kathryn Beringer - Rachel Nichols
Staza Murai - Sarah Lind
Mathis Berkati - Robert Davi

Fare Thee Well

Literary Challenge 62 - All Good Things ...
---

She finished pulling her hair up into a regulation-style bun, then pulled on her white diplomatic jacket. Twisting at the waist to see how her posterior looked in the dress pants, the Captain smiled inwardly.

"Oh, you look beautiful and you know it."

Kathryn Beringer turned away from the window toward the other woman in the room. Behind her, the grand interior of Earth Spacedock revealed several Federation starships ships in various states of mooring or repair. Her own ship, Solaris had the starboard nacelle removed and several Work Bee shuttlecraft buzzing around the hull. Kathryn requested a room with a direct view to her ship to be able to see the status of repairs.

"Thank you for the kind words." Kathryn pushed aside Staza Murai's flirtation.

The Orion smirked and pulled her own long dark-green hair over her left shoulder and tugged at it's length. "I'm being honest. Tales of the infamous "Scarlet Scorpion" are exaggerated. You have a soft side."

Kathryn walked toward the restroom to finish applying make-up. "I hope you can appreciate a need to be strong in the face of adversaries."

Staza nodded to no one in the room. "Oh, I can certainly appreciate that. It's just refreshing to see. Anyway, remind me why we are here?"

"Besides a major repair for the ship? Admiral Felczer is retiring and has decided to personally chart unexplored space. Several Captains have been invited to his send-off."

"So, with so many ship Captains here, doesn't that mean they are not somewhere else? Like defending territory or protecting the innocent?"

Kathryn poked her head out of the bathroom. "What's your point?"

Staza shrugged. "It just seems like a lot of resources are being spent for one man. He is just a man after all."

"From a certain point of view. He is a hero, so to speak, of the Federation. Honestly though, my presence is coincidental." Kathryn thumbed toward the window.

"Ah, so you are not really here for the Admiral?"

Kathryn stepped back into the bathroom. "I never met the man personally. But when Starfleet Command wanted to promote me to Vice Admiral, Felczer supported my appeal to remain as Captain. He didn't have to do that, but he did. And for that, I would have come anyway."

Staza's curiosity was piqued. "You turned down promotion? Why? Doesn't higher rank have prestige?" She stood from the bed and walked to the door, knowing Kathryn was almost finished dressing up.

Kathryn appeared and was fixing a second ruby-red stud earring to an ear while walking to the dresser. "Yes. But I'm not interested in that and the higher responsibility would distract from other obligations."

"Like hunting the Orion Syndicate?" Staza's arms were crossed as she spoke.

The comment stopped Kathryn at the dresser and she looked at herself for a few seconds in the mirror. She turned several responses in her mind while also being satisfied with her appearance.

"I'm not apologizing for what I have accomplished. And the Syndicate has not apologized for what they have done. So I will grind whatever grist the mill requires to fulfill my duty." Kathryn placed her combadge onto her jacket in the regulation distance from the collarbone and armpit above her left breast. She then turned to the Orion ambassadorial attaché from the Klingon Empire and concluded, "to Starfleet and to myself."

The Orion's eyes narrowed slightly. "Indeed, Captain." She then smiled which transformed her countenance into flirtation. "Regardless, you still look beautiful."

Kathryn forced herself not to roll her eyes. "Thank you again. Are you ready?"

Staza shifted her weight to one leg, placed her hands on her hips and smirked. "I'm always ready."

---

Cast:
Kathryn Beringer - Rachel Nichols
Staza Murai - Sarah Lind

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

Shards of the Mirror

Literary Challenge 5 - Shards of the Mirror

+++

The sword crashed against the rifle barrel. Sparks flew in all directions and both participants winced as they struggled to overpower the other. The man holding the rifle twisted to the right, forcing the sword-wielder off-balance. This was the opening he needed to raise a foot and connected to the enemy's torso. She turned with the kick, reducing its effectiveness, but didn't stop the attack entirely. He stood quickly and hefted the rifle like a bat then swung at the female's head. She completed her spin and raised the sword to shield her head and deflect the strike against her.

The rifle hit hard and she was pushed to one knee to prevent from falling. As he lifted the rifle for another blow, she swept her leg around and knocked the attacker onto his back. She jumped onto him and held the sword up to point the tip of the blade to his throat. She paused as the fight coordinator shouted, "Enough!"

Looking up at the woman straddling his waist, Ricol said, "This isn't over."

Kathryn Beringer smirked as she lowered her sword. "Oh, I think it is. Try this again and nothing will stop you from choking on my blade." She leaned down and kissed him. She forced as much passion as she could and it became easier with each swirl of her tongue. Ricol did not fight against her this time and welcomed her surprise attack. When Kathryn pulled away she immediately slapped Ricol across the face with as much might as she could muster. His head struck the arena floor with a crack and the crowd roared into applause and laughter. She stood and activated the Tholain weapon, the blade shimmered as it vibrated at frequencies too fast to be seen. She raised the weapon high and the laughter disappeared into the applause.

The fight coordinator stood slowly due to his corpulence and he profuse sweat in the outdoor heat almost drenched his uniform. He raised his hands to quiet the crowd in the arena and they complied within seconds. "The Trial of Grievance is over. Captain Kathryn Beringer is victorious over Captain Hassid Ricol. By the laws of the Empire, the ISS Abyssal is hers to command."

---

On board Abyssal ...

The Orion stretched with arms and legs fully extended. When she exhaled both arms swung in a wide arc to encompass the width of the bed. "I could get used to this." Her yellow-tinted dress flowed across the sheets and one leg was raised to reveal her smooth shiny skin.

Kathryn stepped from another room, two cups filled with Romulan Ale. She wore a nightgown that was translucent and bright red, revealing it was the only item of clothing draped over her shoulders. Smirking at the comment, she sighed, "I've worked very hard to get us here. Now I can make war as it should be: with brute force. Ricol was weak and he wasted this ship's potential to crush the Alliance." Her olive-skinned partner purred when she received the drinking glass.

"I'm curious: why this ship above the rest in the fleet?" The Orion licked her lips after a long sip and placed the drink on the stand next to the bed.

Raising an eyebrow, Kathryn sipped from her cup. "To be honest, Staza, I love her lines. It's a classic look, but underneath her beauty is a dangerous animal. That is appealing to me."

Staza Murai pushed herself up and leaned in toward Kathryn. "Well said, my love." They kissed and Kathryn snapped her fingers, turning out the lights.

+++


Cast:
Kathryn Beringer - Rachel Nichols
Staza Murai - Sarah Lind
Hassid Ricol - Matt Nable
Fight Coordinator - Street extra 1