The last Empress went president Clarke on Bajor and devastated Betazed in a brutal siege, actions that lead to her downfall and Imperial/Federation cooperation in saving billions
"The meaning of victory is not to merely defeat your enemy but to destroy him, to completely eradicate him from living memory, to leave no remnant of his endeavours, to crush utterly his achievement and remove from all record his every trace of existence. From that defeat no enemy can ever recover. That is the meaning of victory."
-Lord Commander Solar Macharius
Dex Smith and his crew had been practicing for the heist of the century, they would empty the contents of the biggest bank on Fereginar in one sweep. "Leclerc, you're to bring down security and the dampening field in the vault, once security is down, Sidis will transport the entire contents of the vault into our cargo hold. T'Pamne, Wilkinson, you two jam their communications. Pitaskli, I need more speed from the engines as Hetal gets us out of here before anyone notices" briefed Smith. "Got it Dex" replied the crew. They now put their plan into action and moved into position, the Fereginar job was on and it would be the robbery of the century.
The Bounty hidden under cloak moved over the target zone as Leclerc brought down security and the dampening fields. Communications were then jammed as the Sidis beamed the entire contents of the vault in one sweep. Hetal now masking the Bounty's warp trail turned the ship around and took the Bounty close to the Fereginar star, "Hetal, any closer and we cook" said Smith slightly worried as Hetal replied "Dex, no need to worry" as she punched the warp drive using a solar flare to mask their escape. After leaving multiple fake warp trails, the Bounty made for the Vulcan sector avoiding any Imperial trouble.
Eventually arriving at Sol five weeks later, they found a remote landing site on Terra in Siberia and kept a low profile. At Terra, the Ferenginar robbery made the news across the empire. "The Ferengi Alliance has been left in a financial meltdown after what has been called the robbery of the century. The Nagus has confirmed that the great bank of Ferenginar was emptied by an unknown ship in a statement. The Ferengi's greed and need for profit has been punished by the loyal citizens of the empire and if the people behind the heist are watching, we thank you" said the news reporter on the screen. "Keep us at 200 feet above the ground and head to Okinawa" said Smith to Hetal.
The Bounty arrived off the coast of Okinawa and landed in a remote valley on the island. Now they moved their loot covertly and 50 million bars of gold pressed latinum were covertly smuggled into the palace with a note to the empress, Naynta and Jodi had the bars moved into the palace vault with the assistance of Smith and his misfits. The Bounty crew shared the rest among themselves as was tradition on the ship, as a donation to the victims of the liberation war they gave 25 million bars of gold pressed latinum to reconstruction of London and New York.
The Bounty crew then hit the bar and celebrated their triumph, "Good job people, Hetal you are just crazy. Next time you decide star surfing is fun, just warn us first" said Smith as the Bounty crew toasted success to the greatest bank job in history. The Ferengi were left reeling as Ferengi businesses had to face increased business taxes to make up for the loss of 100 million bars of gold pressed latinum. "You misfits are crazy, you will have to tell us how you pulled it off" said Naynta as Trianna, Jodi and Kestrella joined her at the bar. "Dex, Naynta called us misfits" said Hetal and the Bounty crew laughed. Trianna bought the Bounty crew the first round of drinks as a thank you for crippling the Ferengi economy. Papela and Kestrella after the initial disbelieve used the proceeds to rehousing the London and New York survivors, "in and out without detection, well played" said Papela smiling.
"The meaning of victory is not to merely defeat your enemy but to destroy him, to completely eradicate him from living memory, to leave no remnant of his endeavours, to crush utterly his achievement and remove from all record his every trace of existence. From that defeat no enemy can ever recover. That is the meaning of victory."
-Lord Commander Solar Macharius
Trianna and Kestrella were working on the design for their pet project. "A statue seems too simple" said Kestrella as she suggested "a cenotaph." "Like the one that was in London before it was destroyed?" asked Trianna. "Yes but larger, it stands out and it's elegant" answered Kestrella. "With both empire's insignias, both empires united against a common threat" replied Trianna. "Computer, display parameters" ordered Kestrella. The design materialized and both inspected it down to every detail, "Hmm, computer, add a memorial wall, black marble to both sides" ordered Trianna. Kestrella took a close look, "let's put a computer display with the names of all the victims" she suggested.
Naynta and Jodi walked in seeing what all the secrecy was all about, "Naynta, Jodi, mother is not to know about this project" said Kestrella, "call it a secret among us" added Trianna. "Looks plain" said Naynta, "needs more glory" added Jodi. "A cenotaph is symbolic" argued Kestrella, "as well as neutral to both sides" added Trianna. "We'll keep the secret though it'll cost you, first round is on you, Trianna" countered Naynta. "Deal" answered Trianna. "Nice doing business" answered Jodi and the oldest Lot sisters left the holosuite. "I know of a drink that'll test them, are they prepared for Absinthe?" said Trianna smirking. "They've never encountered that one before" replied Kestrella trying not to laugh. "Time to honor the deal" answered Trianna. "Computer, save programme" ordered Kestrella and they both left the holosuite.
"I've got to see this" said Kestrella as she and Trianna entered the bar. Trianna then poured two glass of absinthe and passed them to her adoptive sisters. Both down the glass and poured themselves another, glass three left them passed out on the bar eventually being carried to their rooms and put the couches to sleep it off. The next day they congratulated Trianna finding them a drink that could defeat them. "Well played" said Jodi and she and Naynta nursed a hangover.
Dex Smith had taken the Bounty and landed outside what was London, they immediately set up a field hospital and food distribution hub to help Starfleet in relief efforts. Smith delegated as best he could as he spoke to the survivors, Papela had come to visit and oversee the operation, "majesty, what's the situation with New York?" asked Smith to Papela. "I hear your crew gave up your shares of the Loot to help fund these relief efforts, New York is stable for now. Relief efforts are advancing quickly, I hear you took command here in London, any reason why?" answered Papela as she and Smith talked with survivors. "I was born and raised in London. These are my people, we always band together and make the best of a bad situation, we're proud and will never back down" replied Smith.
"I studied this city's history, plagues, a fire, and attacked from the air in two world wars and yet the people of London refuse to quit. London is now a hero city along with New York, I've observed two different Terran cultures and they amaze me with their never say die attitude" said Papela, "Terrans, regardless of where they're from are tough in times of hardship. We've survived a Super Volcano, plagues, wars and enslavement and we're still here. We have our flaws but we are survivors" replied Smith. "It's humbling seeing these people working together as a community" answered Papela as she sat down and talked with the injured.
Smith then saw Trianna and Kestrella manning a field kitchen making sure people were being fed, Papela took one look as Trianna and Kestrella both explained they had volunteered to help as best they could. "Little ones, you've taken lesson one to heart, always put the people before yourself" said Papela in approval. "Naynta and Jodi are at the field hospital treating the injured, we strong armed them into helping" said Kestrella to which Trianna added "I locked out the replicator and locked away all the alcohol. Naynta and Jodi both saw reason then" with a smile. "And they're being inundated, I hope they can keep up, Mr. Smith's doctor Mereu is very efficient" added Kestrella. "Carry on little ones" replied Papela.
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"The meaning of victory is not to merely defeat your enemy but to destroy him, to completely eradicate him from living memory, to leave no remnant of his endeavours, to crush utterly his achievement and remove from all record his every trace of existence. From that defeat no enemy can ever recover. That is the meaning of victory."
-Lord Commander Solar Macharius
*In side the time stream* "Things progress accordingly." "Indeed. I did say that patience was all that was required." "True. Now what?" "Things have almost come to a head." "The final act begins."
Antares station (prime) "Attention all ships of the 113th. I commend you on your first combat excursion. You have all performed admirably. To commemorate this occasion there is another people that have also suffered. They Invite us to join them as they celebrate their own rebirth. Everyone break out your swimsuits, we're going to Risa." Heath cocked her head to the side. "You hear that? That'sthe sound of one hundred and fifty crews yelling. It carries across the vacuum of space. Aunlel, you know where to take us." "Yes ma'am."
ISS Enterprise(mu) Sito sat in her quarters staring at the screen on her desk. The expression on her face made it clear she was not pleased. "You know I don't like this." Heath looked up at her from screen. "We've been over this before." "That doesn't mean I have to like it." "We both have things we need to do." "You are too exposed. You can't keep doing things like this." "We gave the Bajorans those orbs together." "And now not only have they proclaimed us their Emissaries, but they broadcast to everyone how you restored the plant, the orbs, and those damn aliens as well. Do you know how those religious fools have written about what we did at Terra?" Sito picked up a PADD and read from it. "'Backed by those summoned from other realms, the Emissaries called forth the gate of the Celestial Temple and stormed out leading their armies against the force that had sought to destroy the followers of the Prophets'." She dropped the PADD. "What utter nonsense." "Yeah, not even close to what really happened." "And yet this is what they sent out. With our likenesses embedded in it." "I didn't know they did that." "They did. Describing with similar inaccurate details how things were fixed." "I can't imagine..." "You don't have to I have it right here." Sito sighed, rubbing her eyes. "Everyone knows about us, about you... Damnit I can't protect you like this." "You don't have to." "Yes I do. You have no idea what it's really like over here." "Then show me." "Your Federation mindset could handle it." "That is not my home anymore. This is. And if you want me to be safe, then show me what it's really like here so I can deal with it. Because I refuse to hide." They stared at each. "I will tie you to the bed by your hair." "Maybe I'll finally cut it off like you want." "You won't do that and you know it." "I won't hide Thay." "You know you're adorable when you're self-righteous." "My mother would disagree with you." "Just... Be careful. Alright?" "I'm surrounded by MACOs. I'll be fine." "You better be."
Dex Smith and his crew had all decided by consensus to retire from their usual activities, instead Smith went to speak to Papela's aide about seeing the empress about officially joining Starfleet. Papela was enjoying her cup of tea when her aide told her "Majesty, Captain Smith is asking for an audience with you." "Another interrupted cup, very well send him in" said Papela, Smith walked in and bowed as was custom before handing the PADD to Papela's aide containing their offer to join Starfleet. "Mr. Smith, an interesting proposal, even down to keeping your crew together" noted Papela.
"My crew insist on staying together" answered Smith. "And that they shall be, your offer to join Starfleet is accepted, you and and your crew have earned that so best behavior Captain Smith" replied Papela. "Thank you majesty, can we keep our ship? asked Smith. "Denied, it wouldn't be appropriate for a Starfleet crew to be in an ship that is not Starfleet issue. The Bounty will go into a museum" answered Papela. "Yes majesty" replied Smith and he saluted Papela and left the palace to meet up with his crew for swearing in.
After swearing in, the Bounty crew were issued their uniforms and given field commissions. Smith was made captain of the I.S.S. Reliant, the lead ship in the Reliant class line of light cruisers. Selecting his crew positions, Smith kept things as they were on the Bounty. Sidis was promoted to commander and Hetal promoted to Lt along with Leclerc. T'Pamne was promoted to Lt. Cmdr along with Wilkinson, Mereu was promoted to Commander. She was also territorial around Smith.
The crew now boarded the Reliant and toured the ship introducing themselves to the crew. The former Bounty crew now decided to redecorate the mess hall with souvenirs from their past endeavors much to the crew's approval. The enlisted crew and junior officers all swore allegiance to the empress, Smith smiled and worried slightly, a crew of 200 was something Smith had never faced before, he was used to his crew of seven. "Dex, do we have to call you sir or Captain?" asked Hetal to which Smith answered "only when VIPs are aboard Hetal." "Got it Dex" replied Hetal and she took her seat at helm. Smith then had a joke with his comrades in arms.
On Terra, Trianna and Kestrella were supervising the finishing touches for the construction of the Liberation War Cenotaph in Paris. It was part of the complete memorial park. They were speaking with engineers, architects and the workers themselves, Trianna spoke to them in fluent French as well as translating telepathically for Kestrella on what the construction staff were saying. "Terra has many different languages, I advise you to learn the various languages if you wish to understand the Terran people" she said to Kestrella afterwards. "Makes communication easier" noted Kestrella listening carefully. The cenotaph was finished three weeks later and declared ready as safety checks were carried out by the engineers and architects, all signed off that it was safe. It was hidden under cloak and the area cleared and secured until the ceremony.
"The meaning of victory is not to merely defeat your enemy but to destroy him, to completely eradicate him from living memory, to leave no remnant of his endeavours, to crush utterly his achievement and remove from all record his every trace of existence. From that defeat no enemy can ever recover. That is the meaning of victory."
-Lord Commander Solar Macharius
The 113th had arrived escorted by a honor guard of the veterans of the Liberation war, every species who had taken part in the liberation was represented in the guard. Dex Smith with special dispensation from the empress was in the Bounty on her last mission as part of the guard. Admiral Heath was being briefed by Trianna Lot on the scale of the damage, Councillor Valdez asked to have a look at the damage himself and after getting clearance, Trianna, Valdez, Heath and the senior officers of the 113th beamed down to inspect the damage caused by the orbital platforms.
Valdez and the 113th officers were shocked at the scale of the destruction, after being shown the damage they were invited to the palace. At the palace, Papela and Valdez made their peace with a hand shake before they talked business, "I've spoken with the Federation Council and Starfleet given recent events and having seen the scale of destruction myself, I'll move that the Federation provide humanitarian aid to help in any relief efforts already in place" said Valdez. "Councilor Valdez, 25 million dead or unaccounted for in New York and London alone, millions more injured and they've lost everything including family members, 4 billion more casualties for Betazed and Bajor. Too many died and rebuilding may take years to undo the damage. Even though the 113th disobeyed orders, they helped save billions, an act that deserves to be honored" replied Papela frankly.
"I agree, I managed to get the charges dropped concerning the 113th. My Trianna briefed me on what happened on the way here" answered Valdez. "Even though they breached your Federation's Prime Directive" replied Papela to which Valdez answered "they saved innocent lives, that's all that matters." "The empire won't forget the 113th's bravery, to honor what they did I think it's time that the we end the conflict between the Empire and the Federation" replied Papela passing a PADD with a peace treaty draft over to Valdez. "I've also sent the Federation Council the treaty and they've agreed that it should be ratified, since you are the Federation ambassador to the Terran Empire, I asked that you sign for the Federation" said Papela as Valdez looked through every detail. "Agreed, let's make sure that all who died in the Federation/Terran conflict did not die in vain" replied Valdez.
"On a personal note, I was wrong in what I did to you, your family and crew. I know you and your Trianna can never forgive my family which is understandable" answered Papela. "What happened on Betazed was wrong, yes I agree but that's in the past so let's try and look to the future for not only our respective families but also for the families of those who lost their lives in one moment of madness" replied Valdez calmly. "Agreed and in the spirit of co-operation, the Empire officially asks for humanitarian assistance from the Federation" answered Papela, "one more thing. I don't appreciate being framed" replied Valdez. "Fair enough, to borrow a Terran term, bury the hatchet?" answered Papela, "agreed" answered Valdez. After working out the last amendments to the peace treaty, Papela and Valdez were beamed to Paris for the ceremony.
The 113th were all present in their dress blues as were the veterans of the war and survivors of New York and London. Papela and the entire Lot family opened the Liberation Gardens, Trianna and Kestrella Lot then deactivated the cloak and unveiled the the cenotaph and there was a two minute silence for all the victims of the war. The Treaty of Paris was then signed on the spot as both Imperial and Federation Starfleet clapped.
Afterwards a party was held at the palace, Trianna Lot tried not to laugh at both Sito and Heath being called emissaries. "Thay, Layress, I hear it's quite the honor" said Trianna, "I glad you find it amusing Trianna" replied Sito as Captain Heath just face palmed. "What are sisters for Thay?" answered Trianna smiling. "Trianna, you've calmed down though I do not approve of your other duties" said Heath. "The training for my other duties has given me discipline, I no longer hurt people for the enjoyment, I'm trained to kill quickly and humanely and I take no joy in it" replied Trianna. "You're a different young woman to the the angry and violent one I first met, keep it up" answered Heath. "I will do" replied Trianna as she bought Heath and Sito a drink.
Meanwhile, Valdez and Papela were discussing parenting methods as the 113th drinking team took on the Imperial drinking team in a drinking contest, but Papela and Valdez had a surprise for both Triannas. Everyone began singing happy birthday as two massive cakes were brought out and put on the table. Both Triannas wished each other happy birthday and each blew out 21 candles on the cakes. After the party, both sides parted ways and the 113th left Imperial space with a honor guard all the way back. Valdez got back to Earth a week later and presented Papela's request to the Federation council before resuming his grand father duties. It was approved and aid convoys were formed under combined Imperial and Federation Starfleet escort. Dex Smith commanding Reliant was placed in overall command of escort given his experience of raiding and piracy.
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"The meaning of victory is not to merely defeat your enemy but to destroy him, to completely eradicate him from living memory, to leave no remnant of his endeavours, to crush utterly his achievement and remove from all record his every trace of existence. From that defeat no enemy can ever recover. That is the meaning of victory."
-Lord Commander Solar Macharius
Dex Smith was on the bridge of the Reliant counting the ships, also on board was Trianna Lot. She was there on orders from Papela to oversee the operation. "Captain Smith, this has to get through to Terra. Captain, given the escort of 100 Imperial and Federation ships protecting the 40 Federation transports, will anyone be stupid enough to attack?" asked Trianna, "ma,am, there are still forces out here loyal to the previous regime and they could attempt to either destroy the convoy or slow it down" answered Smith honestly. "Agreed, what's your plan?" replied Trianna.
"Imperial ships will provide the outer screen while the Federation ships act as the inner screen, the enemy will try and draw the escorts away from the convoy to leave the transports vulnerable. We'll travel at the same speed as the slowest ship and stick with the convoy like glue. Having consulted with my counterpart on the Kamakura, the Federation ships will form a tachyon net around the transports just in case they try to infiltrate cloaked, Imperial ships will will be proactive as a defensive outer screen. Anything trying to attack the transports will have to go through us first, the Federation warships will be the second and last line of defense" answered Smith showing Trianna the tactical display.
"The empress will be watching these convoys from her headquarters, Cutlass and Los Lobos along with an extra 25 Defiant and Valiant class ships will be joining the convoy at Bajor though Admiral Lot said convoy duty was beneath her" replied Trianna, "127 ships escorting 40 transports, anyone who attacks us will not survive" answered Smith. "Operation is a go, Captain, form up the convoy and set course for Terra" ordered Trianna as she took the guest's seat on the bridge. "This is the convoy command ship, inner defense screen from up around the transports, outer defense screen watch for hostiles" ordered Smith. The convoy set off for Terra linking up with Los Lobos, Cutlass and the extra escorts at Bajor a day later, they were now on their way to Terra. "Smith to all ships, watch your sensors and keep it frosty, the enemy could be anywhere" ordered Smith to the escorts.
On Kamakura, Prime Smith coordinated the Federation forces as the tachyon net was formed and they then formed a shield bubble around the convoy. On Reliant, Smith thought "so far, so good" before sensors picked up a Klingon attack force heading their way. "This is the command ship, all ships red alert. Outer perimeter prepare to engage the enemy, inner perimeter stick to the transports like glue. Any enemy who gets through the outer perimeter are to be taken out by the inner perimeter" ordered Smith as 50 Klingon bird of preys decloaked and made a run on the convoy. They were met by a volley of phaser fire from the Imperial led outer defense perimeter, 15 bird of preys were destroyed outright with another 25 disabled, the other 10 bird of preys made a run at the inner perimeter but were swiftly disabled by the Federation led inner perimeter.
"This is the beginning, they'll probe our defense perimeters trying to find weaknesses" advised Smith to Trianna. "This may have a scouting force, all ships destroy the disabled raiders, we cannot have them sending a message to their friends" ordered Trianna and the Imperial ships destroyed the 35 remaining bird of preys. After a three day running battle, the convoy arrived in Vulcan sector, they were now two days from Terra as another Klingon force of 100 battle-cruisers blocked the route into Terra. Smith knew he could go around them so he formed the Imperial ships into a wedge to punch a way through, Trianna using her authority as a member of the Imperial first family called in reinforcements to attack the back of the Klingon line as Smith would attack up the gut.
Solat led her fleet out of Terran and launched her attack according to the plan. The Federation inner perimeter stuck with the transports, being squeezed between the convoy defenders and Solat's forces forces from Terra, the Klingons retreated with only 20 ships left. The convoy entered Terran orbit and took up position. For four escorts lost, they had succeeded with no transports lost. Next to run the gauntlet were the 113th escorting their convoy in, they would have to face a running battle all the way to Terra. Trianna Valdez would not be taking part as she was on long term maternity leave.
"The meaning of victory is not to merely defeat your enemy but to destroy him, to completely eradicate him from living memory, to leave no remnant of his endeavours, to crush utterly his achievement and remove from all record his every trace of existence. From that defeat no enemy can ever recover. That is the meaning of victory."
-Lord Commander Solar Macharius
Papela adopted her Trianna Bray into the family for her selfless help.
Given her "other" duties, Bray is no longer safe to use. All Sito and Heath know is that she went on commando training, only Papela knows her code name of "Ghost".
"The meaning of victory is not to merely defeat your enemy but to destroy him, to completely eradicate him from living memory, to leave no remnant of his endeavours, to crush utterly his achievement and remove from all record his every trace of existence. From that defeat no enemy can ever recover. That is the meaning of victory."
-Lord Commander Solar Macharius
- Battle of Antarres (LL crew gets duplicated due to temporal stuff)
- Valdez is killed
- His daughters TRIBBLE up worse than Jar Jar
- Heath (Prime) was promoted
- Something to do with Bajor and Betazed
- Sutherland's brain go boom!
One step-daughter more accurately, Marie went all Stalin on the empire and did a Clarke on Bajor and to Terra (B5 reference) and Betazed was a political purge gone wrong. Trianna is on damage repair in fixing all the problems Marie caused, it was Trianna who designated Papela as Marie's successor and made a temporal incursion with the LL to stop the temporal assassination of the Sito family as well as the Lot family. Let's just say if Sito ever found out, she would be shocked.
Heath (Prime) getting a promotion, she earned it in expertly handling the Terran crisis and well a little bit on insanity in the admiralty bright brighten the place up.
Valdez getting killed twice was extra poetic, first by Trianna and then handed over to Galatt for something poetic
Antares is locked away under highly classified clearance given it's nature, only a select few know about it in both universes
"The meaning of victory is not to merely defeat your enemy but to destroy him, to completely eradicate him from living memory, to leave no remnant of his endeavours, to crush utterly his achievement and remove from all record his every trace of existence. From that defeat no enemy can ever recover. That is the meaning of victory."
-Lord Commander Solar Macharius
Marie tried to kill the empire by leaving nothing but destroyed worlds when faced with defeat, even going so far as trying to stop Sito from even being born to prevent the empire reforming. Trianna was the one who brought her down with assistance from the LL crew before she could carry out her plan.
Trianna also was the one who executed her. She's focused on repairing the damage caused by her sister's actions, she took a big risk in defecting to Papela's liberation fleet. She even voluntarily got herself interrogated by Papela, Naynta and Jodi, she passed Papela's test.
"The meaning of victory is not to merely defeat your enemy but to destroy him, to completely eradicate him from living memory, to leave no remnant of his endeavours, to crush utterly his achievement and remove from all record his every trace of existence. From that defeat no enemy can ever recover. That is the meaning of victory."
-Lord Commander Solar Macharius
She did, in her interrogation, she told Naynta to do her worse to break her. She did not break even with pressure from Naynta, she even kept Naynta out of her head (Shadows are trained to resist all forms of interrogation even telepathic). Papela just made sure Naynta did not go too far.
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"The meaning of victory is not to merely defeat your enemy but to destroy him, to completely eradicate him from living memory, to leave no remnant of his endeavours, to crush utterly his achievement and remove from all record his every trace of existence. From that defeat no enemy can ever recover. That is the meaning of victory."
-Lord Commander Solar Macharius
Dex Smith and his crew had been dispatched to Betazed on a planetary security test, for the past 24 hours they had been breaking into military and civil facilities and noting down where improvements could be made. Trianna was back on the bridge, she was supervising the tests and her standards were high, her reports were then sent back to Terra for Empress Lot's personal attention. Any holes in security were sealed with enhanced computer security upgrades and other measures put in place and all the other inhabited planets were also tested and their security upgraded where needed.
With his job done, Smith set a course back to Terra. On the bridge, it was the usual lighthearted atmosphere with Mereu getting a bit territorial towards the newer female crew. "Must be the former matron in her" joked Sidis to which Hetal added "Dex, was it one matron or two?" Smith just face palmed and answered "the less said the better, those were careful trade negotiations." "I have my ways, what happens on Risa stays on Risa" added Mereu with a smirk. "It was a good business meeting" joked Smith with a laugh. "The kind of business meeting that allowed us steal some very valuable artifacts from the syndicate" answered Hetal to which Leclerc added "then Hetal decided she wants to go through an asteroid field at full impulse to lose the Imperial police." "It was most illogical but effective" added T'Panme and Wilkinson added "Hetal in a nutshell." "True, that was a crazy near miss" finished Pitaskli laughing.
Trianna just face palmed at the story. "Captain Smith, I see crazy is part of deal with this ship though do try and be professional. You're lucky I don't do formality, the empress expects formality" she said afterwards. "Yes ma'am" answered Smith. "Captain Heath also passed me a message to tell you, she has a pain stick with your name on it Smith. Don't give her an excuse to use it" replied Trianna. "Yes ma'am" answered Smith, Hetal kept quiet this time. "Good, Mr. Smith, we have an arrangement then" replied Trianna as a Klingon bird of prey decloaked.
Smith called red alert and after gauging it to be hostile engaged it. "Hetal, can you do the Immelman?" asked Smith. "Already done" answered Hetal as she finished it with an L-4 turn to get onto the bird of prey's six o clock. The bird of prey countered and tightly turned to make a strafing run on Reliant. Smith used the Reliant speed to avoid the worse of the attack as his forward arc of phasers fired disabling the bird of prey's photon launcher as the bird of prey went in with a disruptor strafing run. Hetal stayed one step ahead as she drifted the Reliant round as Wilkinson increased power to forward shields. "Fire" ordered Smith, the Reliant's upgraded pulse phasers tore through the shield knocking out the engines and cloaking device on the bird of prey. "Lock quantums and photons" ordered Smith as T'Panme locked on. "Loose" ordered Smith and the Reliant fired, the bird of prey was destroyed outright and another kill was marked on the score sheet. "Hetal, resume course for Terra" ordered Smith.
When the Reliant arrived at Terra two weeks later, Smith and Trianna went to hand in their reports to Papela while the rest of the crew finished repairing the minor damage from the dogfight with the bird of prey. At the palace, Trianna warned Smith with a "be professional." "Yes ma'am" answered Smith as they walked to Papela's office, Smith was then checked by Trianna's security team for any contraband and asked to surrender his weapon before entering. "You'll get it back on the way out" said Trianna. Both handed in their reports and Papela studied them closely before asking Smith and Trianna their recommendations. "Computer security is our Achilles' heel, I recommend computer software and hardware upgrades across the board to close that hole. I supervised the computer upgrades for Betazed myself" answered Trianna. "Majesty, my team has also installed phase sweeps and sensor sweeps on all facilities on Betazed, even we could not break in" added Smith. Papela reviewed the upgrades and congratulated Trianna and Smith on their work before she told the guards to leave the room and asked Smith to sit down. Trianna left the office to drill her commando team.
"Mr. Smith, does the year 2375 mean anything?" asked Papela. Smith answered "majesty?" "We've met before, my family ended up in your sickbay. Thank you for keeping me and my family safe" replied Papela. "Majesty, I thought I made sure you could not remember that meeting" answered Smith. "Betazoid minds are stronger than Terran, you took the correct precautions in wiping my family's memory though next time be more thorough" replied Papela. "Yes majesty" replied Smith. "Read it aloud" ordered Papela handing Smith a PADD, Smith obeyed and read the message aloud, "By order of Imperial command, you have special dispensation to rename I.S.S. Reliant to I.S.S. Bounty, signed Empress Papela I." "Thank you majesty" said Smith afterwards smiling, "just wait until the crew hear about this" he thought. At a bar in Tokyo, Smith bought his senior staff a round of drinks and gave them the good news.
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"The meaning of victory is not to merely defeat your enemy but to destroy him, to completely eradicate him from living memory, to leave no remnant of his endeavours, to crush utterly his achievement and remove from all record his every trace of existence. From that defeat no enemy can ever recover. That is the meaning of victory."
-Lord Commander Solar Macharius
Dex Smith was briefing his new ops officer in his ready room. "Permission to speak freely?" asked Lt Jasmine Smith, "granted" answered Smith. "Dexter Theodore Smith, have you even bothered to speak to mum and dad since you rejoined the service?" asked Jasmine. "Let's not go there, I thought none of you got out of London in time" answered Smith. "We all made it, dad's still shaken up and well mum's still not got over the shock" replied Jasmine. "What's the point? They want nothing to do with me" answered Smith, "mum and dad are worried sick, why don't you make the effort to rebuild that bridge with them?" asked Jasmine.
"They burnt that bridge years ago, why should I rebuild it?" asked Smith to which Jasmine answered "to tell them you're still alive after all these years, it's been 15 years since you stormed out on them in a rage." "I'm not backing down to them, so what if dad is a general" replied Smith. "When dad found out you helped put together the coalition that brought the mad empress down, he was proud of you. He still is, I don't want to hear your new job being used as an excuse, call mum and dad" answered Jasmine. "Fair enough Jasmine, I'll call them, you still know how to push your big brother's buttons" replied Smith. "8 years difference between us gives plenty of practice. Now that's over with, Captain, Lt Jasmine Smith reporting for duty" answered Jasmine. "Welcome aboard the Bounty, I'll show you to your station" replied Smith and both officer entered the bridge.
"Don't mind Mereu, she gets territorial around me" said Smith. "Miss Smith, welcome aboard" said Mereu to Jasmine. "ma'am, Dexter is my big bother" replied Jasmine saluting. "Miss Smith, no offence intended" answered Mereu, "none taken, I'll put the message out that you've claimed the captain all to yourself" replied Jasmine. "Thank you Lt and welcome to the Bounty family" answered Mereu. Jasmine took to her station and smiled. The rest of the crew introduced themselves as Smith said "Jasmine, get used to the craziness on this ship." "Thanks for the warning Dexter" answered Jasmine. The relaxed atmosphere was broken when Trianna was back aboard to supervise a combat operation. "Looks like we got to keep the Unimatrix shielding and enhanced weapons" said Smith as ordered the Bounty out of spacedock.
The Bounty jumped to warp as soon as it left the dock, they were heading to link up with Admiral Barclay's assault fleet. For their combat tour they had extra weapon pods installed on the Bounty and the bridge moved down to deck 3, "Hetal, set course for Trill maximum warp" ordered Smith as Hetal punched it to warp 9.5. "All sections report in" said Smith and all section heads reported ready. "Captain Smith, when we get to Trill you are to hand these orders to Admiral Barclay. The Athena and Los Lobos will be joining you there, in overall command will be Admiral Sito. We're to join the war against Leeta" said Trianna. "Not our first dance ma'am" replied Smith.
"The empress read your combat report and thought some time with a combat unit might teach you some skills and discipline" answered Trianna as she settled down in the guest chair. "Yes ma'am, I understand clearly" replied Smith. "Good Mr. Smith, I want to see a professional and disciplined crew. The empress will be getting my report so best behavior" answered Trianna. During the cruise to Trill, the bridge crew laughed about the jobs they worked on together and some even made Lt. Smith face palm at the insanity.
"The meaning of victory is not to merely defeat your enemy but to destroy him, to completely eradicate him from living memory, to leave no remnant of his endeavours, to crush utterly his achievement and remove from all record his every trace of existence. From that defeat no enemy can ever recover. That is the meaning of victory."
-Lord Commander Solar Macharius
Sito opened the door to Heath's quarters and found her sitting on the couch. "At least you don't have your back to the door this time." "I lock the door. You just never ring before entering." "It is my ship." Sito took in the scene in front of her. Heath had kicked off her boots and had her feet tucked under her. A dozen PADDS were on the table with five in front of her and she was chewing on the band that kept her braid intact. "Alright," Sito sighed. "What emergency are you trying to solve now?" "What?" "You're doing all your 'stressed out, hard thinking' things. There's nothing going on. Everything for once is quiet. What are you trying to solve?" The band snapped and shot across the room landing at her feet. "I'm trying to pick out a dress." "Stress understood. What's it for?" "Our wedding." "Oh..." She walked over and sat down next to her. "Normally, you do this with friends, but since we haven't told anyone yet..." "We can't tell them. Not yet. It isn't safe to let anyone know yet." "I know. But I've narrowed it down to these." Sito looked them over. "Earth standard. Really frilly and lots of lace. Bajoran, your Bajor thankfully, not that neon cesspool over here. Nice, a bit boring though. Klingon, like the red leather. The hole over the heart, I just don't get that. Trill, aw that's sweet of you, but they are boring. And lastly..." Heath took it off the table. "This one was just a fluke," she said quickly. "A joke I meant to get rid of." "Now I'm curious. Show me." "It's not really worth it..." "Show me or I'll chew on your braid until you do." Heath handed her the PADD. Sito couldn't stop laughing. "Risa? You naughty girl." "I wasn't serious about it." "You should definitely go with this one." "I AM NOT WEARING THAT TO MY WEDDING!" "So what are you going to wear?" "I... I don't know. What are you going to wear?" "I..." Sito trailed off. "I haven't thought about it. We been so busy... I don't know." Heath smiled and shoved the pile of PADDs over to her. "Here, you start looking. I'll get us something to drink. It's going to be a long night."
Captain Smith and his crew were in their usual high spirits after another convoy defense, in their last run, they had accounted for another five bird of preys. Trianna was on the bridge noting down the crew's performance and checking to make sure Smith's reports were accurate as the crew were exchanging banter while both Smith and Jasmine Smith were speaking to their parents back on Terra via subspace. The calm was interrupted by a distress call.
Smith put the crew to red alert and responded to the call, it was from the I.S.S. Hornet. She had taken severe damage to her warp drive and was under attack from a Klingon battle group near Trill. Smith set course for Trill and entered the battle site 20 minutes later flanked by I.S.S. Los Lobos. Smith used the the Bounty to scout the battlefield finding the Hornet hidden in a debris field crippled. "Too quiet" noted Smith to Trianna, Trianna agreed and advised Naynta Lot on Los Lobos to expect trouble. "Captain Smith, get close and rescue any survivors but expect Klingons. They may be cloaked" ordered Naynta over the channel. "Noted Admiral, Smith out" replied Smith.
"Here's what we're going to do, Hetal get us really close to the Hornet and put ourselves in between the Klingons and the Hornet. Sidis, divert power to ventral shielding when Hetal rotates us dorsal side to the Hornet. Jasmine, we only have time for one sweep so make sure you can grab everyone in one go. Leclerc, you'll disrupt their computer grids, do as much damage as you can and be creative. Mereu, you'll be busy down in sickbay, we may have lots of wounded to treat. Wilkinson, the moment we transport, set off a charged particle burst, if the Klingons are indeed waiting for us then the burst will decloak them. T'Pamne, at that moment fire a full spread of photons to to knock out weapons and engines. Pitaskli I need full power to engines as we evacuate the survivors" ordered Smith. The crew all nodded in agreement as Trianna noted down the plan.
They put the plan into action, the Bounty sped towards the debris field and took position rotating round so it's dorsal side was facing the Hornet. The Ventral shields were then strengthened as Jasmine beamed out 25 survivors from the Hornet. Seeing a rescue operation was happening, the Klingons decloaked and attacked with 25 bird of preys supported by 5 K'Tingas. The Bounty was under fire the whole way ducking and weaving to avoid too much fire firing all the way as Leclerc and Wilkinson caused mayhem on their computers and sensors. Smith now carved a path though the ambush as Los Lobos provided covering fire, Los Lobos and Bounty then made a tactical withdrawal and called in Admiral Barclay and her fleet to assist. After transferring the Hornet survivors to a hospital ship bound to Trill, Smith joined up with Barclay's fleet along with Los Lobos and joined the counter-attack. In the resulting battle Barclay's fleet cleared the battlefield by baiting the Klingons into attacking her light cruisers then wrapping around to cut off any retreat before destroying the Klingon battle group. Smith marked another three kills onto the crew's score sheet.
"Good job Mr.Smith" said Naynta afterwards over the channel smiling at the lunacy she had just witnessed. Trianna was of the same agreement and noted down the crew's combat performance, she left the bridges and flanked by her guards went to her quarters to file her report to Papela. Afterwards in the mess the crew were cheering and celebrating, Bounty had sustained a damaged a sensor pod but was still partially operational. "Good thing our armour and unimatrix shielding held, no other light cruiser could sustain that level of bombardment" said Smith to Trianna. "Enjoy the carnival atmosphere while it lasts because at 0600 hours starting tomorrow, you are all on drills for one hour each day. You all will learn some discipline" answered Trianna picking up a pain stick. "Yes ma'am" said the whole crew. "These are the crew going on drill, read the list carefully" said Trianna with a wicked smile. It was Dex and the senior staff only, "just wait until dad finds out about this" joked Jasmine. "It'll make a man out of him" answered Smith quoting their father.
"When dad found out about you getting your own command in Starfleet, he was the happiest I've ever seen him. In fact, he's coming to visit us as part of an inspection tour" replied Jasmine. "We need to find some better uniforms, something classy" answered Smith. "2385 Imperial Starfleet uniform, replace the sash with a modern belt problem solved" replied Jasmine. "Make it standard uniform but in black with modern department colors for the undershirts" answered Smith. "Consider it done, one must always be well dressed when in front of the enemy" replied Jasmine. "Funny" answered Smith. "You have to be up at 0500 hours, get some sleep" replied Jasmine. Smith not risking an argument just said night to the crew and left for his quarters.
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"The meaning of victory is not to merely defeat your enemy but to destroy him, to completely eradicate him from living memory, to leave no remnant of his endeavours, to crush utterly his achievement and remove from all record his every trace of existence. From that defeat no enemy can ever recover. That is the meaning of victory."
-Lord Commander Solar Macharius
The Bounty had been reassigned to the Vulcan sector and Trianna had put her discipline programme in place and she had been remorseless to Captain Smith and his senior staff. From 0600-0700 hours, the Bounty senior staff were drilled which any infraction punished by a slight jolt of the pain stick from Trianna. "Dismissed, same time tomorrow, we will get this right or you will keep being drilled until you get it right" said Trianna to the Bounty senior staff afterwards. Jasmine Smith had been watching the exercises along with General David Smith.
"That's what your brother needs, iron discipline" said General Smith smiling. "Agreed dad" replied Jasmine laughing at her brother's discomfort. "Who's the officer drilling them?" asked General Smith. "Lt Trianna Lot" answered Jasmine. "Introduce me" requested General Smith. "Of course dad" answered Jasmine before she asked Trianna for some of her time. "Lt Lot, my name is Major General David Smith, Impressive work on that drill session. Is there any hope of straightening up Mr. Smith and his crew?" asked General Smith shaking Trianna's hand. "General, you must be Captain Smith's father. Pleased to meet you sir, I want them to hate me to the point they succeed just to prove me wrong" replied Trianna.
"Lt, what's your impression of them?" asked General Smith to which Trianna answered "their teamwork cannot be faulted though they lack discipline, I've got the unenviable task of whipping them into shape." "You're doing a good job, I had a word with the empress herself about a transfer which may interest you" replied General Smith passing Trianna a PADD. "Ever since the empress retired me from my other duties, I've been working with Captain Smith and his crew" answered Trianna while she read the transfer papers. They were for Imperial Special Forces, Trianna was being offered the chance for ground operations with the rank of Major. "I'll talk this over with the empress, I need time to think about this" answered Trianna honestly.
"Captain Smith, clean this ship up. When I get back I want to see this ship spotless" ordered Trianna as she beamed back to Terra. General Smith now spent the next few hours speaking to his children and inspecting the crew, even father and son had managed to partially rebuild their relationship. At the palace on Terra, Trianna read the transfer offer and brought it up at dinner. "To be honest Trianna, you're not Starfleet material. As a sniper, different story" said Naynta honestly. "On Betazed, how many soldiers met their end at your hand?" asked Jodi. "25 by my hand, another 50 by my squad" answered Trianna. "What's your combined body count by just your hand?" asked Naynta. "Over 200 by my rifle and drones alone, I killed at least four of my competition unarmed during my training alone and another 15 with a my dagger" answered Trianna.
"Trianna is a stone cold killer, I like that" said Jodi to Naynta. "And I thought Kestrella was scary" replied Naynta to which Jodi answered "The fact they get on just fine is even scarier." "Little ones, here's my advise. Trianna, I recommend taking the transfer. I read your training reports from your shadow training. You kept your squad alive and carried out the mission in an exercise that if anyone died or failed, you all would die. Talent like that would get you further in the commandos than in Starfleet" advised Papela. "Make use of your talents Trianna" said Kestrella with a smile. "Take the transfer and promotion for the good of the empire" added Papela. Trianna thought about it all that evening in her room/workshop. "Enter" said Trianna and Papela entered the room as Trianna put her tools away. "Little one, General Smith is a good officer who has an eye for talent. That stone cold killer in you would be better in Imperial special forces" advised Papela as Trianna poured her a cup of tea.
"My squad goes with me then, non negotiable. My squad are the team I kept alive throughout my Shadow training, they serve me because they owe me their lives" answered Trianna. "Why were you code named Ghost?" asked Papela to which Trianna answered "because I was in, target eliminated and out before I could be detected." "You caused havoc on Betazed, I saw my commanders all go down with one round each. While I may not approve your actions on Betazed, I also respect skill like that" replied Papela. "I hear Imperial intelligence have called me the Ghost of Betazed. A ghost that reappeared and removed her own sister" answered Trianna looking at a picture of her and Marie in happier times. "I know your step father had Marie cloned after she was murdered, it could explain her erratic behavior towards the end" replied Papela. "My sister is buried in the palace gardens in the royal cemetery, what my step-father did was unethical and wrong. His decision caused millions to lose their lives in the long run, my real sister died five months ago" answered Trianna with a mixture of sadness and anger.
"You miss her?" asked Papela to which Trianna answered "everyday, my step-father refused to let me grieve." "How about we go and see her then?" asked Papela. Trianna agreed and went with Papela to Marie's grave and tended to it before spending four hours there trying to get her head together. Papela had gave Trianna some time to herself in order to work out her choices. Afterwards, Trianna knocked on Papela's office door and and Papela let her in. "I'll take the transfer, Starfleet is not for me. I feel more alive in ground combat leading my squad" said Trianna signing the transfer papers. The next day, Trianna wore her Imperial Special Forces uniform and General Smith put Major rank chevrons on her uniform followed by a "welcome to the 1st MACO special forces division Major Trianna Lot, you'll be in command of your team as is part of the deal for your transfer" from General Smith. "General, Major Trianna Lot reporting for duty" answered Trianna saluting General Smith. "Major, I'm assigning you to Captain Smith as his MACO commander on the Bounty full time" replied General Smith. "Yes General" answered Trianna smiling at the thought of keeping Captain Smith on his toes.
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"The meaning of victory is not to merely defeat your enemy but to destroy him, to completely eradicate him from living memory, to leave no remnant of his endeavours, to crush utterly his achievement and remove from all record his every trace of existence. From that defeat no enemy can ever recover. That is the meaning of victory."
-Lord Commander Solar Macharius
Shade sighed as sat on her bridge. "Fire..." With a flash of weaponry the smuggler ship was destroyed.
"With the war over, we've a lack of targets, not to mention things have been strangely quiet.... Is anyone else unused to this?!"
The entire bridge crew raised agreed.... "How did we get roped into dealing with something the Inquisition- no just starfleeet should be dealing with?"
""Because someone in the Blue-Appropriation-Brotherhood, decided to steal from the Imperial palace."
""It was a rhetorical question- don't make me shoot you, Basilisk, I'm in no mood for jokes." Roy threatened.
"Yes ma'am."
The Ships computer linked up with a planet side security camera apparently the on-board AI thought something important was happening down there, Emma quickly brought it up on screen.
Vulcan
"What was that you said Green-blood? Huh?" The Starfleet officer kicked the aging Vulcan down again. The other two Terrans laughed, behind them another Terran looked down at the empty chair and plate across from from him where the Vulcan had been sitting and scowled at the unwarranted actions of these monsters.
He stood up and deftly approached the group, purposefully reaching out with his arm.
One the officers dropped to the ground, while the other two turned, "Nerve pinch will land you in an early grave Knife ea- you're not Vulcan!"
The speaker was silenced with knee to the lower body, before he was flipped over his assailant his head cracking on the pavement.
"Why you-" said the brown hair woman going for her phaser. Her attacker grabbed her arms twisted her writ and dislocated her shoulder with a crack.
Sean T'Paal helped the Vulcan to his feet, his eyes widening in fear as he saw the dagger in the mans chest.
"Father..."
"You should leave me, here..." He pushed his adopted son away. "Go now Sean."
Centurion T'Paal took up his plasma pistol for the last time, approaching the incoming Imperials at a swift limp, giving his life so adopted son could escape was.. logical.
IS.S. Enteri'Is
Emma laced her fingers together, "Computer, probability of that hand to hand combat style being Romulan Union in origin? And identify that Terran!"
"Positive probability of 71%... Individual identified as Eric Pen-dragon, records begin in 2390."
"That has to be a fake alias..." Shade tapped her com-badge, "Ghost, be in my ready room in one hour."
One hour later, Shade's ready room
"Never been in her before have you Ghost?" Shade questioned.
"No ma'am... If I may ask is all the black gunmetal colouring a personal choice or your preference?"
Emma looked at Ghost incredulously "Rather personal there protege, but I'll indulge you: I have the option of changing anything I wish in this room, provided its in regulation and yes that includes putting down a carpet... However I prefer the metal because its more difficult to move silently over."
"You didn't ask for me to idly chat Shade?"
Emma chuckled, "Of course not, two reasons: first I have a stolen security recording I want your opinion on- more to confirm my own thoughts, but I'd like to hear your own before I send a report in.... Secondly I had a thought as we were leaving Terra... About your mothers manipulations: You said you believed she was manipulating your father and your entire family to get the throne, but this seems impossible. Not only would she need to have known about the temporal-Romulan invasion before any of us she would have needed to know about all of this before you were born.... Possibly before the Empire was remade, maybe I'm thinking to much into this but the more I've thought about it the more it makes sense on one hand, but the less for the senescence of events.
Why do I still play and put money into STO?
The Foundry, and my love of Star Trek
"The Brays have always had their secrets, they were part of a secret project during the dying days of the first empire called Memory Omega. Memory Omega was a hidden library with all the empire's secrets hidden away safely out of the noses of the alliance. I found this in their files, it's the record of temporal incursions during the late 23rd century right up to late 2370s. All matched known Romulan Union signatures. My mother was one of the research technicians there during the 2380s though her temporal tracking programme was terminated when the empire was reborn" explained Trianna handing the PADD over to Shade.
"What were your mother's findings?" asked Shade reviewing the personnel file and evidence. "The Romulan Union were here when the first empire fell, a covert temporal invasion combined with Spock's reforms finished off the empire so the Alliance could take the pickings. They have made repeated temporal invasions of the empire trying to kill it, they succeeded once in 2295 and 2441 in an alternate future" answered Trianna. "Your mother had advanced warning but was ignored" replied Shade. "Mother knew what was coming, so she made sure I was born as her weapon. My father was just one pawn in her plan, once mother manipulated him into seizing the throne, she manipulated me and and Marie into removing him when he decided to play god with other species" answered Trianna.
"You father had too many enemies and your sister created more through her actions" replied Shade. "Now the empress has retired me from the shadows, I've been transferred to MACO" answered Trianna. "I know, you understand the need for secrecy" replied Shade, "I'll put a memory block in place, as far as the Bounty crew are concerned I'm a MACO commander" answered Trianna. "Use your rank of Major as a cover then, I'll call you if I need your team" replied Shade. "Yes ma'am" answered Trianna. "Major, you are dismissed and good luck" replied Shade. Trianna passed Shade a PADD with all her mother's research notes and sensor enhancements, saluted and left for Terra.
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"The meaning of victory is not to merely defeat your enemy but to destroy him, to completely eradicate him from living memory, to leave no remnant of his endeavours, to crush utterly his achievement and remove from all record his every trace of existence. From that defeat no enemy can ever recover. That is the meaning of victory."
-Lord Commander Solar Macharius
Papela sighed contentedly as she enjoyed her nightly cup of tea. The guards had orders not to disturb her unless the planet was burning. This was not a place I had intended to be, she thought. I had no desire to be on the throne, but to be the one that whispered into the ear of the one on the throne. Much more efficient with far less hassle. Still, one must deal with the hand one is dealt. She finished her cup and set it down. Some suggested that I have a tea addiction, she thought smiling. I simply tell them, I have daughters. She turned to look out the window. "Long may she reign," they chant. She shook her head. My reign will not be a long one. She turned her gaze upward. She is coming, she thought. And despite all our preparation she will tear the Empire asunder and it will never be the same again. She smiled. All for the better.
Having made her enforced retirement from the shadows official with Shade, Trianna was back on the Bounty as Captain Smith's MACO commander. In the cargo bay, she waited for Smith and his senior staff to appear on time for drill. "Lt Smith, what's that noise?" asked Trianna as she heard singing. It was Dex Smith and his senior staff all singing "Always look on the bright side of life" as they marched into the cargo bay. "Major, that's normal for Dexter" said Lt Smith.
"It brings character, I'll let them indulge it for now" replied Trianna with a smile. After the drill session, Trianna caught them all together over breakfast and Hetal got an extra seat for Trianna to join them. "Ladies, gentlemen" said Trianna as she put down her bowl of porridge on the table. "Major" replied the crew. "There is a reason I'm tough on you, discipline improves efficiency. Discipline needed for a special mission, the Bounty has been designated a MACO ship" answered Trianna. "We're under dad's command Dexter" said Jasmine Smith. "Oh great" replied Dex. "I answer to two people, General Smith and the empress. Some of you don't like me because I represent authority, the missions we do will be high risk and dangerous" replied Trianna.
"Roger that ma'am" answered Dex. "Since I'll be on this ship full time, we'll have to learn to get along" replied Trianna. "Amen to that" replied the crew. "Lt Smith, you have a first name?" asked Trianna. "Jasmine ma'am" answered Lt Smith, "Lt Hetal, your first name?" asked Trianna. "Isoisa ma'am" answered Hetal. "Pitaskli, your first name?" asked Trianna, "Ibarid" answered Pitaskli. "Major, starting from the left, the rest are Lwasana Sidis, Mereu, Antoinette Leclerc, Annalee Wilkinson and T'Pamne" said Dex. "My name is Trianna, off duty first names are fine but on duty, refer to my rank" replied Trianna smiling as the Bounty crew started singing "We're here because we are here."
"So you all enjoy singing, I'll make sure to find some good marching songs for you all" said Trianna after the crew had finished singing. "Dex, can we have a choir?" asked Sidis and Dex just answered "why not, to quote dad, it brings unit pride." "Dexter Theodore Smith, since you now military, best behavior" said Jasmine. "Jas, I don't need a lecture" answered Dex. "Don't call me Jas, it's Jasmine" replied Jasmine angrily. "Jasmine Elizabeth Smith more accurately" answered Dex back. "It's a brother/sister thing, they have a sibling competition complex" said Hetal. "Noted" replied Trianna.
"It's normal, they don't get along" added Mereu. "Classic love/hate relationship right there" added Pitaskli.
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"The meaning of victory is not to merely defeat your enemy but to destroy him, to completely eradicate him from living memory, to leave no remnant of his endeavours, to crush utterly his achievement and remove from all record his every trace of existence. From that defeat no enemy can ever recover. That is the meaning of victory."
-Lord Commander Solar Macharius
Sito stepped off the transporter pad and went straight out the door. Heath followed after her. "If I never set foot on that neon cesspool again I'll die happy." " Peldor joi ." "Say that again Layress and I'll pummel your bottom into submission." "That's no way for the Emissary to talk." "You're on thin ice Blondie." "My hair is red now, not blonde. They were just very grateful that we gave them back all the rest of the orbs. And don't tell me you didn't enjoy all those people looking up to you." "Looking up to me for the things I've accomplished is one thing. Doing so because some aliens told them to makes them stupid." "You're telling me that when that little girl came up to us and said she wanted to be strong like us so she could protect her people, you didn't feel anything?" "..." "Well?" They stopped in the corridor. "I was like her once. She even looked a little like I did at that age... And if she can grow up and change that place for the better, then this might all be worth it." "You're a terrible liar... Ow! Stop pulling my hair." "That's enough insubordination from you." "You wait until we're alone I'll sho...ah..." Heath sneezed loudly. "You've been doing that ever since we went down there." "Must be something in the air down..." She sneezed again. "You've caught something from that hellhole. Come on we're going to sick bay so you don't infect the crew." "I'll be fine. We don't have to..." Sito grabbed her by the chest. "You're coming if I have to drag you." "Thay, let go! Please, that really hurts!" Sito let go and looked at her in concern. "You're sneezing and over sensitive. You are coming with me now. Please Lazy, don't fight me on this." "Alright. You need to do something about your nails." "Lazy, I don't have nails. You know that." "Felt like it... OK, I am coming down with something. Let's go."
A few minutes later they arrived. "You hologram," Sito barked. "My name is Lolo." "Whatever." "Be nice." "Fine. The captain has contracted some disease from that cesspit below us. Scan her to make sure it's not contagious." "Right, lie on the table." Heath lay down on the bed. Lolo ran the sensor over her. "Inflamed nasal cavities," she read off. "Extremely heightened skin sensitivity, flushing of the skin... That can't be right." "What?" Sito demanded. Lolo grabbed another tricorder and re-ran the scan. "Wow, that is right." "What? What is it? Is it contagious?" "Oh no. You can't catch pregnancy." The entire sick bay went silent. Everyone came over. "What..." Sito repeated slowly. "Pregnant. The captain is pregnant. That wasn't what surprised me, especially given the way the crew throws themselves at each other. What surprised me Admiral is that the other half embryos genetic code is yours." "What...." "You are, so to speak, the father of the captains children." "Children? As in more than one?" "Yes, captain. Your profile says that twins do run in your family. And you are carrying two girls... Oh I'm sorry. Did you want to be surprised? I can wipe your memory of the last few moments if you want?" "No Lolo that's..." Heath heard a strange sound next to her. She turned and saw that the staff had caught Sito as she fainted. She lifted her head to address them. "I would appreciate if all of you didn't say anything about any of this. I... We need time to process... this." "Of course," Lolo said, the others nodded in agreement. "Oh and captain..." "Yes?" "Congratulations."
Since the Bounty was in for major repairs and refitting, her crew had been reassigned to security duties on Terra. Despite appearances of stability on the surface, there was resistance to the Lots. In Washington DC, an anti-alien group known as Nova Terra had taken the Imperial civil council in the city hostage three days earlier when they stormed City Hall. The MACOs had been dispatched to Washington to end the crisis, Trianna was made overall ground commander as the stand off continued into it's fourth day. In orbit, Dex Smith and his troops prepared and practiced the mission on the holodeck memorizing the layout of the building until it was second nature.
Trianna's plan was simple, while the police distracted Nova Terra, three assault teams would infiltrate the target building on all sides from the roof and side of the building. Using her experience as a sniper, Trianna deployed sharpshooter teams onto the roofs of neighboring buildings, they were her eyes and ears. Dex Smith and his crew were beamed into a building right next to City Hall in position to breach the wall and storm in, all phasers were set to stun to avoid any casualties among the hostages. To compound the operation, the press had turned up to start filming as Trianna prepared her squad before suiting up and taking position on the roof of City Hall. When it became very clear Nova Terra would not surrender, Trianna gave the order "move in" as the last frame charges were prepared.
"The meaning of victory is not to merely defeat your enemy but to destroy him, to completely eradicate him from living memory, to leave no remnant of his endeavours, to crush utterly his achievement and remove from all record his every trace of existence. From that defeat no enemy can ever recover. That is the meaning of victory."
-Lord Commander Solar Macharius
What happened next was seen across the empire, there was a loud bang as the windows blew out as figures clad in camo were seen entering the building through the windows and breaches in the wall. The sharpshooter teams cleared the rooms in which hostages were held as the assault troops cleared the building with stun grenades and phasers floor by floor and room by room. The raid was over in 10 minutes as hostages were herded down the stars and out of the door escorted by the MACO troops before being told to lie face first on the ground then they were all checked before being released. Nova Terra were dragged out and put into the back of a security shuttle and moved to the Imperial Palace prison cells for later questioning.
As Trianna was taking a drink of water, she caught Dex being treated by Mereu. "Looks like a nasty wound" said Trianna looking at the cut on Dex's face. "Tis only a flesh wound" answered Dex sarcastically. "Dexter, good job" replied Trianna, "it was a team effort, let's get these suspects questioned. We may be busy here on Terra for a while Major" answered Dex. "I've set up a training area in an unused part of the palace, you and your entire crew have to practice and run the "killing house," I know your team is good but can you get that team better? replied Trianna. "Challenge accepted Trianna" answered Smith. After doing a scene survey, the MACOs formed up in marching column and started whistling "The Great Escape" theme led by Dex and his senior staff, even Trianna joined in as she got the whole company whistling as they marched to the shuttles watched by the cameras and reporters.
"The meaning of victory is not to merely defeat your enemy but to destroy him, to completely eradicate him from living memory, to leave no remnant of his endeavours, to crush utterly his achievement and remove from all record his every trace of existence. From that defeat no enemy can ever recover. That is the meaning of victory."
-Lord Commander Solar Macharius
The Bounty MACOs had commandeered the bar as the Washington raid was broadcast on subspace, Trianna had decided to give her troops the rest of the day off as a reward for their success. When the MACOs watched the raid they all cheered in celebration. Dex Smith and his senior staff were sat around a table singing as Trianna joined them with a round of drinks for them. Kestrella, Naynta and Jodi entered the bar only to be confronted by 200 MACOs all singing.
"Trianna, mind if we join you?" asked Naynta and Trianna got Dex, Hetal and Sidis to grab some extra chairs. Dex bought the next round of drinks as Kestrella looked puzzled by the cheer when footage of windows blowing out was played on the screen. "Wait, there's Trianna" said Dex pointing out the figure abseiling down the building and into a window, "Good job there Trianna" said Naynta smiling. "Mother saw it all, in fact the entire empire saw it" added Jodi. "All hostages freed with the traitors all taken alive, well played" added Kestrella.
"Team effort, my troops deserve the credit. I was the commander on the ground" answered Trianna. "Much easier just taking the credit yourself Trianna" replied Jodi, "Jodi, it was a victory for the whole company" answered Trianna. "Humility, something you two need to learn" added Kestrella aiming the comment at Nanyta and Jodi. Meanwhile the entire company started chanting Zulu war chants and everyone joined in with five Zulu troopers leading the chanting and everyone banging on the tables. Naynta, Jodi and Kestrella were all puzzled at first but Naynta and Jodi joined in the war chants as they banged on the table with their solid tankards. Kestrella took in the atmosphere and began to question Trianna on why soldiers sing and chant.
"Kestrella, they won a great victory today. If they want to blow off steam singing and chanting, I'll allow it. Terran soldiers have had a history of singing on the march and just before battle to keep up morale. The chant you are hearing was used to intimidate an enemy before the warriors attacked" answered Trianna. "I can see why it's intimidating on a battlefield" replied Kestrella. "Dex, let's reveal the choir" said Hetal as Papela entered the bar to congratulate the troops on a job well done. The Bounty crew choir all took up position and began to sing an old British army marching song, "Men of Harlech." "Trianna, your troops did well given the situation. Your unit may be called upon again to deal with any more dissidents here on Terra" said Papela as she listened to the MACOs all singing. "What's the song about?" asked Papela, "Majesty, it's an old British marching song. It's about a lone garrison who held Harlech Castle for 8 long years under siege during the Wars of the Roses in what was England and Wales" answered Jasmine.
"It's a martial song" added Mereu, "that it is" added Sidis. "Carry on" said Papela as she just took in the atmosphere and had her cup of tea. "Naynta, I may need a hand questioning the traitors" said Trianna to Naynta, "as long as I can have my fun with them" answered Naynta. "Deal" replied Trianna.
"The meaning of victory is not to merely defeat your enemy but to destroy him, to completely eradicate him from living memory, to leave no remnant of his endeavours, to crush utterly his achievement and remove from all record his every trace of existence. From that defeat no enemy can ever recover. That is the meaning of victory."
-Lord Commander Solar Macharius
Dexter Smith and the MACO crew had been transferred from the Bounty, having brought all their possessions and upgrades with them, they looked at their new ship. She was the I.S.S. Brigand, a Sutherland Class cruiser, "she's beautiful Dex" said Hetal as she did a flyby of the Brigand. The shuttles all landed in the shuttle bay and the MACO crew took ownership of the vessel. On the bridge, the crew took their positions as Trianna took over the counselor's chair and did an inspection of the computer.
"Captain Smith, get us to Bajor. We're to join up with Sito's fleet for exercises" ordered Trianna. Dex gave the order and Hetal punched the warp drive to warp 9.8 and set course for Bajor. "Major, why the shakedown cruise?" asked Dex Smith, Trianna told Dex "ready room now." In the ready room, Trianna took her seat behind the desk and said to Dex "questioning orders is dangerous, if you have a difference of opinion bring it up in private not in front of the troops. Undermine me again and I will have you dealt with, agreed Mr. Smith?" "Yes Major" answered Dex terrified at Trianna's calmness. Both officers went back onto the bridge and put the ship on combat drills.
"What would Admiral Sito do if we broke onto the Enterprise and left a PADD in her ready room?" asked Hetal. "She would thank you then have you shot, Sito has no sense of humor for such things" answered Trianna. "Ma'am, still would be cool" replied Hetal to which Trianna answered "no ideas Lt." "Yes ma'am" replied Hetal. "We have two weeks until we arrive at Bajor so let's prepare accordingly" answered Trianna. "The rest of the Starfleet crew will also join us at Bajor" added Dex. "Dexter, remember what dad said, best behavior" said Jasmine, "got it little sister" replied Dex before he left for his quarters.
In his quarters, he found Mereu in her traditional Orion Matron's outfit waiting for him. "Computer, lock doors and I don't want to be disturbed" ordered Dex. Meanwhile the rest of the senior staff were busy installing the rest of the upgrades to the Brigand, the unimatrix shielding was installed. The hull armor was to be installed at Terok Nor. For the next two weeks, life went on as normal with MACOs whistling and singing as they marched and drilled. The skeleton Starfleet contingent were keeping the ship running as the senior staff all focused on their jobs as the banter went across the bridge. They eventually arrived at Terok Nor and docked to take on the rest of the crew. The Brigand's hull armor was installed as a photon torpedo launcher pod was mounted onto the ship.
Trianna briefed the new MACOs with "I have one rule, everyone fights, no one quits. Any treachery, cowardice and refusal to fight and I will shoot you myself. You all understand?" It was answered with a "We understand Ma'am" from the new MACOs. "Long live the empire" said Trianna afterwards as the new MACOs all yelled "Long live the empire" and saluted. Trianna then went to Dex's quarters and after waiting patiently just bypassed the lock to catch Dex still in bed, "Mr. Smith you were supposed to be on duty five minutes ago" said Trianna only to notice movement and Mereu in the same bed, "You've got ten minutes" said Trianna not impressed as she left the room.
Post edited by theraven2378 on
"The meaning of victory is not to merely defeat your enemy but to destroy him, to completely eradicate him from living memory, to leave no remnant of his endeavours, to crush utterly his achievement and remove from all record his every trace of existence. From that defeat no enemy can ever recover. That is the meaning of victory."
-Lord Commander Solar Macharius
Sito opened her eyes and sat up.
"Where am... Right sick bay."
She looked around for...
"The captain's not here," a voice from her side said.
She turned to face Lolo.
"She left about an hour ago. She left orders that you were not to be disturbed."
"I..."
"I took the liberty of scanning you as well. What ever caused the captains condition was only one directional. Your not pregnant ma'am."
"I'm grateful for that small mercy... But what caused it?"
Lolo shook her head.
"We don't know. We ran every test we could think of, and even invented a few new ones but nothing came up. On the plus side all of them are in fine condition. No problems there."
"I see. How long before..."
"Before delivery? They're developing normally so... nine months give or take a week."
"I see. Thank you. I'm... sorry about earlier."
"Given what has happened, it's completely understandable. The captain suggested that you might want a sedative..."
"I'm fine."
She swung her legs off the table and stood up.
"Your not to inform anyone else about this."
"She already made that clear to us ma'am."
"Good. So... Don't."
She left them and went out the door.
Lolo shook her head.
"Classic parental shock. She'll be climbing the walls by evening. Let's keep a bed ready for her just in case."
Sito forced herself to walk calmly. She wanted to run and scream incoherently through the halls... No, she had a reputation to maintain. To uphold and...pass on to...
She stopped that line of thought. The urge to scream was becoming too great.
She needed... What did she need? She heard Heath's voice in her head "Everybody needs a friend to talk to"...
She went to her office and locked the door.
"Open secure channel to Captain Barclay, maximum encryption."
A few seconds later, the smiling face Lindsay Barclay appeared on her screen.
"Admiral Emissary, long time no talk. Who do you want me to kill for you... Are you alright? You look... what's the word? Frazzled, that's it. You are definitely frazzled."
"Lindsay... I need some advice."
"Your coming to me for advice? Wow, whatever this is really has you shook up."
"Lindsay...how would you react if I said I got someone pregnant?"
Lindsay blinked at her.
"You are a girl right or have you been hiding something from me?"
"Be serious or I'll turn off your life support. Just say for the moment something happened and I did and now I'm going to be a parent."
"Ok... So what?"
Sito grabbed the screen.
"I don't know what to do! Nothing I've ever experienced has prepared me for this. I... What do I do?"
"... Ok so this hypothetical pregnant person... Do they mean anything to you?"
"She means everything to... I... I love her."
"Whoa she melted the ice queen? Well that complicates things."
"How so?"
"Me? I would just make her disappear..."
"Touch her and I'll skin you alive."
"But since you seem to care about her... Will I get an invite to the baby shower?"
"Why do you want to come see us bathe them?"
"Oh I hope the pregnant lady is more in tune with the whole baby thing than you are."
"I know nothing about... babies, children... What should I do?"
Lindsay tried not to smile. She had never been her friend like this.
"You sure you love this person?"
"Yes."
"Well, you know what you have to do then don't you?"
"What?"
"You have to go to this person and confess that you are terrified and so stressed out that you are asking advice from someone who's maternal instincts only go as far as making sure my toys kill at maximum efficiency."
"That's your advice?"
"This is one problem you can't threatened or intimidate away. Be honest with her and yourself."
Sito was quiet.
"Well?"
"You're right."
"Of course I am."
"Thanks Lindsey."
"No problem. So when is the wedding?"
"We're just looking at dresses now..."
"You little... You didn't tell me you were engaged!"
"That slipped out! You are not to tell anyone, you understand me?"
"Fine. But for my silence I get to be a bridesmaid."
"Extortionist."
"How often do I get to dress up? Oh I want pink..."
Sito killed the connection.
Sito had walked this path so many times she could do it blindfolded. Usually it seemed to take to long, now it seemed far too short. She stopped in front of the door of destination. She hesitated. Instead of using her override and just walking in, she touched the panel by the door. A few seconds later it opened revealing a very surprised person.
"You never ring the bell."
"I thought I should this time."
"So this is just a one time thing?"
"We'll see. Are we going to stand here or can I come in?"
"As you say, it's your ship."
She entered and the two of them sat on the couch.
"Are you alright?"
"Why are you asking me that?"
"You fainted."
"Yeah... About that..."
"I..."
"I'm really bad talking about... emotions and things like that..."
" I know. It's fun watching you try."
"You are a cruel woman Lazy."
"Not the first time I've heard that."
"And I love you. But I have no idea how to be a parent."
"You think I do?"
"Your better equipped to handle it. But the prospect of having a baby..."
"Scares you beyond the ability to think?"
"Yes."
"Good, we're on the same page."
"Really?"
"Yes. So we can be terrified together."
"I find that strangely comforting. So what do we do?"
"We stop hiding and tell people about us."
"No, we're not ready."
"We can only hide this for a few months before it becomes very noticeable. And..."
"And?"
"I want us to get married before my stomach sticks out more than my chest does."
"I can't keep you safe if we do that."
"You were never going to be able to by yourself. But with the entire crew behind you, you could do it then. Everyone in sickbay already knows."
"..."
"Well?"
"We'd have to tell mother first."
"I think she'd shoot you if didn't."
"True. Then we tell the others."
"Good. Now we're going to scream hysterically for the next few minutes to get that out of our systems."
Terra(mu)
Papela sat and appeared to be listening intently to the Representatives as they presented their positions on various spending bills. In her mind however, she has having them all shot.
If it weren't such a gross abuse of power, she sighed, I'd execute all of them for making me sit here on such a lovely afternoon. Oh well. Needs must...
Fortunately for her and the lives of every one else present, her aid came into the room.
"Forgive the intrusion ma'am. But I have an incoming call from Admiral Sito. She says it's important."
That caught her attention. She never uses important unless it is
"Excuse me," Papela said standing. "I need to take this. I shall return shortly."
They bowed as she left the room and entered her private chamber.
"Accept transmission."
A large wall mounted screen switched on.
"Hello little one...oh and hello captain. What's the emergency?"
"I hope we didn't pull out of anything important," sito started.
We? She thought arching an eyebrow. The two on screen seemed nervous.
"Not at all. I'm actually glad for the distraction. So what is it?"
"Before all that happened at Terra...I asked Lazy to marry me and she said yes."
Heath held up her arm to show the bracelet on her wrist.
Finally, she thought. One of my girls is settling down.
"I'm so happy for you two," she said smiling broadly. "Welcome to the family."
"Thank you. But there's more."
"Oh?"
"We don't know how it happened... But I'm pregnant. Thay and I are having a baby. Two of them actually."
"THIS IS WONDERFUL!" She yelled clasping her hands together. "Marriage and grandchildren! A royal wedding and birth announcement! That's what we need to do! Oh so much to do! When you're done out there, you must come here so we can talk."
She called in her aid.
"Get rid of those idiots out there. Tell them to compromise or no one gets any money. I'm going to be a grandmother. I have to plan how to spoil my grandchildren."
She forgot about them on the screen and left the room.
"That went well," Heath commented.
"Better than I thought," Sito agreed.
Comments
-Lord Commander Solar Macharius
Dex Smith and his crew had been practicing for the heist of the century, they would empty the contents of the biggest bank on Fereginar in one sweep. "Leclerc, you're to bring down security and the dampening field in the vault, once security is down, Sidis will transport the entire contents of the vault into our cargo hold. T'Pamne, Wilkinson, you two jam their communications. Pitaskli, I need more speed from the engines as Hetal gets us out of here before anyone notices" briefed Smith. "Got it Dex" replied the crew. They now put their plan into action and moved into position, the Fereginar job was on and it would be the robbery of the century.
The Bounty hidden under cloak moved over the target zone as Leclerc brought down security and the dampening fields. Communications were then jammed as the Sidis beamed the entire contents of the vault in one sweep. Hetal now masking the Bounty's warp trail turned the ship around and took the Bounty close to the Fereginar star, "Hetal, any closer and we cook" said Smith slightly worried as Hetal replied "Dex, no need to worry" as she punched the warp drive using a solar flare to mask their escape. After leaving multiple fake warp trails, the Bounty made for the Vulcan sector avoiding any Imperial trouble.
Eventually arriving at Sol five weeks later, they found a remote landing site on Terra in Siberia and kept a low profile. At Terra, the Ferenginar robbery made the news across the empire. "The Ferengi Alliance has been left in a financial meltdown after what has been called the robbery of the century. The Nagus has confirmed that the great bank of Ferenginar was emptied by an unknown ship in a statement. The Ferengi's greed and need for profit has been punished by the loyal citizens of the empire and if the people behind the heist are watching, we thank you" said the news reporter on the screen. "Keep us at 200 feet above the ground and head to Okinawa" said Smith to Hetal.
The Bounty arrived off the coast of Okinawa and landed in a remote valley on the island. Now they moved their loot covertly and 50 million bars of gold pressed latinum were covertly smuggled into the palace with a note to the empress, Naynta and Jodi had the bars moved into the palace vault with the assistance of Smith and his misfits. The Bounty crew shared the rest among themselves as was tradition on the ship, as a donation to the victims of the liberation war they gave 25 million bars of gold pressed latinum to reconstruction of London and New York.
The Bounty crew then hit the bar and celebrated their triumph, "Good job people, Hetal you are just crazy. Next time you decide star surfing is fun, just warn us first" said Smith as the Bounty crew toasted success to the greatest bank job in history. The Ferengi were left reeling as Ferengi businesses had to face increased business taxes to make up for the loss of 100 million bars of gold pressed latinum. "You misfits are crazy, you will have to tell us how you pulled it off" said Naynta as Trianna, Jodi and Kestrella joined her at the bar. "Dex, Naynta called us misfits" said Hetal and the Bounty crew laughed. Trianna bought the Bounty crew the first round of drinks as a thank you for crippling the Ferengi economy. Papela and Kestrella after the initial disbelieve used the proceeds to rehousing the London and New York survivors, "in and out without detection, well played" said Papela smiling.
-Lord Commander Solar Macharius
Trianna and Kestrella were working on the design for their pet project. "A statue seems too simple" said Kestrella as she suggested "a cenotaph." "Like the one that was in London before it was destroyed?" asked Trianna. "Yes but larger, it stands out and it's elegant" answered Kestrella. "With both empire's insignias, both empires united against a common threat" replied Trianna. "Computer, display parameters" ordered Kestrella. The design materialized and both inspected it down to every detail, "Hmm, computer, add a memorial wall, black marble to both sides" ordered Trianna. Kestrella took a close look, "let's put a computer display with the names of all the victims" she suggested.
Naynta and Jodi walked in seeing what all the secrecy was all about, "Naynta, Jodi, mother is not to know about this project" said Kestrella, "call it a secret among us" added Trianna. "Looks plain" said Naynta, "needs more glory" added Jodi. "A cenotaph is symbolic" argued Kestrella, "as well as neutral to both sides" added Trianna. "We'll keep the secret though it'll cost you, first round is on you, Trianna" countered Naynta. "Deal" answered Trianna. "Nice doing business" answered Jodi and the oldest Lot sisters left the holosuite. "I know of a drink that'll test them, are they prepared for Absinthe?" said Trianna smirking. "They've never encountered that one before" replied Kestrella trying not to laugh. "Time to honor the deal" answered Trianna. "Computer, save programme" ordered Kestrella and they both left the holosuite.
"I've got to see this" said Kestrella as she and Trianna entered the bar. Trianna then poured two glass of absinthe and passed them to her adoptive sisters. Both down the glass and poured themselves another, glass three left them passed out on the bar eventually being carried to their rooms and put the couches to sleep it off. The next day they congratulated Trianna finding them a drink that could defeat them. "Well played" said Jodi and she and Naynta nursed a hangover.
Dex Smith had taken the Bounty and landed outside what was London, they immediately set up a field hospital and food distribution hub to help Starfleet in relief efforts. Smith delegated as best he could as he spoke to the survivors, Papela had come to visit and oversee the operation, "majesty, what's the situation with New York?" asked Smith to Papela. "I hear your crew gave up your shares of the Loot to help fund these relief efforts, New York is stable for now. Relief efforts are advancing quickly, I hear you took command here in London, any reason why?" answered Papela as she and Smith talked with survivors. "I was born and raised in London. These are my people, we always band together and make the best of a bad situation, we're proud and will never back down" replied Smith.
"I studied this city's history, plagues, a fire, and attacked from the air in two world wars and yet the people of London refuse to quit. London is now a hero city along with New York, I've observed two different Terran cultures and they amaze me with their never say die attitude" said Papela, "Terrans, regardless of where they're from are tough in times of hardship. We've survived a Super Volcano, plagues, wars and enslavement and we're still here. We have our flaws but we are survivors" replied Smith. "It's humbling seeing these people working together as a community" answered Papela as she sat down and talked with the injured.
Smith then saw Trianna and Kestrella manning a field kitchen making sure people were being fed, Papela took one look as Trianna and Kestrella both explained they had volunteered to help as best they could. "Little ones, you've taken lesson one to heart, always put the people before yourself" said Papela in approval. "Naynta and Jodi are at the field hospital treating the injured, we strong armed them into helping" said Kestrella to which Trianna added "I locked out the replicator and locked away all the alcohol. Naynta and Jodi both saw reason then" with a smile. "And they're being inundated, I hope they can keep up, Mr. Smith's doctor Mereu is very efficient" added Kestrella. "Carry on little ones" replied Papela.
-Lord Commander Solar Macharius
"Things progress accordingly."
"Indeed. I did say that patience was all that was required."
"True. Now what?"
"Things have almost come to a head."
"The final act begins."
Antares station (prime)
"Attention all ships of the 113th. I commend you on your first combat excursion. You have all performed admirably. To commemorate this occasion there is another people that have also suffered. They Invite us to join them as they celebrate their own rebirth. Everyone break out your swimsuits, we're going to Risa."
Heath cocked her head to the side.
"You hear that? That'sthe sound of one hundred and fifty crews yelling. It carries across the vacuum of space. Aunlel, you know where to take us."
"Yes ma'am."
ISS Enterprise(mu)
Sito sat in her quarters staring at the screen on her desk. The expression on her face made it clear she was not pleased.
"You know I don't like this."
Heath looked up at her from screen.
"We've been over this before."
"That doesn't mean I have to like it."
"We both have things we need to do."
"You are too exposed. You can't keep doing things like this."
"We gave the Bajorans those orbs together."
"And now not only have they proclaimed us their Emissaries, but they broadcast to everyone how you restored the plant, the orbs, and those damn aliens as well. Do you know how those religious fools have written about what we did at Terra?"
Sito picked up a PADD and read from it.
"'Backed by those summoned from other realms, the Emissaries called forth the gate of the Celestial Temple and stormed out leading their armies against the force that had sought to destroy the followers of the Prophets'."
She dropped the PADD.
"What utter nonsense."
"Yeah, not even close to what really happened."
"And yet this is what they sent out. With our likenesses embedded in it."
"I didn't know they did that."
"They did. Describing with similar inaccurate details how things were fixed."
"I can't imagine..."
"You don't have to I have it right here."
Sito sighed, rubbing her eyes.
"Everyone knows about us, about you... Damnit I can't protect you like this."
"You don't have to."
"Yes I do. You have no idea what it's really like over here."
"Then show me."
"Your Federation mindset could handle it."
"That is not my home anymore. This is. And if you want me to be safe, then show me what it's really like here so I can deal with it. Because I refuse to hide."
They stared at each.
"I will tie you to the bed by your hair."
"Maybe I'll finally cut it off like you want."
"You won't do that and you know it."
"I won't hide Thay."
"You know you're adorable when you're self-righteous."
"My mother would disagree with you."
"Just... Be careful. Alright?"
"I'm surrounded by MACOs. I'll be fine."
"You better be."
Dex Smith and his crew had all decided by consensus to retire from their usual activities, instead Smith went to speak to Papela's aide about seeing the empress about officially joining Starfleet. Papela was enjoying her cup of tea when her aide told her "Majesty, Captain Smith is asking for an audience with you." "Another interrupted cup, very well send him in" said Papela, Smith walked in and bowed as was custom before handing the PADD to Papela's aide containing their offer to join Starfleet. "Mr. Smith, an interesting proposal, even down to keeping your crew together" noted Papela.
"My crew insist on staying together" answered Smith. "And that they shall be, your offer to join Starfleet is accepted, you and and your crew have earned that so best behavior Captain Smith" replied Papela. "Thank you majesty, can we keep our ship? asked Smith. "Denied, it wouldn't be appropriate for a Starfleet crew to be in an ship that is not Starfleet issue. The Bounty will go into a museum" answered Papela. "Yes majesty" replied Smith and he saluted Papela and left the palace to meet up with his crew for swearing in.
After swearing in, the Bounty crew were issued their uniforms and given field commissions. Smith was made captain of the I.S.S. Reliant, the lead ship in the Reliant class line of light cruisers. Selecting his crew positions, Smith kept things as they were on the Bounty. Sidis was promoted to commander and Hetal promoted to Lt along with Leclerc. T'Pamne was promoted to Lt. Cmdr along with Wilkinson, Mereu was promoted to Commander. She was also territorial around Smith.
The crew now boarded the Reliant and toured the ship introducing themselves to the crew. The former Bounty crew now decided to redecorate the mess hall with souvenirs from their past endeavors much to the crew's approval. The enlisted crew and junior officers all swore allegiance to the empress, Smith smiled and worried slightly, a crew of 200 was something Smith had never faced before, he was used to his crew of seven. "Dex, do we have to call you sir or Captain?" asked Hetal to which Smith answered "only when VIPs are aboard Hetal." "Got it Dex" replied Hetal and she took her seat at helm. Smith then had a joke with his comrades in arms.
On Terra, Trianna and Kestrella were supervising the finishing touches for the construction of the Liberation War Cenotaph in Paris. It was part of the complete memorial park. They were speaking with engineers, architects and the workers themselves, Trianna spoke to them in fluent French as well as translating telepathically for Kestrella on what the construction staff were saying. "Terra has many different languages, I advise you to learn the various languages if you wish to understand the Terran people" she said to Kestrella afterwards. "Makes communication easier" noted Kestrella listening carefully. The cenotaph was finished three weeks later and declared ready as safety checks were carried out by the engineers and architects, all signed off that it was safe. It was hidden under cloak and the area cleared and secured until the ceremony.
-Lord Commander Solar Macharius
The 113th had arrived escorted by a honor guard of the veterans of the Liberation war, every species who had taken part in the liberation was represented in the guard. Dex Smith with special dispensation from the empress was in the Bounty on her last mission as part of the guard. Admiral Heath was being briefed by Trianna Lot on the scale of the damage, Councillor Valdez asked to have a look at the damage himself and after getting clearance, Trianna, Valdez, Heath and the senior officers of the 113th beamed down to inspect the damage caused by the orbital platforms.
Valdez and the 113th officers were shocked at the scale of the destruction, after being shown the damage they were invited to the palace. At the palace, Papela and Valdez made their peace with a hand shake before they talked business, "I've spoken with the Federation Council and Starfleet given recent events and having seen the scale of destruction myself, I'll move that the Federation provide humanitarian aid to help in any relief efforts already in place" said Valdez. "Councilor Valdez, 25 million dead or unaccounted for in New York and London alone, millions more injured and they've lost everything including family members, 4 billion more casualties for Betazed and Bajor. Too many died and rebuilding may take years to undo the damage. Even though the 113th disobeyed orders, they helped save billions, an act that deserves to be honored" replied Papela frankly.
"I agree, I managed to get the charges dropped concerning the 113th. My Trianna briefed me on what happened on the way here" answered Valdez. "Even though they breached your Federation's Prime Directive" replied Papela to which Valdez answered "they saved innocent lives, that's all that matters." "The empire won't forget the 113th's bravery, to honor what they did I think it's time that the we end the conflict between the Empire and the Federation" replied Papela passing a PADD with a peace treaty draft over to Valdez. "I've also sent the Federation Council the treaty and they've agreed that it should be ratified, since you are the Federation ambassador to the Terran Empire, I asked that you sign for the Federation" said Papela as Valdez looked through every detail. "Agreed, let's make sure that all who died in the Federation/Terran conflict did not die in vain" replied Valdez.
"On a personal note, I was wrong in what I did to you, your family and crew. I know you and your Trianna can never forgive my family which is understandable" answered Papela. "What happened on Betazed was wrong, yes I agree but that's in the past so let's try and look to the future for not only our respective families but also for the families of those who lost their lives in one moment of madness" replied Valdez calmly. "Agreed and in the spirit of co-operation, the Empire officially asks for humanitarian assistance from the Federation" answered Papela, "one more thing. I don't appreciate being framed" replied Valdez. "Fair enough, to borrow a Terran term, bury the hatchet?" answered Papela, "agreed" answered Valdez. After working out the last amendments to the peace treaty, Papela and Valdez were beamed to Paris for the ceremony.
The 113th were all present in their dress blues as were the veterans of the war and survivors of New York and London. Papela and the entire Lot family opened the Liberation Gardens, Trianna and Kestrella Lot then deactivated the cloak and unveiled the the cenotaph and there was a two minute silence for all the victims of the war. The Treaty of Paris was then signed on the spot as both Imperial and Federation Starfleet clapped.
Afterwards a party was held at the palace, Trianna Lot tried not to laugh at both Sito and Heath being called emissaries. "Thay, Layress, I hear it's quite the honor" said Trianna, "I glad you find it amusing Trianna" replied Sito as Captain Heath just face palmed. "What are sisters for Thay?" answered Trianna smiling. "Trianna, you've calmed down though I do not approve of your other duties" said Heath. "The training for my other duties has given me discipline, I no longer hurt people for the enjoyment, I'm trained to kill quickly and humanely and I take no joy in it" replied Trianna. "You're a different young woman to the the angry and violent one I first met, keep it up" answered Heath. "I will do" replied Trianna as she bought Heath and Sito a drink.
Meanwhile, Valdez and Papela were discussing parenting methods as the 113th drinking team took on the Imperial drinking team in a drinking contest, but Papela and Valdez had a surprise for both Triannas. Everyone began singing happy birthday as two massive cakes were brought out and put on the table. Both Triannas wished each other happy birthday and each blew out 21 candles on the cakes. After the party, both sides parted ways and the 113th left Imperial space with a honor guard all the way back. Valdez got back to Earth a week later and presented Papela's request to the Federation council before resuming his grand father duties. It was approved and aid convoys were formed under combined Imperial and Federation Starfleet escort. Dex Smith commanding Reliant was placed in overall command of escort given his experience of raiding and piracy.
-Lord Commander Solar Macharius
Dex Smith was on the bridge of the Reliant counting the ships, also on board was Trianna Lot. She was there on orders from Papela to oversee the operation. "Captain Smith, this has to get through to Terra. Captain, given the escort of 100 Imperial and Federation ships protecting the 40 Federation transports, will anyone be stupid enough to attack?" asked Trianna, "ma,am, there are still forces out here loyal to the previous regime and they could attempt to either destroy the convoy or slow it down" answered Smith honestly. "Agreed, what's your plan?" replied Trianna.
"Imperial ships will provide the outer screen while the Federation ships act as the inner screen, the enemy will try and draw the escorts away from the convoy to leave the transports vulnerable. We'll travel at the same speed as the slowest ship and stick with the convoy like glue. Having consulted with my counterpart on the Kamakura, the Federation ships will form a tachyon net around the transports just in case they try to infiltrate cloaked, Imperial ships will will be proactive as a defensive outer screen. Anything trying to attack the transports will have to go through us first, the Federation warships will be the second and last line of defense" answered Smith showing Trianna the tactical display.
"The empress will be watching these convoys from her headquarters, Cutlass and Los Lobos along with an extra 25 Defiant and Valiant class ships will be joining the convoy at Bajor though Admiral Lot said convoy duty was beneath her" replied Trianna, "127 ships escorting 40 transports, anyone who attacks us will not survive" answered Smith. "Operation is a go, Captain, form up the convoy and set course for Terra" ordered Trianna as she took the guest's seat on the bridge. "This is the convoy command ship, inner defense screen from up around the transports, outer defense screen watch for hostiles" ordered Smith. The convoy set off for Terra linking up with Los Lobos, Cutlass and the extra escorts at Bajor a day later, they were now on their way to Terra. "Smith to all ships, watch your sensors and keep it frosty, the enemy could be anywhere" ordered Smith to the escorts.
On Kamakura, Prime Smith coordinated the Federation forces as the tachyon net was formed and they then formed a shield bubble around the convoy. On Reliant, Smith thought "so far, so good" before sensors picked up a Klingon attack force heading their way. "This is the command ship, all ships red alert. Outer perimeter prepare to engage the enemy, inner perimeter stick to the transports like glue. Any enemy who gets through the outer perimeter are to be taken out by the inner perimeter" ordered Smith as 50 Klingon bird of preys decloaked and made a run on the convoy. They were met by a volley of phaser fire from the Imperial led outer defense perimeter, 15 bird of preys were destroyed outright with another 25 disabled, the other 10 bird of preys made a run at the inner perimeter but were swiftly disabled by the Federation led inner perimeter.
"This is the beginning, they'll probe our defense perimeters trying to find weaknesses" advised Smith to Trianna. "This may have a scouting force, all ships destroy the disabled raiders, we cannot have them sending a message to their friends" ordered Trianna and the Imperial ships destroyed the 35 remaining bird of preys. After a three day running battle, the convoy arrived in Vulcan sector, they were now two days from Terra as another Klingon force of 100 battle-cruisers blocked the route into Terra. Smith knew he could go around them so he formed the Imperial ships into a wedge to punch a way through, Trianna using her authority as a member of the Imperial first family called in reinforcements to attack the back of the Klingon line as Smith would attack up the gut.
Solat led her fleet out of Terran and launched her attack according to the plan. The Federation inner perimeter stuck with the transports, being squeezed between the convoy defenders and Solat's forces forces from Terra, the Klingons retreated with only 20 ships left. The convoy entered Terran orbit and took up position. For four escorts lost, they had succeeded with no transports lost. Next to run the gauntlet were the 113th escorting their convoy in, they would have to face a running battle all the way to Terra. Trianna Valdez would not be taking part as she was on long term maternity leave.
-Lord Commander Solar Macharius
Given her "other" duties, Bray is no longer safe to use. All Sito and Heath know is that she went on commando training, only Papela knows her code name of "Ghost".
-Lord Commander Solar Macharius
- Battle of Antarres (LL crew gets duplicated due to temporal stuff)
- Valdez is killed
- His daughters TRIBBLE up worse than Jar Jar
- Heath (Prime) was promoted
- Something to do with Bajor and Betazed
- Sutherland's brain go boom!
Heath (Prime) getting a promotion, she earned it in expertly handling the Terran crisis and well a little bit on insanity in the admiralty bright brighten the place up.
Valdez getting killed twice was extra poetic, first by Trianna and then handed over to Galatt for something poetic
Antares is locked away under highly classified clearance given it's nature, only a select few know about it in both universes
-Lord Commander Solar Macharius
Trianna also was the one who executed her. She's focused on repairing the damage caused by her sister's actions, she took a big risk in defecting to Papela's liberation fleet. She even voluntarily got herself interrogated by Papela, Naynta and Jodi, she passed Papela's test.
-Lord Commander Solar Macharius
I seem to remember your twins beating up Naynta for something ... Is it time for the opposite to occur? :O
-Lord Commander Solar Macharius
Dex Smith and his crew had been dispatched to Betazed on a planetary security test, for the past 24 hours they had been breaking into military and civil facilities and noting down where improvements could be made. Trianna was back on the bridge, she was supervising the tests and her standards were high, her reports were then sent back to Terra for Empress Lot's personal attention. Any holes in security were sealed with enhanced computer security upgrades and other measures put in place and all the other inhabited planets were also tested and their security upgraded where needed.
With his job done, Smith set a course back to Terra. On the bridge, it was the usual lighthearted atmosphere with Mereu getting a bit territorial towards the newer female crew. "Must be the former matron in her" joked Sidis to which Hetal added "Dex, was it one matron or two?" Smith just face palmed and answered "the less said the better, those were careful trade negotiations." "I have my ways, what happens on Risa stays on Risa" added Mereu with a smirk. "It was a good business meeting" joked Smith with a laugh. "The kind of business meeting that allowed us steal some very valuable artifacts from the syndicate" answered Hetal to which Leclerc added "then Hetal decided she wants to go through an asteroid field at full impulse to lose the Imperial police." "It was most illogical but effective" added T'Panme and Wilkinson added "Hetal in a nutshell." "True, that was a crazy near miss" finished Pitaskli laughing.
Trianna just face palmed at the story. "Captain Smith, I see crazy is part of deal with this ship though do try and be professional. You're lucky I don't do formality, the empress expects formality" she said afterwards. "Yes ma'am" answered Smith. "Captain Heath also passed me a message to tell you, she has a pain stick with your name on it Smith. Don't give her an excuse to use it" replied Trianna. "Yes ma'am" answered Smith, Hetal kept quiet this time. "Good, Mr. Smith, we have an arrangement then" replied Trianna as a Klingon bird of prey decloaked.
Smith called red alert and after gauging it to be hostile engaged it. "Hetal, can you do the Immelman?" asked Smith. "Already done" answered Hetal as she finished it with an L-4 turn to get onto the bird of prey's six o clock. The bird of prey countered and tightly turned to make a strafing run on Reliant. Smith used the Reliant speed to avoid the worse of the attack as his forward arc of phasers fired disabling the bird of prey's photon launcher as the bird of prey went in with a disruptor strafing run. Hetal stayed one step ahead as she drifted the Reliant round as Wilkinson increased power to forward shields. "Fire" ordered Smith, the Reliant's upgraded pulse phasers tore through the shield knocking out the engines and cloaking device on the bird of prey. "Lock quantums and photons" ordered Smith as T'Panme locked on. "Loose" ordered Smith and the Reliant fired, the bird of prey was destroyed outright and another kill was marked on the score sheet. "Hetal, resume course for Terra" ordered Smith.
When the Reliant arrived at Terra two weeks later, Smith and Trianna went to hand in their reports to Papela while the rest of the crew finished repairing the minor damage from the dogfight with the bird of prey. At the palace, Trianna warned Smith with a "be professional." "Yes ma'am" answered Smith as they walked to Papela's office, Smith was then checked by Trianna's security team for any contraband and asked to surrender his weapon before entering. "You'll get it back on the way out" said Trianna. Both handed in their reports and Papela studied them closely before asking Smith and Trianna their recommendations. "Computer security is our Achilles' heel, I recommend computer software and hardware upgrades across the board to close that hole. I supervised the computer upgrades for Betazed myself" answered Trianna. "Majesty, my team has also installed phase sweeps and sensor sweeps on all facilities on Betazed, even we could not break in" added Smith. Papela reviewed the upgrades and congratulated Trianna and Smith on their work before she told the guards to leave the room and asked Smith to sit down. Trianna left the office to drill her commando team.
"Mr. Smith, does the year 2375 mean anything?" asked Papela. Smith answered "majesty?" "We've met before, my family ended up in your sickbay. Thank you for keeping me and my family safe" replied Papela. "Majesty, I thought I made sure you could not remember that meeting" answered Smith. "Betazoid minds are stronger than Terran, you took the correct precautions in wiping my family's memory though next time be more thorough" replied Papela. "Yes majesty" replied Smith. "Read it aloud" ordered Papela handing Smith a PADD, Smith obeyed and read the message aloud, "By order of Imperial command, you have special dispensation to rename I.S.S. Reliant to I.S.S. Bounty, signed Empress Papela I." "Thank you majesty" said Smith afterwards smiling, "just wait until the crew hear about this" he thought. At a bar in Tokyo, Smith bought his senior staff a round of drinks and gave them the good news.
-Lord Commander Solar Macharius
Dex Smith was briefing his new ops officer in his ready room. "Permission to speak freely?" asked Lt Jasmine Smith, "granted" answered Smith. "Dexter Theodore Smith, have you even bothered to speak to mum and dad since you rejoined the service?" asked Jasmine. "Let's not go there, I thought none of you got out of London in time" answered Smith. "We all made it, dad's still shaken up and well mum's still not got over the shock" replied Jasmine. "What's the point? They want nothing to do with me" answered Smith, "mum and dad are worried sick, why don't you make the effort to rebuild that bridge with them?" asked Jasmine.
"They burnt that bridge years ago, why should I rebuild it?" asked Smith to which Jasmine answered "to tell them you're still alive after all these years, it's been 15 years since you stormed out on them in a rage." "I'm not backing down to them, so what if dad is a general" replied Smith. "When dad found out you helped put together the coalition that brought the mad empress down, he was proud of you. He still is, I don't want to hear your new job being used as an excuse, call mum and dad" answered Jasmine. "Fair enough Jasmine, I'll call them, you still know how to push your big brother's buttons" replied Smith. "8 years difference between us gives plenty of practice. Now that's over with, Captain, Lt Jasmine Smith reporting for duty" answered Jasmine. "Welcome aboard the Bounty, I'll show you to your station" replied Smith and both officer entered the bridge.
"Don't mind Mereu, she gets territorial around me" said Smith. "Miss Smith, welcome aboard" said Mereu to Jasmine. "ma'am, Dexter is my big bother" replied Jasmine saluting. "Miss Smith, no offence intended" answered Mereu, "none taken, I'll put the message out that you've claimed the captain all to yourself" replied Jasmine. "Thank you Lt and welcome to the Bounty family" answered Mereu. Jasmine took to her station and smiled. The rest of the crew introduced themselves as Smith said "Jasmine, get used to the craziness on this ship." "Thanks for the warning Dexter" answered Jasmine. The relaxed atmosphere was broken when Trianna was back aboard to supervise a combat operation. "Looks like we got to keep the Unimatrix shielding and enhanced weapons" said Smith as ordered the Bounty out of spacedock.
The Bounty jumped to warp as soon as it left the dock, they were heading to link up with Admiral Barclay's assault fleet. For their combat tour they had extra weapon pods installed on the Bounty and the bridge moved down to deck 3, "Hetal, set course for Trill maximum warp" ordered Smith as Hetal punched it to warp 9.5. "All sections report in" said Smith and all section heads reported ready. "Captain Smith, when we get to Trill you are to hand these orders to Admiral Barclay. The Athena and Los Lobos will be joining you there, in overall command will be Admiral Sito. We're to join the war against Leeta" said Trianna. "Not our first dance ma'am" replied Smith.
"The empress read your combat report and thought some time with a combat unit might teach you some skills and discipline" answered Trianna as she settled down in the guest chair. "Yes ma'am, I understand clearly" replied Smith. "Good Mr. Smith, I want to see a professional and disciplined crew. The empress will be getting my report so best behavior" answered Trianna. During the cruise to Trill, the bridge crew laughed about the jobs they worked on together and some even made Lt. Smith face palm at the insanity.
-Lord Commander Solar Macharius
Sito opened the door to Heath's quarters and found her sitting on the couch.
"At least you don't have your back to the door this time."
"I lock the door. You just never ring before entering."
"It is my ship."
Sito took in the scene in front of her.
Heath had kicked off her boots and had her feet tucked under her. A dozen PADDS were on the table with five in front of her and she was chewing on the band that kept her braid intact.
"Alright," Sito sighed. "What emergency are you trying to solve now?"
"What?"
"You're doing all your 'stressed out, hard thinking' things. There's nothing going on. Everything for once is quiet. What are you trying to solve?"
The band snapped and shot across the room landing at her feet.
"I'm trying to pick out a dress."
"Stress understood. What's it for?"
"Our wedding."
"Oh..."
She walked over and sat down next to her.
"Normally, you do this with friends, but since we haven't told anyone yet..."
"We can't tell them. Not yet. It isn't safe to let anyone know yet."
"I know. But I've narrowed it down to these."
Sito looked them over.
"Earth standard. Really frilly and lots of lace. Bajoran, your Bajor thankfully, not that neon cesspool over here. Nice, a bit boring though. Klingon, like the red leather. The hole over the heart, I just don't get that. Trill, aw that's sweet of you, but they are boring. And lastly..."
Heath took it off the table.
"This one was just a fluke," she said quickly. "A joke I meant to get rid of."
"Now I'm curious. Show me."
"It's not really worth it..."
"Show me or I'll chew on your braid until you do."
Heath handed her the PADD.
Sito couldn't stop laughing.
"Risa? You naughty girl."
"I wasn't serious about it."
"You should definitely go with this one."
"I AM NOT WEARING THAT TO MY WEDDING!"
"So what are you going to wear?"
"I... I don't know. What are you going to wear?"
"I..."
Sito trailed off.
"I haven't thought about it. We been so busy... I don't know."
Heath smiled and shoved the pile of PADDs over to her.
"Here, you start looking. I'll get us something to drink. It's going to be a long night."
Captain Smith and his crew were in their usual high spirits after another convoy defense, in their last run, they had accounted for another five bird of preys. Trianna was on the bridge noting down the crew's performance and checking to make sure Smith's reports were accurate as the crew were exchanging banter while both Smith and Jasmine Smith were speaking to their parents back on Terra via subspace. The calm was interrupted by a distress call.
Smith put the crew to red alert and responded to the call, it was from the I.S.S. Hornet. She had taken severe damage to her warp drive and was under attack from a Klingon battle group near Trill. Smith set course for Trill and entered the battle site 20 minutes later flanked by I.S.S. Los Lobos. Smith used the the Bounty to scout the battlefield finding the Hornet hidden in a debris field crippled. "Too quiet" noted Smith to Trianna, Trianna agreed and advised Naynta Lot on Los Lobos to expect trouble. "Captain Smith, get close and rescue any survivors but expect Klingons. They may be cloaked" ordered Naynta over the channel. "Noted Admiral, Smith out" replied Smith.
"Here's what we're going to do, Hetal get us really close to the Hornet and put ourselves in between the Klingons and the Hornet. Sidis, divert power to ventral shielding when Hetal rotates us dorsal side to the Hornet. Jasmine, we only have time for one sweep so make sure you can grab everyone in one go. Leclerc, you'll disrupt their computer grids, do as much damage as you can and be creative. Mereu, you'll be busy down in sickbay, we may have lots of wounded to treat. Wilkinson, the moment we transport, set off a charged particle burst, if the Klingons are indeed waiting for us then the burst will decloak them. T'Pamne, at that moment fire a full spread of photons to to knock out weapons and engines. Pitaskli I need full power to engines as we evacuate the survivors" ordered Smith. The crew all nodded in agreement as Trianna noted down the plan.
They put the plan into action, the Bounty sped towards the debris field and took position rotating round so it's dorsal side was facing the Hornet. The Ventral shields were then strengthened as Jasmine beamed out 25 survivors from the Hornet. Seeing a rescue operation was happening, the Klingons decloaked and attacked with 25 bird of preys supported by 5 K'Tingas. The Bounty was under fire the whole way ducking and weaving to avoid too much fire firing all the way as Leclerc and Wilkinson caused mayhem on their computers and sensors. Smith now carved a path though the ambush as Los Lobos provided covering fire, Los Lobos and Bounty then made a tactical withdrawal and called in Admiral Barclay and her fleet to assist. After transferring the Hornet survivors to a hospital ship bound to Trill, Smith joined up with Barclay's fleet along with Los Lobos and joined the counter-attack. In the resulting battle Barclay's fleet cleared the battlefield by baiting the Klingons into attacking her light cruisers then wrapping around to cut off any retreat before destroying the Klingon battle group. Smith marked another three kills onto the crew's score sheet.
"Good job Mr.Smith" said Naynta afterwards over the channel smiling at the lunacy she had just witnessed. Trianna was of the same agreement and noted down the crew's combat performance, she left the bridges and flanked by her guards went to her quarters to file her report to Papela. Afterwards in the mess the crew were cheering and celebrating, Bounty had sustained a damaged a sensor pod but was still partially operational. "Good thing our armour and unimatrix shielding held, no other light cruiser could sustain that level of bombardment" said Smith to Trianna. "Enjoy the carnival atmosphere while it lasts because at 0600 hours starting tomorrow, you are all on drills for one hour each day. You all will learn some discipline" answered Trianna picking up a pain stick. "Yes ma'am" said the whole crew. "These are the crew going on drill, read the list carefully" said Trianna with a wicked smile. It was Dex and the senior staff only, "just wait until dad finds out about this" joked Jasmine. "It'll make a man out of him" answered Smith quoting their father.
"When dad found out about you getting your own command in Starfleet, he was the happiest I've ever seen him. In fact, he's coming to visit us as part of an inspection tour" replied Jasmine. "We need to find some better uniforms, something classy" answered Smith. "2385 Imperial Starfleet uniform, replace the sash with a modern belt problem solved" replied Jasmine. "Make it standard uniform but in black with modern department colors for the undershirts" answered Smith. "Consider it done, one must always be well dressed when in front of the enemy" replied Jasmine. "Funny" answered Smith. "You have to be up at 0500 hours, get some sleep" replied Jasmine. Smith not risking an argument just said night to the crew and left for his quarters.
-Lord Commander Solar Macharius
The Bounty had been reassigned to the Vulcan sector and Trianna had put her discipline programme in place and she had been remorseless to Captain Smith and his senior staff. From 0600-0700 hours, the Bounty senior staff were drilled which any infraction punished by a slight jolt of the pain stick from Trianna. "Dismissed, same time tomorrow, we will get this right or you will keep being drilled until you get it right" said Trianna to the Bounty senior staff afterwards. Jasmine Smith had been watching the exercises along with General David Smith.
"That's what your brother needs, iron discipline" said General Smith smiling. "Agreed dad" replied Jasmine laughing at her brother's discomfort. "Who's the officer drilling them?" asked General Smith. "Lt Trianna Lot" answered Jasmine. "Introduce me" requested General Smith. "Of course dad" answered Jasmine before she asked Trianna for some of her time. "Lt Lot, my name is Major General David Smith, Impressive work on that drill session. Is there any hope of straightening up Mr. Smith and his crew?" asked General Smith shaking Trianna's hand. "General, you must be Captain Smith's father. Pleased to meet you sir, I want them to hate me to the point they succeed just to prove me wrong" replied Trianna.
"Lt, what's your impression of them?" asked General Smith to which Trianna answered "their teamwork cannot be faulted though they lack discipline, I've got the unenviable task of whipping them into shape." "You're doing a good job, I had a word with the empress herself about a transfer which may interest you" replied General Smith passing Trianna a PADD. "Ever since the empress retired me from my other duties, I've been working with Captain Smith and his crew" answered Trianna while she read the transfer papers. They were for Imperial Special Forces, Trianna was being offered the chance for ground operations with the rank of Major. "I'll talk this over with the empress, I need time to think about this" answered Trianna honestly.
"Captain Smith, clean this ship up. When I get back I want to see this ship spotless" ordered Trianna as she beamed back to Terra. General Smith now spent the next few hours speaking to his children and inspecting the crew, even father and son had managed to partially rebuild their relationship. At the palace on Terra, Trianna read the transfer offer and brought it up at dinner. "To be honest Trianna, you're not Starfleet material. As a sniper, different story" said Naynta honestly. "On Betazed, how many soldiers met their end at your hand?" asked Jodi. "25 by my hand, another 50 by my squad" answered Trianna. "What's your combined body count by just your hand?" asked Naynta. "Over 200 by my rifle and drones alone, I killed at least four of my competition unarmed during my training alone and another 15 with a my dagger" answered Trianna.
"Trianna is a stone cold killer, I like that" said Jodi to Naynta. "And I thought Kestrella was scary" replied Naynta to which Jodi answered "The fact they get on just fine is even scarier." "Little ones, here's my advise. Trianna, I recommend taking the transfer. I read your training reports from your shadow training. You kept your squad alive and carried out the mission in an exercise that if anyone died or failed, you all would die. Talent like that would get you further in the commandos than in Starfleet" advised Papela. "Make use of your talents Trianna" said Kestrella with a smile. "Take the transfer and promotion for the good of the empire" added Papela. Trianna thought about it all that evening in her room/workshop. "Enter" said Trianna and Papela entered the room as Trianna put her tools away. "Little one, General Smith is a good officer who has an eye for talent. That stone cold killer in you would be better in Imperial special forces" advised Papela as Trianna poured her a cup of tea.
"My squad goes with me then, non negotiable. My squad are the team I kept alive throughout my Shadow training, they serve me because they owe me their lives" answered Trianna. "Why were you code named Ghost?" asked Papela to which Trianna answered "because I was in, target eliminated and out before I could be detected." "You caused havoc on Betazed, I saw my commanders all go down with one round each. While I may not approve your actions on Betazed, I also respect skill like that" replied Papela. "I hear Imperial intelligence have called me the Ghost of Betazed. A ghost that reappeared and removed her own sister" answered Trianna looking at a picture of her and Marie in happier times. "I know your step father had Marie cloned after she was murdered, it could explain her erratic behavior towards the end" replied Papela. "My sister is buried in the palace gardens in the royal cemetery, what my step-father did was unethical and wrong. His decision caused millions to lose their lives in the long run, my real sister died five months ago" answered Trianna with a mixture of sadness and anger.
"You miss her?" asked Papela to which Trianna answered "everyday, my step-father refused to let me grieve." "How about we go and see her then?" asked Papela. Trianna agreed and went with Papela to Marie's grave and tended to it before spending four hours there trying to get her head together. Papela had gave Trianna some time to herself in order to work out her choices. Afterwards, Trianna knocked on Papela's office door and and Papela let her in. "I'll take the transfer, Starfleet is not for me. I feel more alive in ground combat leading my squad" said Trianna signing the transfer papers. The next day, Trianna wore her Imperial Special Forces uniform and General Smith put Major rank chevrons on her uniform followed by a "welcome to the 1st MACO special forces division Major Trianna Lot, you'll be in command of your team as is part of the deal for your transfer" from General Smith. "General, Major Trianna Lot reporting for duty" answered Trianna saluting General Smith. "Major, I'm assigning you to Captain Smith as his MACO commander on the Bounty full time" replied General Smith. "Yes General" answered Trianna smiling at the thought of keeping Captain Smith on his toes.
-Lord Commander Solar Macharius
"With the war over, we've a lack of targets, not to mention things have been strangely quiet.... Is anyone else unused to this?!"
The entire bridge crew raised agreed.... "How did we get roped into dealing with something the Inquisition- no just starfleeet should be dealing with?"
""Because someone in the Blue-Appropriation-Brotherhood, decided to steal from the Imperial palace."
""It was a rhetorical question- don't make me shoot you, Basilisk, I'm in no mood for jokes." Roy threatened.
"Yes ma'am."
The Ships computer linked up with a planet side security camera apparently the on-board AI thought something important was happening down there, Emma quickly brought it up on screen.
"What was that you said Green-blood? Huh?" The Starfleet officer kicked the aging Vulcan down again. The other two Terrans laughed, behind them another Terran looked down at the empty chair and plate across from from him where the Vulcan had been sitting and scowled at the unwarranted actions of these monsters.
He stood up and deftly approached the group, purposefully reaching out with his arm.
One the officers dropped to the ground, while the other two turned, "Nerve pinch will land you in an early grave Knife ea- you're not Vulcan!"
The speaker was silenced with knee to the lower body, before he was flipped over his assailant his head cracking on the pavement.
"Why you-" said the brown hair woman going for her phaser. Her attacker grabbed her arms twisted her writ and dislocated her shoulder with a crack.
Sean T'Paal helped the Vulcan to his feet, his eyes widening in fear as he saw the dagger in the mans chest.
"Father..."
"You should leave me, here..." He pushed his adopted son away. "Go now Sean."
Centurion T'Paal took up his plasma pistol for the last time, approaching the incoming Imperials at a swift limp, giving his life so adopted son could escape was.. logical.
"Positive probability of 71%... Individual identified as Eric Pen-dragon, records begin in 2390."
"That has to be a fake alias..." Shade tapped her com-badge, "Ghost, be in my ready room in one hour."
"No ma'am... If I may ask is all the black gunmetal colouring a personal choice or your preference?"
Emma looked at Ghost incredulously "Rather personal there protege, but I'll indulge you: I have the option of changing anything I wish in this room, provided its in regulation and yes that includes putting down a carpet... However I prefer the metal because its more difficult to move silently over."
"You didn't ask for me to idly chat Shade?"
Emma chuckled, "Of course not, two reasons: first I have a stolen security recording I want your opinion on- more to confirm my own thoughts, but I'd like to hear your own before I send a report in.... Secondly I had a thought as we were leaving Terra... About your mothers manipulations: You said you believed she was manipulating your father and your entire family to get the throne, but this seems impossible. Not only would she need to have known about the temporal-Romulan invasion before any of us she would have needed to know about all of this before you were born.... Possibly before the Empire was remade, maybe I'm thinking to much into this but the more I've thought about it the more it makes sense on one hand, but the less for the senescence of events.
The Foundry, and my love of Star Trek
"The Brays have always had their secrets, they were part of a secret project during the dying days of the first empire called Memory Omega. Memory Omega was a hidden library with all the empire's secrets hidden away safely out of the noses of the alliance. I found this in their files, it's the record of temporal incursions during the late 23rd century right up to late 2370s. All matched known Romulan Union signatures. My mother was one of the research technicians there during the 2380s though her temporal tracking programme was terminated when the empire was reborn" explained Trianna handing the PADD over to Shade.
"What were your mother's findings?" asked Shade reviewing the personnel file and evidence. "The Romulan Union were here when the first empire fell, a covert temporal invasion combined with Spock's reforms finished off the empire so the Alliance could take the pickings. They have made repeated temporal invasions of the empire trying to kill it, they succeeded once in 2295 and 2441 in an alternate future" answered Trianna. "Your mother had advanced warning but was ignored" replied Shade. "Mother knew what was coming, so she made sure I was born as her weapon. My father was just one pawn in her plan, once mother manipulated him into seizing the throne, she manipulated me and and Marie into removing him when he decided to play god with other species" answered Trianna.
"You father had too many enemies and your sister created more through her actions" replied Shade. "Now the empress has retired me from the shadows, I've been transferred to MACO" answered Trianna. "I know, you understand the need for secrecy" replied Shade, "I'll put a memory block in place, as far as the Bounty crew are concerned I'm a MACO commander" answered Trianna. "Use your rank of Major as a cover then, I'll call you if I need your team" replied Shade. "Yes ma'am" answered Trianna. "Major, you are dismissed and good luck" replied Shade. Trianna passed Shade a PADD with all her mother's research notes and sensor enhancements, saluted and left for Terra.
-Lord Commander Solar Macharius
Papela sighed contentedly as she enjoyed her nightly cup of tea. The guards had orders not to disturb her unless the planet was burning.
This was not a place I had intended to be, she thought. I had no desire to be on the throne, but to be the one that whispered into the ear of the one on the throne. Much more efficient with far less hassle.
Still, one must deal with the hand one is dealt. She finished her cup and set it down. Some suggested that I have a tea addiction, she thought smiling. I simply tell them, I have daughters.
She turned to look out the window.
"Long may she reign," they chant. She shook her head. My reign will not be a long one.
She turned her gaze upward.
She is coming, she thought. And despite all our preparation she will tear the Empire asunder and it will never be the same again.
She smiled.
All for the better.
Having made her enforced retirement from the shadows official with Shade, Trianna was back on the Bounty as Captain Smith's MACO commander. In the cargo bay, she waited for Smith and his senior staff to appear on time for drill. "Lt Smith, what's that noise?" asked Trianna as she heard singing. It was Dex Smith and his senior staff all singing "Always look on the bright side of life" as they marched into the cargo bay. "Major, that's normal for Dexter" said Lt Smith.
"It brings character, I'll let them indulge it for now" replied Trianna with a smile. After the drill session, Trianna caught them all together over breakfast and Hetal got an extra seat for Trianna to join them. "Ladies, gentlemen" said Trianna as she put down her bowl of porridge on the table. "Major" replied the crew. "There is a reason I'm tough on you, discipline improves efficiency. Discipline needed for a special mission, the Bounty has been designated a MACO ship" answered Trianna. "We're under dad's command Dexter" said Jasmine Smith. "Oh great" replied Dex. "I answer to two people, General Smith and the empress. Some of you don't like me because I represent authority, the missions we do will be high risk and dangerous" replied Trianna.
"Roger that ma'am" answered Dex. "Since I'll be on this ship full time, we'll have to learn to get along" replied Trianna. "Amen to that" replied the crew. "Lt Smith, you have a first name?" asked Trianna. "Jasmine ma'am" answered Lt Smith, "Lt Hetal, your first name?" asked Trianna. "Isoisa ma'am" answered Hetal. "Pitaskli, your first name?" asked Trianna, "Ibarid" answered Pitaskli. "Major, starting from the left, the rest are Lwasana Sidis, Mereu, Antoinette Leclerc, Annalee Wilkinson and T'Pamne" said Dex. "My name is Trianna, off duty first names are fine but on duty, refer to my rank" replied Trianna smiling as the Bounty crew started singing "We're here because we are here."
"So you all enjoy singing, I'll make sure to find some good marching songs for you all" said Trianna after the crew had finished singing. "Dex, can we have a choir?" asked Sidis and Dex just answered "why not, to quote dad, it brings unit pride." "Dexter Theodore Smith, since you now military, best behavior" said Jasmine. "Jas, I don't need a lecture" answered Dex. "Don't call me Jas, it's Jasmine" replied Jasmine angrily. "Jasmine Elizabeth Smith more accurately" answered Dex back. "It's a brother/sister thing, they have a sibling competition complex" said Hetal. "Noted" replied Trianna.
"It's normal, they don't get along" added Mereu. "Classic love/hate relationship right there" added Pitaskli.
-Lord Commander Solar Macharius
ISS Enterprise
Sito stepped off the transporter pad and went straight out the door. Heath followed after her.
"If I never set foot on that neon cesspool again I'll die happy."
" Peldor joi ."
"Say that again Layress and I'll pummel your bottom into submission."
"That's no way for the Emissary to talk."
"You're on thin ice Blondie."
"My hair is red now, not blonde. They were just very grateful that we gave them back all the rest of the orbs. And don't tell me you didn't enjoy all those people looking up to you."
"Looking up to me for the things I've accomplished is one thing. Doing so because some aliens told them to makes them stupid."
"You're telling me that when that little girl came up to us and said she wanted to be strong like us so she could protect her people, you didn't feel anything?"
"..."
"Well?"
They stopped in the corridor.
"I was like her once. She even looked a little like I did at that age... And if she can grow up and change that place for the better, then this might all be worth it."
"You're a terrible liar... Ow! Stop pulling my hair."
"That's enough insubordination from you."
"You wait until we're alone I'll sho...ah..."
Heath sneezed loudly.
"You've been doing that ever since we went down there."
"Must be something in the air down..."
She sneezed again.
"You've caught something from that hellhole. Come on we're going to sick bay so you don't infect the crew."
"I'll be fine. We don't have to..."
Sito grabbed her by the chest.
"You're coming if I have to drag you."
"Thay, let go! Please, that really hurts!"
Sito let go and looked at her in concern.
"You're sneezing and over sensitive. You are coming with me now. Please Lazy, don't fight me on this."
"Alright. You need to do something about your nails."
"Lazy, I don't have nails. You know that."
"Felt like it... OK, I am coming down with something. Let's go."
A few minutes later they arrived.
"You hologram," Sito barked.
"My name is Lolo."
"Whatever."
"Be nice."
"Fine. The captain has contracted some disease from that cesspit below us. Scan her to make sure it's not contagious."
"Right, lie on the table."
Heath lay down on the bed. Lolo ran the sensor over her.
"Inflamed nasal cavities," she read off. "Extremely heightened skin sensitivity, flushing of the skin... That can't be right."
"What?" Sito demanded.
Lolo grabbed another tricorder and re-ran the scan.
"Wow, that is right."
"What? What is it? Is it contagious?"
"Oh no. You can't catch pregnancy."
The entire sick bay went silent. Everyone came over.
"What..." Sito repeated slowly.
"Pregnant. The captain is pregnant. That wasn't what surprised me, especially given the way the crew throws themselves at each other. What surprised me Admiral is that the other half embryos genetic code is yours."
"What...."
"You are, so to speak, the father of the captains children."
"Children? As in more than one?"
"Yes, captain. Your profile says that twins do run in your family. And you are carrying two girls... Oh I'm sorry. Did you want to be surprised? I can wipe your memory of the last few moments if you want?"
"No Lolo that's..."
Heath heard a strange sound next to her. She turned and saw that the staff had caught Sito as she fainted. She lifted her head to address them.
"I would appreciate if all of you didn't say anything about any of this. I... We need time to process... this."
"Of course," Lolo said, the others nodded in agreement. "Oh and captain..."
"Yes?"
"Congratulations."
Since the Bounty was in for major repairs and refitting, her crew had been reassigned to security duties on Terra. Despite appearances of stability on the surface, there was resistance to the Lots. In Washington DC, an anti-alien group known as Nova Terra had taken the Imperial civil council in the city hostage three days earlier when they stormed City Hall. The MACOs had been dispatched to Washington to end the crisis, Trianna was made overall ground commander as the stand off continued into it's fourth day. In orbit, Dex Smith and his troops prepared and practiced the mission on the holodeck memorizing the layout of the building until it was second nature.
Trianna's plan was simple, while the police distracted Nova Terra, three assault teams would infiltrate the target building on all sides from the roof and side of the building. Using her experience as a sniper, Trianna deployed sharpshooter teams onto the roofs of neighboring buildings, they were her eyes and ears. Dex Smith and his crew were beamed into a building right next to City Hall in position to breach the wall and storm in, all phasers were set to stun to avoid any casualties among the hostages. To compound the operation, the press had turned up to start filming as Trianna prepared her squad before suiting up and taking position on the roof of City Hall. When it became very clear Nova Terra would not surrender, Trianna gave the order "move in" as the last frame charges were prepared.
-Lord Commander Solar Macharius
As Trianna was taking a drink of water, she caught Dex being treated by Mereu. "Looks like a nasty wound" said Trianna looking at the cut on Dex's face. "Tis only a flesh wound" answered Dex sarcastically. "Dexter, good job" replied Trianna, "it was a team effort, let's get these suspects questioned. We may be busy here on Terra for a while Major" answered Dex. "I've set up a training area in an unused part of the palace, you and your entire crew have to practice and run the "killing house," I know your team is good but can you get that team better? replied Trianna. "Challenge accepted Trianna" answered Smith. After doing a scene survey, the MACOs formed up in marching column and started whistling "The Great Escape" theme led by Dex and his senior staff, even Trianna joined in as she got the whole company whistling as they marched to the shuttles watched by the cameras and reporters.
-Lord Commander Solar Macharius
The Bounty MACOs had commandeered the bar as the Washington raid was broadcast on subspace, Trianna had decided to give her troops the rest of the day off as a reward for their success. When the MACOs watched the raid they all cheered in celebration. Dex Smith and his senior staff were sat around a table singing as Trianna joined them with a round of drinks for them. Kestrella, Naynta and Jodi entered the bar only to be confronted by 200 MACOs all singing.
"Trianna, mind if we join you?" asked Naynta and Trianna got Dex, Hetal and Sidis to grab some extra chairs. Dex bought the next round of drinks as Kestrella looked puzzled by the cheer when footage of windows blowing out was played on the screen. "Wait, there's Trianna" said Dex pointing out the figure abseiling down the building and into a window, "Good job there Trianna" said Naynta smiling. "Mother saw it all, in fact the entire empire saw it" added Jodi. "All hostages freed with the traitors all taken alive, well played" added Kestrella.
"Team effort, my troops deserve the credit. I was the commander on the ground" answered Trianna. "Much easier just taking the credit yourself Trianna" replied Jodi, "Jodi, it was a victory for the whole company" answered Trianna. "Humility, something you two need to learn" added Kestrella aiming the comment at Nanyta and Jodi. Meanwhile the entire company started chanting Zulu war chants and everyone joined in with five Zulu troopers leading the chanting and everyone banging on the tables. Naynta, Jodi and Kestrella were all puzzled at first but Naynta and Jodi joined in the war chants as they banged on the table with their solid tankards. Kestrella took in the atmosphere and began to question Trianna on why soldiers sing and chant.
"Kestrella, they won a great victory today. If they want to blow off steam singing and chanting, I'll allow it. Terran soldiers have had a history of singing on the march and just before battle to keep up morale. The chant you are hearing was used to intimidate an enemy before the warriors attacked" answered Trianna. "I can see why it's intimidating on a battlefield" replied Kestrella. "Dex, let's reveal the choir" said Hetal as Papela entered the bar to congratulate the troops on a job well done. The Bounty crew choir all took up position and began to sing an old British army marching song, "Men of Harlech." "Trianna, your troops did well given the situation. Your unit may be called upon again to deal with any more dissidents here on Terra" said Papela as she listened to the MACOs all singing. "What's the song about?" asked Papela, "Majesty, it's an old British marching song. It's about a lone garrison who held Harlech Castle for 8 long years under siege during the Wars of the Roses in what was England and Wales" answered Jasmine.
"It's a martial song" added Mereu, "that it is" added Sidis. "Carry on" said Papela as she just took in the atmosphere and had her cup of tea. "Naynta, I may need a hand questioning the traitors" said Trianna to Naynta, "as long as I can have my fun with them" answered Naynta. "Deal" replied Trianna.
-Lord Commander Solar Macharius
Dexter Smith and the MACO crew had been transferred from the Bounty, having brought all their possessions and upgrades with them, they looked at their new ship. She was the I.S.S. Brigand, a Sutherland Class cruiser, "she's beautiful Dex" said Hetal as she did a flyby of the Brigand. The shuttles all landed in the shuttle bay and the MACO crew took ownership of the vessel. On the bridge, the crew took their positions as Trianna took over the counselor's chair and did an inspection of the computer.
"Captain Smith, get us to Bajor. We're to join up with Sito's fleet for exercises" ordered Trianna. Dex gave the order and Hetal punched the warp drive to warp 9.8 and set course for Bajor. "Major, why the shakedown cruise?" asked Dex Smith, Trianna told Dex "ready room now." In the ready room, Trianna took her seat behind the desk and said to Dex "questioning orders is dangerous, if you have a difference of opinion bring it up in private not in front of the troops. Undermine me again and I will have you dealt with, agreed Mr. Smith?" "Yes Major" answered Dex terrified at Trianna's calmness. Both officers went back onto the bridge and put the ship on combat drills.
"What would Admiral Sito do if we broke onto the Enterprise and left a PADD in her ready room?" asked Hetal. "She would thank you then have you shot, Sito has no sense of humor for such things" answered Trianna. "Ma'am, still would be cool" replied Hetal to which Trianna answered "no ideas Lt." "Yes ma'am" replied Hetal. "We have two weeks until we arrive at Bajor so let's prepare accordingly" answered Trianna. "The rest of the Starfleet crew will also join us at Bajor" added Dex. "Dexter, remember what dad said, best behavior" said Jasmine, "got it little sister" replied Dex before he left for his quarters.
In his quarters, he found Mereu in her traditional Orion Matron's outfit waiting for him. "Computer, lock doors and I don't want to be disturbed" ordered Dex. Meanwhile the rest of the senior staff were busy installing the rest of the upgrades to the Brigand, the unimatrix shielding was installed. The hull armor was to be installed at Terok Nor. For the next two weeks, life went on as normal with MACOs whistling and singing as they marched and drilled. The skeleton Starfleet contingent were keeping the ship running as the senior staff all focused on their jobs as the banter went across the bridge. They eventually arrived at Terok Nor and docked to take on the rest of the crew. The Brigand's hull armor was installed as a photon torpedo launcher pod was mounted onto the ship.
Trianna briefed the new MACOs with "I have one rule, everyone fights, no one quits. Any treachery, cowardice and refusal to fight and I will shoot you myself. You all understand?" It was answered with a "We understand Ma'am" from the new MACOs. "Long live the empire" said Trianna afterwards as the new MACOs all yelled "Long live the empire" and saluted. Trianna then went to Dex's quarters and after waiting patiently just bypassed the lock to catch Dex still in bed, "Mr. Smith you were supposed to be on duty five minutes ago" said Trianna only to notice movement and Mereu in the same bed, "You've got ten minutes" said Trianna not impressed as she left the room.
-Lord Commander Solar Macharius
ISS Enterprise
Sito opened her eyes and sat up.
"Where am... Right sick bay."
She looked around for...
"The captain's not here," a voice from her side said.
She turned to face Lolo.
"She left about an hour ago. She left orders that you were not to be disturbed."
"I..."
"I took the liberty of scanning you as well. What ever caused the captains condition was only one directional. Your not pregnant ma'am."
"I'm grateful for that small mercy... But what caused it?"
Lolo shook her head.
"We don't know. We ran every test we could think of, and even invented a few new ones but nothing came up. On the plus side all of them are in fine condition. No problems there."
"I see. How long before..."
"Before delivery? They're developing normally so... nine months give or take a week."
"I see. Thank you. I'm... sorry about earlier."
"Given what has happened, it's completely understandable. The captain suggested that you might want a sedative..."
"I'm fine."
She swung her legs off the table and stood up.
"Your not to inform anyone else about this."
"She already made that clear to us ma'am."
"Good. So... Don't."
She left them and went out the door.
Lolo shook her head.
"Classic parental shock. She'll be climbing the walls by evening. Let's keep a bed ready for her just in case."
Sito forced herself to walk calmly. She wanted to run and scream incoherently through the halls... No, she had a reputation to maintain. To uphold and...pass on to...
She stopped that line of thought. The urge to scream was becoming too great.
She needed... What did she need? She heard Heath's voice in her head "Everybody needs a friend to talk to"...
She went to her office and locked the door.
"Open secure channel to Captain Barclay, maximum encryption."
A few seconds later, the smiling face Lindsay Barclay appeared on her screen.
"Admiral Emissary, long time no talk. Who do you want me to kill for you... Are you alright? You look... what's the word? Frazzled, that's it. You are definitely frazzled."
"Lindsay... I need some advice."
"Your coming to me for advice? Wow, whatever this is really has you shook up."
"Lindsay...how would you react if I said I got someone pregnant?"
Lindsay blinked at her.
"You are a girl right or have you been hiding something from me?"
"Be serious or I'll turn off your life support. Just say for the moment something happened and I did and now I'm going to be a parent."
"Ok... So what?"
Sito grabbed the screen.
"I don't know what to do! Nothing I've ever experienced has prepared me for this. I... What do I do?"
"... Ok so this hypothetical pregnant person... Do they mean anything to you?"
"She means everything to... I... I love her."
"Whoa she melted the ice queen? Well that complicates things."
"How so?"
"Me? I would just make her disappear..."
"Touch her and I'll skin you alive."
"But since you seem to care about her... Will I get an invite to the baby shower?"
"Why do you want to come see us bathe them?"
"Oh I hope the pregnant lady is more in tune with the whole baby thing than you are."
"I know nothing about... babies, children... What should I do?"
Lindsay tried not to smile. She had never been her friend like this.
"You sure you love this person?"
"Yes."
"Well, you know what you have to do then don't you?"
"What?"
"You have to go to this person and confess that you are terrified and so stressed out that you are asking advice from someone who's maternal instincts only go as far as making sure my toys kill at maximum efficiency."
"That's your advice?"
"This is one problem you can't threatened or intimidate away. Be honest with her and yourself."
Sito was quiet.
"Well?"
"You're right."
"Of course I am."
"Thanks Lindsey."
"No problem. So when is the wedding?"
"We're just looking at dresses now..."
"You little... You didn't tell me you were engaged!"
"That slipped out! You are not to tell anyone, you understand me?"
"Fine. But for my silence I get to be a bridesmaid."
"Extortionist."
"How often do I get to dress up? Oh I want pink..."
Sito killed the connection.
Sito had walked this path so many times she could do it blindfolded. Usually it seemed to take to long, now it seemed far too short. She stopped in front of the door of destination. She hesitated. Instead of using her override and just walking in, she touched the panel by the door. A few seconds later it opened revealing a very surprised person.
"You never ring the bell."
"I thought I should this time."
"So this is just a one time thing?"
"We'll see. Are we going to stand here or can I come in?"
"As you say, it's your ship."
She entered and the two of them sat on the couch.
"Are you alright?"
"Why are you asking me that?"
"You fainted."
"Yeah... About that..."
"I..."
"I'm really bad talking about... emotions and things like that..."
" I know. It's fun watching you try."
"You are a cruel woman Lazy."
"Not the first time I've heard that."
"And I love you. But I have no idea how to be a parent."
"You think I do?"
"Your better equipped to handle it. But the prospect of having a baby..."
"Scares you beyond the ability to think?"
"Yes."
"Good, we're on the same page."
"Really?"
"Yes. So we can be terrified together."
"I find that strangely comforting. So what do we do?"
"We stop hiding and tell people about us."
"No, we're not ready."
"We can only hide this for a few months before it becomes very noticeable. And..."
"And?"
"I want us to get married before my stomach sticks out more than my chest does."
"I can't keep you safe if we do that."
"You were never going to be able to by yourself. But with the entire crew behind you, you could do it then. Everyone in sickbay already knows."
"..."
"Well?"
"We'd have to tell mother first."
"I think she'd shoot you if didn't."
"True. Then we tell the others."
"Good. Now we're going to scream hysterically for the next few minutes to get that out of our systems."
Terra(mu)
Papela sat and appeared to be listening intently to the Representatives as they presented their positions on various spending bills. In her mind however, she has having them all shot.
If it weren't such a gross abuse of power, she sighed, I'd execute all of them for making me sit here on such a lovely afternoon. Oh well. Needs must...
Fortunately for her and the lives of every one else present, her aid came into the room.
"Forgive the intrusion ma'am. But I have an incoming call from Admiral Sito. She says it's important."
That caught her attention. She never uses important unless it is
"Excuse me," Papela said standing. "I need to take this. I shall return shortly."
They bowed as she left the room and entered her private chamber.
"Accept transmission."
A large wall mounted screen switched on.
"Hello little one...oh and hello captain. What's the emergency?"
"I hope we didn't pull out of anything important," sito started.
We? She thought arching an eyebrow. The two on screen seemed nervous.
"Not at all. I'm actually glad for the distraction. So what is it?"
"Before all that happened at Terra...I asked Lazy to marry me and she said yes."
Heath held up her arm to show the bracelet on her wrist.
Finally, she thought. One of my girls is settling down.
"I'm so happy for you two," she said smiling broadly. "Welcome to the family."
"Thank you. But there's more."
"Oh?"
"We don't know how it happened... But I'm pregnant. Thay and I are having a baby. Two of them actually."
"THIS IS WONDERFUL!" She yelled clasping her hands together. "Marriage and grandchildren! A royal wedding and birth announcement! That's what we need to do! Oh so much to do! When you're done out there, you must come here so we can talk."
She called in her aid.
"Get rid of those idiots out there. Tell them to compromise or no one gets any money. I'm going to be a grandmother. I have to plan how to spoil my grandchildren."
She forgot about them on the screen and left the room.
"That went well," Heath commented.
"Better than I thought," Sito agreed.