Captain’s Log – Stardate 61055.6 The Eagle Star, along with the Starships Firebrand and Highland are warping to rendezvous with the Dekanizan convoy. All communications from the planet have terminated, so I presume that the Avkar may still be in the area or the planet has finally become uninhabitable. I must admit, I feel a personal responsibility to these people, now forced to flee from their homes and become refugees.
“I have them, Captain,” Xanthus said, “Looks like thirteen ships, all small vessels. All with high life-form readings.” “Good. At least some survived. Dana, open a channel,” Bruce replied. Dana worked her console and the image of Kur Oxdar appeared on the viewscreen. When the Eagle Star crew last saw him, Oxdar had a youthful spirit about him. Even though he was the son of the Dekanizan Prime Minister, he’d chosen a life of service in their merchant fleet; enjoyably captaining a small freighter. Now, he looked worn and tired. He said, “Captain Space, it is good to see you again.” “I regret that it has to be under these circumstances… the destruction of your homeland,” Bruce replied, “How may we help?” “Right now, we primarily need some help getting our power system stabilized. The added passengers aboard the Cheopris have put a tremendous strain on our resources.” “We’ll do what we can. The Starship Highland off our starboard bow is one of our escort vessels. She will take you back to Deep Space Fifteen. Admiral Bolter has arranged for your people to set up a temporary shelter on New Horizon VI.” “The Federation’s generosity will not be forgotten.” Oxdar’s image faded from the viewscreen. Bruce gave orders to assist the Cheopris and the other Dekanizan ships accompanying her. A wave of regret filled Bruce’s heart. He wanted to go back in time and change what happened to these people—to say he was sorry—but he respected the timeline enough to not meddle with it and an apology wouldn’t change anything. The best thing he could do was help the Dekanizans settle a new home. Cammy’s voice sounded over the comm system, “Spencer to Captain Space.” “Go ahead, Lieutenant.” “Captain, can you please come to the Astrometrics Lab. I think I’ve located the origin of the Spires.”
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Episode #303 “Where the Lightning Strikes” Written By Michael A. Slagenweit-Coffman
Bruce and Kevin stepped into the Astrometrics Lab to find Cammy working with a map on the display. Bruce asked, “What have you found, Lieutenant?” “We’ve finished compiling the data that we got from the library planet and I think you ought to see this,” Cammy replied. She indicated the display, pointing at the various locations, “This is the library archive, New Horizon, Avkar Prime...” She touched a few keys on the panel and a second map appeared over the first. She went on, “The library planet is in a system that borders a region of space called the Velkeit Expanse. That’s not the Avkar name. Their name for it translates more or less to ‘forbidden zone’, but they appear to have carefully avoided this region. The library planet’s system falls just outside this zone, but it may well have been part of it at one time. Based on what data we were able to obtain, the civilization that built the library originates within that zone.” “And you think they also made the Spires?” “Yes, Sir. I also think I know what the Spires are.” She shifted the display and a magnified crystalline structure appeared on the monitor. Kevin asked, “That pattern looks deliberate. It’s like a structure I’ve seen for data encryption.” “You’re partially right, Commander. It is a data storage device, but not data as we’re accustomed to. It’s storing memories.” “What?” Bruce asked, “Memories?” “I’m not sure how, but the devices store encrypted memory engrams and then transmit them to a particular target. The energy that they produce is a byproduct of the transmission process.” Kevin asked, “But how do they know whom to deliver their information to?”
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“Again, I don’t know. The Spires are still a mystery. My guess is that they might have a very rudimentary sentience to them. I’ve only been able to comb through a fraction of the data we collected. There still may be more that we missed.” Bruce thought about it for a moment. He remembered the fight with Diabolus, but had never seen his escape after the fire. Could someone else have been watching, recording these memories? But how would they know to deliver them to him in the future? Were whoever made these devices time travelers? So many questions, but he said, “Pure speculation. Still, we know more than before. Good work, Lieutenant. Keep at it.” He and Kevin turned and walked out into the corridor, heading for the bridge. Kevin said, “What do you think, Captain?” “I think we have a destination, Number One. We head for the Velkeit Expanse.” “Bridge to Commander Doran,” Dana’s voice sounded over the comm. “Doran here.” “One of the refugees, has requested to speak with you. He claims he has information that is vital for you to have,” Dana said.
Diabolus strode toward his chambers aboard the Executor to finalize plans for the next series of steps in his domination of the Federation and its allies. From there... once the Federation was destroyed... he didn’t know, but the voice of the Virote would tell him soon enough. He entered the richly decorated room, but instead of finding Compassion and the young grunt, Ihmarik, he found Doctor Kezarak pacing in the sitting area. His mood soured instantly. Diabolus grated, “You indeed have a fine penchant for entering places where you are not yet invited, Doctor.” Kezarak looked Diabolus square in the eyes and stated, his voice high and shrill, “You allowed the mutate to escape.” “I had no choice. If I hadn’t released the prisoners, I would’ve been killed by that doppelganger and the mutate would’ve escaped anyway.” “I need it!” Kezarak shouted. For Diabolus, it was the first time he’d seen the doctor so animated; perhaps even passionate about something. Somehow, Diabolus was impressed. “Why?” Diabolus asked. The frost resumed: “Research.”
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Likewise, did Diabolus’ irritation with Kezarak’s evasion of his questions, “We have an expression on my planet, Doctor. Bullshit. If I am going to commit soldiers to a mission, I have to ensure it will be beneficial to our goals. ‘Research‘ alone is not enough for me.” “It will. You have my assurance, Commandant.” “How?” Diabolus pressed. Kezarak’s yellow-orange eyes flashed fire a moment at Diabolus’ ignorance, but he quickly subdued it. He replied, in a calm voice, “The mutate is a prototype. The first fruits of a grand army for the Avkar.” “Explain, Doctor.” Diabolus gestured for Kezarak to be seated in a set of arm chairs in the center of the room. The doctor sat, “The mutate is a hybrid of many very resilient species. Humans were the first beings to truly provide resistance to the Dominion. I saw much promise in this. The first time a species truly stood against them. This resistance is what the Avkar needed to liberate our people—at least at the time.” Even Diabolus had to smile at that little caveat. Kezarak continued, “I impressed upon the Vorta to allow me to take some specimens to experiment on for the Dominion. The intention was to procure what I needed, perfect it, and then turn it against them. "My efforts were successful. The Dominion captured several young, healthy humans— Starfleet cadets—from a vessel behind the battle lines in Cardassian space, during the War. Only one survived the procedure, the one named Talkart. The prototype showed great promise in its ability to fight. It was strong, efficient, and determined. Unfortunately, I made the mistake of allowing it too much self-determination.” Diabolus almost smiled, “He escaped.” “Exactly. Yet, as fate would have it, the creation returns to the creator. Now that I know the power it still has, I wish to complete my experiment. Only this time, the army will be yours to command. Our goals are similar, Commandant. Peace in our times. Safety and security. Defend the Avkar Solidarity from the new oppressors from the other side of the galaxy.” “Enticing, I’ll admit,” Diabolus conceded, “Yet, you will understand my concerns. What guarantee do I have that you will not turn this army against me? What assurances do I have of your loyalty?” “I restored your assassin, did I not? I also stabilized Zeket’s serum with the changeling. I understand you have already sent it among your enemies. I assure you, Commandant, I am loyal. You need my abilities.”
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Diabolus rose from his seat, taking a turn around the room. He prided himself on being a good judge of character. While Kezarak had been troublesome, he did restore Kael to life and accomplish his ends with the changeling. His scientific knowledge might prove useful in other areas as well. They were entering a critical time. Space was trying gathering what allies he might, thus he must do the same—staying one step ahead. He turned back to Kezarak and nodded.
Kevin ordered the refugee beamed aboard and secured in the conference room. A diminutive man, humanoid but not Dekanizan, sat at the table. He wrung his hands together; bony fingers weaving in and out of the other’s grip. He wore shabby, ripped clothes that hung loose on a thin frame, covered in yellowish skin. Green veins webbed underneath the skin, which looked thin. His dark green eyes darted back and forth, looking for who may be listening in; hearing things better unheard. In Kevin’s opinion, he looked like a hundred other shifty characters he’d met in bars and back alleys throughout his life—men who traded specific information for a very steep price. He said, “I’m Commander Kevin Doran.” “Thank you for meeting me, Commander. You will want to know the information I have for you,” the courier said in a meek, timid voice. He went on, “I am Qulier.” “First, how do you know who I am?” “I am a trader in this part of the section. I do business with the Dekanizans and I heard that their first exposure was to people from the other side of the galaxy was a ship named Eagle Star. It wasn’t hard to learn who some of her crew were. Besides, she spoke of you.” “Who’s ‘she’?” The courier reached into the pocket of his overcoat and pulled out a necklace: a stone held onto a brass chain. Not just any stone, but an arrowhead. Kevin’s eyes started out of his head when he saw it, because he knew exactly where it came from. He demanded, “Where did you get this?” “So you do know her.” He smiled a little. Kevin’s heart skipped a beat as he nodded. The courier went on, “She’s on a planet in Avkar space. Fukan II. It used to be a Dominion internment camp; now a mining colony. Unfortunately, after the Dominion withdrew from their territory, the Avkar ignored the planet except to recruit disgruntled men for Commandant Diabolus’ cause. They still force the non-Avkar to mine the tritanium on the surface.” “How did she…?” “You don’t have a lot of time, Commander. She is dying and I believe she may have a vital clue for you to defeat the Avkar.”
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“Thank you for coming Commander Talkart. This should not take long,” Dr. Carin said as Xanthus walked into Sickbay, ready for his physical exam. At the doctor’s direction, Xanthus sat down on a biobed and Carin began his scans. He went on, “I read over your medical file. Very interesting what happened to you—” “I don’t like discussing it,” Xanthus interrupted. Carin didn’t say anything for a few moments while working on his scan. Eventually he said, “In your file, you keep saying that your species is human. Starfleet Medical states that your genetic structure has been mutated.” “That’s what Starfleet Medical says. Like I said, I don’t like discussing it.” Another long pause and Dr. Carin finished his scans. He said, “I apologize, Commander Talkart. I know this is difficult for you. I am trying to understand my patient better and I have to view you as a human being who has been mutated. But I cannot and do not want to keep calling you a ‘mutate’, Commander. It all sounds so… impersonal. Even though you are a oneof-kind person, you really ought to define yourself.” “I’m human, Doctor. I don’t look it, but I am human.” “Well, yes, you are Mr. Talkart, but you’re not completely human anymore. You’re a new species.” “What do you suggest?” “Something that reflects you now… You’re part wolf, at least by appearance, and part human. What about ‘Lupusarian’? It has a rather nice ring, I think.” “I’ll think about it.”
Kevin waited until most of the repairs on the Dekanizan ships were complete before going to Bruce with what happened with Qulier. Thoughts about his conversation with the timid courier kept playing through his mind for a good hour before deciding to speak with Bruce about it. He knew he should’ve gone to the captain immediately, but the shock of seeing Nayeli’s necklace—the one he’d given her—paralyzed his thoughts. He questioned the messenger for nearly the same amount of time and only got three things: a possible clue to stopping the Avkar, Nayeli was possibly dying, and planet Fulkan II. Research; that was what was needed. The Dekanizans provided them some information about the Avkar on their first visit to the planet which included some information about the other species that made up the League of the New Order. Qulier, as it turned out, was a Cosal. They weren’t known for being brave or innovative, so much as… accidental. They figured things out by stumbling into them. The
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Dominion, at least according to the Dekanizan file, almost ignored them, despite subjugating them like the Avkar. Still as he worked through the files, Nayeli stuck with him. Fourteen years ago, Kevin had been the security chief on the Fearless. Nayeli was between assignments, but was working through the ranks to get a position as a science officer on a deep-space exploration vessel. They saw the world through young eyes, with optimism and hope. He genuinely loved her, but she hadn’t been ready for a permanent relationship. He didn’t think he’d been forceful or demanding. She wanted a career. They hadn’t ended it well, but maybe he might be able to fix the mistakes he’d made so long ago. “What can I do for you, Kevin?” Bruce asked as he entered the ready room. “I’ve got a problem, Bruce,” he replied. He explained about the alien courier, Qulier, and his message. “And this woman? Nayeli?” “Nayeli Stone Striker. We met in a bar in San Fran about fourteen years ago. She was an amazing woman. Instant connection between us. We must have dated for eight months. Given some more time, I might have asked her to marry me. But that was our problem—it was too intense. We had a fight and the next thing I knew, she signed on to the Starship Odyssey and that was the last I knew of her until now.” “Odyssey? The one that was destroyed when Starfleet first encountered the Jem’Hadar?” “The same.” Bruce regarded his first officer for a moment. He’d never known Kevin to harbor thoughts about a long-term romantic relationship. From the moment he’d started to mentor the young kid, living on the streets after his Grandfather’s death, he’d never seen him be in a romantic relationship for more than a couple weeks. Yet he knew Kevin well enough, to know when he was serious. He believed this alien. “So what are you going to do with this Qulier’s information?” Kevin’s eyes widened for a moment; not expecting there to be an option. He’d formulated a plan, thinking two squares ahead as any good tactician would do, but figured it would be put on the back burner. A hit and run situation might be the best, plus stopping the mining operations on the planet might put a crimp in the Avkar’s supply chain, if they got the chance. The main thing was to find Nayeli and get her out of there. He admitted, “I thought out a plan, but didn’t think you’d approve it.”
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“Kevin, you screwed up once last year. I forgave you. Considering that you thought this problem through and actually came to me, I’m more willing to give it a chance. So now, explain what your plan is.” “I looked into the location of Fulkan II. It’s only a couple hours away at maximum warp and just inside Avkar space. The plan that I prepared has the Eagle Star and the Firebrand, if they’re willing, to lay down a cover fire…”
Despite the natural objections to flying into what potentially could be an Avkar trap, though was more likely an Avkar stronghold, the crew agreed the gain—particularly saving any Federation citizens—was worth the risk. Even Sandarklan agreed in his stoic way. Ted Space, over on the Firebrand, after hearing the story, agreed with their assessment. Bruce ordered the Eagle Star and Firebrand into the Fulkan system, but it was up to Kevin to make his way to the planet, find Nayeli Stone Striker, and get back to the ship. Anticipating the Avkar, Bruce wanted to be ready to get them all out of there quickly. The starships laid down a cover fire with the Avkar patrols, while a shuttlecraft landed on the planet. Kevin brought Qulier the courier with, but ordered Xanthus keep a phaser on him. The confusion of the attack worked to their advantage. The Avkar forced the settlement into a concentrated area while they dealt with the Eagle Star and Firebrand’s attack. The shuttle set down near the camp; people, both human and non-human, stopped their various activities to gape at the armed personnel emerging from the craft. Some cowered in fear, expecting more harsh treatment from the Avkar. Others, mostly the humans Kevin saw, got new light in their eyes—their liberation had finally come. The camp itself was extremely run down, as if when the Dominion left they stripped everything valuable and the Avkar made do with what was left. Since they’d been treated as slaves by the Dominion, why not keep the non-Avkar slaves too? Kevin said, “I’m looking for Nayeli Stone Striker. Do any of you know her?” A teenage boy strode out of the crowd. Kevin started, shocked by how much the kid reminded him of someone—himself. The boy was dressed in a ripped shirt and pants, covered in dirt. His long hair lay over his shoulders, matted with grime. Dark circles surrounded a pair of rather bright green eyes, not unlike his own, Kevin thought. It was also apparent that this boy saw a lot of action; he had the same muscular build he’d developed in high school and college. The kid said, “I do, but you finally came a long way for nothing, Starfleet.” “Why’s that?” “She hasn’t responded coherently in at least two days. The guy in the camp who’s a medic thinks she’s got some kind of infection. The Avkar aren’t bothering to treat it.”
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For a moment, the Eagle Star’s first officer closed his eyes, holding back any show of the pain flooding his heart. So much left unsaid between them, he thought, so much that would never get a chance to be spoken. He said, “Is she nearby? We were told she knew something that might help us stop the Avkar.” “I’ll show you,” the kid replied, “But I don't think you’re going to find anything.” Kevin turned to Xanthus, “Do what you can to help these people out.” The kid took him into one of the nearby huts of the camp. He might have found it appalling had he not once lived on the streets himself. He knew what it was like to find any place that provided some cover from the elements. Most of them were constructed of whatever pieces of metal the miners likely could find. On a stack of cloth sacks inside, no doubt filled with as much soft material as the camp’s prisoners could scavenge, lay Nayeli, covered with a ratty blanket. A sheen of sweat covered her forehead. She occasionally shivered, her eyes popping open for a couple moments before closing again in pain. Kevin stooped down and tried to rouse her, “Nayeli? It’s Kevin Doran. I came to find you.” “Avkar... here... protect Lightning...” she wheezed. Kevin thought he saw a light of recognition in her eyes. Yes, she did recognize him. She tried to say his name. “I know about the Avkar. Can you tell me anything about them?” “Lightning... protect... Kevin… Avkar… weapon…” Kevin turned to the kid, whose eyes had welled with tears. She wasn’t making sense, but given her health, he couldn't expect her to. He’d seen what a septic shock could do to someone. She looked over to the kid and croaked out, “...Brave... Lightning.... love you...” She closed her eyes as her breathing became shallower. Kevin reached out and caressed her cheek as the life slipped from her. He whispered, “I love you, Nayeli.” He got back to his feet and asked the kid, “What’s lightning?” “Me,” he replied, “It’s my name. Derrick Lightning.” Xanthus yelled from outside, “Commander!” Kevin and Derrick ran back outside. Xanthus had loaded as many people as he could into the shuttle, but a few still remained. The wolf-man security chief had his tricorder out, scanning over the horizon, still keeping his eye on Qulier. He said, “The Avkar are headed back toward the camp. We need to get out of here soon.” Kevin slapped his combadge, saying, “Doran to Eagle Star.”
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“This is the Eagle Star,” Bruce replied, “What’s happening, Commander?” “We’ve found several people here and they’re in need of help. The shuttle’s loaded to capacity.” “Understood. The Firebrand is closer, so we’ll cover them while they beam up the survivors.” A few moments later, two groups of people were beamed up. Kevin was about to send Derrick Lightning up with the other miners, but the kid refused to be separated from the Starfleet crew. They started to head for the shuttle when a stream of phaser fire struck at the team. Xanthus was hit in the ankle by one of the beams, but Derrick and Kevin grabbed him under the arms and pulled him into the shuttle. A couple of security officers were also struck but managed to fall close enough to get inside the shuttle. Kevin got into the pilot’s seat and quickly engaged the shields. A medic helped Xanthus with his injury enough so that he was able to get into the co-pilot seat. Right after liftoff, Xanthus sent a hail to the Eagle Star that they were on their way back. Kevin looked down at the surface, seeing the camp grow smaller in the distance. Derrick looked over his shoulder, clearly watching the only home he’d known in his life disappear. Kevin whispered, “Good bye, Nayeli.”
Dr. Carin had his hands full when the Away Team returned to a very busy sickbay. A number of the ship’s crew had been wounded in the fight, mostly due to a hit to engineering. Though, to give credit where it was due, his new assistant CMO, Dr. Dami Mehran, and Nurse Melissa Pennington went above and beyond to create a smooth operation to heal the injuries, but keep Sickbay personal and caring. Carin just finised with Xanthus and was about to move on to the young man Commander Doran brought back from the planet when Xanthus said, “Hey Doc? I’ve decided to make a change to my service record and give myself a species.” “Oh? What brought this change of heart?” “In the fire-fight on the planet, it just came to mind; this question of did I want ‘mutate’ on my gravestone? If I died, did I want to die with a slur on my death certificate?” “I can appreciate that. And did you decide on?” “Well… I kind of like Lupusarian.” Carin smiled, “I’m honored, Commander.” Bruce and Kevin stood in Carin’s office talking over the fire-fight and the rescue of the miners. At least something good came out of their run to Fulkan II, Kevin said, but the courier
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and Nayeli Stone Striker hadn’t really given them anything they didn’t already know—that the Avkar were making weapons. Kevin wanted to interrogate the courier more. He knew Nayeli; he knew their connection. How? Why? “We’ll figure it out, Number One,” Bruce said, reassuringly, “The main thing right now is that we saved almost thirty men and women. Some of who have been slave labor for fourteen years.” “It doesn’t feel right. I wish I would have known she was here. Maybe I could have… maybe saved her sooner. I don’t know.” “Maybe you could have, Kevin, but right now, I think that what you were able to do was enough.” They talked about it a little more before Dr. Carin came over to them. His expression was calm, but the wear of treating the away team also showed. Kevin asked, “How’s Derrick?” “He’s pretty healthy considering that mining camp is the only life he’s ever known. He hasn’t been physically abused so much, but he’s definitely got some emotional scars that aren’t going to heal quickly,” Carin said. “What can we do for him?” Bruce asked. “Well our resources on the Eagle Star are pretty limited. He might be better served back on Deep Space Fifteen. The problem is, he has no one. No other family from his mother’s side anyway.” Kevin looked over to Bruce and said, “I’d like to help take care of him. In a way, I feel responsible for what happened to him.” “That brings up something else, Commander. I did run the paternity test you requested. Nayeli Stone Striker is his mother.” “And his father?” Carin looked down at his boots a moment before replying, “You, Commander.”
Qulier paced around in his cell in the brig. The Starfleet crew dragged him down to Fulkan II and gotten a fire-fight for their trouble, after which they carted him back up to the ship only to throw him in their holding cells. So much for civilized Federation justice. Kevin Doran walked into the brig, his face seething with anger, followed by Xanthus Talkart. Outside they’d agreed that they would play “good cop, bad cop” with the courier, with Xanthus taking the good cop role; someone who was understanding and maybe sympathetic. Kevin was pissed enough for what happened that he didn’t need to fake being the bad cop. The
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Lupusarian said, as if anticipating his tirade about still being held, “You are being held for further questioning regarding the information you assured us would be on the planet.” “I told you that the human woman had a clue about the plans of the Avkar. It was true. It is not my fault that she died before she could divulge them to you.” “But you also knew that she was ill and waited until Dekaniza was under attack to bring this information to us,” Kevin growled, “You could have contacted the station directly.” “The Avkar would know that I contacted you. Commandant Diabolus has decreed that anyone who contacts the Federation is a traitor and subject to severe penalties, not the least of which is death. I value my life and livelihood too much to let that happen.” Xanthus watched the green veins in Qulier’s face pulse with his nervousness. He couldn’t tell if that meant that the Cosal was lying or just nervous. He need to remember that the next time he interrogated one of them. He said, “So why the noble sense of honor to get the message to us that there were human prisoners on Fulkan II? We could easily left you on the planet and the Avkar could’ve had their way with you. You must have known what the human woman could tell us. Otherwise, how else could you have known enough to pique our interest?” “Cut the crap, Xanthus,” Kevin said, “Of course he knew.” “I didn’t!” Kevin got right into the alien’s face—a tactic he’d perfected in his years in security—and shouted, “And I don’t believe you! So you better start talking otherwise, I’ve a good mind to send you back to Dekaniza where we found you.” “You can’t do that! You Federation people are supposed to have a justice system that the Avkar don’t have!” “And why should we let you use it?” Xanthus asked, somewhat cynically, “You haven’t assisted us. You gave us nothing. In our society, one doesn’t get something for nothing. There is an equal trade between persons.” Between the baleful glare of the wolf-man and the enraged eyes of the Eagle Star’s first officer, the frightened courier finally cracked, “They’ve sent a weapon against you!” “How? Where?” Kevin demanded. “I don’t know! I swear it!” They went at it for almost two hours, prodding Qulier, trying to get details about the weapon. Eventually, Kevin gave Xanthus a signal that indicated they’d hit a brick wall. They’d have to let things be for a little while and come back at it another time. While the information obtained held some promise, Kevin didn’t bet it would last long. In this part of the quadrant, he
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knew, just about anything could be a weapon; conventional energy or photonic weapons were things of the past. The report to Captain Space went just about as bad as the interrogation—can’t develop a defense for a weapon you don’t know about. He approved their plan to hold the courier until either of them could get more information out of him. After Xanthus left, Bruce asked, “Are you all right, Kevin?” “It’s been a long day, Bruce, but I’m okay.” “Take the rest of the evening off, Commander. I need you at your best tomorrow.” “Yes, Sir.” “What about your boy? Do you given any thought to him?” “Admittedly, Bruce, I haven’t. With everything else going on with, it’s just been hard to wrap my mind around the fact that I just became a daddy. And my kid isn’t a baby, but a fourteen year old.” Bruce smiled, remembering taking in a certain fifteen year old many years ago, “Take some advice, Kevin. From one daddy to another, you’re going to need to spend some time with Derrick. You’re both going to have to get to know each other. And that’s going to take some time, so be patient.” Kevin smiled, “Thanks, Bruce.”
Kevin entered his quarters to find Derrick freshly cleaned and in new clothes that looked like they came straight from the replicator. He left the kid with Joe while finishing the interrogation with Qulier and reporting his threat to Captain Space. Now he somehow needed to be a parent—something he’d never really had. Sure, Bruce and Dana always treated him as one of the family, and he’d had Grandfather too, but it wasn’t the same as having his birth parents. “I’m sorry that I don’t have something a little better for you,” he apologized, “Dr. Carin thought it might be better for you to stay with someone rather than by yourself.” “It’s okay.” “Can I get you anything?” “No. Joe helped me get something to eat in the mess hall.” They took chairs opposite each other and a long silence passed. Derrick still wasn’t quite sure what to make of being rescued from the Avkar onto a Starfleet ship. And he feared being sent back to Earth; back to a planet he’d only heard about from his mother and strangers
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“trying” to find a father that didn’t know he even existed. Finally Kevin said, “I had Dr. Carin run an extra test when he checked you out in sickbay. I figured you’d want to know...” “Know what?” “Know who you father is.” Derrick rose and took a turn around the room, glancing at the few pieces on the wall. He stopped for a moment at Kevin’s framed champion jersey when he played hockey for the Minnesota Wild. The moment finally came and it frightened him. He came back, sat down again, and replied, “No offense, Commander, but I don’t care. I’ve been able to take care of myself for years. Mom made sure I could—” Kevin raised a hand to stop him. He said, “I know. I said the same thing when Captain Space tried to help me a long time ago. I was just about your age too. And I don’t want what happened to me to happen to you.” “What do you care about me? You don’t even know me.” “I have to now, Derrick. The test Dr. Carin ran indicates that I’m your father.” Derrick’s look of confusion, panic, pain, and terror, Kevin wouldn’t easily forget. He remembered being a scared fourteen year old, trying to stay in school while living on the streets. Yet, his first vow as a new father was to be there for his boy in all the ways his own parents hadn’t been there for him. Kevin said, trying to keep his voice as neutral as he could, holding back the rush of emotions he too felt, “I won’t promise I’ll be a great dad, or even a good one. But I will promise that I won’t leave you and I will protect you.”
Carefully oozing his way through the Jeffries’ Tube, the weapon sought out the critical junction. The commandant’s orders hummed through its mind, filling his thoughts. He knew his mission well. The promised rewards didn’t matter. Qulier did his job well, delivering him to the Starfleet vessel captained by commandant Diabolus’ archenemy. The courier hadn’t even known that he taken passage on his person. Once back on the starship, it was easy to sneak off Qulier. He mimicked the wall panel, easing his way into the ventilation system. Starfleet designed their ships with so many weaknesses that someone like him could exploit. All he would need to do is find the right junctures, make a few modifications, then, well… All according to the plan…
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Star Trek: Eagle Star Episode #303 “Where the Lightning Strikes” Written By Michael A. Slagenweit-Coffman Story Elements By Todd Isaac Based on “Star Trek” Created By Gene Roddenberry Star Trek®, Star Trek: The Next Generation®, Star Trek: Deep Space Nine®, Star Trek: Voyager®, Star Trek: Enterprise®, and all associated marks are registered trademarks of Paramount Pictures Incorporated. All rights reserved. No infringement is intended. No profit whatsoever is coming from the use of "Star Trek" by this fan fiction. No part of this fan fiction may be reproduced or otherwise copied without express written permission of the author.
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