Star Trek TFL E-mail Role Play Entries, Page 4
Subj: Stepping carefully from past to present (Part 3)
Date: 2/18/98 12:08:41 AM Pacific Standard Time
From: DrKrisMLyn
To: AdmDKuntz, ADumas1826, Amatuli, AmbV Spock
To: Angel Swan, B M Bowden, BCrew, Beacus, BradBaumn
To: Capt MattS, Capt Raven, Capt speed, CaptJoker
To: Cezzane, Cmdr TVect, CmdrQShell, Cpt TZyr
To: Cpt Wago, CtJLPicard, D Rekhval, DErv Haokk
To: DMacCullum, DrKrisMLyn, DuneGirl, Elinador
To: Erv tRaiS, FireDncerX, HoD Kachak, JonCope95
To: Josef McQ, Joy Mudd, Katya Mynx, KelCaraidX
To: Krelok, Love Robin, Lt Orion, Lt SilverI
To: LtCdrAnora, LtjCMoriah, Maige, Mandolang
To: MekTekTek, Moondnce, MqSabiene, OmTorak
To: PrincessML, ShaunaSkye, SILtVetkaV, SimonAshby
To: SinjnHawke, StarKhan, StarSailr, StarWolvF
To: StuChtRiit, TalinJago, Trochilus, UltraVilot
To: VAdm Quan, Vikingar, Vzardag, W OConner
To: WingNPrair, Wiz Soong, Wolenczak
It was a weighty question to ponder, wondering what she should do. Risk
to her ship, to her crew. Weighed against friendship of a man who acted as any
father would. As she would have. As a mother, she understood Corey's actions.
Perfectly. She would have, and did to some extent, sacrifice herself for Stuart.
The friendship that she shared with this man, and perhaps love, at least
affection..... Her honor demanded her to take the right course.
Kristie's voice was calm and clear. "How may we help?" At the shake of
his head, she placed a hand on his arm. "Please."
"To risk your involvment would endanger your ship and its crew-"
Kristie touched his lips lightly to silence him. "My ship and myself are
at my disposal, and therefore yours. I would give my crew their choice. Corey.
If it were Stuart, I would move the heavens to save him....please let me assist. "
She took his hand, looking at him earnestly.
His eyes searched hers. "Let me mull it over while we're enroute."
"Of course.," she said wryly. "You don't know if you can trust me." She
released his hand and stood, head held high.
"Not so. It's more of a work alone debate," he mused, touching her arm
lightly. Kristie sat next to him once again, closer.
"That is something you alone can decide," she whispered.
"Which is why I need a little time to decide," he commented, as he
leaned back, seeming to move closer to her.
"Understandable. Now...Your turn to question me, I believe."
He smiled faintly. "My turn?" He paused, waiting for her affirmative.
Glancing at her playfully, he continued, "Are you spoken for? I didn't notice
a ring." He took her hand in his own, his fingers lightly exploring hers as he
looked for the ring.
Kristie laughed, winking at him. "No, none lay claim to me. No ring.
You might say I was married to my work."
"Oh?"
"Yes....and now you could say that I'm out of that relationship. A
separation- most likely divorce."
Kristie smiled slightly. "Does that please you? Or do you only ask
out of curiosity?"
"I'm..." Corey paused, perhaps to choose his wording carefully,
"pleasantly surprised." His gaze met hers. "Any regrets?"
"Of course....but I could hardly have chosen otherwise. I gave these
years to hold together what inheritance Stuart might gain.... and he is worth
the sacrifice." She smiled, but her eyes were sad. "Besides, I have the rest
of my life ahead of me, do I not?"
"Indeed you do." He watched her closely. "Don't you?"
Her response was quiet. "Don't we all? None may know his time left in
this universe." Taking a deep breath, she continued. "This was my last trading
run. It, like so many of them, has turned out to be a bust, as it is hard to
deliver cargo when you are disabled." She smiled at Corey.
"Are you certain this isn't a ruse to lure unsuspecting vessels and trap
them? Sneakier things have been done."
"By acting helpless? No, it is purely the gift of the fates that a
handsome Admiral on the run came to save us." Her musical laughter punctuated
her meaning. Corey raised an eyebrow in mock confusion.
"No, Corey. Seriously....I was to Carascant and then to Alpha One.,"
chuckled Kristie, poking him gently in the ribs. "Oh puh-lease. Surely you notice
the effect you have on women."
Corey arched his eyebrow characteristically. "The nill effect, you mean?
I've noticed that, yes."
"Ah, perhaps you aren't in tune to it then...." She coughed delicately.
"You've had quite an effect on me."
Corey moved closer, eyes trained on her. "Oh? Are you certain you're
not coming down with some sort of illness? Theluzian flu is common this time
of year."
Kristie stuck her tongue out at him, and then quickly redirected the
conversation with her most enchanting smile. "Really, Corey- it is somewhat
of joke to imagine you think I've aligned with the Feds to trap you."
"One can never be too careful. What better bait to use than a
seemingly helpless, absolutely stunning...breathtakingly beautiful woman?"
His smooth, low voice sent chills up and down her spine.
"Corey...." Kristie's cheeks were flushed. She leaned closer to
him, looking into his eyes. "So charming. Such flattery." Corey leaned closer
still.
"Pure, unadulterated honesty-" He lightly pressed his lips to hers. She
blinked, startled, then returned the kiss softly. He leaned her back gently,
draping himself over her as the kiss deepened.
Subj: Homecoming - Part 10
Date: 3/2/98 1:39:42 AM Pacific Standard Time
From: VAdm Quan
To: Angel Swan, DrKrisMLyn, Amatuli, ADumas1826
To: BCrew, Beacus, B M Bowden, Capt speed, CaptJoker
To: Capt Raven, Cpt Wago, Cezzane, Cmdr TVect
To: CmdrQShell, Cpt TZyr, CtJLPicard, D Rekhval
To: DMacCullum, DuneGirl, FireDncerX, HoD Kachak
To: Joy Mudd, KelCaraidX, Krelok, Love Robin
To: LtjCMoriah, Lt SilverI, Maige, MekTekTek
To: Moondnce, MqSabiene, OmTorak, SimonAshby
To: StarKhan, StarSailr, StarWolvF, StuChtRiit
To: TalinJago, Trochilus, UltraVilot, Vikingar
To: Vzardag, Wiz Soong, W OConner, YeIIow, BradBaumn
BCC: VAdm Quan
:::aboard the independent starship La Estrella Encantada:::
When we last left Admiral Quan he was engaged in extra curricular
activities. Botany had always been somewhat of an interest to him ever since his
grandfather had introduced it to him, although never like this. Ulterior motives
aside, the infamous Admiral of Vices decided to take the lovely Doctor Kristie
Lyn up on her offer of a tour of her ships botanical garden. Little was he aware,
or rather, little did he want to admit, he was just as affected by a sensuous
woman as any other man.
Quan exhaled silently as he propped his head on his elbow. His
gaze fell softly on, what he considered, one of the most breathtaking sites in
the quadrant, Kristie Lyn, naked no less. Quite a bit less in fact.
"Hmmm?" She queried softly.
"Between you and me, I had no intentions of seducing you." He
replied after breaking an awkward pause with a cough.
Kris' voice was soft, like a feather grazing his ear. "Well, it
is a little late for that, don't you think?"
"What exactly have I done?" He whispered.
"Do you want a full schematic or was it so terrible you regret
it?" She whispered as she brushed a strand of hair away from his forehead.
Quan raised an eyebrow ever so slightly as he flashed a subtle
grin. "Must I really answer that?" Kristie's response was a giggle. "I suppose
things can never go back the way they were between us. That is, should the need
to do so arise." He said, his demeanor becoming more serious.
"I suppose not. Not that that is necessarily a bad thing."
"True."
"It was, I suppose, poor judgment and timing on our parts." There
was a pause. "Just couldn't resist your charm." She quipped with a wink.
"Poor judgment? I wouldn't go quite that far." Quan answered as
he unabashedly eyed her naked form.
"Well, this is a lovely view." Lyn said with a cat like purr as
her gaze fell upon the Admiral's nakedness.
"In all actuality, perhaps it was you who seduced me."
"Me?" She replied with an upswept eyebrow.
"Indeed. Intriguing notion, is it not?"
"You are incredibly sexy and I was tempted. Though I like to think
you seduced me." She chuckled. "For some reason it feels better for my ego."
Quan smiled, an ever so faint one. "But I don't relish the thought
of taking advantage of a vulnerable woman."
"Vulnerable?" Lyn matched her gaze with his. "Do I seem so to you?
The stranding in space aside?"
The Admiral was silent for a few moments as he relished the sensation
of how her fingertips brushed over his lips. He shook his head slowly. "No, anything but."
"Perhaps I am... but not weak. I can be vulnerable, in trust." She
added in an almost inaudible voice. She drew close as their lips met and shared a
tender kiss.
Quan cleared his throat quietly as he did an admirable job of hiding
a smile. "I hate to sound cliche... but was it good for you?"
"Oh, couldn't you tell?" Lyn chuckled. "Of course, I wouldn't mind
several more rounds of the same."
"I'm not sure. Throughout history women have often been referred to
as the Great Fakers."
"Ah. Easier to fake, as there is not necessarily outward sign of
orgasm." She leaned in close and whispered in his ear. "It was wonderful."
Admiral Quan blushed slightly. "Even my ego needs stroking now and
then. It and myself are grateful."
"Damn good thing I don't allow monitoring equipment on this level."
She mused.
"Oh, I don't know. A hidden video camera here and maybe one over there...?"
"Well, I wouldn't mind watching it again. Though I'd much rather
experience it again." Lyn smiled wickedly. "I'll have to give you a tour of my quarters."
"I'm quite certain there are groups of men who'd die to see you like this."
"As I am?" She said as she stood, making a show of her state of dress,
or lack there of. "Natural, you might say?"
"Give or take a droplet of sweat."
Kristie laughed. "Well, sex and love take lots of work to be good."
"You don't have to remind me of that fact of life." Quan paused. "Oh.
Since we were caught up in the heat of the moment...."
She offered her hand to help him up* "What?"
"I'd like to take the opportunity now to assure you that I'm one
hundred percent safe." Quan wrapped his arms around her waist, drawing her closer.
"And sterile."
"Perhaps clean of disease, but safe?"
"Relatively." He replied with a chuckle.
"I am disease free myself and I didn't think to worry about the
sterility factor." Lyn flashed a sheepish grin. "I guess my senses left me."
"We all have to take responsibility once in our lives."
"Meaning?"
"There is usually one great moment in our lives when we must make
a decision that can invariably affect our future and perhaps those around us. I
decided to go through with a sterilization process after I learned of Allison's
conception."
Kristie nodded. "Wise decision, if you have no desire to conceive
any more children."
"It is reversible."
"Good." Kristie paused for a moment then leaned near the Admiral's
ear. "Seriously, though. I must know. Are you going to get strange and distance
yourself? I'd hate to lose a rediscovered treasure."
"Why would I do that? Do you consider me a quick lay?" Quan responded
as he leaned back.
"No, not quick. Sex can change things in a relationship. I just
wanted to know your intentions."
"Let me put it this way." He said with a reassuring smile. "I have
no regrets."
"Good." Lyn whispered.
"Besides, I consider the physical pleasures of the flesh to be a plus."
"They are definitely enjoyable." She agreed with a wicked grin.
"Indeed." Quan replied with a characteristic arch of an eyebrow.
"So, what would you like to do next?"
"What about that tour of your quarters you mentioned?"
"Dressed or shall we make a run for it?"
"Mmmm, dressed I think."
Kristie cracked a grin. "Chicken."
"I have a reputation to uphold, remember? Besides, what would Korak
think if he saw his La'Quv running around naked?"
"I don't think I could sully mine more if I tried." She paused a
moment to ponder. "Hmm... he'd think that he would like to see me that way more often?"
As Kristie bent to retrieve her clothes the Admiral took the
opportunity to admire her exquisite assets. Rightfully so he made this admiration
known to her by a playful slap to her backside.
"Hey!" She exclaimed as she wiggled invitingly.
Quan stood motionless for a moment, as if debating. "Tempting. Soooo
tempting."
"Taking sooooo long to decide."
"I've decided." He said as he gathered up his clothes and started to
dress.
Kristie opted to dress light for the trip back to her quarters, slipping
on an opaque, nearly transparent, undergarment. "On?"
"I can wait till we hit your quarters.
"As you desire..." She purred.
Quan arched an eyebrow. "I hope grass stains are easy to remove, for
your sake."
"Well, I'll worry about that some other time." She watched him dress
as he put his pants on one leg at a time then as he went about slipping into his
tunic and jacket, then finally his boots. "Making a lot of work for me, Corey?"
"Don't you like unwrapping presents?" Admiral Quan joked as he eyed
her.
"Yes." Lyn replied back as she openly stared at him, almost with a
predatory look. "I do."
He offered his arm to her. "I hoped as much."
"Have I taken away your fun?"
"Not in the least."
"I could put on a few space suits if you like. You know, make it a
little harder to get to your presents?"
Admiral Corey Quan cocked an eyebrow slightly. "Really?" He shook his
head. "Not necessary. And since we're on the subject of clothing I was wondering..."
"Yes?"
"How do you feel about leather and chains? Do you own a whip?"
To be continued...
Subj: Returning Home
Date: 3/18/98 9:31:36 PM Pacific Standard Time
From: DrKrisMLyn
To: VAdm Quan, Angel Swan, Amatuli, ADumas1826, BCrew
To: Beacus, B M Bowden, Capt speed, CaptJoker
To: Capt Raven, Cpt Wago, Cezzane, Cmdr TVect
To: CmdrQShell, Cpt TZyr, CtJLPicard, D Rekhval
To: DMacCullum, DuneGirl, FireDncerX, HoD Kachak
To: Joy Mudd, KelCaraidX, Krelok, Love Robin
To: LtjCMoriah, Lt SilverI, Maige, MekTekTek
To: Moondnce, MqSabiene, OmTorak, SimonAshby
To: StarKhan, StarSailr, StarWolvF, StuChtRiit
To: TalinJago, Trochilus, UltraVilot, Vzardag
To: Wiz Soong, W OConner, YeIIow, BradBaumn
*Thud*
*Grunt*
*Thunk*
"Point," the Klingon snarled. "You are not concentrating."
"Yeah, well, shut up-" and with that, the padded staff came swinging down
in attack. As Korak naturally pinned it with his own, his opponent used the
leverage to spring up and knock the burly Klingon off balance.
As he staggered, the staff came down on his heel. "Hey!"
With a sweet smile, Kristie chuckled. "Point."
"Hardly regulation, La'quv."
"Hey, it worked for Achilles," she said, moping her forehead with a towel.
At his confused look, she shook her head. "An ancient warrior from Earth. Source
of an idiom."
Taking a deep breath, she held her hand up to pause their spar. "I am more
winded than usual. Give me a moment." She leaned heavily on the staff, focusing,
her cheeks flushed.
Korak looked at her, his eyes narrowing. "Are you unwell?"
Waving him off, she stood ready. "No, just been spending my time on.....
other athletic endeavors." With a saucy wink, she began her attack. A traditional
Tong attack, which he quickly repelled by the Q'tak maneuver.
The dance-like spar continued with attacks and counterattacks, textbook
movements executed with grace. Nothing could be heard, but the sounds of their
breathing and occasional grunts.
Then the comm beeped, saving Kristie's dignity.
"Bridge to captain."
Grinning, Kristie made her way over to the comm station, trying to catch
her breath. "Lyn...here." She leaned heavily against the bulkhead, wiping her
sweat drenched forehead.
"We have reached the boundaries set out by Ri'truan. Our escort will
rendezvous with us in the next station hour."
"Good. Notify Mr. Quan and the Tarim. I'm on my way to the bridge.
Lyn out."
Subj: Homecoming - Part 10 (Supplemental)
Date: 3/29/98 6:39:57 AM EST
From: VAdm Quan
To: Angel Swan, DrKrisMLyn, Amatuli, ADumas1826
To: BCrew, Beacus, B M Bowden, Capt speed, CaptJoker
To: Capt Raven, Cpt Wago, Cezzane, Cmdr TVect
To: CmdrQShell, Cpt TZyr, CtJLPicard, D Rekhval
To: DMacCullum, DuneGirl, FireDncerX, HoD Kachak
To: Joy Mudd, KelCaraidX, Krelok, Love Robin
To: LtjCMoriah, Lt SilverI, Maige, MekTekTek
To: Moondnce, MqSabiene, OmTorak, SimonAshby
To: StarKhan, StarWolvF, StuChtRiit, TalinJago
To: Trochilus, UltraVilot, Vzardag, Wiz Soong
To: W OConner, YeIIow, BradBaumn
BCC: VAdm Quan
:::lower commercial subspace band frequencies:::
"-and as we continue with today's top stories, we have an update concerning
Corey Quan, the renegade Starfleet officer at large. Federation officials have
issued warrants for this mans apprehension as well as a monetary reward for
retrieving him alive. As you may recall, we, at FNLN (Federation News Light Network),
were the first to bring you this story.
Before Quan's escape, Starfleet Security had been charged with his
incarceration. Officials now believe that his escape was aided by some outside
organization. This supports investigators suspicions of Quan's involvement in
'Subversive organizations set on destroying the fabric of life as it is known
in the Federation,' as one Starfleet spokesperson put it.
"Currently we have no leads on Quan's whereabouts. We'll keep you up to
date as we learn more in this late breaking story. And now we go to Lorna DeVachio
for a special segment on Bajoran Spice Pudding."
:::aboard the Federation Runabout Tarim:::
"Corey?" HANAH inquired in her characteristic tone, reminiscent of an
Angel Swan simulation programmed in perpetual "Vamp" mode.
"Yesh, HADAH?" Quan replied as he held a node calibrator in his teeth. He
squinted as tiny sparks erupted from an open conduit panel as he worked on it in
one of the half dozen tiny crawl spaces in the Tarim.
"Incoming signal from our escorts. We're to disengage the tractor beam and
proceed to Docking Bay Four Nine Zero Gamma."
He snapped the shielded panel back over the exposed inerd of the runabout
and squirmed back out the entry hatch to the main cabin. "They'll be taking charge
of seeing that the Estrella will dock safely?"
"I presume so. They weren't all that forthcoming with information."
"Open a channel to the Estrella." The channel open chime sounded. "It looks
like we'll be parting company Kristie, if only momentarily. When we get onstation
you'll have to give me one of your special tours. Till then. Tarim out." The channel
close chime sounded. "Cut power to the tractor and adjust our heading according to
our docking directions. We're not in Federation space so it's likely something bad
will happen to us if we don't follow their instructions to the letter."
"Why do we even need to stop here? There are thousands of people living on
that station. When there are that many people, a handful of them are bound to be bounty
hunters. Docking could jeopardize your mission."
HANAH had a good point but the Admiral had an even better one to counter with.
"True. However, if we dock, I can repair the damaged plasma conduit properly. The
jury-rigging will only last for a little while longer anyway or until we hit a big
bump. I'd rather risk a little public exposure rather than risk getting blown up because
of a ruptured plasma conduit."
"I'd like to go on record as pointing out that I recommended against towing
that massive ship in the first place. That's the reason why the conduit is damaged.
I'm built for speed. I'm a runabout, not a tug." HANAH informed in a miffed tone.
Admiral Quan smiled faintly. "Consider your protest logged and noted."
"Really, Corey. I still don't see the point in helping that woman. Our schedule
has been skewed substantially because of this detour."
"I like to think chivalry isn't quite dead in the twenty-fourth Century. We
may all consider ourselves equals but there's no resisting a damsel in distress.
Besides, it's good to help people once and a while."
HANAH let out a sigh. "I doubt I'll ever understand what you all see in each
other. I'm glad I don't have to worry about all those variables. It's amazing you
all haven't become extinct because of them."
Quan chuckled softly. "Believe me, we even amaze ourselves sometimes, HANAH."
To be continued...
Subj: Homecoming - Part 10 (Supplement b)
Date: 3/31/98 8:24:12 AM EST
From: VAdm Quan
To: Angel Swan, DrKrisMLyn, Amatuli, ADumas1826
To: BCrew, Beacus, B M Bowden, Capt speed, CaptJoker
To: Capt Raven, Cpt Wago, Cezzane, Cmdr TVect
To: CmdrQShell, Cpt TZyr, CtJLPicard, D Rekhval
To: DMacCullum, DuneGirl, FireDncerX, HoD Kachak
To: Joy Mudd, KelCaraidX, Krelok, Love Robin
To: LtjCMoriah, Lt SilverI, Maige, MekTekTek
To: Moondnce, MqSabiene, OmTorak, SimonAshby
To: StarKhan, StarWolvF, StuChtRiit, TalinJago
To: Trochilus, UltraVilot, Vzardag, Wiz Soong
To: W OConner, YeIIow, BradBaumn
BCC: VAdm Quan
In our last episode, Admiral Corey Quan's name had been tarnished via
broadcast propoganda. Such a thing should only be limited to Presidents and
unatractive White House interns. We continue with the slanderous coments in,
this the newest installment of, ST:TFL Homecoming. If you'd prefer not to
receive any future episodes please send me notice stating so. And now, on with
the show. :::cue strong percussion music, ala NYPD Blue, as opening credits roll:::
:::lower commercial subspace band frequencies:::
"Let's not forget to thank Kotek for his... um, unusual piece on the
Targ as the new cause of Klingon impotence. Now we go directly to our investigative
reporter, Calista Anden, for the continuation of the Corey Quan, Admiral of Vices,
story. Calista?"
"Thanks for the introduction, Gemma. I'm seated with John Coktostostan,
long time resident of Santa Cruz and neighbor to the Quan family." Calista turned
to regard her interviewee. "Mr. Coktostostan, can you tell us a little bit about
Corey Quan?"
Coktostostan was one of those rare finds on Earth, a legitimate old timer
that had been around for far longer than a century. True, such a thing was common
nowadays thanks to modern medicine and biometric mechanics but Coktostostan was an
oddity. He was one of only a handful of people that still had all his original organs.
No implants and no artificial replacements. Suffice to say, he was more than a little
eccentric. Then again, who of us really isn't just a little eccentric in our own way?
Seeing as such, everyone allowed Old Man Coktostostan to live how he wanted.
The old man sat back in his steel framed chair, cradling a well cared for
disrupter riffle in his arms. He was a sight, especially in stark contrast to Calista
who sat slightly off to his side. Calista Anden was a sight to behold also. Her hair
was a luxurious golden like brown. Her eyes? Indescribable since they seemed to change
color at any given moment. Stunning. That's all that could be said about the late
twenty to early thirty something woman. Exact age? No one knew for sure. She had a
thing for keeping her personal life just that, personal. Outside of her broadcast
career she pretty much kept to herself, much to the disappointment of many young men.
"Huh?" Coktostostan grunted.
"Corey Quan? Your neighbor?"
Coktostostan grunted. "Punk kid is what he is."
"I'd hardly call him a kid, sir."
"Hah! He older'n me?"
"Well, no."
"Then he's a kid. Plain'n simple."
"Well, okay. If that's how you like to see it."
"You bet that's how I like seeing it. You know how old I am?"
Calista looked pleadingly to her camera crew who, quite amused, just looked
back at her. Damn her producer. She'd get back at him one way or the other for this
assignment. "No sir. I'm afraid I don't."
"Good. Keep it that way." The old man looked Calista over for the first time.
"Say, yer a pretty thing, aint ya?" He seemed to zone out for a second then came back,
interrupting Calista right when she was going to call the whole thing off. "What was I
talkin' about?"
"Admiral Corey Quan."
"Yeah. The punk kid. Lemme tell you somethin' 'bout that boy. Aint nuthin' but
trouble. I knew it the day he was brought home from the hospital. Cry, cry, cry. All he
did. Kid was so loud I couldn' sleep at night. Voice carried far. Nothin' but trouble.
Did I mention he was loud?"
"Yes, you did." Calista tried to baby Coktostostan. It wasn't easy getting
information out of a fossil after all. "Can you skip ahead a bit? After his infancy?
Remember, this is a live broadcast and it's timed."
"Yeah, yeah. All you kids do today is bitch and whine about time. Bitch, bitch,
bitch. Whine, whine, whine. Time aint nothin'. What'll you get my age, if you make it
that far." Coktostostan zoned out again then came to. "What was I talkin' about?"
Calista sighed. "Quan."
"Oh yeah. Ever tell you the time he blew up one of the rooms to this house?
Pyromaniac. Disturbed. Said it was an accident. Likely story. Never did like that kid
much. Whole family was wacko. From that sister of his, Bertha-"
"Beth." Calista corrected.
"Beth, Bertha whatever- to his dead grandfather. Now *there* was a guy who was
as crazy as a toon. Loco, I tell ya. Had all these *ideas* in his head 'bout, what he
called, 'Internal Power'. Always try to make me see it. I wouldn't have anything to do
with it. Chinese mumbo jumbo is what I think. Only *internal power* I know of is inside
my gut. When it escapes, *then* you know 'bout it." He nodded in agreement with himself.
"Damn straight. Crazies, every last one of them Quan's." Coktostostan leaned forward and
pretty much shoved his face into the camera. "Even if ya aint a Quan, I'm a watchin'. All
of them are no good. You talk to one of them, you's as crazy as they are. By association,
I say. By association."
"There you have it. Another tid-bit to fuel the fire in the Admiral of Vice's
investigation. Gemma, back to you."
"And... we're clear. Good job, Cali."
"Thanks." Calista muttered under her breath as the pounding in her temples went
from a dull to sharp throb. How the hell did she get herself into these messes? She
glanced at Coktostostan. "Oh geeze." She thought. "He's looking at me funny." She
chastised herself softly. "Why didn't I take Mother's advice and become a subspace
theorist?"
__________
:::Ri'truan, space station situated in non aligned territory:::
It was nice to get out from the runabout for once and see other people.
Ri'truan was certainly a lively place. Admiral Quan had taken advantage of his
situation and decided to take an impromptu tour of the station by himself. He knew
Kristie would give him a special tour herself but still, he doubted the tour she'd
plan to give him included such charming spots as the Alphamaniac watering hole,
situated in the bowels of the station.
Charming may be stretching it a bit. The Alphamaniac appeared to be nothing
more than a gathering place for the scum of the sector, most of them probably partaking
in illegal activities of one kind or another. Ah well, simulated tea was tea, cheery
atmosphere or not.
Quan took another quiet sip from the cup. He couldn't quite put his finger on
it but this oolong tasted somewhat different from what he was used to. Maybe it was
because of the foul stench in the air or, more likely, could it be the simple fact that
he was drinking from a filthy cup, one obviously used by a dozen other patrons before
him? He took another sip. Blehk! The cup. Had to be because of the cup.
The Admiral pushed the tea away and swiveled around on his stool. One thing was
for sure, if you wanted to see different faces, this was the place to be. Seemed like
all manner of race and gender congregated here.
"Corey, I think you may have a slight problem." HANAH's voice sounded over his
subdermal communicator.
"Be a little more specific, please." He muttered as he covered his mouth, in
what appeared to be a stifled yawn.
"I've been scanning all subspace transmissions and came across something you
might be interested in. If there's a monitor near, you can see for yourself. It's being
piped through the station network right now."
Admiral Quan looked around until he found an active monitor. It really didn't
look like much. FNLN was being broadcasted. Really nothing to worry about. FNLN was one
of the longest running broadcast news magazines around. It came as no surprise that
it'd be received this far out of Federation space. In all actuality, Quan had hoped
this was the one with the spice pudding segment. He'd always meant to get the correct
Bajoran recipe for it.
He shook his head slowly. No. No spice pudding in this show. Hold on. They
started flashing a numerical value on the screen. One thousand bars of gold pressed
latinum? "Must be one dangerous criminal to warrant that much latinum." Quan mused
silently as he took a sip of the awful tea.
Quan arched an eyebrow characteristically and blinked a few times, just to
refocus his eyes. Egad! He was right the first time. It hadn't been an optical
illusion. There, on every active display tuned in to FNLN, was an image of the Admiral.
A bad image too, taken from his shuttle pilots license, with the reward amount
blinking insistently in the lower portion of the screen.
"I thought you would find that interesting." HANAH cooed over the subderm.
comm.
To be continued...
Subj: Homecoming - Part 11
Date: 10/13/98 6:13:10 AM Pacific Daylight Time
From: VAdm Quan
To: Angel Swan, DrKrisMLyn, Amatuli, Caelin R
To: ADumas1826, BCrew, Beacus, Capt speed, Capt Raven
To: Cpt Wago, Cezzane, Cmdr TVect, CmdrQShell
To: Cpt TZyr, CtJLPicard, D Rekhval, DMacCullum
To: FireDncerX, Joy Mudd, KelCaraidX, Krelok
To: Love Robin, LtjCMoriah, Lt SilverI, Maige
To: Moondnce, MqSabiene, OmTorak, SimonAshby
To: StarWolvF, StuChtRiit, Trochilus, Vzardag
To: Wiz Soong, W OConner, YeIIow
BCC: VAdm Quan
[Authors note: If you do not wish to receive future entries please e-mail me saying
so. Feel free to invite others to watch. Oh, and no harsh criticism please. I'm still
a little rusty. ;D]
When last we left our hero he had come to the conclusion that his popularity
had gone up through the roof. Unfortunately for him it wasn't because of anything good.
Well, maybe we can make an exception. 1,000 bars of GPL would make anyone more popular.
Now we find Quan facing one of his worst fears in Part 11 of Star Trek Ten Forward:
Homecoming. Enjoy! Fade to starfield with Tarim under fire.
:::Aboard the Federation Runabout Tarim:::
"... fields are holding steady. Shields down to sixty eight percent." HANAH
informed.
Quan heald fast to his console as the small craft shuddered again. "They have
tremendous firepower for a ship of that class."
"They've probably upgraded everything on it, what with all the profit they earn
catching criminals. They are bounty hunters after all. It's their job."
"True. I expected them to, at least, ask for our surrender first then open
fire, not the other way around." The Admiral glanced at a nearby tactical display. "How
long till we reach the end of the damping field?"
"Four minutes and seventeen seconds."
Transitions into subspace near Ri'truan were, somehow, inhibited by a damping
field. Whether it was a natural tendency of the space around or if it was man made had
no bearing on the situation. Either way, Vice Admiral Quan's escape route hadn't turned
out as safe as he hoped.
"Transfer auxiliary power to the rear shield generators. I will attempt to
increase our velocity."
"Power transfer complete. Shields now at one hundred and thirty-two percent."
A pause. "Corey?"
He was hard at work, adjusting some part of the Tarim's propulsion system to
eek out a few more thousandths of c. "Hmm? Yes, HANAH?"
"How do you expect to increase our sub light velocity when we're already traveling
at full impulse?"
"It's just a matter of adjusting harmonics in the secondary field lobe." The
Admiral grasped the edge of his console as the runabout shuddered again from the impact
of weapons fire. "Since the damping field will not allow an increase in subspace
saturation all there is to work with is the field we have now." The ship shook once more.
Quan cleared his throat as he glared at the rearview display, as if he was chastising
his pursuers for interrupting his lecture. "The Tarim's systems have been adjusted to
operate more closely with the nature of the dampening field. We're moving with the
stream instead of against it, as it were."
"It looks like it's working. We're now clearing the scope of the damping field."
The Admiral nodded with approval. "Good." His hands seemed to flutter over the
console before him as he entered new commands. "Deploying warp foils."
Dormant consoles flickered to life as system after system became active in
preparation for the Tarim's jump into high warp. "Foils deployed and locked. Secondary
intercoolers online. Primary, secondary and tertiary stage injectors online. Structural
integrity and inertial damping fields at maximum. Saturation and recalibration of
field coils in progress."
"Looks like-" He consulted the tactical display. "... looks like we are just
barely outside their weapons range." Quan turned to the helm control, entering
destination coordinates. "Do we know the maximum velocity our hostile friends can
achieve?"
"Negative." HANAH purred. "Given the extent of their weapons upgrade it's safe
to assume that the propulsion systems aboard the ship are uprated as well."
"We'll find out if they can keep up soon enough." He entered more commands
into the helm, index finger poised over the commit key. "Jumping to warp..." He
tapped the key. "...now."
Starlight streaked into long filaments then settled into a familiar doppler
pattern after the flash into high warp was completed. "Velocity holding steady at
warp nine point three four. FTL shockwave was nominal. STC imbalance within acceptable
limits. No appreciable change in normal space stability." HANAH reported, her voice
ever so slightly coated with honey.
Admiral Quan intently focussed on the tactical plot. He allowed himself a
smile as the icons representing his pursuers grew smaller and smaller as they fell
farther behind. "I'm always happy to field test experimental systems in front of
an audience."
"You're enjoying this."
"Perhaps." He paused. "I have few things in life that bring me as much
satisfaction as this."
"Speaking of which... all work and no play..."
The Cantonese Admiral sighed softly as he made himself busy by checking fuel
consumption. "Why are we having this discussion again?"
"It's my understanding that emotional stability plays a vital role in humanoid
health. The breakup between you and Kristie must have had some negative influence on
your psyche, no matter how slight." Quan remained silent. "Of course you could order
me to change the subject but I hope you don't. I am charged with the partial
responsibility of looking out for your welfare. I may not be able to understand but
at least I can listen."
Admiral Quan was intent on his controls. "Slowing to warp nine. No need to
over do it." He leaned back in his chair, gaze fixed on the streaks of light framed
in the forward viewport. "When did I integrate psycho. evals into your matrix?"
"Never."
"I have to admit that I'm pleased by the way you've exceeded your initial design
directives."
"You're changing the subject. What happened between the two of you?"
"Mutual understanding." Quan rose from his chair. "Correction." He elaborated
as a cup of Oolong materialized on the replicator pad. "I was too stubborn to see." A
pause as he took a sip. "Or maybe I was just too afraid to admit it." He sat down.
"Kristie had the courage to confront our... situation. She cared enough about us to
force me to see." He leveled the rim of the cup below his nose, inhaling the vapors
of the tea. His tone was just above a whisper. "Don't know if I'll ever forgive
myself for the pain I caused her."
HANAH's tone was sympathetic. "Why do you think that is? I mean, not to be
blunt but you don't exactly leave your ex's on the best of terms."
The Admiral watched as star upon star streaked by at super lumenal speeds.
"Oh. It's easy to explain. Hard to understand but easy to explain." He took a long
sip. "Things... seem to follow the men in my family. Sometimes horrible things would
happen to those close to us. More often than not. Was it because of our actions or
was it destined that way?" He shook his head. "This-" His voice trailed off as sorrow
became reflected in his eyes, one of the many emotions bottled up inside. On some
level he found it odd that he, who could not even confide in his soul mate, found
comfort in venting his anguish to, of all things, an inanimate object. Perhaps on that
same level he knew why.
"This-" He cleared his throat. "curse or demon, as some of my ancestors have
put it, has been passed down from generation to generation. It has no bounds. No
limits." He took a small sip of tea. "A few Centuries ago someone tried to put an end
to the hurting, not for our sake but for those we inadvertently infected. It was a
good and righteous cause. Honorable. "A pause for another sip. "He believed that there
were a select few who were destined to live out their existance alone. He put it upon
himself to be one of those. Not in the manner one might think. Rather, his heart, his
soul... would be empty. He deemed it necessary. None would get past his barriers.
Solitude would remain intact.
"Suffice to say, the Demon enshrouded him. He lost his way. The cause died
with him." He leaned back in his chair. "I resurrected it, after Grandfather passed
the tale down to me. The Demon would be slain in my lifetime. It would end with me."
He laughed softly. "But, like my predecessor, it seems that I've failed as well. The
curse/Demon lives on. All I can do now is run from it. I fear that soon, I too, will
be consumed by it."
"Superstition, Corey. It's a story that was conjured up to explain why
unpleasent things happened to your family. It's a trait found in countless cultures'
history."
"Perhaps, HANAH. Perhaps."
To be continued...
Subj: Homecoming - Part 12
Date: 10/24/98 3:33:30 PM Pacific Daylight Time
From: VAdm Quan
To: Angel Swan, DrKrisMLyn, Amatuli, BCrew, Beacus
To: Capt speed, Capt Raven, Aron Wago, Cmdr TVect
To: CmdrQShell, Cpt TZyr, CtJLPicard, D Rekhval
To: DMacCullum, FireDncerX, Joy Mudd, KelCaraidX
To: Love Robin, LtjCMoriah, Lt SilverI, Maige
To: Moondnce, MqSabiene, OmTorak, SimonAshby
To: StarWolvF, StuChtRiit, Trochilus, Vzardag
To: W OConner, YeIIow
BCC: VAdm Quan
In our last episode we learned of the romantic breakup between Doctor Kristie
Lyn and our illustrious Vice Admiral Corey Quan. Would their friendship remain in
tact? Or would the loss of super satisfying sex drive them both insane? Whatever the
case, only time will tell. And what's all this nonsense about demons? Now we find
our hero closer to meeting his objective. Join us as the Admiral re-learns this age
old saying: Though the path of life may be straight and narrow, it's the bumps and
potholes along the way that make you stray. Enjoy this, the latest episode of,
Star Trek Ten Forward Station: Homecoming.
:::lower commercial subspace band frequencies:::
"Welcome to another edition of the Federation News Light Network. I'm your
host, Gemma Carlton. Later on we'll have a special treat for you animal lovers.
Have you ever tried to house break your targ? No? Stay tuned to find out how. Let's
continue with the top segment for today.
"In the past few months we've been keeping you up to date on a matter of
internal Federation security. Namely, the Vice Admiral Corey Quan threat. To help
us understand this fugitive's motives we have recruited Doctor Heimleck Snoggle,
noted psychologist and author and Lieutenant Lance Armstrong of Starfleet's JAG.
Gemma nodded to the men. "Welcome to our show, gentlemen." She
paused as each of the men nodded in return. "Lieutenant, let's start with
you. I understand you brought a video segment?"
Armstrong started to sweat bullets once the holocam was focussed on him.
"Err, yes. I have exclusive video of the felons escape in Historic San Francisco."
"Give us a little background on what lead up to the moment that we're about
to see." Gemma was considerably relaxed, almost serene while on camera. Not too hard
to believe, it was her job after all.
"My partner and I were dispatched to the Rusty Mallard restaurant on a
report that Quan was there. When we tried to apprehend him he fled. The clip I
brought is the climax of the chase, when we cornered him on the roof of the
restaurant."
"Let's roll the clip." Gemma added as she swiveled around to view her monitor.
[Excerpt from Homecoming - Part 4]
The Admiral reached the top of the stairs and squinted as
sunlight beat down. This was the open air section or roof of the restaurant.
Tables were arranged in a staggered fashion with umbrellas, now closed,
perched in the middle. Quan glanced back as the echoes of boots drew closer.
He jogged over to the far end of the roof and peered over the edge of the
building. It was a straight thirty foot drop to hard concrete. No ledges or
poles to climb down with. He looked up, another building was fifteen to
twenty feet away. He couldn't jump across onto its roof, it was about ten or
so feet higher than the Mallard. There was nowhere to go. He looked around
again. What if he could-
"Stop where you are!"
Quan really had no time for this. "I'm getting too old for
this." He muttered as he backed away from the edge and then sped forward at
full run. The wind whistled in his ears as he leaped over the edge of the
building. Silence came shortly after.
The first Starfleet officer tentatively made his way to the
opposite side of the roof, followed by his partner. "Geeze. Not another messy
cleanup. Go look and see how bad it is."
"Hell no. I'm not going to look. I looked last time. You
look."
"Oh for cryin' out loud. Fine. But you'll have to tell the
Commodore why he was brought back in a plastic bag." He peered over the edge,
expecting to see a large red splatter on the pavement. What he saw astounded
him. "Holy-"
Luckily for Admiral Quan, the Histo Francisco committee
deemed it necessary to build all the structures authentically, which included
fire escapes on most of the multistory buildings. As luck would have it the
building opposite the Rusty Mallard had such a feature. Quan pulled himself
over the top of the fire escape, hanging by a hand on one of its bars only
seconds before. He swiftly descended along the rest of the fire escape till
he touched ground.
[End Excerpt]
Gemma turned back to Lance Armstrong. "I could see your lips
moving but didn't hear any of the words. In fact, I didn't hear any audio at all."
"That's right." Armstrong nodded. "Due to cutbacks in Starfleet
funding we've been forced to use less sophisticated surveillance equipment. Video
only."
Doctor Heimleck Snoogle cleared his throat. "If you will allow
me? I am somewhat of an expert when it comes to reading lips. Can you please
replay the video again?"
"Of course, Doctor Snoogle." Gemma replied.
"That is Shhhhhnoogle. Not Snoogle. The shhhh sound is implied."
The Doctor corrected.
"Oh? I'm very sorry, Doctor *Shnoogle*."
Snoogle nodded with a smile. "That is quite all right, my dear.
A common mistake." He switched his attention to one of the active monitors,
concentrating on Vice Admiral Quan's escape footage. Snoogle's brow went up.
"He said, and I quote, I am going to kill them for this."
"Are you sure of that?" Gemma questioned. She was very skeptical.
"Most certainly. I would stake my reputation on it."
"But Doctor, every record we have on Quan says he's a pacifist.
How do you explain that?"
"I thought you might bring that up." Heimleck answered as he
fished a PADD from his attaché. "Admiral Quan suffers from a distinctly rare
cellular condition. In fact, his is the only case ever reported in the history
of medicine." The Doctor consulted his PADD. "You are aware that the Admiral is
an engineer?"
"Yes, I am. In the Federation he's considered to be one of the
leading experts in the field of propulsion. If I remember correctly, the Daystrom
Institute awarded him an honorary doctorate in Subspace Mechanics for his achievements."
"Correct! As a result of these achievements, Quan has been
subjected to the exposure of high intensity spatial distortions. In addition
to slowing his cellular decay rate, the reason behind why he looks half as
old as he is, it shifted the bio-electrical characteristics of the axonic linkages
in his brain."
"In laymen's terms please, Doctor?"
Heimleck chuckled. "Basically, his work has turned him into a
raving loon."
"That's what I've been trying to tell my superiors." Armstrong
said. "That guy has got to be bonkers. I mean, how else can someone walk away
alive after doing those crazy stunts. He must be living on pure adrenaline. You
know what else I was-"
"Ooookay." Gemma interrupted. "That's about all the time we
have for this segment. I'd like to thank our guests on behalf of the FNL team.
We'll be right back after this break." Gemma held her smile untill the director
signaled she could relax.
"And that's it. We're clear for two, kiddies. Take a break."
Gemma stood, leaving her two guests to entertain themselves. She
confronted her producer. "Where do you find these people? First it was Calista
and that weird old guy and now this. And how the hell do they base their suspicions?"
"Gemma, babe, sweetheart. Look, these flakes bring in the ratings.
If they happen to tarnish the good name of a crusty military officer, what's the
harm?"
Gemma walked away, shaking her head. "I guess it takes one
flake to recognize another. I should've listened to Father and gone into Botany."
:::aboard the Federation Runabout Tarim:::
"Personal log, supplemental. I've just altered course, in
accordance with the instructions relayed by the communications probe. Fortunately,
the sector we are heading into appears to be relatively deserted and quite far
from frequently traveled space. There appears to be a small asteroid belt to worry
about, a potential ambush spot." Pause for sip of tea.
"I must admit, I grow weary of the running around I've been doing.
It's gotten to the point that I look forward to returning to Earth, even if it
means losing my freedom. It will be more than worth it, though. All else is
secondary when it comes to Allison." A pause. "I still can't get over how much
she's matured. From a bristling ball of hatred when we found each other into the
respected young woman she's become. I'm pleased I've witnessed her transformation.
I can only hope her mother, wherever she is, approves of what I've been able to
give her." With conviction. "Yes, all else *is* secondary when it comes to my
daughter." Quan keyed in the command to close the log.
Vice Admiral Corey Quan swiveled to face the forward viewports.
Everything was crystal-clear, no matter how muddy the waters became. He possessed
a singular vision. One that would not, *could not* change. On some lower level of
his conscious mind he was being guided by primal instinct. The desire to protect
one's offspring was strong. Yet, in higher levels of consciousness, his mind
raced with possibilities, guided by logic and reasoning. Ah. Logic and reasoning.
Signs of an evolved being. Logic and reasoning, driven by the primal urge to
protect offspring. One of Nature's more successful offerings.
"We'll be in visual range of our destination in four minutes and
forty seconds, Corey." HANAH, the Tarim's onboard AI, cooed. Actually, she was
HANAH Mark II. HANAH Mark I was still in operation somewhere, aboard the
holographic cloak capable Gecko.
"Thank you, HANAH." The Cantonese Admiral of Vices swallowed a
large mouthful of liquid, the last of the tea in his cup. "Anything on long range
sensors?"
"Negative."
"Along the way we came?"
"Negative. "
"Tachyon traces?"
"Negative. There are no cloaked ships in pursuit of us."
"Amen to small miracles."
"Isn't that a religious saying, Corey? I thought you were an agnostic."
Quan smiled faintly. "It's just a figure of speech. It means one
should be thankful for the little things that go right."
"Oh." The navigation console bleeped. "Entering Sector 75890."
Quan sat up. "Drop to impulse."
The runabout started to shake as HANAH throttled back on the
engines. "I can't drop us out of warp, Corey."
"We're caught in some kind of subspace wake." The Admiral informed
as he consulted a science display. "I'm shutting down the plasma injectors and
retracting the foils. We'll gradually slow to sub light."
The shuddering lessened as the Tarim coasted at FTL speeds. "Um,
Corey? Stopping doesn't appear to be a priority."
Quan arched an eyebrow. "I'm not sure I follow."
"Well, it's the three kilometer long asteroid directly in our path
that I'm worried about."
Admiral Quan blinked in astonishment as HANAH popped an image of
the immediate threat on one of the monitors. It was one of the most massive
asteroids he had ever seen. Somehow it had been drawn into the subspace wake and
was on a direct collision course.
To be continued...
Subj: Return to Family Values Pt. 1
Date: 10/25/98 12:47:54 AM Pacific Daylight Time
From: DrKrisMLyn
To: Amatuli, Angel Swan, Aron Wago, BCrew, Beacus
To: Capt Raven, Capt speed, Cmdr TVect, CmdrQShell
To: Cpt TZyr, CtJLPicard, D Rekhval, DMacCullum
To: DrKrisMLyn, FireDncerX, Joy Mudd, KelCaraidX
To: Love Robin, Lt SilverI, LtjCMoriah, Maige
To: Moondnce, MqSabiene, OmTorak, SimonAshby
To: StarWolvF, StuChtRiit, Trochilus, VAdm Quan
To: Vzardag, W OConner, YeIIow
"In laymen's terms please, Doctor?"
Heimleck chuckled. "Basically, his work has turned him into
a raving loon."
"That's what I've been trying to tell my superiors." Armstrong
said. "That guy has got to be bonkers. I mean, how else can someone walk away
alive after doing those crazy stunts. He must be living on pure adrenaline. You
know what else I was-"
The woman reached over and turned off the vidscreen. Such drivel on the
airways showed an obvious lack of research. She knew the situation better.
Perhaps not as well as the instigators, but still better than the bubble headed
reporter. She leaned back, studying her PADD.
It was the latest intelligence on the mark, her movements and vid
conversations. Hopefully, it was fairly accurate. They had waited so long and
timing was of utmost importance. All the pieces were in place. If only she didn't
feel so nervous about the undertaking. Her life's work. Her purpose. There was
no looking back.
The woman looked up, somewhat startled by the flight attendant. Her hood
slipped away from her face. The young human male leaned forward. He cleared his
throat nervously as her emerald eyes locked his in a gaze.
"Uhm...ma'am....we'll be docking with....A.....Ritruan soon. The Captain
....uhm has asked that you turn on...off your PADDs for docking and security purposes."
The woman smiled coyly as she turned off the PADD. With a wink and a gloved
finger to her lips, she leaned back, pulling her hood to shade her features once again.
Subj: Homecoming - Part 12 (Supplemental)
Date: 10/29/98 10:17:17 PM Pacific Standard Time
From: VAdm Quan
To: Angel Swan, DrKrisMLyn, Amatuli, Caelin R, BCrew
To: Beacus, Capt speed, Capt Raven, Aron Wago
To: Cmdr TVect, CmdrQShell, Cpt TZyr, CtJLPicard
To: D Rekhval, DMacCullum, FireDncerX, Joy Mudd
To: KelCaraidX, Love Robin, LtjCMoriah, Lt SilverI
To: Maige, Moondnce, MqSabiene, OmTorak, SimonAshby
To: StarWolvF, StuChtRiit, Trochilus, Vzardag, YeIIow
BCC: VAdm Quan
In our last installment Vice Admiral Corey Quan, who is way more
handsome than his creator :::grumbles:::, found himself going toe to toe with a
gigantic piece of rock. Would he end up as the sweet spread on an asteroid
bagel? What will become of our dear Admiral? Will I ever get a guest spot on
Aaron Spelling's "Charmed? Oops, I digress. What can I say? I love brunettes. ;D
Anyhow, some of these questions will be answered in this episode of Star Trek
Ten Forward Station: Homecoming.
:::cue opening sequence with Tarim being dragged around at FTL speeds:::
:::aboard the Federation Runabout Tarim:::
The runabout started to shake as HANAH throttled back on the
engines. "I can't drop us out of warp, Corey."
"We're caught in some kind of subspace wake." The Admiral informed
as he consulted a science display. "I'm shutting down the plasma injectors and
retracting the foils. We'll gradually slow to sub light."
The shuddering lessened as the Tarim coasted at FTL speeds. "Um,
Corey? Stopping doesn't appear to be a priority."
Quan arched an eyebrow. "I'm not sure I follow."
"Well, it's the three kilometer long asteroid directly in our
path that I'm worried about."
Admiral Quan blinked in astonishment as HANAH popped an image of
the immediate threat on one of the monitors. It was one of the most massive asteroids
he had ever seen. Somehow it had been drawn into the subspace wake and was on a
direct collision course.
"This can't be happening. You just washed and waxed me." Said HANAH.
"Oh, thirty seconds to impact, by the way."
"Activate the braking thrusters."
"Braking thrusters at maximum." A slight pause. "No appreciable
change in deceleration."
Vice Admiral Corey Quan watched the viewer as the huge lump of rock
grew closer. This wasn't quite the way he hoped he'd leave this reality. To be
honest, his vision of death involved him in bed with his wife after a stimulating
session of, ehem, you know. Somehow being a blotch on the face of an asteroid
didn't have the same appeal as his vision. His hands came to life as he keyed in
sequence after sequence of commands into the runabouts control systems. "Bring
the warp engines to hot standby, HANAH. I'm offsetting the plasma injection
sequence in the port nacelle by thirty percent as opposed to the starboard
nacelle."
"I won't be able to withstand the harmonic imbalance for very
long if you do that, Corey."
"We'll only need a few seconds."
Quan's scheme was unconventional, not to mention dangerous. He
hoped that a shift in the Tarim's subspace field matrix, usually a balanced one
due to the port and starboard nacelles identical injection sequences, would pull
them out of the wake. In essence, he would be applying a greater amount of
subspace energy to one side of the runabout, causing that side of the vessel to
"grab" space better. In this regard one could think of the runabout as a 20th
Century 4x4 with a limited slip differential. The wheels that have the most
traction get the most power. Unfortunately, the differing harmonics of the nacelles
causes extreme torsional stress to the vessels spaceframe. If not modulated
correctly, the stress would be more than enough to rip the Tarim in half.
"Engines are at hot standby, Corey. Structural integrity fields
at maximum."
The Admiral's fingers danced over the controls as he entered the
last of the commands. He gripped the armrests of his chair as the whole ship shook,
wincing as an overhead display exploded.
Alarms sounded. "Warning. Ten seconds to structural failure."
"One point five, point nine, two point two..." Quan echoed as he
squinted at the navigational display.
"Seven seconds to structural failure."
"Not much further." Quan muttered to himself through gritted teeth.
"Three point eight. Three point eight. You can do it. Hold together.
Hold-to-gether." He watched as the numbers slowly ticked off on the navigational
display. The whole ship shuddered and bucked violently.
"Four seconds to structural failure." HANAH reported.
Suddenly the navigational display fractured and blinked out.
Corey's eyes grew to the size of saucers. He had no way of telling if the ships
heading had changed those last few degrees. Immediately he lunged out of his
chair, risking getting thrown to the deck. He clutched the consoles edge to
steady himself. He closed his eyes, finger poised over the disengage commit key.
He bore the shower of sparks as another console exploded.
"Two seconds to structural failure."
"ngoh doyee m jew ye ye." He whispered as he lowered his fingertip
to the console, signaling the engines to power down. The deafening whine of the
engines ebbed away. Did he dare open his eyes? Slowly he became aware of the
distinct white noise of a malfunctioning comm. system.
Quan slowly opened his eyes, not sure of what to expect. The cabin
was bathed in auxiliary illumination, giving everything an eerie aura. Several
consoles and monitors were severely damaged. The controls that were intact were
either offline or barely active.
"HANAH?"
Silence.
"HANAH." Quan breathed quietly. He took stock of the situation.
Only two consoles were fully active, helm control and life support. Life support
was too important for him to be using as a bridge to the rest of the systems so
it looked like helm control was it. He started reconfiguring the helm console,
splitting it between engineering and computer control. According to the display
the M/AM chamber was stable enough. Power to the magnetic containment system
was being fed by one of the runabouts backup fusion reactors. "Small miracles."
The Admiral mused.
The computer wasn't as well off. A few of the conduits that
linked subprocessor's to the main core were damaged. It was imperative that the
computer be reactivated if Quan hoped to get the Tarim even marginally operational.
Luckily, HANAH's systems seemed to be undamaged. The Admiral just had to get her
out of a diagnostic loop, a basic level response when processor failure threatened
her operation. With a few keystrokes HANAH was reinitialized.
"A shame women aren't as easy as this to turn off and on." The
Admiral muttered.
"It wouldn't be any fun then, Corey." HANAH responded with a giggle.
"Running level three diagnostic. Please stand by."
Quan smiled slightly.
"Diagnostic in progress. SPU Theta Twelve is inoperable. Rerouting
cognizance routines to bypass. There will be a three percent drop in response
efficiency." A few seconds passed. "Diagnostic complete. Core and algorithmic memory
intact."
"HANAH, can you re-extend yourself to the rest of the Tarim's
systems? I'll need your help in some of the repairs."
"I'll try, Corey. Initializing subroutines." HANAH replied, her
voice nearly dripping with honey.
Quan stood and moved to the center of the runabout, where the heart
of the runabouts propulsion system resided. "I'm flushing the plasma residuals from
the primaries and shutting down the warp core."
"I've managed to reestablish a link with the navigational as well
as engineering systems, Corey." Cabin lighting returned to normal. "Not to mention
interior illumination."
"That should be good enough for now. Let's find out exactly how
banged up you are." The Admiral retrieved a case of tools and diagnostic equipment
from a storage locker. He immediately began pulling off interior access panels, in
preparation for repairs. "You know, something just occurred to me." Quan added as
he shimmied into one of the Tarim's cramped jefferies tubes.
"What did?"
"Modulating the shields might've gotten us out of the wake. Perhaps
with less system damage."
HANAH sighed softly. "Now you think of it. Why didn't that idea come
to you before?"
Vice Admiral Quan arched an eyebrow slightly. "I suppose it just
wouldn't have been as fun."
To be continued...
Subj: Homecoming - Part 12 (Supplement b)
Date: 11/1/98 10:01:54 PM Pacific Standard Time
From: VAdm Quan
To: Angel Swan, DrKrisMLyn, Amatuli, Caelin R, BCrew
To: Beacus, Capt speed, Capt Raven, Aron Wago
To: Cmdr TVect, CmdrQShell, Cpt TZyr, CtJLPicard
To: D Rekhval, DMacCullum, FireDncerX, Joy Mudd
To: KelCaraidX, Love Robin, LtjCMoriah, Lt SilverI
To: Maige, Moondnce, MqSabiene, OmTorak, SimonAshby
To: StarWolvF, StuChtRiit, Trochilus, Vzardag, YeIIow
BCC: VAdm Quan
Welcome to another installment of ST TFL: Homecoming. In our
last episode we found Admiral Quan struggling to get the Tarim operational.
This episode we continue where we left off. So sit back and relax as The
Admiral helps our imagination's take off once again.
:::aboard the Federation Runabout Tarim:::
"Aya. I think I'm going to be sick." Vice Admiral Corey Quan
muttered. "I don't recall ever having this kind of reaction to zero-G before."
"Oww. You must be getting old, Corey." Came HANAH's voice over
the comm. channel.
The Admiral closed his eyes and concentrated on his breathing.
"Don't forget to breathe." He instructed. "Breathe. In through the nose, out
through the mouth. In, out. In, out. In... out." He opened one eye at a time,
until his vision focussed on a patch of script on the Tarim's hull. Specifically,
its registry number. "NCC-53274. NCC-53274. NCC-53274." He repeated over and
over until his vertigo faded.
Quan slowly tilted his head towards the dorsal plain of the
runabout. From this vantage point he could just make out one of the extended
sensor pod's mounting struts. Above that? Nothing but blackness. "Better.
Getting better." He whispered. He refocused on the registry numbers, catching
his reflection on the space suits transparent helmet. He swallowed. "I can
honestly admit, without shame, that I've never looked worse in my entire life."
"You can always return to the cabin, Corey." Reminded HANAH.
"I'll be fine. I think I'm beginning to readjust. I just need a
few-" All blood in the Admirals face drained away as he looked at his feet.
"Empty! Agh!" He immediately clamped his eyes shut.
"A few empty *what*, Corey? I don't understand."
Quan clutched the hull of the Tarim, struggling to get his
breathing back under control. This was ridiculous. He was a seasoned Starfleet
Flag Officer. He used to float around all day in space suits during the
Excelsior B's dual core refit. Still, maybe HANAH was right. Maybe he *was*
getting too old for these activities. Gallivanting around the Cosmos was better
left to the young. Then again, who said only the young were entitled to all the fun?
"Corey, you're hyperventilating. Maybe you should come back inside."
He just about had his breathing under control again. "No. The
repairs will never get completed if I don't force myself to adjust." He swallowed
hard as he fumbled for the PADD tethered to him. After a few simple keystrokes
the damage report came up. "I'll get-" Hard swallow. "started on the port nacelle
connecting strut." Lucky for him he was already on the port side of the ship. He
made sure the magnetic interlocks on his hand pads were engaged. It was a simple
matter for him to crawl the two or three meters to the port nacelle and, in no
time, he was there. He began to repair the fractured hull skin by using a plasma torch.
"I have a question, Corey."
"Go ahead."
"Why did you create me?"
The sparks from the plasma torch stopped as Quan looked up from
his work. "What was that, HANAH?"
"Things exist for a reason. Asteroids, planets and even that warp
wake. For humans it's often believed that you exist to propagate. In essence, you
exist to have sex. That doesn't apply to me because I'm incapable of reproducing."
"Ah. I think I understand." Admiral Quan responded. "Let me
straighten out one thing first. I did design and construct the foundation your
matrix relies on. I even coded quite a bit of your operational routines. It's
because of your ability to reason and adapt that you are who you are." He resumed
his work on the nacelle strut. "What I'm trying to say is this. You're as much
responsible as I am for your existence."
HANAH was silent for a few seconds. "I exist because of myself?"
Quan nodded as he worked. "Yes."
"But that doesn't make sense, Corey. Why can I reason?"
"You should know the answer to that."
"I don't."
"Okay. I'll explain. As events are sent to you, either by audio,
visual or sensor input, subroutines begin deconstructing the data into smaller
chunks. Each chunk is then sent to one of a number of your subprocessor's for
analysis. Based on the data that's received, algorithms are applied to govern how
that data should be handled. Results are sent to your matrix for final determination
of action. That's where you determine how to proceed. The final stage is where
you make additions to your matrix and alter subroutines, all based on the results
of your actions. Hence, your ability to learn and adapt."
"I knew all that already, Corey." HANAH answered in a slightly
annoyed tone. "And you know what I was referring to. You're just being obtuse on
purpose."
Quan chuckled quietly. She was right. He was intentionally being
difficult to get a rise out of HANAH. He used to do the same thing to his ex-fiance,
Ambassador Angel Swan. He used to enjoy it so. He always knew just what buttons
to push with her. HANAH's personality was, after all, originally modeled after her.
It was only natural that The Admiral was capable of getting under the AI's
proverbial skin too.
"I'm sorry, HANAH." He continued to chuckle. "Your question was a
valid one. I'll try to answer it." A pause. "I just had to construct you. It just
needed to be done."
"That sure clears things up." HANAH said with a hint of sarcasm.
"Why *am* I modeled after Ambassador Swan? You weren't her fiancé while constructing
me, so I don't see a link there."
He hated to admit it but HANAH had a point. Now that he thought of
it the idea did seem a little peculiar. "You're the artificial intelligence. You
tell me."
"Well, I'll start with your history together. It is quite extensive.
You probably know each other like the backs of your own hands. There's a familiarity
between the two of you. As a couple you connected in profound ways."
Vice Admiral Quan inspected his work on the port nacelle strut,
satisfied the repair was more than adequate. After a quick glance at the repair list
he used the space suit's thrusters to move to another repair point. The direction of
the conversation and concentration on the tasks at hand seemed to take his mind off
of his space sickness. "True. All true. However, don't forget that there was a
version of you before. Maybe it was easier to just use existing hardware from the
Mark I variant. I also remind you that I have been involved with one or two other
women since Angel. I could've easily modeled you after one, or even a combination,
of their personalities if I thought it appropriate."
"Still, you chose to use her as my model."
"Some things are just better left unsolved, HANAH." Sparks erupted
again from the contact point between the torch and hull plating as Quan continued
to work.
"I think you have some unresolved issue's with her. You can't let her
go. Because you don't have her now I'm the next best thing. How's that for deductive
reasoning?"
Vice Admiral Quan fastened the plasma torch to his suit. "I'm done
with the microfracture repairs. Please update my PADD." He thrustered over to one of
the Tarim's external component access bay's. "I'll get to work on the long range
sensor suite. Run a level four diagnostic while I check the backups. We can talk
discuss your deductions another time."
HANAH sighed. "Yes, Corey."
Unresolved issues or not, The Admiral couldn't risk having his
judgment clouded by emotions conjured up by the past. Something inside told him
there was more at stake than what was obvious.
To be continued...
Subj: Shadow of the Swan - Part 4
Date: 11/7/98 8:59:42 AM Pacific Standard Time
From: Angel Swan
To: VAdm Quan, DredPiRob, DrKrisMLyn, Amatuli
To: Angel Swan, ADumas1826, Alley Quan, ARBoss
To: Aron Wago, BCrew, Bld2LoveHr, B M Bowden
To: BradBaumn, Caelin R, Capt speed, CaptJoker
To: Capt MattS, Capt Raven, Cezzane, Clnl James
To: Cmdr TVect, CmdrQShell, Cpt TZyr, CtJLPicard
To: D Rekhval, DMacCullum, FireDncerX, HoD Koroth
To: Josef McQ, Jol tLiss, Joy Mudd, KelCaraidX
To: Kris aps, Love Robin, Lt Jaz Dax, LtjCMoriah
To: LtCdrAnora, Lt SilverI, Moondnce, MqSabiene
To: PrincessML, ShaunaSkye, SinjnHawke, StuChtRiit
To: Trochilus, VinceOdin, Wiz Soong, W OConner
To: Wolenczak, YeIIow
Saturday, July 26, 2375. 09:27
The trip back to the White Pirate flagship Cygnus had been uneventful but slow.
Although there was now no need to avoid being caught entering Earth's security
perimeter without authorization, it was still important that Starfleet had no
idea of the presence of Angel and her crew in the area. Otherwise, with the
escape of Admiral Quan, she and her ship would be closely monitored on the
assumption that doing so would be the best chance of locating the fugitive. And
that assumption would be right.
Gecko had backtracked its tortuous path along the Moon's near side, avoiding
population centers, flying low, holographically cloaked to match the terrain.
On the far side the four women positioned the craft at the least-observable
spot and shot off toward the Apollo asteroid wherein Cygnus was parked.
After carefully navigating the great ship out of Sector 001, Angel had turned
it over to her crew and to the shipboard computer. It was several hours later
before Ambassador Swan was beeped in her quarters.
"Just ignore it" said her companion with a grin as he pinned her with a kiss.
"Mmmmm! Vincent! It sounds like SEAN has some information for me," she murmured
with a laugh. "I *must* answer!"
"Huh," he said with a smirk and added, "I'd like to punch that guy's lights out,
whoever he is."
"*Whomever* he is not whom you think, Vincent," she giggled, pushing him off of
her and onto his own side of the bed while she rolled over to tap her communications
box.
"And what makes this Shawn guy so special?"
"Because I am the ship's computer, Mr. Odin." The voice was deep, resonant, and
distinctly Welsh.
"'SEAN' is an acronym for 'Sentient Epistemologic Analytical Network unit"
"You're kidding?"
"Mistress Schwan never kids, Mr. Odin."
"Well, maybe I do a *little* - but not about this. Not entirely, anyway. SEAN really
is sentient, although I chose the acronym as much to indicate the source of his
personality as I did to be descriptive."
"Sean Connery, 20th Century Human actor, born August 25, 1930, died..."
"SEAN, did you have information for me?"
"Affirmative, Mistress Schwan. You asked to be told when we were within an hour
of the ashteroid field. We are now 57 minutes away."
"Thank you SEAN!"
Vincent watched her as she jumped out of bed and went to the closet. "An actor?
Why not your former fiancé? He created that computer program that emulates *you,*
didn't he?"
"Perhaps I only loved Corey for his looks, Vincent. Aren't you getting dressed?"
"Sure you do, doll. And I'm the Fed President."
"Did."
"Do. Everyone knows you never fell out of love for that guy. He's your 'Chosen One'
from the goddess or some bull."
Angel glared but said nothing as she slipped into the distinctive white velour
wrap-around mini which served as her uniform. Only the gold trim and Cygnus emblem
distinguished it as more than casual wear. Vincent was simply watching, so she
threw his pants at him. "Get dressed! We're nearly at the asteroid belt."
Captain Odin sighed and started tugging his pants on. "What makes the asteroids so
special, Angel? Why not cruise straight into the station? It isn't like people
don't expect to see your ship docked there."
Dr. Swan sat on the bed and began to slide the first boot on. "That's the whole
point, Vincent. Although Ten Forward Station is ten parsecs forward of Federation
space, and Starfleet has no jurisdiction, their personnel visit all the time. I've
no doubt that if I don't use the asteroid field to cover the direction of my arrival
a message will go to Starfleet saying that I've been to Earth."
"And? You're out of their jurisdiction, remember? They can't stop you, they can't
search you, they can't even reprimand you for being a naughty girl."
She had finished with the second boot and stood up. "But they *can* increase my
suspect status a few notches; which could complicate things later."
Vincent walked over and she smiled, running her hands over his bare chest as he
got close and touching her lips to his in a tender kiss.
"Angel," he said quietly, brushing the forelock from her eye and gazing deeply,
"you should forget Corey Quan. He abandoned you and ran off with your best friend.
Then he murdered someone. He's not good enough for you. He'll never love you as I..."
The Ambassador kept her finger upon his lips. "Vincent," she whispered, "I'm over
him. I've told you that. I've also said that I'll never become committed to a man
again. Have you ever known me to lie about such matters? I know my own mind."
Odin rolled his eyes to the ceiling with a sigh. Then, mechanically, like an
over-rehearsed script, "I'm sorry I brought it up, Angel. Forgive me, Angel. I'm
only concerned about you, Angel."
She watched him with a grin which quickly turned impish and then turned into
another intimate kiss. He pulled her back on the bed with him as their kisses
became more desperate. "Mmmmmm!!!" she said, pinning his arms and breaking the
kiss before he could unfasten her dress again. "We don't have time," she gasped,
sliding off of him.
Pushing the hair from her face she began to gather clothes - a dress, pantyhose,
a white teddy. She held these up so that the torn portions were visible. "And I
don't have enough outfits at the moment. Goddess, a Klingon has more self-control!"
Vincent just smiled and held up his own pants from the night before. The buttons
were gone and the zipper had been torn away. "Let she who is without sin...."
Ambassador Swan blushed a light green and turned toward the door, tossing her old
clothes in the recycler as she did so. "Just you wait, Vincent - tonight there
will be nothing recognizable left to show off." She turned at the door to look
back at him, laughed to see his expression, and headed down the corridor. "Typical
male!"
~/\~ TO BE CONTINUED ~/\~