Deep Space 21, Kirus Station
Our Reality
Stephen walked up to Jennifer as she surveyed the small engineering room. "So what can you tell me about her?"
Jennifer stopped what she was doing and looked at Stephen. "To be honest, sir, I'm excited. I've never worked with a slipstream drive before. It was developed while we were out here the first time. It's ready to go. We can leave as soon as your ready."
"I'm ready." Stephen began to walk out. "Get her ready."
"Geoon, meet Ensign Xorij Kalik," said Lazarus. "He's a Kirusan and our new helmsman."
Geoon was in awe. "A Kirusan. I've never... wow."
Xorij laughed. "We're the same. We're all Starfleet here."
Lazarus looked down. "Well, technically..."
Stephen walked in. "Lazarus, you're Starfleet. Your a warrant officer as of now. So, you're officially the Operations Officer on this ship."
Geoon looked around. "What about Tactical?"
"That's you."
"But aren't I...?"
"Yes. You're my First Officer and my Tactical Officer. I checked your records. Top of your class. You can handle this, I'm sure."
"Who's Medic--?
"That would be me," said a female voice.
Stephen motioned at the Jeorri who just entered the bridge. "Meet Lieutenant Junior Grade Cara Narin."
Cara walked to Stephen. "I've got your Medical report. Everything is set. We're ready to go. Tara is strapped in and stable."
Geoon looked at Stephen. "Tara?"
"Our resident disembodied symbiote. He belonged to our Chief Tactical Officer on the Virgo before he was killed."
"As a Trill who is now your Chief Tactical Officer, this worries me."
Stephen smiled. "Well, you're not joined, so you'll be okay."
"That doesn't exactly--"
"Xorij. Take us out."
Xorij slowly moved the ship away from the Kirus Station. He positioned the ship away from the station. "Ready to stream, sir."
"Set coordinates for T'rais space. Dweezle will give you more precise settings as we get closer."
Dweezle jumped for joy. "I'm going home!!"
"Engage."
Suddenly, the USS Luminance shot into slipstream. They were on their way into the lion's den.
Earthdate: November 18, 2008
Location: Just outside Luzern, Earth, Alternate Universe "Gamma"
Jovani Burgos welded shut the last piece needed for his small transdimensional pod. He looked at his PADD one last time. "Thanks, Jovo."
Jovani got into his gear and stepped into the pod. He locked the door and started up the systems. "Let's hope this works."
The pod began to charge up. Jovani shut his eyes hard as the pod began to emit a bluish white glow. There was a flash, and the pod was gone.
Earthdate: November 20, 2384
Location: SB901, Our Reality
Captain Mallory showed Kat to her new office. As they walked Katianna hadn't been able to shake the uneasiness that she had awoke with that morning. In fact, she had started her day with a nightmare of sorts. She had seen Jovo killing people just for the sheer pleasure of it. At first she thought she might just be over reacting to him being gone from her life, but there was something different about this. She didn't know exactly how to describe it, but it was like a clarity that something was wrong. However, she still wasn't willing to believe it was anymore than her own subconscious. At least, not yet, she thought as she listened to Captain Mallory tell her all about the new station. She was listening, but it was hard to stay focused as her mind kept wandering to her own thoughts. But at least she could say she did like this Captain and looked forward to working closely with her, regardless of what Section 31 might want.
As they reached her office they entered. Kat looked around with an appraising eye. She nodded with appreciation. Not only was it new, of course, but it was more than adequate size. In fact, it was large and equipped with all the latest technology. And she was sure Section 31 had made sure to add a few other things not in the Blue Prints.
"Well, I hope this meets with your approval, Commander," Kitty smiled.
"It's very nice, Captain. More than I expected," she replied.
"Great!" Kitty said. "I was pretty impressed when I first came in here myself."
For a moment Kat seemed very far away. She saw and image. It was Jovo facing a hologram of Kara. Fighting off three thugs and killing them... As she pulled out of the vision, she saw Kitty looking at her with some concern.
"Are you all right, Commander?"
"Yes, sorry. I'm fine, Captain," Kat replied, as she sat down. "Something's on... Well, it's nothing," she finished with a smile. "I suppose I should get myself aquatinted with my new office," she smirked.
"That might be a good idea," Kitty replied, with a laugh. "Well, I'll leave you to do that."
"Thank you, Captain."
With a last nod, Kitty left Katianna to check out the office alone. Just as she was about to, Kat got another vision. She saw Jovo kill a man that was begging for his life. Something wasn't right about this. Whatever was going on and whatever Jovan had gone to do, he was obviously in some sort of danger. Either from other forces or himself, she didn't know and she wasn't even sure how she knew, but she was positive of this fact. She couldn't ignore the unease she felt any longer. It was real.
For a moment, she hid her face in her hands as she thought of what she could do. She knew that the Seth was still here on the Station. For whatever reason, he hadn't taken the Seth. She would check the Database and see if there was anything there to clue her in to what he was doing, though she had a good idea with that image she saw of a hologram of Kara. Maybe the database would say how he got there... Maybe she could help him once she got there herself... If she got there herself... Maybe she could get Laurissa with him...
So many things ran through her head. So many possibilities and outcomes... One thing she couldn't ignore was the fact that if she did nothing, she would probably never know what had happened. All she could be sure of was something terrible was happening right now... She had to react on her gut. In this instance, she was sure her instinct and her visions were showing her the truth.
Slowly, she she sat up, and uncovered her face. Taking a deep breath, she stood up. She would have time later to check out all her new toys. Right now she had something more important to do.
Earthdate: March 19, 2384
Location: Farrin III, Alternate Universe "Beta"
Jovo knocked on the door to the Mink'h apartment. No one answered. Jovo passed his hand over the controls to the door. His hand glowed and the controls opened the door.
The door opened to show a room completely empty. No one seemed to live here. Jovo walked into slowly and surveyed the room.
"Are you interested in buying the place?" asked a voice behind Jovo.
Jovo quickly turned around and raised his plasma weapon. "Who are you?"
"Whoa, fella! I own this place!"
Jovo walked towards him. "Where are the Mink'hs?"
"The husband went away on some sort of job. He never came back. Then, Annile got a call, and she went away too. That was about a month ago."
"Do you know where she went?"
"Can you please put the gun down?"
Jovo responded by shooting a plasma blast at the floor between the landlord's feet. The landlord shrieked. "I'm not playing with you. Now where did Annile Mink'h go?"
"I don't know! She never talked to anyone. She always had people coming in here, but she didn't tell anyone where she went or what she did. All she told me was that she was leaving. That's all I know. I swear."
Jovo's muscles contracted. He seemed to be a bit lost for a second. "I'm sorry. It's just... this situation. Thank you." He paused. "I'd like to look around for a bit."
"All right. Just please don't point the gun at anyone else that comes in. I'm having a family over that wants to look at the apartment."
"Yeah. Sorry." Jovo ignored the landlord as he walked out and walked around the room. Jovo's nose began to glow ever so slightly. Jovo noticed a smell under the bed. It was a little blood that had soaked under the carpet and had been overlooked. Jovo ripped the carpet off the floor. He took a sample and put it in his tricorder. The results came out rather quickly.
"Figures." Jovo quickly walked out of the apartment.
Earthdate: November 20, 2384
Location: T'ran, Our Reality
Dana laid on the bed, chained to it, in a skimpy nightgown. She was slowly waking up. Suddenly, a streak of wine landed on her. She screamed in surprise.
"I was wondering when you'd be back." A dark smile pervaded the room. "I must say, you look deliciously beautiful in that gown. It's remarkable really, the T'rais have the most disgusting faces I've ever seen, but they make up for it in dress. Don't you agree?"
"Stephen?" Dana asked weakly.
"Yes, that would be me. Though not the one you think."
Dana worried. "Kosst." She looked around desparately. The room was bathed in a dark red light. "Where am I?"
Kosst smiled. "Hell." He took a sip of his drink. "The T'rais call it home. This would be the center of their operation. T'ran." He snapped his fingers. "And it is here," he held Alysa Sinclair as she entered with something in her hand, "is where the universe will begin to unravel itself."
Alysa handed Kosst the object she was holding. It was the Quantum Mirror. "Do you know how the gods are held at bay?" He held up the mirror for Dana to see. "Satan, the Titans, the Pagh'wraiths, Pharox, all contained in small dimensions made just for them. Alternate realities all so horrific, they all deserve the name of Hell." Kosst paused to kiss Alysa passionately on the lips. He released her and pointed at Dana.
Alysa pulled out a small rod with two prongs. She attached it to Dana's skin and activated it. It sent currents of electricity through Dana. She screamed.
Kosst continued. "All the realities and hell dimensions are separated by a small film. This film is very easy to break, especially thanks to devices like our little quantum mirror. And, of course, thanks to your innocence. You see, Maruu's innocence has been broken; I am the child of his fall. Now I'm after yours. Once that is taken, Pharox will have enough power to be freed. Then, he will use the mirror to break the film between all dimensions. Each will pour into the other, unleashing Hell into the cosmos. Chaos will reign supreme, and my Lord will be made King of all Creation."
Dana screamed as Alysa shocked her again.
Kosst turned around. "Don't worry, Dana. When the time is right, you will have your revenge." He walked out of the room.
A T'rais knelt before him. "Master, Sector Commander Krax has discovered a pod just outside our system. He has brought it before you."
Kosst dismissed the T'rais and moved into the main hall. In it, there was a pod with a bruised young man laying on the floor next to him. "Who is that? Is he with Maruu?"
A child with red eyes materialized next to him. All the T'rais in the room knelt before him. "His name is Jovani Burgos. He is important, and he will prove useful." The child touched Jovani on the forehead and caused him to float up above the pod. The child then flicked his wrist and Jovani flew against a wall where chains flew up against his arms and legs, tying him to it. "Keep him well-nourished. He will be the key to my freedom."
Kosst rose and nodded. "Yes, Lord Pharox."
Pharox's eyes glowed. "My time of ascension draws nigh. Maruu is on his way. If he survives his trek, see to it that he is here to see my work." Pharox floated into the air and towards his throne. He landed softly on his throne as the T'rais began to chant his name.
Earthdate: November 21, 2384
Location: Xenon III
Two Nirkno vessels accompanied the USS Luminance as they extracted the remaining Horde off the planet. The main Nirkno vessel hailed the Luminance.
[Captain Maruu, we want to thank you for telling us of the Nirkno presence on this world. I'd apologize to the Borials for the damage we have caused, but, if what you say is correct, that would cause more problems than are worth.]
Stephen nodded. "Thank you for extracting them from the planet."
Dweezle pushed Stephen out of the way. "Can I go home now?! I want to go home!"
The Nirkno on the screen laughed. [Of course, Dweezle. Your parents will be pleased to see you again.]
"Parents?" asked Stephen as he regained his composure. "Dweezle is a child?"
[Yes. Nirkno adults don't have telekinetic abilities. Only the children do. We lose them in zeeklinn. It's the Nirkno version of humanoid puberty.]
"Ah." Stephen looked at Dweezle. "Well, it's been a great honor to be your friend." Stephen extended his hand.
Dweezle looked at the hand. Instead of taking it, he grabbed Stephen in a big hug and shook him around for a bit. The bridge crew laughed.
[Are you ready, Dweezle?]
Dweezle jumped for joy. "I'm going home!" He was transported to the Nirkno ship.
Stephen faced the screen. "Thank you. We'll speak again soon. I have something I need to do first." He closed the connection. "Lazarus, transport me to the surface to the ruins of the large mountain near the Horde city."
"Sir?" Lazarus questioned.
"Do it."
Stephen was transported without another word. He walked around for a bit. "Kalmar. Where are you?"
Suddenly, an image materialized behind him. "I've been protecting you."
"I know. Some strange things have happened recently."
Kalmar approached Stephen. "It isn't over. Your destiny has yet to be fulfilled. You and your own are in grave danger. Pharox is stronger than ever."
"Is that what's been happening? Why I've almost been killed several times by apparent accidents?"
"Yes. His first casualty was K'Lara. If the Virgo had stayed together, he would have gotten to all of you eventually. Now, Pharox sees only you as a threat."
"How am I supposed to stop a god?"
"You need to go to T'ran."
"T'ran?"
"The T'rais homeworld. The lion's den. It is where the final battle will be waged."
Earthdate: March 20, 2384
Location: Starbase 12, Alternate Universe "Beta"
"Wake up, Mr. Doyle. Someone to see you." Charlie didn't move as Jovo entered his cell.
Jovo looked around. "I never thought I'd see the day."
Charlie smiled. "Well, we deserved it. Sloan tried to destroy the Earth. I collaborated, even if only at first. I have to pay for my crimes."
"How noble."
"Did you come here only to mock me, or do you have something you want?"
"Actually, yes." Jovo walked forward and sat on next to Charlie on his bed. "When did you visit Annile Mink'h?"
"You mean Demi. Funny how things work out. She and I became lovers after I had you kill her husband. The Orion Syndicate liked her. They liked Kalvin too. He died serving them. The Syndicate appreciates loyalty."
"I thought only Klingons bled for love."
Charlie smiled. "Well, those were hard times. I slipped up. They found out I was Federation and beat me for information. Naturally, I didn't tell them much of anything."
"Much?"
"I told them Katianna's name. And yours. But you were James Reni at the time. They thought you were dead. Until they tracked James to you. They're smarter than I thought. It didn't matter because you were expendable. I was extracted in time, so all went well."
"All's not well. Kat's family was taken."
"Oh." Charlie paused. "I'm sorry."
"Yeah, well... Where can I find Demi now?"
"She moved up on the Syndicate's ladder. I can tell you that the Syndicate runs higher than you can imagine. They have powers in the Federation, the Klingon Empire, even the Romulan and Ferengi governments."
"But you don't know about Demi?"
"All I know is that she kept her husband's project going. She's in--"
An explosion blew open the hull of the station. Charlie flew out of the wall into the void of space. Jovo immediately dematerialized and rematerialized himself on the other side of the force field. He cursed but consoled himself with the fact that he now had a lead. He would follow the kelthrihyde.
Earthdate: November 21, 2384
Location: USS Luminance, Our Reality
Stephen reappeared on the Luminance bridge. He faced Xorij. "Hail the Nirkno!"
The Nirkno captain appeared onscreen. [Captain?]
"Do you know of the T'rais?"
[The T'rais have been a danger to us for millennia.]
Stephen glanced at Geoon, then back at the Nirkno. "We're going to need your help."