Remembrance

High above the street where the convoy was idle, a lone figure crouched on a flat rooftop, elbows atop the low parapet. Lying along the parapet was English Soko TRG—46 bolt action sniper rifle and a phaser rifle. The non-phaser rifle was a non Starfleet standard issue but it was one that Lt Commander Keung Lee, a member of Starfleet Special Forces, had favoured., one which he modified. Its aluminium and polyurethane stock made it as light as it was deadly accurate and quiet as it was fitted with a suppressor.. He was dressed totally in black and worn a comm. set. Despite the hustle and busyness of the scene before him, there was a stillness about him, a kind of aura that intimidated people. It was as if he understood silence, could gather it to him, manipulate it and use it as a weapon.

He counted the invaders – all Son’s – as they emerged from the three ground vehicles. There was one in particular, the regional commander and his two deputies with their bodyguards. Lee took up the Soko rifle, moving with methodical, unhurried precision. Through its IR-enabled scope, he saw the back of the regional commanders’ head. He squeezed a shot and the Son’s leader head explored as a result of the impact, splashing blood and bits of brain over his deputies. His deputies rushed over to their leader with the guards searching desperately for the source of the shots. Lee calculated it would not take long before he they realised where the shot came from and he took the opportunity to fire more shots into the deputies. Dropping the rile, he took up the phaser rifle, set it to maximum setting and fired at the ground vehicles! It was then that one of the guards spotted him and pointed towards his direction. Behind and below him, he could hear the guards pounding up the stairs leading to his rooftop perch.

Lee touched his comm. badge and shouted ‘Energise !” He roared. He suddenly realised that he did not hear the familiar transporter sound and called again. “Energise”

A phaser blast struck a feet away as the Son’s soldiers appeared on the roof and were rushing towards him. Lee who was still holding the phaser rifle returned fire but screamed in pain as a phaser hit his shoulder. At that moment, he was enveloped in a transporter beam as another phaser shot hit him in the stomach…..

Lee screamed in pain, opened his eyes and stared into the face of his concerned wife, Alicia who was holding him by the shoulders, reassuring him. “Keung!! It’s okay…..you’re having a nightmare.”

Lee, drenched in sweat, laid his head on her shoulders. “Sorry. I was dreaming about that mission where I snipped the regional commander of the Son’s fraction…keep thinking that I didn’t used a phaser rifle, I wouldn’t have been discovered “ He leant back into the bed

“You did the right thing.” Reassured Alicia. “Anyway, try to forget it. That’s something in the past…at least twenty years ago. You’re not Starfleet anymore, you’re an innkeeper. Perhaps it worth making an appointment to see Dr McKenzie…”

“No. I don’t need to see Dr McKenzie…I’m okay….honest !” smiled Lee

Alicia rubbed Lee’s forehead. “Alright, I think I believe you…better get back to sleep”

“Sleep!!” exclaimed Lee. “I know what I like to do right now.” Responding to Lee’s glint, Alicia smiled and lifted her nightshirt over her top….

Next morning

Lee was working out his bar takings. It been a good night and the Inn was quite popular with the military personnel from the nearby Marine base as well as the local Lake Town residents.. Although the war had been over for twenty years and there was peace, there were the occasional skirmishes from off planet pirates. At least Serenity was protected even though Starbase 901 was no longer around. Alicia was in the kitchen talking with the chef and the local supplier about the price of the food stocks. She was good at that. Lee often left the negotiations about food and drinks with Alicia.

Alicia walked into the bar where Lee had finished calculating. “I gather that Galaxy News Broadcast sent you a vid-message again?

“Yes. They want to do a documentary about life on Serenity…the final frontier” Explained Lee as he poured himself a cup of tea.. We have been invited to take part…”

“Doing what” Mused Alicia. Since resigning from Starfleet, Alicia felt secure and safe working with Keung as inn keepers. It was a life that she enjoyed much better than being a Starfleet communications officer although she did miss life serving on the starship *Eagle*, but that seems a long time ago. Now this possible intrusion into their lives from a documentary maker.

“Part and parcel being successful business people. Making a go of an enterprise on this planet.” Said Lee, waving his arms to indicate the place that he was.

“Rubbish!” Laughed Alicia. “I tell you the real reason. How about ex-Starfleet personnel who are nearly 200 years old in your case, 400 years travelled through time. Served with distinguish honours in the wars. Responsible for reviving a Special Operations Unit based on Earth past. You’re a successful author. Me, communications expert….. Besides a vid-documentary has been done on us. Time travellers “two a penny” its old news. Remember that retired Starfleet engineer who stayed with us a few weeks ago, Captain Scott. He was on his way to an annual convention to meet other people who have experienced time travel….

“Okay..okay..I get your drift.” Interrupted Keung. “Actually the Producer wants us to present the documentary. She thinks we got some sort of influence with Starfleet…Apparently the job pays well. Besides it might go towards that nifty Runabout that you were interested in”

To be continued.