Time for something new

I did a semi-commission piece recently, well someone asked me to write them a piece so i thought why the hell not, what do i have to loose. So here is the piece i checked it they were OK for me to use it.

Seasons for Love

Entwined in passion’s embrace

Beyond reason’s grasp

Beneath the ivory moon

Upon the cold of snow

I lie with you for eternity

Only ever wishing to stay

Though days pass by

And the seasons change

Our desires will always remain

Desperate longing only for your heart

And yearning for your tender lips

Though flowers bloom around us

As snows covers our flesh

Your warmth will keep us

Though I could search all the heavens

I will never find something like this again

Tough the cold is all around

Your sweetest kiss upon my lips

Does thaw my aching heart and frozen soul

Where to begin

Yeah i know its been an age and a half since i posted some fiction up here, and STO: Fall Of Arturo isn't finished is just on a hiatus for a while as I write some things that a more inspiring to me now, which is Darkest Hearts, a series of dark fantasy stories set in a moderns setting where magic and science go hand in hand.

These stories are only short stories and art going to be posted in order that they occur just in order that i write them and will explore different styles and formats as i try learn more skills.

So here is the first one i hope you enjoy if you have  please please post them!

*******************************************************************************

Martyr's Birth

There was the sound of scrapping iron as the heavy bolt was drawn back, then creaking as the heavy oak door drew open a fraction and the old man peered out. His eyes when wide at what he saw, that was all he could do as within a second most of his skull, brains, hair and blood were spraying behind him.

The man kicked the door open and stepped in firing more shots from the high powered Long Arm, exploding more bodies that had been milling around the cathedral atrium. The white and gold banners of the order of the Sacred Flame were drenched in blood and gore. The only sounds were those of foot steps, some belonged the paladins and guards, metal scrapping on stone and soft leather scuffs now rushing to the sounds the disturbance. The other was the sound heavy leather riding boots echoing through the lofty spaces.

They came face to face with a man stood in the doorway to the main area of the cathedral and behind him a vision of pure horror. The man was tall, six foot four and pale as ice, with deep purple eyes which seemed to glow from behind a fringe of black hair. He wore an old fashion dark green military uniform jacket with silver buttons, black leather cross belt, the trousers were leather reinforce and thigh high black leather boots. Held loosely across his body at waste height was what looked like a 1800s flintlock, though it had a magazine attached, it was about 48 inches long with a barrel that looked like it fired anti tank rounds. At his hip was a pistol of similar design, and a heave brutish looking sword with a brass hilt and hand guard which seemed to have a soft blue glow coming from where the hilt met the scabbard. He smiled and a single pair of fangs showed through, an aura of darkness surround him.

Though some of the less experienced guard froze up as this site, the paladins and the more experience guards charged forward to kill the intruder, they barely managed eight steps before the high powered Long Arm cut them down. The cathedral’s floor turned from solid stone floor to a slick blood coated mess. Whether they were frozen in terror, charging in righteous fury, the Long Arm turned them all in to equals.

Argustus stepped on the blood barely noticing the difference in grip his boots had, the wretches needed to die, to be made an example of and taught a lesson. He had been ordered to be their instructor in relaying a message. Attack the Darkest Hearts and suffer! He place the Long Arm on a pew and walked down the central isle, freeing the pistol from the holster and the heavy cavalry sword from its scabbard as he went, slaughtering the survivors who cowered hiding from him in the rows of pews.

He passed the alter leaving it alone he had no intention of wasting time destroying these fools pathetic faith, it meant nothing, changed nothing at all. He smashed another oak door aside, his senses and heightened agility enable him to duck under a massive blow from a heavily armoured paladins' Warhammer, using his pistol arm he pushed the man’s out stretched arms up and drove the sword tip into the exposed arm pit of the holy warrior. The blade plunged deep, tearing through the man’s neck, twisting the blade to stop the flesh from sucking onto the blade and pulling it out as the corpse fell. His undead heart barely beat as he shot the other two paladins exploding their chest in a fountain of gore, bone and armour shards.

The only thing between him and the last door he needed to get through was a boy who couldn't even lift the weapon he had been given. Argustus Dale leapt at the boy using his own blade to disarm the whelp and smashing the pistol’s grip into his head almost knocking him over, but before he could fall a pair of fangs tore into his throat. A gurgling gutter scream erupted from the boy’s lips and faded almost as fast as his life’s blood flowed down his neck as well as down Argustus’ throat. The boy’s eyes grew dull while Argustus’ flashed bright purple, he then bit down harder and smashed the pistol grip into the boys head again the force of the blow causing the throat to tear apart as his head came unattached and fell to the ground. He turned to from the body as it crumpled into a pile.

He stood before the final door barring his way, he paused and with a small white cloth wiped the blood from his face and pulled four vicious look barbed nails from the pouch on his cross belt. Tilting his head slightly he approached the door and opened it as if his previous actions had never happened calmly and relaxed entered the chamber. It was only lit by a few candles mounted on one wall. In the centre of the room was large desk, sat behind the desk was a woman in her late thirties, and just to the side a pale girl of maybe twenty years.

Argustus strode around the desk pushing the little girl back and grabbed the women by her forehead and threw her against the back wall, as she impacted the wall he threw the two smaller barbs which went through her palms stapling her to the wall. She screamed out in pain. Argustus glace at the girl, she had collapsed against the wall and was watching him, she didn’t move you almost couldn’t tell she was breathing.

“You know what this is about.” His voice was flat, any emotions he was feeling weren't being betrayed. Even his face was neutral.

The woman just groaned and breathed heavily. Argustus struck each barb driving them further in, bringing on another torrent of screams, in amongst these the word yes was barely audible.

“We had left you alone, we were happy not to get involved with you.” He was now angry, really angry, his blood burnt within him but is voice was still cool. “Yet you just weren’t content, you attacked the castle and killed fledglings, who were barely a week after their rebirth.”

“So this is revenge?” her voice thick with pain, hatred and a hint of mockery spat back.

Argustus tilted his head slightly, “No, this is justice. I want answers, you will provide them.” This statement was said almost with a smile.

“Only on a cold day in hell.” The voice replied.

“I know you had help getting in and where to strike. You will tell me who.”

“Fuck you, monster.”

Argustus smashed the two remaining barbs down through her shoulder joints, shattering the ball and socket joints, driving them all the way through piercing the woman shoulder blades. She cursed and spat oaths at him. He smiled thinly and clicked a button on the end of the barbs. Sharp spikes jutted out along their length as he began to twist them in, tearing muscles, shredding flesh and grinding bone into splinters. Amongst her screams and sobs he heard her submission, he leant forward as she revealed the traitor.

He ran his tongue over his fangs, a subconscious act when nervous or excited, he tore the barbs from her flesh and let her fall to the slick flag stones. Wiping the barbs with the cloth as he place them back in the pouch. With a snap of his fingers his Long Arm appeared in hand, he slung it over his right shoulder and headed for the door. Something grabbed his hands and tugged at him. The young woman was holding his left hand her eyes were blank as she stared at him. For the first time he appraised her as something other then a potential threat. She was pale, her face was covered in bruises and cuts, she was bone thin, the clothes were barely able to hang onto her.

The sound of footstep and gasps of horror came from the entrance to the cathedral, snapping him back to the situation. In a fluid motion of grace he unslung the Long Arm of his should and catching it in his free hand, aimed it out of the door, pulled the trigger three times to the sounds of scream and cries of pain echoing in great open space of the cathedral. Smiling he pulled the young women close and stepped into the darkest shadows where he could keep a line of site to a shadow near the cathedrals entrance.

A few seconds passed before a group paladins burst into the room surveyed the room, but saw only the Arch Priest on the ground by the back wall. Two of the paladins pulled her up to the desk and she slouched over it unable to hold herself up she dropped into the chair one of the paladin place for her.

“Your Eminence?” one of them said.

She whispered something, only that paladin and Argustus could here “It is time for a new Saint” the voice wasn’t one of revenge or pain it was in fact it wounded triumphant.

The Paladin hefted his Warhammer high above his head and slammed it down onto hers shattering the skull and covering the desk in a deluge of blood, brain matter and cerebral fluid. The other paladins gasped in shock and protested the action, but the lead paladin raised a hand to placate them all and said in a raised voice.

“All will kneel before the new Saint and Holy Martyr, Saint Saveen!” as he did so they looked at one another dubiously then they knelt and heads bowed.

“Today, we shall see the beginning of the end to the Darkest Hearts!”

Argustus smiled to himself, looked at the girl as she just stared in front of her. Shrugged, looked at the far shadow and pulled her through the one they were in and out of one by the entrance. They could have their crusade, Lady Tenma would be waiting for them, so would he, once he had given his report and dealt with the unfinished business of the traitor. He would happily deal with these fools. He released the girls hand and led the way out.

The girl followed, watching his every move with awe at her saviour and she thought, the gods maybe cruel, but devils were salvation.

Star Trek Online: Fall of Arturo Chapter 3

Please be aware that i do not own any of the rights to Star Trek, and all Credit for It creation and intellectual property belong to Gene Roddenberry

Chapter 3

Shenki had been following Commander Himaki around the colony for two hours, and despite her age, similar to her own she assumed. Himaki had a childlike wonder to her, intensely curious about the Federations culture and history. She had asked everyone a question, and asked Shenki to elaborate on some points, which she did willingly.

Her com badge beeps, tapping it “Shenki here.”

“Thysis here, Davis reports he is ready to beam down, with the inhibitors to be deployed around  the colony he has done a few extra to replace any potential damaged ones.”

“Understood, have him contact to Governor as to the best locations and for volunteers to help deploying them. Any word from Star base 82?”

“They have dispatched two transports as another colony transport.”

“Anything else?”

“A group of eight ships, mainly light and standard cruisers, an old Olympic class science ship and one Gryphon escort. Once they reach us they will fall under your command.”

“Who is in command presently?”

“Commander Dale, he is the most experienced of all the captains in the group.”

“Experienced?”

“He has been in command of the ship for 20 months.”

“Understood, how long till they arrive?”

“Eighteen hours, Ma’am.”

“Keep me apprised of the situation.”

“Understood, Lightning out.”

“So, Starfleet is able to send reinforcements that will make things a little easier.”

Shenki turned to face a stern faced Himaki, she looked sterner then before, like she did when she had first beamed down. She had some small carving in her hand, she tilted her head and the sternness disappeared.

“You look ok edge far too much Admiral Haman, with a society like this I am surprised to see such a look.” 

“Such a society needs a lot of protection, especially with so many forces threatening its peace.”

“Like the Klingon Empire?”

“The Romulans, The True Way, The Borg, Undine and the Breen. The Federation didn’t want war with the Klingon Empire, but we won’t back down.”

“The Empire sees its only way forward through war, this is not the view of everyone, but it is carried but the loudest voices. Those who disagree are either killed, or move to undesirable posts and positions.”

“Such as fighting the Borg?”

“Something like that, yes.”

“That officer when you transported down, was he…”

“He was sent to keep and eye on us; that was the reason for tough punishment, to show the Empires rules will be upheld.”

Shenki watched her move to beneath one the blue leafed trees and lean back against it.

“This is not what I was expecting when I saw your vessel.”

“That the Empire has so much in-fighting and political strife, that they would send spies to keep an eye on their officers or that they would send those they distrust to die in ‘glorious’ battle?”

“All of the above, we don’t get much information about the goings on within the Empire and we are at war on multiple fronts.”

“The Undine infiltration has made the empire more paranoid than ever before, they see shadows of treachery in everyone’s eyes, especially those who don’t agree with the war.” Himaki stood up right, “I should get back to my ship.” she strode out into the open. “Thank you for the conversation Admiral, I look forwards to the battles ahead of us.” She tapped the communication on her wrist and dematerialised.

Shenki stood, not certain what to make of it all, it sounded like the Klingons were working on marshal law within their ranks, and any descent would be punished. She asked for direction to where the ships had landed. It took her thirty minutes to walk out to where they were located. The three cargo ships were nothing to write home about, a command section at the front, with a main spine, with a single nacelle above with it. There are two large cargo pods which run the full length of the vessel, two hundred and fifty meters, attached to either side of the main spine, each was twenty five meters wide and ten high.

They weren’t the sight which interested Shenki the most, it was the vast Colony ship, the S.S. Without Doubt, resembling a Nebular class star ship, though smaller, a main hull with 2 nacelles on either side with a command deck above mounted on a short pylon from the main hull. Shenki guess she was four-hundred meters in length and about one hundred and fifty high. She wasn’t a new ship; there are signs on long use, scorch marks along the front of the hull and command section. That didn’t matter though, she was beautiful in her own way, Gendo had commanded a Nebular class ship when she had been brought aboard and she had been captivated by the class from the start.

“Not much to look at is she.” A rough look Bolian said as he came over covered in grease and soot.

“I think she is, How old is she, I’ve never seen this class before.”

“You won’t she is a mixture of parts, she was made during the Dominion war to evacuate colonist from the marquis bases, built out of whatever they could find, most parts were from a derelict Nebular. She has just enough armour and shield to go through re-entry to an atmosphere, but she’s fast” He wiped his hand on a cloth and held it out “Boras, I’m in charge of getting the ship ready for evacuation, and I’m her captain.”

“Admiral Shenki Haman, U.S.S. Lightning. So she has seen a lot during her life?”

“Too much some would say Admiral, but she still more reliable then these newer cargo ships. Is there something I can do for you?”

“I came here to ask if we can help out, were not a cruiser so it would be limited.”

“We should be fine Admiral, its mainly converting the storage shelves into cots to sleep in, reinforcing some bulk heads; we should be done ahead of time.”

“That’s good to know, if you should need help, we will be in orbit, I should let you get on with it.”

“Thanks for the offer I will let you know if we do.” He turned and walked back to the nearest ship.

Shenki tapped her com badge, “Haman to Lightning, one to transport.”

“Stand by.”

                                                                                               

A second later she was in the familiar transporter room; she got off the pad and left the room returning her phaser pistol and tricorder to the transporter chief as she exited.

As she left the transporter room she almost collided with Lieutenant Davis carrying six transport inhibitors, which he almost dropped in the act of avoiding her.

“Sorry Ma’am, I didn’t see you there.”

“I wasn’t there till just now, are you ok Davis?”

“Yes, I’m just sending the last of the inhibitors down; I have five people working on them, together with some of the colonists.” He tried to shift them, but without much success.

“Here,” Shenki took three off of them and lead the way back into the transporter room. “You didn’t have to do this alone.”

“I had a team help me prepare them but I sent them down to get started setting them up.” He placed the three he had on one pad, “Thank you.” He added, as she placed hers on the one next to his.

“Something on you mind, you look nervous.”

“I am I guess this is the first task i have assigned since,” He paused looking more uncomfortable.

“Since the court martial.” Shenki finished for him.

            He nodded in response avoiding her eyes.

            “It’s the second, you were in charge while we were on the planet, and it was never a question of your ability Davis. Its about trust, you broke that trust, and the rules at the same time. I know why you did it, and I understand.” She reached out and put a hand on his shoulder, and he looked at her properly for the first time in three months. “That’s why you’re still in Starfleet and still my Chief of operations.”

            She smiled turned and walked back to the door, she turned her head slightly. “If our roles were reversed I would of done the same thing you did.” She the left and headed to the bridge.

                                                                                               

            The doors opened to the brig and Himaki passed the two Klingon guards as she walked to the cell where Kartag was pacing.

            “I hope you are enjoying your new living quarter?”

            “Shut your mouth traitor!”

            “I am following my orders, how am I traitor?”

            “You’re actually helping them, and you have let two on them on this ship, that is prohibited.”

            “My orders are to stop the Borg and work with Federation vessels, if needed.”

            “Its not needed, we should have let that colony burn.”

“Do I need to teach you manners again?”

“You wouldn’t dare, if another Klingon saw you strike me they would cut you down!”

“Oh, Na’brel was there but she didn’t cut me down.”

“She is not true Klingon, she is just like you and those other filthy species who defile the Empire, I mean true Klingons you green whore!”

Himaki struck the panel and the energy field drop, she stepped in, Kartag stood to attack her, she grabbed him pulling him forward, greeting his face with her forehead, knocking him backwards, she then punched him in the gut as he doubled over she drove her elbow into the back of his neck before smashing a fist into the side of his head sending him crashing into the wall. Himaki grabbed him by the hair, pulling him to his knees.

“You’re family name counts for nothing away from the council.” She brought her knee up sharply smashing his face. “I’m far more a Klingon then you.” She repeated the action. “And I am no a whore.” She let go of his hair and kneed him in the head again before slamming him to the ground.

He lay there groaning, blood dripping from his face. “You will pay…” he manages before passing out.

“Get the surgeon here to look at this thing.” She spat at the guards as the left the cell reactivating the field.

                                                                                   

She stormed down the corridors, mind racing, she was full of anger and she knew that was what he was after. She reached her cabin, standing outside was a tall older Klingon, his hair greying.

“La’gorn, not now.”

“It’s important.” A pained urgency played across his face.

“Very well.” She growled as she stepped into her cabin, she marched to her desk and dropped into the chair.

“I heard about the events on the surface, you should avoid those actions, he has a vipers tongue and his words reach many Klingons….”

“I just taught him another lesson; the surgeon should be there soon.”

“His house has support, he could challenge your command and you have precious few allies.”

She slumped back into the chair; she let her rage seep through her skin. “I know, but we were sent here to die, For a Klingon death in battle maybe a great honour, but for me it feels hollow.”

“It does to me and a few others as well, that’s why we are here and not any other assignment. You’re a good officer, just watch your step, you’re out numbered remember that.”

The old Klingon got up and left, Himaki sat staring at the door half unaware of time passing, and then tapped the panel on the desk.

“Show me all information on Admiral Shenki Haman.”

                                                                                               

Shenki was massaging her temple when the door to her ready room chimed.

“Enter.”

Thysis marched through the door and up to the desk holding two data pads, she handed the first one to Shenki.

“The mines are ready and the Ko’Vash is moving to deploy them, Seven and T’Shemap have remained on board until it’s complete. The commander of the Ko’Vash says it will take seven hours.”

“Six hours before the fleet arrives.”

“Yes.” Thysis was hesitating, and a concerned frown creasing her forehead.

“Is there something else?”

“It’s about Davis, I asked the team he selected to give me a report on him…”

Shenki lent back in her chair, “why?”

“He’s a criminal, who stole a federation star ship from space dock for a joy ride around the quadrant, a fact you seem to ignore”

“He didn’t just steal a star ship, he stole mine,” Shenki retorted. “And it wasn’t for a joy ride is was to save his sister from the Breen, are you saying you wouldn’t do the same?”

“I would have requested permission and if it was refused I would have accepted the decision with it.”

“I’d have done the same thing as Davis, though I would have made sure the commanding officer wasn’t still on board.”

“This is serious, it’s not some joke.”

“So what did the report say?” Shenki enquired tapping the desk impatiently.

“That while sorting their assignments, and calibrating the inhibitors he was nervous and jittery, double checking everything.” She paused before continuing, “Once on the surface, he appeared far more confident on his actions, and of the actions of the team.”

“That doesn’t sound bad at all to me, sounds normal for taking your first assignment”

“He has been in Starfleet for six years; he shouldn’t be like that at all.”

“So your confidence wouldn’t be shot if you had been court marshalled and demoted by two ranks?”

“We aren’t talking about me.”

“My decision stands, he was a good officer and still is, and we need every one of those we can get, I see no sense in losing one over a simple error in judgement.”

“Stealing a star ship is nor and error in judgement it’s a crime!”

“No but following you heart and not your head is. The ship came back in one piece, his sister was saved and the Breen were none the wiser. Admiral Quinn was content with the outcome as am I, which should be good enough.”

“I understand.” Thysis turn and walked towards the door.

“I know you have the ship and crews best interests in mind, that’s why you are my first officer, but you need to trust me as much as I trust you.”

“I will try to.”

With that Thysis left and Shenki returned to massaging her throbbing temples, after a few seconds she decided that was enough and it was time to take a break. She tapped a sequence in which paused the information stream, saving her placed she stood up and removed her tunic leaving it on the back of her chair, she stroked out the creasing in the black material, another part of Starfleet was with so many new ships, crews and captains, older style uniforms have been brought back along with the new standard ones. Her formal uniform, which she had been wearing since transporting to the colony, resembled the ones from the mid-2280s but the main body was black with white trimming at the seams, her undershirt was a maroon turtle neck and the inside of the tunic was the same colour as was the shoulder clasp.

The rest of the formal uniform was a black skirl with white trim along the bottom, thigh high boot with white trimming at the top. And a maroon belt with a short knife to one side. The maroon was interchangeable with a deep blue or amber depending on department across the uniform. It was stuffy and rigid but it was smart and suited the occasions.

Her main uniform was nothing short of perverted in her opinion, she was certain it was a joke when it was issued to her. A very short cropped to with long sleeves that barely covered anything. The skirt wasn’t much better, it was far too short, the boots where the same as the formal uniform. She assumed the designer had spent too much time around Orion slave girls they wore notoriously revealing items of clothing.

That thought lead on to Command Himaki, not in her Klingon armour but in such an outfit, she shook her head dissipating the thought.  Her mind flowed over Thysis and her inability to allow breathing room with in rules, she was far worse then anyone she had ever met for that, she was sure Davis would prove himself.

Shenki left her ready room and entered her adjoining quarters and tapped the panel next to the door locking it, and walked to the replicator, tapped a command to start music playing.

“Tea, Earl Grey.”

The drink materialised in a delicate cup and saucer, they weren’t small but the china was thin and stylised, she took and long sip before heading to the bath room, placing them on the side she pulled the turtleneck up over her head and turned the shower on. She picked up the cup and stood sipping it, idly gazing into the mirror as it steamed up. Shenki had to admit that Himaki had been right, she did look on edge, her eyes were greying and she looked exhausted. She put the cup down and pulled her hair free before removing her remaining clothes and stepping into the hot shower.

Her head bowed allowing her hair to be swept forward over her face by the water, the heat eroding the tension from her neck, shoulders and back. Tilting her head back with her eyes closed allowing the water to assault her face, Child hood memories of her home before the Borg came, of rain storms cooling the hot days, the raid was the last link to her home, and on a star ship the closest you got to the rain was a shower. She leant back against the glass and slide to the ground resting her head on her knees.

She had sat there a long time dwelling on what it felt like in the ancient past, it had only been twenty-one years since she had been saved, but it felt like the memory was another life time. She pulled herself up and tapped the panel and the water slowed and then stopped, she stepped out of the shower, picking up a towel and began drying herself off. She pulled some robes on and walked to the bed, she didn’t bother drying her hair, and she just collapsed onto the bed and closed her eyes.

Her mind said one last thing to her before sleep embraced her. “Am I ready to be an Admiral?”

Himaki was leading the way to her quarters, followed by Xoulak and the two Starfleet officers, Seven of Seven and T’Shemap, they all entered and she tapped the control panel locking the door.

“What’s going on?” The Vulcan asked looking from the lock to Himaki.

“We need to talk without the rest of the crew hearing.”

“What about?”

Himaki picked up a small data pad and passed it to T’Shemap. “When you leave take this with you.”

The Vulcan studies the data before looking up. “These are you shield modulation setting and defence setting.”

            “There will probably come a time when you will need that information, but I hope you won’t.”

            “What do you mean?”

            “We are expecting an attempt to change the command of the ship, when that happens your vessel will be in danger.” Xoulak explained.

            “Your Admiral will explain, once you return and give her that.” Himaki smiled.

            The two Federation officers looked confused, looking at both her and Xoulak for more information but when none came, T’Shemap slide the pad into a pouch on her belt.

            “We should be done with the minefield in a few hours more, once complete we will return you to our ship.”

            “Thank you commander, if that’s all we should get back to it.”

            Xoulak nodded and led then out.

            “Commander Seven, I would like a word with you.” 

Himaki took a step forward and the liberated Borg looked at her, face showing no alarm or concern at the request, she turned and nodded to T’Shemap to continue.

“Can I help you with something?”

“You are Admiral Haman’s friend correct?”

“We serve together, if that what you mean?”

“I mean as a companion you have served together, went through the academy together and even before that you knew one another.”

“How do you know so much? Where is this going?”

“Klingon Intelligence has a file on the Admiral I found this information while researching her. If you’re her friend I want you to give her something, I don’t believe I will have the opportunity to myself.”

Himaki held out a small crystal, the former Drone reached out and gentle picked it up, and surveyed it briefly.

“A Holo crystal? What is on it?” Seven enquired as she slipped the crystal into a pocket inside her tunic.

“She will tell you once she has seen it, I’m sure.” Himaki smiled. “We should get going before we are missed.” And she led the way from her quarters.

Star Trek Online: Fall of Arturo Chapter 2

Please be aware that i do not own any of the rights to Star Trek, and all Credit for It creation and intellectual property belong to Gene Roddenberry

Chapter 2

The smell of burnt flesh and hair assaulted Shenki as the door to the Infirmary whooshed open; there was also a taste iron in the air. She stepped into the cramped room the defiant classes had been given for an infirmary. Three cots stood next to each other, all occupied, as well as four other crewmen who were leaning or hunched over against the wall being attended too by two others substituting as nurses.

Saatok was treating a crewman on the middle cot of the three, most of his uniform was burnt away and the flesh pink and red with signs of charring. As the doors closed behind her the Vulcan looked up and nodded to her, she then used a hypo spray.

“We have one dead, Chief Zerp, two major injuries due to plasma burns from a ruptured conduit, and four lighter injuries, as well a Lieutenant Koutlin on the bridge.” Saatok reported before moving on to the next subject.

“How did the Chief die?”

Shenki moved for the furthest cot from the door and pulled back the grey sheet covering the body to revel the Veteran Bolian. The cause was clear from looking at her; an energy burn that cut deep into her chest right through to under the ribs.

“From what the crewmen who brought her in said a Drone materialised in front of her and fired. It would have been quick, instantaneous; she was dead before they brought her here.”

Shenki stood looking down at the Chief. She felt a mixture of sorrow and anger, she had been on the Kyoto when Shenki had assumed command and supported the action. Shenki lowered the sheet back down. She turned and moved to the crew along the wall checking on each before leaving through the door.

“Admiral, are you ok?” the Vulcan asked as she followed Shenki out.

“Yes I’m fine, I should get back to the bridge and deal with the other reports, and there is a message to send back to Zerp’s family, preparation to defend the colony and of course the Klingons.”

“We have all served together for long enough, you won’t be the only one to miss Chief Zerp’s unique presence.”

Shenki turned and smile, “I know, there are just a lot of things that need dealing with right now.”

“Mourning is natural for all species, especially for those who have worked together for so long.”

Shenki nodded her thanks and continued down the corridor, past a crew repairing damage to a conduit to the turbo lift, once in side she stopped and lent back against the wall opposite the door, she sighed and tried to run her fingers through her pink hair but they only got so far before getting caught up tangles.

“Bridge.”

She stood up pulled her tunic straight and shook her head clearing it of the memories of another friend lost to the Borg, renewing her mental vow to see an end to the threat this menace posed, not just to the federation but also to the whole galaxy. The turbo lift doors opened up to the bridge with the view screen showing the every increasing planet of Arturo V. She stepped out on the lift and crossed the bridge to where Lieutenant Koutlin was work on repairing the console he was assigned.

“Are you sure you’re ok to continue working?” she asked as she approached.

           

The man turned and looked up before standing to attention he had a bandage around his head covering her left eye, there were cuts down his young face and his uniform was singe and cut along the same side.

“Yes Ma’am, I was given something for the pain and one eye is still good enough to fix this thing.” He state with a forced smile.

“Don’t push yourself too hard; it wouldn’t do for you to make your self worse.”

“N-no Ma’am.” He turned back to the consoles repairs.

Shenki smile to herself, the headed to the other the other side of the bridge where her First officer, Chief Engineer and Tactical officer stood waiting to give their reports.

“Main power has been restored, shields will be fully operational within the hour and the hull breaches have been sealed, I am looking into why the ablative armour didn’t activate correctly, my apologies.” Seven reported.

Shenki simply nodded and look at T’Shemap.

“All weapon systems are now fully active, there is no lasting damage, the cloak is alos active though I feel we need to run a diagnostic on the system.”

“Have Lieutenant commander Davis begin work on that now T’Shemap. Thysis is there any news from our new friends?”

“Nothing directly, though they have stemmed the plasma leak, their power systems appear to have been mostly restored though there are fluctuations. A scan shows they have taken everything offline apart from engines and life support, their repairs must have been extensive to all other systems. Should I enquire if they need any aid?”

“No, Klingons aren’t known for graciously accepting aid. Helm, how long until we enter orbit?”

“Twenty minutes, we reduced speed while running repairs; we can accelerate to full impulse.”

“No, maintain the same speed with the Ko’Vash, just in case the Borg arrive quicker than expected.” She turned back to her senior officers. “As we will be beaming down and meeting the Governor as well as the Commander of the Ko’Vash I suggest we make our selves slightly more presentable, I will be in my quarters.”

Shenki left the officers to take care of their duties and proceeded through her ready room into her quarters. Since the defiant class refit a lot had been changed, now commanding officers have been given more control of their ship layout and design. Shenki had made subtle changes, moving her quarter here from the crew deck, and the removal of the sonic showers for hot water ones, they may not be as efficient but they were far better as easing the stress of deep space.

She activated the panel next to her shower and the sound of rushing water filled the room and steam rising from behind the frosted glass. She began to remove her smoke soiled uniform and pull a towel cloth out of a draw, before removing a more formal uniform placing it on the simple draw unit. Returning to the shower she tapped another sequence in and her quarters filled with the sounds of classical instrument and vocals harmonising with heavy electronic sounds and beats, symphonic metal had become a favourite over the past few years.

           

Stepping into the shower directly under the torrent of water and tilted her head back and turned on the spot while the water worked out the knots in her hair before she began to wash her self. It didn’t take long to get clean, but she didn’t have a huge amount of time otherwise she would of stayed beneath the water for hours. Drying herself and dressing in her formal uniform, she brushed out her long pink hair and dried it off. She guessed the timing was about right and made her way onto the bridge, muting the music as she left.

The bridge was now clear of the evidence from the encounter, just Koutlin fixing the new panel covering over the damaged consol. Crossing to her chair the formal uniform was proving why they were not used daily, sitting down she looked around and saw that almost all of her senior staff were present and cleaned up. The doors open and Saatok came out of the turbo lift fastening her tunic up she took her station relieving the Ensign.

“We are entering standard Orbit, the Governor is hailing us.” Davis reported.

“On screen.”

“Admiral it is a relief to see you again, Have the Borg been dealt with?”

“The patrol has been destroyed, but they will send more ships looking for them. We will need to meet with you to discuss the situation.”

“I will make arrangements to greet you, we shall send coordinates for you to transport to.”

“We wont be alone there is a Klingon ship here as well, they were the ones to engage the Borg. They will be assisting us, please relay the coordinates to them.”

The Governor nodded and made a signal to someone out of view, “It shall be done Admiral. I look forwards to your arrival.”

The screen cut off returning to a view of the planet.

“I have relayed the coordinates to the transporter room.” Davis reported.

“Good, Seven, Thysis, Saatok and T’Shemap with me. Davis you have the com. Notify the Klingons they should join us as soon as they can.”

She stood and led the way into the turbo lift; once all five of the away team were present she gave the command to the computer to take them to the transporter room. It took a fraction of a second to go down in the lift, then a short walk into the Transporter room.

“Take standard kits and weapons down.”

“Expecting problem from the Klingons?” Thysis enquired.

“No, not really, but we know the Borg are interested in this planet so it is better to be safe than sorry.”

“Understood.”

Kitted out the away team took their places on the transporter pad, Shenki gave a nod to the transport Chief and he began energising. Shenki always wondered what her view would be like while dematerialising and re-materialising on the other side if it weren’t from the bright light from the transport beam. The process was near instantaneous and now the view was of a courtyard surrounded by Prefab buildings on three sides, the fourth wall had a large archway with a door across it. The courtyard itself was a good twenty five metres square, the walls covered in a climbing plant; the centre was a soft blue-green grass surround by a border filled with plants and small shrubs.

“A little piece of heaven surround by plast-i-metal” Saatok summarised the view, “clearly a place of tranquillity in the busy life of a fledgling colony.”

The door in the archway slide open and a hooded robe figure lead a small group of well dressed men and women from a variety of federation species into the courtyard. The party came to a halt a few metres in front of Shenki and the away team. The robed figure pulled back the hood to reveal a gentle Caitian face covered in a blue-grey fur with long white whiskers and bright amber eyes.

“Admiral, it is an honour to have you in our midst, you have our deepest thanks, as does the crew of the Klingon vessel. Will they be joining us?”

Shenki bowed to the Governor “Thank you for allowing us to transport down, I believe the Klingons will join us as soon as they are able.”

“I hope you didn’t suffer too much damage from the encounter with the Borg?”

“The ship can be repaired, but we lost one Crewman, and another seven are injured, but most will make a full recovery”

“I am sorrow to hear that, if you would like we can arrange for your crewmen’s body to be buried here.”

Satook spoke up “We will be returning her body to her family for burial; the body is currently under stasis.”

“Allow me to introduce my ships doctor and science officer Commander Satook, My Tactical officer Commander T’Shemap, Chief engineer Commander Seven of Seven, and my first officer Commander Thysis.”

“I understand Commander, it was meant as no offense. We all would prefer to be buried with our families.”

“Thank you for the offer, none was taken.”

The conversation was broken by the sound of a transporter and the soft red glow the energising beam emitted. Materialising a few meters to the right was a group of five, A Gorn, two Klingons, an Orion female and a Nausicaan, the Klingon away team looked around.

“My name is Governor Xantor, may I welcome you to the Arturo V, and offer our thanks for your engagement in Orbit.”

“You should be on your knees if you were truly thankful.” The young male Klingon barked out.

No sooner had he finished his out burst did the Female Orion turn sharply smashing her clenched fist into his midriff causing him to double over before bringing her knee into his head sending him staggering back and falling to the ground.

 “What did I tell you about your manners Kartag, we are their guests, try to behave like one. Xoulak got him up. If you can’t take punishment don’t break orders.”

The Gorn grabbed hold of the Klingon, Shenki assumed was Kartag, drag him up off the ground and let go leaving him to fall a few inches and catch himself. The Orion then stepped forward and bowed low to the Governor, who looked both confused and curious as the interactions.

“My apologies about my officers outburst, he will be reprimanded, this is his first mission. My name is Command Himaki, of the I.K.S Ko’Vash.” She straightened up and turned to Shenki, the Commander stiffened, stood to attention and gave a Klingon Salute. “You must be Admiral Haman, I owe you a debt for your assistance.”

           

“I believe we are quits, you saved our colony and we helped you deal with the Borg, and call me Shenki.”

Shenki held out her hand, she had never met an Orion, not that she recalled and never one in command of a Klingon War ship, was this how to greet one? Since she had join Starfleet the Federation had been at war with the Klingons so she didn’t know how to greet one of them either way. Commander Himaki took her hand and shook it firmly.

“I can accept that, you can call me Himaki”

Kartag spat an insult, though Shenki didn’t catch it or who it was aimed at, but the commander didn’t move to reprimand him, she just turned her head and glared at him through the corner of her hair. The other Klingon, a female, struck him with the palm of her hand in the face sending him back to the ground.

“Hector, Take him back to the ship and lock him in the brig.”

The Nausicaan pulled the young warrior and activated his communicator, giving a command and the pair dematerialised.

“Commander, Admiral shall we go and begin our discussion?”

Shenki nodded and fell in behind him and his entourage, the Orion fell into step alongside her. She was about Shenki’s height and build, slender yet toned; her hair was a deep midnight blue, with bright green eyes. She and the rest of her group were in traditional Klingon military uniforms, but in black and red colours. They all had a disruptor pistol at their hips.

The Orion looked at her, “I will follow your orders as this is a Federation system, so your authority runs. I am not going to try to take the colony if that’s what you’re worried about.” She smiled slyly.

“That wasn’t what I was thinking; I was just thinking I had never met an Orion in person before now, well not on terms which didn’t involve taking cover and firing a weapon at each other.”

“We are not at peace, yet, just working to end a greater threat. There is time for us to be shooting at each other on another day, on a different world.” Her eyes seemed to brighten “That would be glorious or so the Klingon High council would have us believe.”

“You don’t agree?” Shenki was curious now.

“The Orion people believe in profit and survival, fighting a battle isn’t our main nature, but joining the KDF gives us a chance to experience new things, our society is somewhat stagnant. Its not like everything in the fleet is to do with war and defence, we are also trained in diplomacy and the science if we choose to be, that’s why Orion’s and other species have been aloud into the KDF, for example I Choose diplomacy after my experiences before military service, Xoulak is an accomplished scientist.”

“Sounds like the Klingons are mirroring Starfleet, and federation development though in a far more aggressive format, instead of bringing a world into its own through peace they conquer them.” T’Shemap offered up.

“Play to your strength, Klingons are good warriors, not so good diplomats.” Xoulak replied.

“Klingons believe battle is their existence but there are some things force cannot win over.” Himaki stated

The Governor added looking at the Klingon female; she nodded her agreement to the statement. The party entered a large room with a three sided table in the centre, the Governor and the other colony representatives sat on one side Shenki and her officer on another and the third was being occupied by the three remaining KDF officers.

“We understand the seriousness of the situation,” the Governor began, “The Borg are not a threat to be taken lightly and we are not, we understand both Starfleet and the KDF are stretched to the limits, and this colony is small and has only been here a short time. It would be unwise to ask you to lay down you lives in a battle that if the Borg were to come in force we would be a lost cause. That is why we suggest evacuation.”

“You’re just going to run away with out a fight.” The Klingon female cut across.

“Losing a battle against the Borg will simply strengthen the collective, they will assimilate the population. Our two ships cannot take on that much.” Seven responded.

“We have three cargo ships and the initial colony ship, we have begun convert the cargo ship to transport civilians but we estimate we can only fit seventy-five percent of the population on these vessels.”

“Both our ship are combat vessels, we can’t offer much room for refugees Governor.” Himaki looked at Shenki “Any ideas?”

“The fleet maybe stretched thin, but they might be able to spare ships if in the long run it enables us to be redeployed. I will contact Star base 82 and see what they can spare. How long will it take you to finish modifying the ship and begin evacuating?”

“A day or so, if the Star base can spare ships it will take them at least that long to arrive here.”

“Then we need a plan to hold off the Borg till them.” Shenki remarked.

“What ever it is it will need to keep them out of transporter range other wise it will be pointless.” Commander Himaki stated.

“Mines.” The female Klingon suggested.

Xoulak nodded, “We could modify our mines to use tractor beams and remain cloaked, and we could also increase the explosive yield of other ones, which would slow them down.”

“We could then use hit and run tactics as we know the Borg will engage something that poses a great enough threat. Using speed and the cloaking devices we could take turns in taking runs at the large vessels.”  T’Shemap added, “I believe that is a traditional Klingon tactic for confusing enemies.”

Everyone seemed to accept this plan of action, but it would still take a miracle for two ships to hold of a Borg force of any real size.

“We should set up transport inhibitors through out the colony, to prevent any Borg that may break through from either transporting down or transporting colonists off the surface.” Shenki add.

“Can we offer any assistance?” An Andorian who was sat next to the Governor asked.

“When we bring down the inhibitors you will need to set them up and ensure they remain running, other then that, concentrate on preparing your people to leave, this could be cutting it close.”

“Xoulak, Na’brel work with your Starfleet counter parts on the mines” commanded the Orion, her subordinates nodded.

“We would be best working from the Klingon Vessel Commander, we can transport anything may need across.” Satook advised, the Gorn nodded his acceptance.

The two KDF officers stood and moved away from the table, T’Shemap and Seven moved and joined them.  The Gorn tapped a communicator and the four dematerialised.

“With you permission Governor I would like to look around your colony?” Commander Himaki stood and bowed to the Governor.

“Of course you are our guest.”

She straighten up, turned and left the room, Shenki watched her, she was followed out by the counsellors, the Governor was the last to leave.

“They are not what I expected from KDF officers” he commented as he was about to exit

“No they aren’t.” Shenki agreed.

Shenki stood as did Thysis and Satook, her two remaining officers, Satook pulled out her medical tricorder and began running a scan on Shenki.

“What are you doing?”

“Orion females are known to have an adverse affect on Human females and you look a little flushed, I am doing my job.”

“What kind of adverse effect?” Shenki felt her forehead crease with confusion.

“Head aches, nausea and difficulty in focus, but there is no sign of anything on the tricorder. Are you feeling ok?”

“I feel fine, put that thing away. I want you both to return to the ship and make sure everything is ready. Contact Star base 82 regarding extra ships. Also have Davis prepare the inhibitors and deploy them once they are ready.”

“Are you sure you want to trust him with this?” Thysis ask, “his record doesn’t display he is able to take responsibility for such a task.”

“I have given and order, I will take your opinion into consideration, my order stands, have Davis work on the inhibitors.”

“Yes Admiral.”

“And you will be?” Saatok asked.

“Seeing if we can offer any other assistance to the crews working on the ships.”

“Understood, Saatok to Lightning, two to transport. Energise.”

And with that Shenki was alone in the room; she began to walk out of the building to see the colony. The Colony was made up entirely of prefab buildings interspersed with natural vegetation. There were people moving around the streets, moving boxes and bags around clearly getting ready to evacuate.

“Federation colonies are very different from Klingon ones, less organised and much brighter, far more relaxing.” A voice came from her right.

The commander stepped forward and stood next to her, she had tied her hair back into a pony tail and it reached down to her should blades, revealing a red tattoo on the left side of her face.

“The differences in our cultures comes into play with that, I thought you were going exploring?”

“I am Admiral.” Her voice sounded mocking, “But where is the fun in exploring alone if you can’t share the experience, would you like to accompany me.”

“Are you mocking me?”

“No, Orion’s are very different to the rest of the Empire, we are not militaristic. Of course we have ships and fight when pushed. The Orion syndicate would have our race portrayed as uncultured pirates raiding Federation shipping lanes. We are an ancient race, we are very sensual, our home world may be toxic now but we have art and culture, that would rival the Vulcan’s but we have kept to our selves for far too long. Many of us joined the Empires military in order to escape from it.”

“Is that why you joined?”

“Exploration, contact with new species, to learn and experience new things, as well as other more personal reasons.”

Himaki moved down the few steps and looked back at her. “Why did you join star fleet? For the same reasons or something darker? Your actions during the war are well known in the Klingon academy, maybe not as famous as Kirk, Picard, Archer or Riker, but you are studied.” She put her hand on her hip. “I’m not saying this to agitate you; I have a lot of respect for you. I feel luckier being here with you rather than have some other officer stood on those steps.”

“I’m not sure what to say to all that, but I joined Starfleet for a lot of reasons.”

“As a compliment Admiral Shenki, that’s how I meant it.”

Shenki moved down the steps and stood opposite her. “Then that’s how I will take it and its just Shenki. I have a question for you.”

“Oh and what is that?”

“I am under the impression Orion women have adverse effect on Human women, but I feel fine around you.”

“I was altered genetically when I was a child so that my pheromones react different to others of my species; it has become a common treatment I guess, for Orions who will have dealing outside of our own species.” Himaki turned and began heading down a street. “They said there is a market down here, are you coming?”

Shenki put more questions down to the back of her mind and started to follow, she was curious about the Orion, they were elusive and avoided cultural contact with other species, there were records of Orion’s joining Starfleet but they rarely shared much on their race. Himaki has sparked a curiosity in her, and Shenki wanted to learn more.