The Weekend Vortex (The Big Bang Theory)

The guys decide to have a weekend gaming marathon for Star Wars: The Old Republic. Only problem, Sheldon can’t go because he already made plans with Amy and now he has to choose between gaming and his girlfriend. Will he honor his commitment or put his own needs ahead of hers?

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Home (Star Trek Online)

A/N: I know, it’s been awhile since my last post and I’m sorry about this.  I recently started school, so I’ve had to juggle that, my job, my volunteering, my writing and my blog.  Trust me, it hasn’t been easy.  Anyway, Candy’s back and she’s here to talk about when she had to team up with Rush (hashakgig1106‘s character, who also provided some of the screenshots) to save the Dominion from the Hur’q!

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Fleet Admiral’s Log Stardate 96229.49

This is Candy Marino and I just got a call from Odo.  He said that Empersa, the homeworld of the Founders, is under attack by the Hur’q.  Odo told me that this is our darkest hour because, if Empersa falls, the Dominion will come to an end.  He asked me to join in the defense efforts as soon as I can. Then Odo told me that a task force will assemble at his fleet’s location in the Gamma Quadrant and warp to Empersa from there.  Odo reminded me that, if we fall, the AQ is next. So, it’s time to make a stand. He said that he hopes I join in the fight. I told Odo that, considering the circumstances, I don’t really have much of a choice.  So I went to Odo’s fleet and guess who else was there, Rush. Apparently, Odo needed all the help he could get, so he called the pirate. Great, this is the last thing I need. Not only is Rush part of a past that I would like to forget, but I’m about to fight man-eating bugs!  She’ll see me freeze up and never let me live it down! Just like that time her chef placed gagh on the table and I screamed loud enough to wake the dead! I suppose she found it amusing, Galaxy’s Greatest Detective afraid of small worms. I really hate Tanya right now. Unfortunately, the fate of the galaxy depends on us defeating the Hur’q, so I need to put my personal feelings aside and remind myself not to give Rush anymore fodder.  Besides, maybe she’ll bring Tike along and it’s always great to see him.

I got a call from Odo, who said that he arrived here ahead of us and he’s already engaged the Hur’q near the planet.  Then he told Garak that he’s made his point and to deactivate the Hur’q Lure device he placed on the homeworld before this gets out of hand. 

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I have to say, I’m on Odo’s side about this and I let that be known. Then Garak told us that he deactivated it several minutes ago! God damn it, I should’ve known it wouldn’t be this easy!  Odo asked why the Hur’q were still attacking and told Garak not to play games with him. Garak said that they might still be attacking due to a deep hatred of Odo’s people. Then claimed that it was The Founders who were directly responsible for their state of mind, body and soul.  Garak tried to finish by saying that he doesn’t blame them for—, but I told them to stop their male chest pumping and help us figure a way out of this mess. Kira called and said that I’m right, because we don’t have time for this. Then Kira told us that there’s a bigger problem to deal with here, starting with that swarm of Hur’q vessels nearby.  Rush phoned in her own comment about how, after that, Garak and Odo can wipe their dicks out and measure them. Why does that pirate always try to one-up me? Anyway, Odo agreed with us and said that his fleet is already engaged near the planet, but Hur’q reinforcements keep arriving. Odo told me and Rush to try to punch through the swarms so they can join up.  I ordered the helm to take us in and got a call from Garak. He told Bashir that we may be needing his solution to this problem soon. Bashir agreed, since Garak’s failed in a spectacular fashion. Garak asked if it really has, because some might argue that it succeeded beyond expectations. Great, more male chest thumping. Men are all the same, no matter what the species.  Rush and I both ignored this and continued shooting the Hur’q, dealing with the problem at hand. It wasn’t until we both got rid of some Hur’q that Nog showed up with the Chimera and a fleet ready to help! Then that Tzenkethi admiral, the real one, showed up and said that the C.S.S. Steadfast is ready to assist us as well! Maybe this will turn out like Avengers: Infinity Wars, when The Avengers, Dr. Strange, Spiderman and the Guardians of the Galaxy all teamed up to take down Thanos!  Hopefully, it won’t end the same way. Rush and I continued fighting off the Hur’q with the added assistance. Odo called in and said that his ship won’t last much longer, so we need to deal with the swarm attacking it immediately. Then another wave of Hur’q came in and, let me tell you, these guys are unstoppable! If there’s any time for the Klingons to make their Big Damn Heroes moment, it would be now. After defeating them, we had to deal with another swarm and the Klingons better get here quick.  Turned out we didn’t need the Klingons as we got rid of the Hur’q ourselves. I hailed Odo, who congratulated me and Rush and then told us that his ship’s taken heavy damage, but she’ll survive. What is it with guys calling their ships she? Kira said that we’ve bought ourselves some time, but let’s hope it’s enough. Then asked Bashir if his plan’s ready, because it may be our best hope to end things now. Bashir said that it’s as ready as possible because the challenge of “frontier medicine” is that there is never enough time.  Honestly, this sounds like an inside joke between the two of them. Then Bashir said that he created a program that will enable the Hur’q to synthesize the compound they need to come to their senses. After that, Bashir told us that he’s also put together a core sample of the compound for them to utilize in mass production, which is actually the easy part.

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Kira asked Bashir about the hard part and what he needs to make this happen. Bashir answered by saying that, from what we’ve learned about the Hur’q, the best way to make this happen will be to enter the data in one of their core computer systems.  Then Bashir said that it’ll need to be a command-level system with fleet-wide override authority. He told us that systems of that caliber are only found on Hur’q dreadnoughts. I voiced my displeasure at having to actually beam on one of the ships and face those things again. Rush teasingly asked me if this was going to be too difficult for me and mockingly offered to hold my hand. I told Rush that I’d rather have Tike do that. Then we disabled the giant Hur’q ship and got a call from Kira. She told us that the Dreadnought’s disabled, but that ship is still crawling with Hur’q. So, we’d better make sure our away teams are ready for a fight.  Odo said that he’ll send some of his best, meaning Rex and Loriss. The former will lead a Jem’Hadar away team while the latter will assist Bashir. Rush said that she’s taking Tike and Jinnie with her and I said that I’ll be taking Chris. Kira said that we need to get our away teams on that dreadnought before it calls for backup. Bashir called us and said that he and Loriss have all they need. Then he told us that they’re ready to beam over when we are. I took a deep breath and said that we might as well get this over with, which is also my attitude about gynecology exams.

I beamed down with Chris while Rush beamed down with Tike and Jinnie, the former being the only one happy to see me.  Bashir greeted us and said that we need to find their central computer core. He told us that, once we’re there, he’ll begin the override process that will allow him and Loriss to transmit their data on the cure.  Bashir then said when that’s done, he and Loriss can instruct each ship in the fleet to replicate the cure and distribute it to every Hur’q onboard. Of course, they’ll need to reach the command center in one piece to do so. 

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Rush arrogantly said that she and her team can clear the way, but I told her that Chris and I aren’t slouches either. Chris said that we can fight about it later. Right now, we need to get to the control room. So, we both went through the corridor with Rex warning us about enemy lifesigns ahead and that we need to get ready to fight.  Jinnie got her weapon ready and I heard her mumble “let’s get this over with.” Then Rex told us to proceed with caution, because he’s reading numerous hazards in the area. Apparently, this section of the ship has taken heavy damage. Jinnie immediately started shooting at the giant bugs that came lunging at us and I’m supposed to believe that these things were peaceful?  I channeled all of my fear into my phaser and started shooting, screaming at the roaches to die! After they were gone, I remembered that Black Mirror episode and said aloud that I should’ve used a different metaphor. Anyway, we fought through swarms and swarms of Hur’q until we got to the control room which, surprise, had more Hur’q we had to get rid of. Where’s a giant hypospray of bug repellent when you need it?

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We finally killed the Hur’q and checked in with Bashir.  He praised us for excellent work and then warned us to keep our weapons handy because we’re breaking into a secure computer system here and the Hur’q are bound to take offense.  Just when I thought I was out, they pull me back in. He told us to keep them busy while he and Loriss do their work, or this’ll be a wasted trip. Next thing you know we have to deal with more Hur’q and then Loriss was screaming at Bashir like a stereo-typical shrew about how this one goes here and that one goes there.  Bashir explained that he was saving time by inverting the feed now instead of later. Then Loriss starts screaming at Bashir about how he’s supposed to be Starfleet’s best and brightest, which got my attention! I repeated, with tranquil fury, that he’s Starfleet’s best and brightest? Bashir said, medically speaking, he’s the best and brightest and he wouldn’t even be in Starfleet if it weren’t for this Hur’q nonsense.  Okay, I can accept that. Then Loriss screamed to Bashir about how we’re running out of time. Bashir asked Loriss sarcastically if she knows a faster way to translate Hur’q language and reverse-engineer their technology. Jinnie told them to hurry up because she doesn’t want to stay in bug city any longer than she has to. One of the Hur’q tried to attack me from behind while I was dealing with other Hur’q, but Tike pulled me out of the way before the explosion could do any damage and then I repaid him by yanking my arm away and stomping on his foot.  Tike only laughed it off and said that he sees that I still haven’t gotten over my touch phobia. I told Tike that it’s the golden rule, don’t touch me unless I allow it. Then I told him that I’ll make it up to him later and called him tiger. Rush told us that we can flirt after we try to prevent the end of the galaxy as we know it. Chris said that he hates to say this, but he agrees with Rush. Finally, we took care of the Hur’q and checked in with Dr. Bashir. He told us that the cure’s almost ready, but the system still needs the physical samples of the cure for final analysis and processing.  Then Bashir asked me if he should proceed! Hell yeah, he needs to proceed! The sooner we get this bug nightmare over with, the better.

Well, unfortunately, we don’t have that kind of luck.  Weyoun came in out of nowhere and shot the machine!  Bashir asked Weyoun if he was insane, because that was our last hope!  Loriss wanted to know how it’s possible, because Weyoun was in prison. Weyoun said that he was liberated by those who still serve the true Founders.  Then claimed that not everyone is a traitor to the Dominion, after all. I sarcastically remarked that the Founders treated them like shit and they’re still willing to destroy the galaxy for them.  Chris said that, psychologically speaking, it’s not that uncommon. I told Chris harshly that I’m well-aware of that. Loriss told Weyoun that there is only one traitor here, and it’s time he paid the price.  Loriss shot Weyoun in the shoulder, who called her pathetic because she can’t even kill someone properly. Then tried to order Rex to kill us all but, unlike Weyoun, he turned on his abuser and shot him in the head! 

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Bashir scanned Weyoun and said that he’s gone. Loriss added that it’s not a moment too soon. I told Loriss that she’s preaching to choir. Bashir contacted command and said that we have a problem. Rush beamed back to the Jimeck with Tike and Jinnie while I beamed back to the Winchester with Chris.

Odo contacted us and said that the Hur’q fleet is about to attack our position.  Then he told us that we need to give the doctor the time he needs to transmit the data on the cure.  My grandpa once told me to never speak ill of the dead, which just makes me want to do it more. God Damn Weyoun and his fucking martyr complex!  If there’s a hell, I hope he’s rotting in it! So, we have to survive a swarm attack and, even with all of us working together, we still can’t beat these guys.  Dear God, this is going to end like Avengers: Infinity Wars. Then Quark showed up and took some time to brag about how Odo was in quite a fix. Odo sarcastically replied that it’s a brilliant observation and demanded to know what Quark wanted.  Rom asked Odo to forgive Quark and explained that they’re here to help. Odo scoffed at a Ferengi cavalry and said that now he’s seen everything. Quark bragged about how the best is yet to come and I know he’s talking about his Klingon friends. I’m fighting the urge to point that out because I know it will be much cooler when they arrive right next to Quark’s ship.  Then he told Odo to say hello to his dangerous friends. Sadly, the Klingons didn’t show up and Odo smugly said that we’re waiting. I told Quark that it looks like his Klingon friends are late. Quark sarcastically thanked me for ruining the moment, but Rush pointed out that the moment was ruined when they didn’t show up. Then Quark asked Rom where they were. Odo kept bragging about how Quark lost his nerve and then Rush told Odo that we’re all about to die, so this isn’t the time for he and Quark to get into a pissing contest.  I only rolled my eyes and said that it’s typical of men to measure their dicks even when their life is in danger. Then the Klingons finally showed up! 

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Martok even gave this great speech about how, long ago, T’Kuvma the Unforgettable lit the beacon of Kahless to restore glory to the Empire. Martok then explained that, today, a new Torchbearer, Worf, son of Mogh, does the same. Martok said that, united, we now go fight the enemy of our ancestors. He claimed that, today, we will fight the Hur’q. Then he proudly proclaimed about how he now holds the weapon they fear most, which was the Sword of Kahless.  I remarked that I bet a certain Ferengi helped him get that. Martok said that we should join him now, in honorable combat, and show the Hur’q what it truly means to be Klingon. Then he finished it up by shouting “For Kahless! For the Empire! Qapla’!” After that I was beaming and shouted that it’s time to kick Thanos’s ass! So, that’s what we did! Just replace Thanos with the Hur’q. After defeating them, Rush and I got a call from Odo. He told us that the arrival of the Klingons has given us more time in space, but the situation on the surface is dire. Odo said that Hur’q forces are breaking the Jem’Hadar defense lines and we need to do what we can to help.  Odo told us that he’s beaming directly to the Great Link to aid his people. Then Martok contacted us after and said that the time has come. He told us that the Hur’q mean to ravage everything in their path, but we will not allow it. Martok gave a speech about how we still stand against them, as Kahless once stood, defiant and proud! He told us to fight well and, if need be, die well!

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I said that this might be like Avengers: Infinity Wars, but there’s no way in hell it’s going to end the same way. Rush and I had to move our ships within range of the planet. As soon as we arrived, Chris asked me if I was ready to beam down, giving me a sympathetic glance, but I said that I’m as ready as I’ll ever be and beamed down to the Founder homeworld with Chris.

Rush already beamed down with Tike again but, this time, Turel joined us.  Guess Rush decided to bring in the big guns. We both saw Martok doing the Kahless ritual with his fellow Klingons.  Odo said that it’s worse than we thought because most of the Jem’Hadar lines have been broken, so even the Great Link is in danger.  He told us that he’s going to coordinate our defenses at the Link and said that we should meet him there. Kira responded by telling Odo that we’ll meet him there as soon as we can and to be careful.  Martok said that the Jem’Hadar have come to our aid, so now we return the favor. We walked through the pathway, found the bug people and did exactly that. This time, it was my turn to save Tike when one of the bug people tried to get the drop on him.  I only smirked and told him that now we’re even. After defeating that section of Hur’q, we went to talk to the Jem’Hadar, who congratulated us on fighting well. He told us that there are many Hur’q between us and the Great Link. Then talked about how we go there now to reclaim our lives for we are already dead.  Rush said that talk like that is what will get us killed. As much as I hated to admit it, Rush does have a point. So, I said to the Jem’Hadar “May the odds be ever in our favor.” When he asked what that meant, I translated it to victory is life.  

After that, we went further down the path to the Great Link and Kira said that we won’t last long out in the open like this.  I told Kira that we definitely won’t with that attitude. Odo contacted us and said that they’re fortifying their position near the Great Link.  Kira responded to him by saying that we’re on our way. Then we ran into a Vorta commander, who told us that he had to confess his surprise at seeing us here on the homeworld of his gods.  He said that we really were living in strange times and I loudly admitted that I never thought I’d see the day when I’d be saving the Great Link. Then the Vorta asked us to forgive his boldness, but there are still Founders under attack nearby.  The Vorta then asked if he can count on us to aid them, and destroy the wretched creatures who would do them harm. I told him that we don’t exactly have a choice.

So, we go down the road, defeat a few Hur’q and rescue a few changelings, who were actually grateful for it. 

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Well, some of them were. Others accused us of invading but, after a Hur’q takeover, what would be left to rule?  It was Chris’s turn to get attacked by Hur’q, but Turel saved him. When Chris thanked Turel, he acted like a complete ass and said that he didn’t want to get in trouble for getting the golden boy of the Federation killed!  I made it clear to Turel that he doesn’t get to talk to Chris like that! Only I get to talk to Chris like that! It wasn’t long until we finally got to Odo and the Greak Link. Odo was happy that we made it in his usual stoic way and said that they’re going to need all the help they can get out here.  He told us that it looks like the Hur’q are focusing their attacks on the Link. Odo said that he called for reinforcements, but most of their lines have been overrun. He claimed that we’re going to make a stand here, and hope the doctor’s plan is successful. Then Odo finished it up by saying that, if we fail, this may be the day the Dominion dies.  I told Odo that Dr. Bashir is the smartest medical mind in Starfleet, so he’ll come through. Rush noted that I made sure to add medical. We didn’t have time to argue about it as more Hur’q came our way. While we were fighting, Kira asked Odo if he has more Jem’Hadar coming to help. Odo told her that the call’s been sent, but they may not arrive in time.  Kira just responded by saying that we’ll do what we can with what we have. Odo got a little morbid by adding “until the end,” which I pointed out. Kira agreed by saying that she’s not sure she liked the way he said that. Odo started his own goodbye to Kira by saying that, if they don’t make it, which Kira interrupted by saying now is not the time for this discussion.  Odo told Kira to look around, because there may not be a better time. Kira agreed and said that he’s right and she understands what he did. Odo then told her that he’s sorry… for everything. Kira said that she forgives Odo, but I’m not quite sure if I forgive him yet. Odo told Kira that he knows and that he feels the same.

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Chris was about to talk to me, but I told him that we’re not doing the whole sappy last words deal.  Rush said that she is and told Turel that he may be an ass, but it’s been great having him on the ship. Turel only responded to Rush by saying that she’s one of his better bosses. Tike said that the day he joined the Jimeck was the happiest day of his life, to which Rush joked that he’s getting a little too mushy. Then Tike was about to talk to me, but I told him that I’m not doing this. Tike asked me to humor him and then he asked me if I remembered when they first met and I was with Joey.  Chris asked who Joey was, so I told him that he’s my ex. Tike asked me what I saw in the guy and I told him that, when we make it out of this, I’ll tell him. 

The Hur’q overwhelmed us and took out Turel and Tike!  It was just me, Chris and Rush fighting the Hur’q and Kira got shot!  Odo wanted to know if she was all right, but she insisted that it’s just a scratch.  Chris started talking about how he sees me as more than just his friend, how I was his sister.  Then he said that abandoning me in high school was the worst mistake he ever made. I told Chris that we’re not dying right now!  Chris got angry with me and told me to look around, the Hur’q are surrounding us and we have virtually no chance of getting out of this alive and he can’t even tell Siket that he loves him!  I started crying and told Chris that at least Siket knows he loves him! I finally exploded and told Chris that Rose doesn’t even know I exist! Before Chris could even ask who Rose was, I started crying about how I can’t die knowing I missed the one chance to finally meet my daughter!

Thankfully, the fighting stopped and Bashir and Loriss pulled a big damn heroes moment.  One of the Hur’q showed up with Rex’s corpse and, against my instinct, I walked up to the giant bug. 

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The bug actually stood there, looking at me and then talking to me in clicks that I think meant thank you and transported away.  You know, these guys aren’t so scary. In fact, they’re actually quite cute, when they’re not trying to eat you alive. Odo said that it seems that the battle is over, but asked Bashir how and wanted to know what happened.  Bashir said that he believes Dukan’Rex realized that his own body contained the ketracel material he needed to finalize the cure. Then Bashir told us that Dukan’Rex extracted what we needed at the cost of his own life. Bashir explained that, once the Hur’q were able to synthesize the cure, they came to their senses and called for an immediate cease fire.  Bashir said that the Hur’q forces are withdrawing as we speak. Bashir finished up by telling Odo that it’s over, though he wouldn’t say we won. I got my flask out and toasted to Rex, taking a drink and then passing the flask to Chris, who took a drink even though he hates hard liquor. Chris passed it to Rush, who took a drink and passed it to Tike and then he took a drink and passed it to Turel.  Then I got a call from Elisa who told me that we’ve received orders from Alliance Command. We’re to report to Deep Space Nine as soon as possible for debriefing. Rush got the same call from her ship and we got asked if we’re ready to return to the Alpha Quadrant. I told Elisa after taking a deep breath that I’m ready to beam up. After that, Chris left to contact Siket and I went to my ready room and called Tike.  

I said that I told him that, when we survive, I would answer his question.  I explained that Joey was my dad’s guest in an attempt to boost his status on Earth, despite my mom’s objections.  Joey took an interest me when no one else would. Tike laughed and told me that he found that hard to believe. I explained to Tike that I was still in high school when it happened and, at that time, it was all about the pecking order.  Tanya was on top and I was at the bottom. Then dad left to captain a freighter and Joey moved to a nearby hotel room. My mom was too busy dealing with the shit dad left to notice that I was still seeing Joey. Then he abducted me and I was stuck under the radar with Joey as my only protector.  Tike said that he couldn’t imagine a worse fate. I told Tike that I could, have ended up with some Joe Carroll type sadist. Tike asked me who Joe Carroll was and I explained that he was a character from The Following, serial killer who targeted young women and removed their eyeballs, huge Edgar Allen Poe fanboy and he created his own cult with psychotic and devoted followers.  Tike pointed out that the guy had the same name as my ex-boyfriend, to which I jokingly pointed out that it could kill my interest in the program. Then I invited Tike to stay on my ship, but he turned me down. Tike said that I was too emotionally vulnerable right now and it wouldn’t be right. I only laughed and said that it seems like entities have better moral values than humanoid men.  Tike responded by saying it’s only the humanoid men I hang around who have such low values. Chris showed up and told me that we just arrived on Deep Space Nine, so I had to cut my conversation with Tike short. 

Rush and I went back to DS9 and found Bashir treating Rex in Sickbay, or trying to treat him.  Bashir said that there was nothing he could do for Rex on the Hur’q dreadnought. According to Bashir, the ketracel extraction process was too devastating.  Then Bashir talked to Odo about how he treated him like a son when they first found him on DS9 and Bashir told Odo that he’s truly sorry. Odo added that Rex didn’t even have a name when he left them, so he’ll make sure the name Rex found is never forgotten.  Odo reminisced about Rex’s first days on the station, when all he wanted to do was fight and it didn’t matter who. Odo then talked about how, when Rex left, Odo thought that he’d never see him again or, if he did, it’d be as enemies. Odo said that the man he met years later still knew how to fight, but his reasons for doing so had changed dramatically.  Odo then talked about how he’s proud to have known Rex and how he wish he could’ve done more in the end. I told Odo that he’s done more for Rex then a lot of fathers do for their kids, while adding in my head, mine included.  Rush agreed by saying that Odo did make a difference in Rex’s life.  Odo said that he supposed that we were right and then told us that Kira was looking for us.  Apparently, she’s at the temple or at least she was the last time Odo checked. Then Odo excused himself to pay his respects and said that we’d talk more later.

Rush and I went to the temple to see what Kira had to say only to be stopped by Loriss.  She said that it pleased her to see us and that she has interesting news. I admitted that I hope it doesn’t involve the Hur’q, which only intrigued Rush.  Loriss said that it doesn’t, but it does involve the Orb of Peace that I returned with Kai Opaka. Loriss talked about how the Orb spoke to her and that she’s been exploring the meaning of that experience with the Kai and Captain Kira.  After all, they are the experts in such matters. Loriss admitted that they all find it curious that an Orb of the Prophets would speak to a Vorta, they also agree that it would be foolish to ignore it. I asked Loriss if she’s a born again Prophet believer now.  Since Loriss didn’t know what that was a reference to, she didn’t get the joke. Rush got it and told me to retell the joke when she’s on blitz. Then Loriss told us that, with the blessings of Founder Odo, she has been transferred to this quadrant to continue her studies of the Orb and the Prophets.  Loriss claimed that she’ll serve as Founder Odo’s representative, since diplomacy is her specialty. Loriss told us that she’s sure we’ll be seeing one another again and said that may the blessings of the Founders and the Prophets be ours. Rush said that she didn’t need them, but I told Loriss that I’m going to repeat this to my grandpa because, being a strict Catholic, hearing this would really piss him off.  Loriss apologized for that, but I told her that it made my day. After that, Opaka wanted to talk to us and said that it was good to see me once more. Opaka told us that she was hoping to speak to us about an important matter before our duties take us back to the stars. She talked to us about how her thoughts often return to the Orb of Peace and that it was no coincidence that it was found in the Gamma Quadrant, in the midst of two warring tribes.  Opaka said that she believes it to be a message from the Prophets, one of guidance in troubled times. Then she went on about how the conflict with the Hur’q has ended and she feels that it’s time to explore this omen more thoroughly. Opaka talked about the recent vision Loriss experienced and how it’s truly remarkable that the Prophets would speak to a Vorta. According to Opaka, this can’t be a coincidence. Opaka believes that the Orb is meant to broker a lasting peace between the people of our quadrants and the Dominion.  I said that it would be the first time in history religion brought peace instead of war. Opaka only responded to that by saying that it’s not religion that causes war, it’s humanoids. Rush said that she’s got a point. Finally, we got to talk to Kira. She said that here we are again and it’s been quite a journey. I asked Kira what’s next for her and she told me that, after she got back, Starfleet Command offered her a number of postings—even the center chair on one of those shiny new cruisers. Kira admitted that it was tempting, but she chose to join the command staff on DS9.  She said that Bajor and the Celestial Temple mean a lot to her, and this station is a good place to keep them both safe, which Kira said also includes my daughter. Rush told Kira that it’s also close to our mutual friend in the Gamma Quadrant.

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Kira said that Rush was subtle, but she’s not wrong. Kira claimed that she and Odo have a lot to work out before they’re back to where they were, but they’ve taken a few good steps in that direction. However, Kira still thinks it will work out… eventually. Kira admitted that Odo’s a hard man to read sometimes. I said that I actually find Odo very easy to read.  Kira then told me that he’s a hard man for normal people to read. After that, Kira thanked us for coming to visit. She said that, after all we’ve been through, it means a lot to have friends, even if it reminds her of the ones we miss. Then Kira told us that General Martok is leading the charge against the bloodwine at Quark’s. Kira said that she’s sure that Martok would want to congratulate us on another glorious victory. I told Kira that I’d take any excuse to drink. Rush agreed with me, though I admitted that I’d also like to reserve a holosuite, even if I’m not sure what program I’m in the mood for.  Kira told me that I might not have time to reserve a holosuite, which really disappointed me.

Rush and I went to Quark’s to find not only Martok and Quark, but Leeta, Rom, Nog and Neth Parr.  It was the last one who wanted to talk to us first. Neth Parr told me that she’s forever indebted to me because, without my efforts, she would’ve walked the Path of Exile for the rest of her days.  Now, she will help make amends for all that has happened during Tzenketh’s terrible crusade. Then I talked to Nog who said that we need to stop running into each other when the fate of the galaxy is on the line.  He suggested drinks at Quark’s or some baseball on the holodeck. I told Nog that I’d meet him halfway and just have drinks, but I’ll send Chris to play baseball with him. Rush said that, unlike me, she’s not too lazy to do both.  Why is she always trying to one up me? Then Nog said that he can’t think of too many people he’d trust when everything’s on the line. Nog said that he was glad I was here for this. Then he told me that Starfleet’s assigned the Chimera to peacekeeping duty in Hur’q space and they’ll be working with a joint task force to help the Hur’q get back on their feet again.  Rush said that it sounds like he got assigned to Hur’q rehab. Nog said that she’s not wrong, but there’s a lot to be done. Nog claimed that he’s happy to help the Hur’q rejoin the galactic community. I wished Nog luck with that and told him that he’s going to need it. Nog laughed and said that I might be right about that, but his crew’s up for the challenge because they’re some of Starfleet’s best, like my crew.  He told me and Rush to take care of ourselves out there and not to be strangers. After that, we talked to Leeta who said that she’s glad to see this all come to an end, but not as glad as everyone on Ferenginar. She claimed that it’s a celebration of Rule 35 like no one’s ever seen before. Leeta said that peace may be good for business, but things are really getting out of hand. Leeta told us that, when word got out that the Gamma Quadrant was open for business, the “New Latinum Rush” was on.  Then she talked about how with open borders and free trade policies her husband was practically weeping with joy. However, she felt sympathy for Odo because, if he thought he had his hands full with Quark on DS9, he’s going to have an even tougher time now that he has an entire quadrant of Ferengi to deal with. Rush and I both laughed about this, with me admitting that I would pay to see how this plays out. Rush asked me how much I would pay. I ignored that and talked to Rom, who said that he’ll be here until his ship is repaired.  However, every cloud has a silver lining because he now has exclusive rights to the holosim of the battle. Rom claimed that the sales alone will cover the cost of repairs. He finished that up by saying that, some days, it’s good to be the Grand Nagus. I told Rom that it sounds like too much responsibility for me, to which he somewhat agreed. Then Rom talked about how he doesn’t like to think about how close to disaster we were and was fortunate that there were people like me and Rush out there to bring us all back to the brink. Rom claimed that we both have quite the stories to tell with all of our adventures.  Then he asked if either one of us considered making a holobiography, because our life stories would be quite popular and profitable. Rom said that he’d make me and Rush a very generous offer for the rights and cut us both a share of the profits, 25%.

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Rush said that writing her life story would do more harm than good. I told Rom that, if anyone’s writing my life story, it’s Chris because he’s my Watson. Rom said that the offer still stands if either of us change our minds, which is not happening anytime soon. After that, we talked to Quark who welcomed us and offered both of us a VIP discount on our drinks because it’s a private party and he’s in a generous mood.  Rush asked him if he really means that our drinks are not on the house. Quark asked Rush if she took a hit in the head in that fight, because he’s in a generous mood but he’s not insane. Quark told us that we get half off, so we either take it or leave it. I told Quark that I’ll take it and the same goes to Rush. Quark made a comment about how, with two alcoholics, he’s not surprised in the least. However, he was still happy we agreed and told us not to take it personally, since we could be Odo and he gets a 50% markup on his drinks. Rush pointed out that it’s rather useless because Odo doesn’t drink. I asked Quark about the Sword of Kahless and he said that there wasn’t much to tell because Lek saw the error of his ways and gave it back.  Then he let Grilka, Martok and Worf know they’d recovered their precious relic. Quark said that, a quick handoff later, and the Klingons were off to war. He claimed that he and Rom tagged along, mainly to see the look on Odo’s face when Quark rode in with the cavalry. Quark said that it was priceless and, if he dies tomorrow, he’ll go to the Exchequer with a smile on his face. Rush asked Quark sarcastically if he made a profit on that job. Quark responded by asking if he looks like Nog to us because, unlike the Federation, the Klingons know the value of latinum. Rush agreed with that, saying dealing with the Federation doesn’t do much in the way of profit. I said that the Federation has a different system from the rest of the galaxy, what you get is based off of how much you contribute, which is why my dad agreed to let Joey stay with us when his ship crashed on Earth, against my mom’s wishes.  However, I didn’t mention that part out loud. I did say that, If you contribute a great deal, or your status is high enough, you can extend your privileges to friends or relatives, like how Chris’s dad is a high-up Federation official.  It’s why he’s the golden boy of the Federation. Quark said that it sounds interesting, but he’s thinking about spending his cut on a smaller moon to orbit the one he already has, then speculated that he might even name it Odo. I told Quark that he’s taking a huge risk with that one. Finally, it was time to talk to Martok and he bragged about how it was a hard-fought battle and a well-earned victory, but was disappointed that the Klingons almost missed it. Martok admitted that their fleet would’ve never left the Empire if it weren’t for the Sword’s return. He claimed that Grilka told him that her former mate, Quark, had something to do with that. Martok said that the sacred blade of Kahless being returned to the Empire by a Ferengi was madness. I pointed out that it’s not that hard to believe and Worf also played a part in all of this.  Martok admitted that it was Worf’s idea to ignite the Beacon of Kahless. He claimed it was a bold move, but it paid off because only a coward could refuse such a call to arms. Martok bragged about how the legend of Kahless was stronger than ever, and it would not surprise him if the High Council moved to create a new clone of the Emperor. After all, there is great power in legend. Rush was still confused about Grilka and Quark being an item, but she wasn’t schooled in the adventures of Deep Space Nine like I was. I told Rush that it’s a long story and then Quark interjected by telling us that there’s a message from Garak on his monitor, text only. Quark said that Garak wants us to meet him at his old tailor shop. Then Quark speculated that maybe Garak’s had enough of politics and wants to get back in the fashion game. Quark claimed that it would be more profitable in the long run and easier on the nerves. Rush and I both doubted that. Then Quark warned us not to keep Garak waiting because he looks for secrets when he gets bored, and he’s not the person anyone wants poking around in their business.  I told Quark that my life’s an open book, even if I won’t always read it to people. Still, I was happy that I would get to see Garak one last time. Unfortunately, so was Rush.

So, we made our way to Garak’s Tailor Shop, where Rush decided to sit on the table, near Garak I might add.  Kuumaarke talked to us before I could say anything about it, claiming that the conflict may be over, but there’s still plenty of work to be done.  She told us that the Lukari have offered to help the Hur’q restore their homeworld’s ecosystem, and they’ve accepted. Then Kuumaarke said that Doctor Bashir will be working with them on this and it’s their goal to ensure that no Hur’q will ever go hungry again.  Actually, she said that no Hur’q will go without nourishment again but I couldn’t resist quoting Scar. Kuumaarke told us that, some time ago, she hoped for a path to peaceful resolution to their troubles with the Hur’q. Now she’s happy to be part of such a solution, at last.  Then she thanked both me and Rush for our efforts in getting us all to this point… to peace. At that point, Rush took a seat on the table, so I told her that she shouldn’t be sitting there, because she’ll break it. She asked me if this was supposed to be a crack about her weight.  I told Rush that I was just saying that the table’s very fragile and I wouldn’t want Garak’s former shop ruined. Garak told me that I didn’t have to worry about that, and then he turned to me and thanked me for agreeing to meet him here. That’s right, the great exile and former spy that I read about in the Academy thanked me!  This is so cool! He also thanked Rush, but he did ask for the both of us. Garak said that, strangely, he finds it easy to center himself in this shop, even relax. I asked Garak if it was because of memories of a simpler time in his life. He told me I was right (my three favorite words), and that Cardassia is about to begin a new journey, as it were, and he’ll be going along for the ride.  Rush told Garak and it sounds exciting to her, to which he admitted that it is. Apparently, Cardassia has been offered membership in the Alliance, and they’ve accepted. Garak said that their seat at the table was hard-earned, but they’re ready — and grateful — to join the ongoing efforts. Then Garak told us that officer-exchange programs have already begun, in fact. Garak suspected that I’ll be seeing more Cardassian faces in the future, and he hopes that I show them the same courtesy as I’ve shown him in their shared adventures.  I detected quite a bit of sarcasm from him, because we both know that I don’t do courtesy. I asked Garak where he falls into in all this.

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He told me that he’ll be spending time on Earth, Qo’noS, and New Romulus… the life of an ambassador is never dull after all. I snorted and told Garak that I beg to differ on that one. Garak sarcastically asked why no one offered to make me a diplomat. Rush said that, if I were a diplomat, I’d cause an intergalactic war. I told Rush that she actually makes a good point. Hey, I wouldn’t be dishing if I couldn’t take.  Garak then said that someone needs to make sure the Alliance doesn’t forget about Cardassia, and he supposed that someone is him. He said that he’ll be sure to follow both of our exploits, of course. Since either one of us will be far more entertaining than economic forecasts and state functions, to be sure. I said that The Last Jedi would be more entertaining than that, something Rush begged to differ on. Garak told me that he looked up my daughter, Rose, and she’s doing rather well, unscathed in the Hur’q attack. I hesitated and then asked Garak what she was like.  He told me that she’s very happy, energetic and very polite. Then added that, if it weren’t for her striking resemblance to me, he’d have a hard time believing she’s my daughter. I stayed silent for a minute until Garak told me and Rush that our fearless leaders want to have a word with us next. Neither one of us even asked him how he knew that.

We left Garak’s Tailor Shop and found the Alliance leaders waiting right outside for us. 

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Rush caught D’Tan’s attention, who told her that he’s initiated a dialogue between the Dominion and the Karemma.  He claimed that, in light of recent events, he felt that it was imperative that their conflict be resolved peacefully.  D’Tan said that whether that results in an independent Karemma or not remains to be seen, but he shall endeavor to help them reach a result that is beneficial for both parties.  Rush told D’Tan that he’s got himself a real challenge. After that, Admiral Quinn talked to me and said that there have been some significant diplomatic events since our return from the Gamma Quadrant.  Quinn told me that, first, the Dominion is joining the Alliance and having them as allies will take some getting used to, but the opportunity was too great to ignore. I told Quinn that I always thought Quark would become a Bajoran Vedek and take a vow of celibacy before that ever happened.  Quinn then said that, as a condition to joining the Alliance, they requested that the Founders take steps to free the Jem’Hadar from their addiction to ketracel while. Quinn was happy to say that Ambassador Odo was inclined to comply with that request. Quinn said that it will make things… interesting in the Gamma Quadrant, to be sure.  Still, it’s been a long time coming and the Jem’Hadar should be able to live their lives freely. I told Quinn that, now that Thanos isn’t a threat, the Avengers, Spider-Man, Dr. Strange and the Guardians of the Galaxy can all go back to their normal lives. This time, it’s for the better. Quinn told me that I really need to stop comparing reality to fiction.  I told Quinn that he’d have to erase all my knowledge of fiction from my brain to make that happen. Finally, it was J’MPok’s turn to speak. He told both me and Rush that the Havas-kul sector has been designated as independent from the Dominion, and a “Hur’q Neutral Zone” has been established around it. Then he said that the Empire will join the Federation and the Republic in keeping the peace with the Dominion and the Hur’q.  J’mpok finished it up by saying that they have experience in enforcing a neutral zone after all. Then J’mpok proudly proclaimed that Martok’s use of the Beacon, and the return of the Blade, has led to a renewed interest in Kahless throughout the Empire. J’mpok said that some say Martok stands with honor next to great heroes like T’Kuvma, Voq, L’Rell, and Kang. J’mpok joked that getting along with Martok is difficult enough, now his ego’s going to be larger than Mount Hamar.  However, J’mpok’s grateful that Martok has very little in the way of political aspirations, otherwise he’d have to kill him again. J’mpok laughed at his own stupid joke, something that made me and Rush roll our eyes. Rush told J’mpok to watch out, because Martok might want revenge for his previous death, and she said this with a smile. J’mpok said that he’ll keep an eye on Martok so that it doesn’t happen. I told J’mpok not to abuse his power, because that was Gowron’s mistake. 

After that, I got a call from Chris who told me that Odo and Bashir would like a word with me and Rush in Sickbay when we have a moment.  Well, we’ve got nothing but time so we went to Sickbay and talked with Bashir. He told us that things are finally settling down around here…  well, as much as it ever settles down, that is. I asked Bashir why he’s still in uniform if that’s the case. Bashir explained that there’s a lot to be done with the Hur’q and being a part of Starfleet will help him make things happen in that regard.  Bashir said that, when he’s not on DS9, he’ll be working with the Lukari and the crew of the U.S.S. Aventine to help the Hur’q get back on their feet. Rush told Bashir that Havas-kul is a long way from home for him. Bashir explained that he’s married to the captain of the Aventine, so it won’t be too bad.  Then Bashir said that the kids won’t be joining them until Kuumaarke and her team restore Havas-kul to a more habitable state. Just the mention of kids sent a pang through my heart as I thought of my own. Bashir told us that he’s sure we’ll be seeing each other soon but, until then, stay safe and said it was an order from our Doctor.  Finally, we talked to Odo who told us that the Dominion is about to go through a number of changes. They’re liberating the Jem’Hadar from the White, phasing out the Founders’ “benevolent dictatorship,” establishing a safe haven for the Hur’q. Needless to say, Odo’s going to be busy for a very long time. I told Odo that won’t be easy, because if there’s one thing no one likes it’s change. 

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Odo agreed with me and said that many Founders are still resistant to it. Though he likes to think that they’re outnumbered by those willing to take a more diplomatic approach. After all, the last thing the Dominion, or anyone, needs is a civil war. Odo then told us more bad news by saying that not all of the Hur’q were cured, so we’ll be dealing with rogue swarms for quite some time. However, he hopes that they can call on either one of us in the future if they run into that special kind of trouble that we have a talent for dealing with.  Rush said that she’d be happy to help for a price while all I could do was stand there like an idiot and give a high pitched sure. Then Odo warned both of us to keep an eye out for Quark, because that little act of “heroism” with the Sword of Kahless will make him bolder than ever. Odo asked me how my daughter was, and I told him that I heard from Garak that she survived the attack. Odo then apologized for putting my daughter in harm’s way and all I responded to that with was that he’s lucky that she wasn’t hurt. Chris told me that the Winchester’s been clear for departure, so they’re ready to leave when I am.  Rush got the same message from the Jimeck, who said that she was ready to clear out.

As soon as I got back on my ship, I got a call from Odo before I could visit Bajor.  He told me that the future of the Dominion is uncertain for the first time in many years.  According to Odo, without the Wicked Witch of the Gamma Quadrant and her unbreakable will at the center of it all, the GQ will undoubtedly go through a great deal of turmoil.  Odo said that he’ll do what he can to maintain order and keep the peace, but it’ll definitely be a challenge. For now, what matters to Odo is that we fought for the Dominion when they needed it the most.  Odo told me that he won’t forget that and, thanks to the Great Link, neither with the Founders. Odo thanked me and said that he hoped that we can meet again under much better circumstances.

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Elisa asked if I was ready to leave, but I told her that I want to stop by Bajor first.  I faced one fear, now it’s time to face another.

A/N: So, what did you think of Candy’s team up with Rush and her take on the epic battle?  Once again, I’d like to thank Hashakgig for agreeing to do this mission with me not once, but twice after I lost my screenshots.  Considering that I got to take better ones with Bandicam, maybe it was for the best.  Anyway, let me know what you think in the comments and feel free to role-play or make requests.

Tenebris Torquent (Star Trek Online

A/N: Candy’s back and, this time, she’s recounting when she had to visit the Hur’q homeworld and got separated from her away team while traveling dark corridors, praying that she doesn’t become the Hur’q’s next meal.

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Fleet Admiral’s Log Stardate 96225.23

This is Candy Marino and I just got a call from Garak.  He told me that researchers led by his friend, Doctor Bashir, have isolated several fascinating aspects of Hur’q biology.  Garak said that he’s told this data provides insight on their native environment; specifically a metallic planetoid orbiting a pulsar within a nebula.  Garak claimed that there’s only one system that meets these requirements: Havas-Kul, in the Gamma Quadrant. Garak told me that he’s going to investigate, along with Captain Kira in the Defiant.  Then he said that Doctor Bashir will accompany us as well, since his insight will be critical to the mission’s success. Garak claimed that the doctor believes we’ll find what we need to end this conflict on Havas-Kul.  Garak said that if Bashir’s right, and he often is, Garak’s willing to go to the heart of enemy territory. Then asked if I would join them. I told Garak proudly that I never back down from a challenge. Garak only challenged this by pointing out how I acted the last two times, barely able to contain my fear of the Hur’q.  I countered back by pointed out that I still managed to do my job. Garak then had the nerve to say that he hopes I can still manage this time and then cut the connection with a smile on his face! The nerve of that man! I set course for Havas-Kul, determined to prove him wrong.

As soon as I arrived, which was a long flight, I met with Garak and he talked about how the survey reports don’t do this system justice.  After all, it’s got a nebula, a pulsar, dark energy and the Hur’q homeworld. I said that it’s like a haunted house in space and then pointed out that I’m not reading any Hur’q ships on sensors.  Garak said that he didn’t either, something he found strange. Garak claimed that one would think that they’d place a heavy guard on their home system, something we both found peculiar. Garak wants to use the opportunity to look around quietly, but I suspect a trap.  I still conducted a system scan, which Garak said picked up a number of interesting phenomena, despite interference from the nebula.

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We found a plethora of heavy metallic compounds, and a hotbed of tetryon and thermobaric energy throughout the nebula. Kira contacted us to say that there’s a moon nearby.  She claimed that the preliminary scans aren’t showing much, but it’s just the kind of place the Hur’q could be using to hide a base… or a fleet. Kira said that she wanted to take a closer look, something I agreed to. After all, the bug people are much less scary when they’re flying around in ships.

I headed for the dead moon and got another call from Kira about how the pulsar’s throwing off a lot of hazardous energy.  Garak complimented her on being astute and then suggested that we make the appropriate shield adjustments. Meanwhile, I scanned the dead moon and got another call from Kira.  She told me that she didn’t like that scans were showing a lot of bare rock, but no metals or compounds. She and Garak said that it’s a lot like it’s being stripped of anything remotely useful, which is the calling card of the Hur’q.  Garak suggested sending down a probe just to be sure. He said that there could be some Hur’q down there, hidden by the nebula’s effects on our sensors.

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Hey, anything that prevents us from running into the Hur’q is all right with me. I immediately sent a probe and got a call from Kira right after.  What can I say, she works fast. Kira told me that the moon is barely Class-D; no metals, complex compounds, liquids, or atmosphere. Garak said that the interior is a complex maze of tunnels-thousands of them. Bashir told me that this matches Hur’q patterns they’ve seen elsewhere, so you can bet that the Hur’q have been here.  I was about to set course for the dead planet until Garak contacted me. He told me that the probe is online and transmitting and their science teams are taking a close look at the incoming data, but it doesn’t look terribly promising. Then asked if we should forge on, since there’s a lovely planet nearby, no doubt filled with a bounty of toxic rocks and metallic salts, which he was being sarcastic about, of course.  I set course for the planet and got another call from Garak about how I’m entering scanning range.

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Bashir contacted me and said that the astronomic readings are strange. He said that the planet has a highly eccentric orbit and it looks like it collects matter from the nebula as it sweeps around the pulsar, all while being bombarded with radiation. Bashir concluded that it’s definitely not habitable by most standards, but not quite Demon-class.  Bashir went on about how the planet has an orbital period of several thousand years, which explains the Hur’q lifestyle. Bashir claimed that they must hibernate while the planet is at the far range in its orbit. Bashir talked about how this orbit coincides with the previous emergences of the Hur’q. Then he said that the thousand-year-cycles explain why they appear suddenly, then vanish just as quickly. Garak contacted us and put in his two cents, about how we’re reading complex structures here, along with power systems and technology.  Then said that this could be a base of operation for the Hur’q. Garak told us that it appears to be deserted and suggested that we look around, since this is a prime opportunity. Great, I have to beam down and face the bug people, again. I sarcastically asked Garak if I have a choice. Garak only responded by saying that I actually do, I can help them stop the Hur’q now or I can lay back and wait for them to devour everyone I know and love, including myself. Damn, he’s good. Kira contacted us and said that we need to meet on the Defiant.  After all, we’ll need to make preparations before we send an away team down there.

Me and my team immediately beamed on the Defiant and met with Kira.  She told us that she’s sent a team down to establish a secure zone. Apparently, they’re ready for us, but we’ll want to put on EV suits before I beam down.  Kira said that they have some in that container for me to use. She told us that, once we’re suited up, they’ll beam us down to the planet’s surface in a large cavern area.  So, we got the EV suits and beamed down to the caverns.

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As soon as we beamed down, Chris told me that this chamber appears to be a natural cavern, but the readings show unusual energy and a lot of magnetized metals and salts not far from here.  He said that some of the caves near here have a regular structure, like they were dug out rather than naturally occurring. Chris suggested that maybe the Hur’q have something like an ant hive.  I sarcastically told him that he’s telling me that the Hur’q have something in common with Earth’s most vicious species. Chris looked at me like he thought he was joking, until Elisa chimed in asking about that famous saying. Then said that, if ants had photon torpedoes, they’d end the galaxy in a week. Chris thought it was crazy and asked me if I really believed that. I told Chris that I don’t think it would take them that long. This was more than enough for me to take, so I said that we need to check in with Kira’s away team and see how they’re progressing.  First I went to Williams, who said that he should have a habitation area set up soon. Williams told me that we can replace the reducing atmosphere in this cavern with standard oxy-nitro and warm things up a bit. He said that Kane’s keeping watch and Weir’s looking into other connected areas. Then Williams told me that we should have a perimeter field up within a few minutes.  After that, I went to Ishimura who told me that she’s reading a lot of background radiation and some wild magnetic fields. Ishimura claimed that it’s like the pulsar and the nebula are supercharging the metallic crystal compounds here. Then she proceeded to tell me what I already know, about how the environment’s very different from anything we’d consider a habitable planet. Ishimura said that it explains why the Hur’q are so alien.  Then she said that it’s quite a treasure for a geologist like herself. I told her to just ignore the fact that we might get eaten alive by a giant ant colony and it’s a real picnic. Chris suggested that we hail the Defiant and explain our situation, which I agreed to. Bashir asked the Defiant if they still have a lock on us. Thankfully, Kira replied with an affirmative but, if we need transport, there might be a slight delay due to pulsar emissions.  Ishimura said that she’s getting something odd on her tricorder and I’ve played enough horror holo-programs to know that’s never a good sign. Turned out I was right because we heard something sneaking around us and I’d bet the Winchester it was the Hur’q. Ishimura yelled that she saw something nearby, that “something” being a Hur’q hiding like a horror movie monster in the shadows!

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That thing blasted us with a shockwave like it was a Final Fantasy monster and knocked me out big time!

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Thankfully, I didn’t need a Phoenix Down to get back up again, because I woke up in a series of underground tunnels.  Not so thankfully, my entire crew didn’t wake up with me. Before I could contemplate that, I got a call from Kira. She told me that she was glad that I was still with them.  Then said that whatever it was must’ve left me for dead. Kira said that I’d better get moving in case it comes back to make sure. She also explained that I’m in a series of tunnels that connect to a larger cavern.  Then said that Garak and Bashir are close to my position and they’re moving into a large open chamber. Kira told me to try to make my way to them. I told Kira as I was trying to regain my senses that I’ll just get my away team and then I looked around and realized that I had no away team. After that, Kira told me to be careful. She said that some of the crystal formations down here are emitting intense amounts of energy. Then said that they can’t lock onto anything with transporters, and the others are reporting that directed energy weapons won’t work. I cut the communication with Kira and got another one from Bashir, saying that he and Garak are alive but they’re a little lost.  Thank God for small favors.

I wasted no time and immediately started walking through the caves.  It didn’t take long for me to get another communication from Kira, who told me to keep moving because I should head up to another chamber.  I’ll admit, I’m hoping to find my crew ASAP and get out of here before any of us becomes that creature’s next meal. Then I got worried that my crew might’ve already become its next meal.  No, I can’t think like that! Each member of my crew is alive until proven dead! Kira contacted me to tell me that the creature’s in a passage near my location and I need to stay sharp. I got my weapon out and kept moving, which wouldn’t really do any good against the creature but it makes me feel better, like a security blanket.  I got another call from Bashir, who told me that he and Garak are moving into a very large, oblong chamber. Garak called in with his own commentary about how he was hoping that those cozy, cramped little tunnels would make a nice vacation spot. I said that it might make a decent theme park ride. Come one, come all to a tour of the great underground.  Run for your life from giant man-eating bugs while fearing for the lives of your friends. Caution: chance of getting eaten alive. Those with claustrophobia or a deathly fear of bugs need not apply.

Before anyone could respond to my little joke, I found a door up ahead that Kira told me was locked.  I examined the door and got a communication from Bashir. He told me that those readings I’m getting from that crystal node are interesting.  Then he explained that it’s generating a localized magnetic field. Bashir said that manipulating that field could cause a response, similar to pushing a button or flicking a switch.  Then Bashir asked me if I think Hur’q can sense magnetic fields, similar to sharks on Earth?

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I told Bashir that, right now, I’d much rather be dealing with sharks. Bashir seemed surprised by this, but I told him to get to the point.  Then he told me that I might find a way to manipulate that magnetic field to open the door. Bashir said that the morphogenic crystals are probably the “keys,” so look for one nearby that has a similar output to the door nods. In other words, we just went from Final Fantasy to Legend of Zelda.  I said out loud that maybe, if I keep looking, I’ll find a weapon that can help me defeat the Big Boss. I turned around as if expecting one of my crewmembers to respond, but found no one there to appreciate my pop culture references. Then I went to get one of the crystals Bashir told me about and got another communication from Kira.  She told me that the readings she’s getting on that crystal are weak, so it’s probably not usable. I found another crystal that Kira told me had an odd harmonic and doesn’t seem to match the rest. Then I found another crystal and, apparently, third time’s the charm because Kira told me that it’s the one I need. Then she told me to use it to open that door.   I wasted no time because, the sooner I get through this dungeon, the sooner I can find my crew and get out of here. I must’ve said it out loud, because Kira told me that this was a cavern, not a dungeon. I told her to play a Legend of Zelda holosuite program next time she’s at Quark’s and she’ll see what I mean.

Before Kira could respond, one of the bug people beamed in right behind me!  

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Kira told me not to fight that thing and run, which I was already doing anyway!  Then she said that there’s a deep crevice ahead of me and told me to see if I can get across.  I told her that it doesn’t look like I have much of a choice, and ran and jumped through the thing with a speed and strength I didn’t even know I had!  After that, Kira told me that there was hazardous energy and anti-gravity ahead, and to use my thrusters. I wasted no time turning them on while praying to every religion in existence that the energy’s also hazardous to the giant Hur’q that’s chasing me.  Thankfully, the creature turned back and Kira said that it might not like anti-gravity. I stopped and took a deep breath, thankful that this Indiana Jones boulder chase was over.

Then I found myself in an underground anti-grav labyrinth when I had to go down at the end of the hallway.  Kira told me to be slow and steady and to not get lost. Then she said to try to head up when I can. The good news is that the monster can’t get to me here.  The bad news is that this labyrinth doesn’t have any 80s rock stars ruling it, and I still haven’t seen any sign of my crew. I told Kira that, with my brain, I’ll be out of this maze by dinner time, hoping I sounded more confident than I felt.  Then we got another call from Dr. Bashir who said that he and Garak have a breathable atmosphere and that we need to try to reach their location. After that, Williams called and said that he’s stuck in some kind of tunnel maze and not sure how to get out.  Then Ishimura called and told us that her nav system’s useless, but she’ll keep trying to find us all. Meanwhile, I found a console nearby and operated it. That’s when Kira called and said that this one looks like technical data. Then she said that it was interesting that none of their starships had weapons until two thousand years ago.  Apparently, their first designs were way ahead of most species at that time. Then Kira asked aloud how they went from the geniuses to the ravenous eating machines we’re dealing with now?

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Honestly, I have a hard time believing that those creatures ever had the slightest form of intelligence. I left the room and then heard screaming from Kane on my comm that got cut off.  Please don’t tell me the bugs are back! They’re supposed to hate anti-gravity! Kira told Kane to report in and then said that she just lost his vitals. Great, what if my crew suffered the same fate and I don’t even know it? I came across another console in this labyrinth and activated it as Kira told me that Weir’s comm signal is down, but he’s still alive. Then she told me to keep an eye out while I’m trying to keep an eye out for my own crew.  It wasn’t long until I found more tunnels I had to go up and down in. Then I found another console and sent the transmission to Kira who told me that there’s a lot of historical data and cultural references in there. She gave me the short version, which was that they used to be a peaceful species. I interrupted by asking Kira if she was seriously telling me that a race of humanoid consuming bugs used to be peaceful! Kira angrily responded by saying that, if I’d let her finish, the information talks about a “great betrayal,” and some kind of epidemic.  Then I sarcastically responded by saying that it’s not their fault that they devour people alive, they’re just sick. I finished up by asking Kira if their daddy also didn’t give them enough hugs and, I’ll admit, I got a little on edge. Actually, I got way on edge. Kira responded by asking me how many hugs my father gave me. All I could do was stare and blink and tell Kira that she’s good. Then I followed up by asking Kira what else she found out about them. She told me that the rest of it is gibberish. I asked Kira if she’s located my crew yet and, when Kira answered no, I hung up on her.  Then I went deeper into the labyrinth, found another console to turn on and kept going. Yeah, this whole thing is getting redundant, even if this console actually opened a door for me that pushed me deeper into the labyrinth. Then I found another console to open a door, went past two consoles that did nothing and then went into a room that finally looked like the exit. Kira contacted me and told me that Bashir and Garak are just past this chamber.

Finally, I got out of that labyrinth and Kira told me that they’re picking up some interesting tech on sensors.  She said that it was interesting and old, very old to the point that most of it predates the Federation by several centuries.  She asked me if I was reading those energy patterns on the other side of that opening. Then Kira said that the patterns are far more intricate than the others we’ve seen.  She claimed that they think there’s some kind of ship ahead of me. Then said that it shows signs of damage and I might be in some sort of drydock or repair facility. Kira told me that there are large gaps in tech level between each section of the facility, as if the Hur’q learn as they hibernate. Then Kira elaborated by saying that they wake up with a thousand years of advancements at hand and get ready to work. Okay, this I’ve got to see. I told Kira that I found a console that looks like it can operate a door here.

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So I opened the door, went through the hall and came across another big giant door that opened on its own.  Then I finally ran into Chris and I was so happy that I did something completely against my character, I hugged him! Chris was quite shocked, but eventually hugged back. Then I regained control of my senses and ended the hug, telling Chris that it would be hard to find another doctor who has the stupidity to put up with me. Chris responded by telling me that, what I call stupidity he calls patience.  Then I said that, if he’s okay, then the rest of my crew should be fine and I don’t have to go through any hassle trying to get a new one. Chris told me that we’ve got a safe area set up here, so it should be fine. Garak interrupted us by saying that he’d hate to break up this touching reunion, but we’ll need all the help we can get if we’re to leave this world alive. Garak claimed that he and Bashir have started to make sense of our surroundings.  Garak explained that we seem to be in some sort of Hur’q command center. He told me that, from here, we can begin to restore power and critical systems. Bashir then explained that Hur’q technology is driven by electromagnetic manipulation of morphogenic crystals, doors, life support… everything, even their central computer. I said that this feels like a huge design flaw, to which Chris said that it’s a design flaw that works in our favor. Bashir agreed and told us that, if we can find the right crystals, he can bring things back online.  Then we can look for information on Hur’q biology within their data system. Then he said that we might even find a cure to what’s ailing the Hur’q. Then Bashir went on about how this planet used to be rich in a type of fungus and it thrived in the harshest of environments, even areas high in pulsar radiation. He said that it used to be a staple of the Hur’q diet until it disappeared from the ecosystem. I sarcastically remarked that I wondered who was responsible for that. Bashir just kept on talking about how, without the fungus, the Hur’q began to suffer a severe type of malnutrition. Apparently, it led to a number of neurological disorders, many of which we’ve seen firsthand. Then Bashir said that, based on these readings, there should be more data storage units in the tunnels beyond this chamber. He told me that they’re the ones by the door with the blue glowrods. I told Bashir that I’ll get the spiritual stones and help him get the Triforce before Ganondorf. I was about to leave, until Bashir told me some parts of the tunnels still have malfunctioning gravity systems. He said that I should be able to navigate through them, but the energy fields in there will nullify my weapons, so I need to be careful.  I made a remark that it sounds like I’ll be going through the water temple. Bashir asked if that was going to be a problem, to which I told him that I got through that temple… eventually. What I didn’t say was that I had to consult walkthroughs on my PADD. Even for someone of my intelligence, that temple is a real pain in the ass.

I equipped some knives I got from Lek who, in return, got to copy my music playlist. Even if phasers and disruptors are nullified, physical weapons always come in handy and I’m going to need more than my fists.  I went through the tunnels and found Kolez waving to get my attention, so I went to get him. There Kolez was with Ishimura, who was really happy to see me.  That’s when you know the situation’s bad. She said that they were about to leave and then got cut off by getting grabbed by one of those bugs!

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I’ll admit, that made me jump and I nearly threw my knife at the thing until it disappeared! Then I got a call from Kira, who demanded to know what was going on because Ishimura’s vitals just flatlined. The thing attacked me and Kolez before I could answer, so I immediately started attacking with my knives while Kolez shot and threw bombs at it, his weapons working just fine.  After a while, the thing moved away from me and shrouded itself, which Kira was kind enough to tell me. Bashir told me to send Kolez to him so he can address any injuries.  I ordered Kolez to do so and then told Bashir that my weapons are working just fine, to which he immediately corrected that he meant that going through the malfunctioning gravity system would nullify my weapons. Ordinarily, I would fight that but I’m still trying to compose myself after that random encounter.  Knowing that the thing I’m so afraid of is still cloaked and lurking around is not helping. Anyway, Kolez went back to Dr. Bashir and I got one of the storage crystals from the room. Dr. Bashir told me that it covers the first peaceful meeting between the Hur’q and the Founders over three thousand years ago.

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Honestly, it’s still hard for me to believe that there’s anything peaceful about this species, no matter how much information I come across that says they were. However, I’ll admit that, thanks to my half-sister, Tanya, sticking bugs in my hair when I was a kid, I’ve got a huge fear that makes me somewhat biased. Maybe if I went back in time and told Tanya that I would face giant man-eating bugs in the future, she wouldn’t have done that and I could actually get through this with my senses intact. I take that back, that would only encourage her.  

As I was thinking about all this, I got a call from Garak telling me that Kolez is with them. Then I finally saw a pile of rocks and activated the anti-gravity machine before going through that.   After that, I found Zarva lying on the floor injured. I gave her some first aid and she thanked me, explaining that the thing ambushed her and Weir.  Said thing tried to ambush us again but, after a few rounds of shooting at it, Kira contacted us to say that it moved away from us and shrouded itself again.  This feels less like Legend of Zelda and more like trying to get away from Pennywise in Neibolt House, or when Batman went to the sewers in Arkham Asylum and had to evade Killer Croc.  Once again, Bashir told me to send Zarva to him so he can address any injuries. Zarva told me that she’ll head to the central area now and wished me luck before leaving. I went through the tunnel and came across the last member of my away team, Elisa.  To say she was happy to see me was an understatement. Crewman Williams told me that I’m a sight for sore eyes, again something people only say in the most desperate circumstances. He said that we need to get out of here before— and then got killed by the thing he wanted to avoid.  

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The thing dragged him back and, if I can make an educated guess, ate him. Seriously, do the Hur’q have bottomless pits for stomachs? They’re like those dinosaurs in Jurassic Park whose only purpose is to eat! Which is actually quite fitting, considering how the Hur’q came to be in the first place.  Then Elisa and I had to, once again, fight off the Hur’q. After the Hur’q shrouded itself, Bashir told me to send Elisa his way, who was a little wary about following his orders, but I told her that I’ll be fine. It wasn’t long until Garak contacted me and told me that one of my officers has arrived there.

While I was exploring the area looking for more crystals, I found a helmet that belonged to Kane and Kira said that she doubts we’ll find the rest of him.  

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It wasn’t long until I found the second storage crystal and got a call from Bashir. He told me that the Hur’q tried to synthesize the enzyme they needed for cognition but failed. After exploring the bottom, there was nowhere to go but up. So I hummed the Song of Time and went up one of the anti-gravity beams. Then I went up one of the beams and I have good news and bad news.  The good news is I found the crystal. The bad news is it’s behind metal bars and I can’t beam myself past them. So, I had to go back down and find another anti-gravity beam to go up. Unfortunately that led to another set of bars and, even worse, I saw one of the Hur’q behind it!  Please, whatever deity runs this universe, don’t make me fight that thing again!  Guess what, I had to fight that thing again and, let me tell you something, Lek’s knives suck!  At least they do against the Hur’q.  Then I remembered that Kolez managed to use his bombs, despite Bashir’s claims that weapons wouldn’t work and re-equipped my original weapon of choice.  Guess what, it does work and I’m going to have a fun time pointing this out to Dr. Bashir later on!

After quite a bit of backtracking and error, I finally found a way to the third shard.  Yep, this is definitely the Water Temple. Except, this time, I can’t consult my PADD for walkthroughs.  Anyway, I got the third shard and Bashir told me that the enzyme the Hur’q need is a precursor to Ketracel White. I didn’t have time to contemplate that, because the Hur’q attacked me again!  If there are any deities controlling the universe, they hate me. I didn’t even fight that thing, I just got the hell out of there and went back to the Central Room! Then I talked to Bashir, who congratulated me on a job well done.   He told me that we should be able to translate the Hur’q data files and run a detailed analysis of them at a greatly accelerated rate now. Bashir told me that he has a good friend in Starfleet Engineering that’d love to spend some time with this technology, who I’m guessing is the great Chief O’Brien I read about when I was learning about Deep Space Nine history at the Academy.  It was one of the few times I willingly paid attention in class. Then Bashir said that the Hur’q have made some remarkable advances in their time. Bashir practically celebrated when the first results came in, and then told me that he has access to a few critical systems, including gravity and power generation. He brought them back online and claimed that doing so should make things a little smoother.  I’m all for anything that gets us out of this hellhole ASAP. Bashir told me that he got some historical records and, guess what, it was the Dominion who removed the fungus from the ecosystem during a Hur’q hibernation cycle for military conquest and it drove the Hur’q to madness.

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I sarcastically asked Bashir if he really needed to risk all of our lives to get files that say something I could’ve deduced in two seconds and, I’ll admit, my voice got a little higher than it should’ve.  Chris responded by telling me to calm down, but everything I’ve been holding in during this nightmare just came pouring out! About how I had to deal with man-eating bugs, actually worry about the lives of my crew and nearly turning into a sap and, to top it all off, Odo nearly got my daughter killed when he planted that device on Bajor! After that, I took a deep breath and, if it weren’t for my E suit, I would’ve drank from my flask. Everyone stared at me, except Garak who only gave me a smirk.  Then Chris asked if I really had a daughter. Before I could respond, a Tzenkethi beamed in with Vorta and Jem’Hadar.

I said to look at this, Vorta and Jem’Hadar slaves everywhere, but their master is nowhere to be found.  Garak noticed this and said that it appears we have some uninvited guests. Bashir told the “Admiral” that he’s a long way from Tzenketh.  Garak agreed and asked what we owed the pleasure to. Turned out the Tzenkethi was actually the Changeling bitch herself, to the surprise of no one.  Bashir asked if she was traveling incognito, and Garak said that it was one of her many covert identities, he suspects. The Changeling bitch told us that this expedition of ours has gone on long enough.  Bashir then asked the Changeling if we touched a nerve and she told us that we found a secret that she’s kept for a millennia, even from Odo and the Great Link, which Garak guessed was the origin of the Hur’q infestation, and Bashir finished the sentence for Garak like they were an old married couple by saying “And your role in it.”  I told the Changeling Bitch that I’m guessing she’s not here to give us a medal. Then she said that she needed soldiers to realize her dream of Dominion, enforcers willing to obey without question.

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I responded by saying here comes the evil villain monologue and she only told me to be quiet as if I were a child!  I was about to grab my phaser and blast that inconsiderate bitch all over the cave, but Garak gave me a look that said he had a plan that might be better than a simple phaser shot. Anyway, the Founder went on about how, physically, the Hur’q were perfect candidates but their peaceful free-thinking nature was an obstacle.  Fortunately for her, and unfortunately for us, she found the key to the Hur’q’s loyalty by studying their biology. Bashir said out loud that it was the Ketracel precursor. Then the female Changeling went back to her evil villain monologue by admitting that she extracted that from the Hur’q ecosystem so that they had no choice but to obey or die.  

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All that’s missing is some cookie dough chips and a cherry Dr. Pepper with vodka in it and I can really enjoy myself. Garak said that he took it things didn’t go according to plan. The changeling said that it didn’t because they became savage, incoherent, volatile and, with each cycle, the swarm grew larger, wilder, and her ability to control them diminished. So, all she could do was point them to the direction of her enemies.  The Changeling told us that she would let them rampage and await their eventual hibernation, which really pissed Chris off as he summed up that she used bullying to get her way. Kolez added that now her victims are fighting back. Bashir quoted Lex Luthor from Smallville by saying “cry havoc and let slip the dogs of war.” Even the Changeling bitch herself admitted that they were a failure. I told her that it’s not hard to believe. Then I explained that she tried to control life, but life can’t be contained. Life breaks free, expands to new territories and it crashes through barriers. Life finds a way. The female Changeling insisted that solids might not be able to control life, but changelings can. My phaser trigger’s getting really itchy right now. Then that Changeling Bitch said that some good came from the Hur’q, the Ketracel White, it was a gift that led to a more successful endeavor, the Jem’Hadar.  While the Changeling went on with her monologue, the backpack transformed into Odo and he told her, in a crowning moment of awesome, that he thinks he’s heard enough! Then he said to the changeling that he knew she was involved in this somehow. After all, she built an empire on slavery and now it’s all falling apart.

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Odo told her that, when the Alliance learns about this and was about to say what we would do before getting interrupted by the Changeling insisting that they won’t because we’re not leaving this world alive.  Elisa rolled her eyes and said that we haven’t heard that one before, earning a smile from me. Odo seemed surprised that she would kill another Founder while I sarcastically said, “So much for ape shall never kill ape.” Then the female Changeling explained that there were other Founders who knew the truth, once. Apparently, they had as many reservations as Odo did about building a Dominion on the backs of slaves. So, they tried to depose her, and to expose the truth to the Link. She said that they failed, and paid for their lack of vision, meaning they died.  Then the Jem’Hadar aimed their guns at us and Weyoun ordered all of us against the wall. Garak told Odo that this is getting out of hand and Odo told the female Changeling to stop this now. Predictably, she refused because, according to her, this is bigger than him, bigger than all of the changelings. She went on about how the Dominion must endure, but Garak told her that he’s afraid he can’t allow that. Before I knew it, Garak retrieved a Hur’q remote and said that she forced his hand.

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So, this was what Garak was planning that would be better than blowing her up to smithereens.  He told the Changeling bitch that it was a modification of her own Hur’q lure. Then he said that every Hur’q in the quadrant is homing in on the signal as we speak. The Founder asked Garak if he was seriously calling them here, to their homeworld? Garak explained that, on the contrary, he was calling them to The Founder homeworld. Then he told that Changeling bitch that her chickens, as the humans say, are coming home to roost. I smiled at this, adding that the dinosaurs broke free and they’re eating everything in sight. The Female Changeling lost her shit and called it insanity, but got interrupted before she could say what her people would do by one of the Hur’q themselves.  

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As bad as I was shaking, there was something satisfying about watching the Hur’q murder the Wicked Witch of the Gamma Quadrant. Unfortunately, not everyone was as pleased as I was. Zarva looked horrified, yet couldn’t look away. Weyoun and the Jem’Hadar looked like their lives ended as their God was killed right before their eyes. Unfortunately, that meant we had to clean up the mess and fight that Hur’q before it killed us.

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It took a while, but we defeated that monstrosity and, after that, Garak said that, since we have restored operations here, our ships will be able to lock onto us with transporters. He suggested that we take advantage of this while we can and I agreed. Weyoun collapsed in a heap and got angry at us for killing his god.  He cried about his “beautiful” Founder being gone and how much he loved her. Then he declared vengeance on all of us, ordering the Jem’Hadar to attack.  Odo ordered them to stand down, but Weyoun refused and called Odo a traitor. Then Weyoun claimed that he would carry out her final order. Loriss stood by Odo’s side and told Weyoun that the Founder he’s crying about is no more. Then she pointed to Odo and said that this Founder has given him an order and he will obey. Weyoun kept demanding that Odo is no Founder and the Changeling Bitch was a Founder.

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Then he called Odo a traitor and ordered the Jem’Hadar to shoot to kill every single one of us! Fortunately, Dukan’Rex told the other Jem’Hadar to belay that order and told Weyoun in another crowning moment of awesome that they don’t serve him!  Then Rex pointed to Odo and said that, where this Founder leads, they follow. Odo thanked him for that, but it made Weyoun angry as he declared that he would do it himself. Then Rex knocked that asshole down and Garak clapped while I told him, “Nice punching, Rex!” Odo told Rex to take Weyoun into custody and to return to his ship. Then Odo turned to Garak and said that we have business at the homeworld to attend to.

We beamed up and now we have to deal with a whole swarm of Hur’q.  Great, more giant bugs! Thanks a lot, Garak! Kira demanded to know if it was part of Garak’s plan to draw every Hur’q in the sector to this system.  Because, if it was, it worked with flying colors. Then Kira said that we need to get out of here, and fast. She told me that our only hope is to punch a hole through the swarm so we can go to warp.  I told Kira that I’d do anything to get the hell out of here. While I started fighting the Hur’q, Garak told me to try to hold them off and he’ll see if he can arrange a distraction.

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Then I heard from one of his soldiers that they got a containment breach!  Then another Cardassian said that the structural integrity was failing and that they needed to abandon ship! It took awhile and the Winchester suffered quite a bit of damage but, eventually, Kira contacted me to tell me that the Hur’q are breaking off. Garak said that they received the signal, they’re heading for the Founder homeworld.  Zarva said that it was to commit genocide against an entire species. I told Zarva that it won’t happen if we can help it. After that, Garak contacted me and said that he thinks we’re in the clear. Garak told me that the Hur’q have departed for the Founder homeworld, but it will take them some time to reach it, even at maximum warp. Garak said that we should make the most of that time and bring an end to this madness.  He told me that the information Bashir, who he calls the good doctor, found should do just that. Then Garak suggested that we return to our respective fleets and prepare the next and, hopefully, the final steps of the journey. After that, Odo contacted me and told me that, thanks to Garak, his homeworld is under siege. He said that he realizes that there’s not a lot of love lost for the Founders these days, but if the center of the Dominion falls to the Hur’q, so does the rest of the galaxy.  Odo said that, if I’m willing to stand with them one last time, I should assemble my forces and rendezvous with his fleet in the Gamma Quadrant. He told me that he hopes to see me there, before it’s too late… for all of us. I told Odo that, lucky for him, I don’t judge an entire species based on a few members and, even if I did, I wouldn’t let the rest of the Galaxy go down with them.

I warped out and got a message from Garak, who told me that there’s a certain poetic symmetry at play.  He told me that the Dominion are about to receive their comeuppance from one of the many species they’ve abused.  Then said that, regrettably, his people have experience in such matters. Garak told me that our work is just beginning.  He said that we need to formulate a cure for the Hur’q before they devastate every species in the quadrant. Garak added that, hopefully, we can achieve this lofty goal before they make a meal of the Dominion.  Then he told me that science is often a lengthy, perilous process. Garak said that he’s certainly glad to put Havas-Kul behind him, because small dark passages are not a passion of his anymore than bugs are a passion of mine.  

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Thankfully, he didn’t say that in a mocking way. I cut the connection and prepared to head for Odo’s fleet.

A/N: So, what did you think of Candy’s take on the underground Hur’q mission?  I meant to post this mission before the Mirror of Discovery two-parter, but I ran into an issue with Star Trek Online and had to do the uninstall/re-install method.  Needless to say, a lot of my pictures got deleted, save the ones I took through Bandicam, and I had to replay a few missions.  Anyway, let me know what you think in the comments and feel free to role-play or make requests.

Para Pacem (Star Trek Online)

A/N: Meet Bianca Andrews as she recounts the time when she met Mirror Tilly, voiced by Mary Wiseman, and discovered just how dangerous Terrans can be.

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Fleet Admiral’s Log Stardate 96881.79

This is Bianca Andrews of the U.S.S. Discovery.  Yes, I named my ship after the first Discovery, a ship I used to dream of serving on, but life had other plans.  Actually, more like one huge other plan that had me faking my own death and sending me into the future, which I guess is still pretty cool.  At least, it would be, if it didn’t mean that I’d never see any of my friends and family again. Anyway, no time to dwell on that, because I just got a call from a man named Somat.

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I took the call and found out that this Somat is the leader of a Vulcan research team studying the unique ecology of the planet Pahvo.  While he was on personal leave, he learned that the team had not responded to routine communications, which is definitely a matter of concern.  Then Somat told me that Starfleet informed him that an ion storm is active in the Pahvo system, so logic would suggest that the storm is blocking communications.  However, as Somat pointed out, storms of that magnitude can have other effects, some of a deleterious nature. So, the Alliance asked him to accompany the Discovery to the Pahvo system.  Somat said that we’re to determine the status of the research team and offer assistance if necessary. He told me that he’s prepared to leave at my earliest convenience, which is now.

As soon as we arrived, Kwon told me that there was no response on comms from the Pahvo research station.  He claimed that the ion storm was causing a lot of interference, but it’s possible that our hails might not be reaching them.  I asked Somat what was causing the interference. He told me that the storm was creating spatial disturbances throughout the system.  He claimed that, if we analyze their patterns, we might be able to position the Discovery at a point where communication is possible. So, I scanned the area. 

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Then Somat told me that initial scans were picking up clouds of ionized subspace radiation and chronometric particles.  Then talked about how curious it was that sensors were registering a stationary object not far from our position. I asked Somat if it was a ship. He said it was unlikely, and he suspects that it’s one of the Starfleet navigation buoys placed throughout the system. Somat told me that the ionization of subspace was warping and distorting the sensors.  He claimed that, as a result, an accurate identification was not possible at this range. I suggested that we get closer, so that we could learn more. So, I took the Discovery closer and, what do you know, it’s a buoy. Somat said that it appears to be inactive.

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Somat then told me that the navigational buoys here are configured to broadcast a message on all frequencies.  It’s intention, to inform everyone who arrives at Pahvo that it’s a protected reserve. Somat told me that the sensors indicated heavy hull ionization on the buoy, leading him to believe that it’s been disabled by the effects of an ion storm. I said that we needed to find one of those active navigation thingies to boost our signal, so I ordered to scan for one in range. Somat seemed briefly disturbed that I called it a thingy, and then told me that Navigational Buoy 226 is nearby and should provide us with a means to reinforce hailing frequencies between the ship and the Pahvo research station.  Somat recommended caution in navigating further into the system, because the ion storm is quite volatile. I agreed with him. Then I told the Helm officer to lay in a course for Navigational Buoy 226. So, we set course of the buoy and got an alert that we’re entering the Pahvo system, which is a protected reserve and makes access prohibited.

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Anyway, we found the buoy and used it to piggyback the signal. Kwon said that he was ready to initiate handshake between our comm systems and Navigational Buoy 226 now. Kwon then went on about how the handshake was received and the fidelity was within acceptable margins of error.  Then Kwon said that the comms were secured and the hailing frequencies open. I contacted the research station, told them that this was the Discovery and asked them to please respond. Kwon said that there was no response because local conditions were still a factor. So the buoys might not be able to overcome the storm’s interference, even with our assistance. I said that it looks like we have to brave the storm. Somat chimed in by telling me that he’s detected something of interest. Apparently, the sensors showed the formation of a spatial anomaly nearby. I asked him if it was the source of the signal disruption. Somat said that he was uncertain, but he does know that it appeared to be providing stability to the ion storm, similar to the “eye” of a hurricane.  Then Somat told me that he’s also detecting bursts of comm signals from the anomaly. He claimed that the signals were currently garbled beyond recognition, but they could be from the research station. Somat recommended conducting a deeper analysis, both of the anomaly and the signals. I told the helm officer to lay in a course and take us in.

So, I scanned the anomaly and you wouldn’t believe what happened!  The Discovery I named my ship after showed up out of nowhere with a bunch of Klingon ships!  

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I don’t know how this is possible, but I’m not one to look a gift horse in the mouth. Plus, the Discovery’s in trouble!  So, I immediately targeted the Klingons and came to the Discovery’s rescue. I got some communications from the Klingons, such as how she will not escape and, once her shields are down, V’Mak will lead the boarding parties.  Well, that’s not happening on my watch. Then I got a notice from my own ship on how the first Discovery’s shields were down and she’s being boarded. Meaning we’ve got to take care of the rest of the Klingons, now! Then I got another communication from the Klingon ship saying that this battle is lost, so they’re withdrawing.  Another Klingon said that the first Discovery must burn and that those with the will of Kahless in their hearts should stand with him. Thankfully, that didn’t last as he finally admitted to defeat and had all of his ships warp and withdraw. He claimed that they’d let the boarding party do its work, something I won’t let happen.  Nar told me that sensors were cleared of all hostile targets… for the moment. Then he said that a number of Klingon vessels retreated at high warp during the battle and activated their cloaking devices. Nar claimed that the local ion storm would make finding them difficult, if not impossible. I told them to hail the Discovery only for us to get no response.  Somat classified the Klingon vessels as classes deployed during the Federation-Klingon conflict of the mid 23rd Century. Then told us that the Starfleet vessel is a Crossfield-class, which was also active during that time period. Since no one knows that me and some of my officers are from the time period, we had to play dumb and acknowledge that it’s time travel.  I ordered my crew to scan for chronometric particles. Somat told us that the sensors show a spike in chronometric particles immediately preceding the arrival of those vessels, something he found fascinating. Then Somat said that the Crossfield-class vessel was not transmitting a Starfleet recognition signal. The sensor analysis confirmed that it was the I.S.S. Discovery from the Terran Empire of the so-called “Mirror Universe.”  In other words, it’s not the Discovery from my universe. So much for seeing Tilly again. Then again, just because it’s not the Discovery from my universe doesn’t mean that I can’t have some sort of reunion. Sure, it’ll be twisted counterparts from a universe I don’t know and have only heard of, but I know Tilly. How bad could she possibly get? All I told Somat was that it explained why they weren’t answering our hails. Finally, the Discovery hailed us.

If the Discovery showing up in our time surprised me, I was doubly surprised by who ended up hailing us.  

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It was Tilly and, in the Mirror Universe, she became captain of the Discovery! She said that my timely assistance was most appreciated.  Then Tilly said that, speaking for herself and her loyal crew, she thanked me. She introduced herself as Captain Sylvia Tilly and then declared her and her crew’s attempt to seek asylum.  After that, we both just kept staring at each other. Here she is, my best friend from the Academy who I never thought I would see again! Sure, she got a bit of a makeover, which looks great by the way, and she seems much more confident, even got to the top way faster than our Tilly did, but she’s still Tilly!  Apparently, she knew me from her universe because she told me that, in her universe, I was a brunette who wore my hair down and I preferred contacts. I told Tilly that, in my universe, she was a curly red head who kept her hair tied up in a bun, but I’m sure she didn’t contact me just to discuss fashion tips. Tilly also said that, in her universe, I’m dead by her hand.  She claimed that we didn’t see eye to eye on who should take command after the Klingons killed Captain Schaefer. Then Tilly tried to ease my worry by saying that I died quickly.

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As soon as Tilly saw the look on my face, she started laughing and said that she was just kidding. Then talked about how she got me good. I didn’t know what to do, so I just laughed along and hoped that she didn’t notice it was a nervous laugh.  Tilly said that this would take some getting used to. Then admitted that she’s not sure how, but judging by the sensor readings she’s seeing, and that rather impressive ship of mine, they’ve taken a trip to the future. I told Tilly that it was 150 years, to be exact and assured her that it was strange for me too. Instead of sympathizing with me, Tilly blew me off! She said that she was sure that the science behind all of this is fascinating, but we have some more immediate concerns to address, namely the Klingon boarding parties running wild on her ship.  Of course, Tilly’s just a little upset about her current situation. I felt guilty for getting angry with her, so I offered to send an away team to assist. I’ll always have Tilly’s back, no matter what universe she’s from. Tilly said that she’ll have her chief of security, Patel, meet my team at the transport coordinates with a security detail and said that she looked forward to meeting me in person. Well, it is technically our first meeting even if we have met each other’s counterparts.

So, me, my away team and my raptor, Artemis, beamed aboard the I.S.S. Discovery and Somat told us that sensors indicated numerous life signs in our vicinity, he read multiple high energy discharges as well.  Somat then said that the data was consistent with 23rd Century phaser and disruptor weapons at the highest setting. He warned us to proceed with caution because, in the heat of battle, we could be seen as an enemy by anyone we encounter there.  I told Somat that we’d be okay, which he took as arrogance rather than trust in a friend. At first, I couldn’t help but be in awe as I looked around the starship, or a different universe’s version of the starship, that I used to dream of serving on.  My thoughts were interrupted when the Discovery’s chief of security welcomed me to the I.S.S. Discovery. I assumed that she was Chief Patel, but that turned out to be way off the mark. The new chief of security told me that Patel was relieved of command just like we’re going to be relieved of our fancy 25th century weapons!  My away team and I armed ourselves and I told the new security chief that Tilly wouldn’t approve of this. All the security chief said was that their captain was weak and I’m a fool! According to her, the Terran Empire tolerates neither one. The chief said that some would call this mutiny, but any captain willing to conspire with Federation trash is no captain of theirs.  Then she told us to hand over our weapons or they’ll pick them off of our corpses, the “choice” being ours. Artemis growled at the chief as I made it very clear that our weapons stay with us and that she needs to stand down while she still can.

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This woman picked a bad time to pick a fight with us, because we easily beat her and her security team. After that, I got a call from Tilly who was surprised that we were now transmitting.  She welcomed me aboard the Discovery (her Discovery, not mine), and told me that things got a bit more complicated. Tilly bitterly told us that it seems some of her crew have decided that now is the perfect time to express their concerns with her command decisions. I only responded by remarking that her crew’s doing it rather violently. Tilly just got a bit more frustrated and said that, if the Klingon boarding parties weren’t enough to deal with, now she has a mutiny on her hands.  Then Tilly asked me if Chief Patel made it to us. Tilly explained that she was supposed to escort us through the security fields to the bridge. I told Tilly that Chief Patel wasn’t here, but the fields still are. Artemis wouldn’t stop growling at my communicator, something Tilly heard because she asked me who the new creature was. I explained that it’s my raptor, Artemis. Tilly seemed intrigued that I had a raptor and I told her that I would explain when we meet in person. Then Tilly told me that she and her crew will do what they can from the bridge, but they’re a bit locked down there at the moment.  She said that, according to their internal sensors, Chief Patel is in our deck’s security station, which is not far from our current position. Tilly guessed that Patel was trying to lock down this ridiculous mutiny. Tilly told me to find Patel and she’ll be able to override whatever the mutineers are doing to raise those fields. Then Tilly said to take them down on my way to the turbolift. I turned off one of the shields and then we ran into more mutineers who gloated about how their “guests” got a warm welcome. Then another mutineer panicked by warning the gloating one that we’re still alive. You can bet that we took care of them easily.  As soon as we got to the controls, Savea warned us that she detected high energy readings and numerous life signs on the other side of the door. I opened the door only to see the lead mutineer holding a crewmember captive in what looked like some kind of torture thingy. He turned to us and snidely remarked about how Tilly’s “allies” were still alive.

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Artemis was about to rush over and show this guy how dangerous we were, but I held her back. She’s only a hatchling, so I want to keep her close to me. My away team and I armed ourselves while the man only remarked that, if you want something done right… He didn’t finish his sentence as he ordered his loyal mutineers to put their weapons at their highest setting.  Unfortunately, this group put up more of a fight but we managed to hold our ground. The lead mutineer even ordered his loyal companions to kill us now or he’ll kill them. Does compassion not exist in their universe? Eventually, we defeated them and Artemis immediately rushed over to the torture thingy while the prisoner tried to tell me to release the controls but couldn’t because of the pain.

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I immediately freed the poor woman and asked her if she was all right as she collapsed on the ground.  She managed to pick herself up and then said that she’s guessing I’m the one the captain sent her to meet. The woman introduced herself as Security Chief Patel and thanked me for saving her. I asked Patel if she was all right, still trying to comprehend what I just saw. Chief Patel said that she makes it a habit to be on the outside of an Agonizer Booth, but she’s spent her fair share of time in one too, so she’ll manage. I couldn’t help but point out that she makes this sound normal. Chief Patel only brushed me off by saying that, in this universe, it is normal. Me and my away team could only stare at each other in shock, wondering what kind of universe these people are from that something like this is normal! Patel asked me what the situation was, and if the captain was still in command. I told Patel that Tilly is, for now. Patel could only laugh and say that she isn’t surprised, because it would take more than Klingons and mutinous riff-raff to end Sylvia Tilly, something that made me nod. Even if she’s not my Tilly, I always knew that she had potential.  Then Patel remarked that she’s surprised that Tilly hasn’t killed them all herself, something that does NOT sound like my Tilly. Patel said that, in the meantime, she has orders to get me to the bridge and she intended to obey them. Patel told us to follow her. I responded by telling her that the path’s blocked by a security field. Patel only said that it’s not a problem because there’s no code that she can’t crack. Patel reassured us that she’ll have those fields down in short order and that we need to cover her while she works. She was expecting uninvited guests. Patel was right because, a few seconds later, more mutineers swarmed in and we had to take care of them. Eventually, Patel managed to get her authorization codes back and we left the security room. Patel led us to the turbolift to the bridge.  At least, she tried to until we got ambushed on the way. Thankfully we managed to defeat them, but Patel had another security field that she had to turn off. We got a call from Tilly, who said that they’re reading the loss of security fields on our deck and asked if we found Chief Patel. I told her that we did and we’re on our way to the bridge. Tilly was happy to hear good news for a change, though she’s not terribly surprised. According to Tilly, Patel’s harder to kill than a honey badger. Then Tilly asked if I was ready for the bad news. I’ll be honest when I say that I don’t know how this could get any worse. The only thing that’s holding me together is that I’ll be able to see Tilly again. She told me that the Klingons have taken several lower decks and are moving in our direction. Tilly warned us to keep our weapons hot because they’re killing everyone they run into and they won’t make an exception for me, but remarked that the raptor of mine could bite their heads off.  I told Tilly that Artemis is only a hatchling, shocked that she would even suggest such a thing. Tilly advised us to stick with Patel and get up here as soon as we’re able to, which was actually our plan all along. We went along the corridor, trying not to get too upset at the sight of officers lying dead in the corridors. Patel warned us that she heard Klingon disruptors up ahead and that we need to be ready for anything. The mutineers forgot about us, concentrating all of their energy on what they called “Klingon scum.” Unfortunately, we still had to fight both groups before we could continue down the corridor.

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Tilly called us and told us to hold our position, because there’s been an… incident. The way she said it sent chills down my spine as I asked her what kind of incident. Tilly told me it was the Klingon kind and then specified that they took control of main engineering. According to Tilly, they killed her chief engineer and his security team in the process. Tilly said that they’re threatening to breach the core if she doesn’t surrender, but she told me that is not going to happen.  I suggested that, if things have gotten this out of control, then maybe we should evacuate. Tilly said that evacuate sounds a lot like “retreat” to her and that’s not going to happen either. Tilly insisted that the I.S.S. Discovery was HER ship and she was not going to abandon her. I smiled and told Tilly that I really admire her confidence, hoping that the Tilly I knew managed to find her own confidence. Tilly didn’t even acknowledge my compliment and told me to take Patel, get down to Engineering, deal with the Klingons and make sure that core breach never happens. I told Tilly that we’d do what we can, feeling a little hurt that she didn’t even acknowledge my compliment, but maybe it was because of the situation. Tilly recommended that we deal with this problem quickly because neither of us will enjoy their solution and then cut the communication. We went down the corridor while Patel suggested that the Klingons probably cracked Rathmon’s code, which she was definitely not happy about. Some Klingons tried to ambush us on our way to the turbolift, but we made quick work of them. Then we boarded the turbolift and went to the Engineering deck.  

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Tilly contacted us and told us the bad news first. She informed us that there’s more Klingons down there than we thought. So, we’ll be fighting our way to Main Engineering. Then Tilly gave us the good news, which is that they’ll be shooting at the mutineers down there. I couldn’t stop myself from being alarmed that Tilly would call that good news! Tilly said that they’re a bunch of mutineers, so why should she care? I told Tilly that, mutineers or not, they’re still members of her crew and wishing for their deaths is a little extreme. Tilly said that, if the Klingons are shooting at the mutineers, it’ll make my job a little easier, so I should be happier about that. Then she hung up before I could respond, leaving me dumbstruck. The Tilly I knew wouldn’t be cheering for anyone’s death. How different was this Tilly from the one that I went to the Academy with? I didn’t have time to dwell on that as more Klingons arrived and I heard a crewmember screaming for help! This crewmember was screaming for the recently deceased Engineer about how they were trapped on the Engineering deck and they needed reinforcements now! We went down to corridor, wanting to help these poor hostages out.  Unfortunately, we got ambushed by Klingons and mutineers. Something Patel pointed out as she told us to take them all down. Meanwhile, a Klingon wanted to get some jammed doors open because V’mak wanted those cowards dead. Once again, we took care of the Klingons. 

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When we went further down the corridor, we came across more chaos. Patel remarked with disgust about how the Klingons weren’t even targeting vital systems, they’re just trashing the place. Then she told us that Main Engineering was just up ahead and that we needed to hustle. Another crewmember that I could see said that Rathmon’s dead and we will be too if I don’t get that turbolift open. I told them that I’m trying! Just let me take care of the Klingons that want us dead first! Finally, we managed to defeat the outside Klingons and opened the doors to Engineering with Patel making a plan. She said that, on my lead, we’ll breach. Patel told me to go high while she goes low. Together we defeated the Klingons and secured Engineering. Tilly contacted me and said that it looked like the Klingons were in a hurry and made a remark about how it’s sloppy work. Tilly bragged about how she was solving engineering problems like that when she was a first-year cadet.  Well, at least she has that in common with our universe’s Tilly. This Tilly told me to rebalance the matter/anti-matter inducers and adjust the flow rate to point five. Then remarked that it should bring the core back from the brink quite nicely. I told Tilly not to worry, because we can handle it. After I cut the communication, Patel said that she hoped I know what I’m doing because that warp core looks fit to breach. However, I managed to stabilize the warp core and then Tilly contacted me again to congratulate me. She said that I cut it a little close with the core, but since we’re all still here, she’s going to call that a win. Then Tilly said that, since we’ve got a little room to breathe, I should come up to the bridge. She told me that there’s a turbolift nearby that she relaxed the security locks on. I told Tilly that we were on our way.

We went to the bridge and I couldn’t be more excited that I was finally going to see Tilly again!  She just turned around in her Captain’s chair to face me, also happy that we could finally meet! Then said that I seemed surprised.  I told Tilly that, in our universe, she could barely go through an oral report without having a nervous breakdown and now, here she is, captain of the Discovery.  Before Tilly could respond, Artemis stood in front of me protectively as if she was going to murder Tilly. I told her to stand down, but Artemis still wouldn’t drop her guard around Tilly.  Tilly only remarked that Artemis was one fierce little lizard. I told Tilly that Artemis isn’t a lizard, she’s a Voth raptor. Tilly reminded me that I said I would explain Artemis to her. Before I could explain further, one of her crew asked her if they could trust us assholes, his words not mine.  Then Tilly grabbed a phaser and pointed it at her crewmember, demanding that he watch his language!

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Tilly saw that I was staring at her as if I’d never seen her before and, in all honesty, I’m starting to wonder if I have. It feels like I’m looking at a complete stranger who just happens to have the face of my former friend.  Then Tilly put her phaser away, said in a joking manner that cursing is such a filthy habit and encouraged me to finish my story. I told Tilly that there’s not much to tell, I found Artemis abandoned by Voth on the Solanae Dyson Sphere and took her in. By the look on Tilly’s face, she wanted to ask me what the Voth were but, instead, she congratulated me for doing well against the mutineers and explained that they weren’t fond of her decision to seek asylum.  Tilly admitted that it’s unpleasant, but better than the fate they left behind. She explained that, in their universe, Pahvo was a cruel and deadly entity and being sent there is a death sentence. Apparently, that’s exactly where they were sent in their universe. What kind of hell do these people come from? Tilly suggested that an enemy of hers might have decided that it was time for her to retire permanently. Then Tilly said that we needed to get down to business.  First, she told us that she has no interest in hostilities with our government and that she meant what she said about asylum. I asked Tilly if the rest of her crew feels the same way.  She says that she speaks for her entire crew and, while the mutiny was unfortunate, they are Terrans. Tilly explained that dominance is often challenged in her universe and has to be maintained. She said that the mutineers saw an opportunity, took their shot and missed big time. Tilly claimed that everyone left saw the price they paid for their failure, so the rest of the crew will definitely fall in line.  

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Then she thanked us for helping her deal with the problem. After that, she mocked Patel for getting captured by saying that her chief of security felt like spending time in an Agonizer Booth during most of the conflict. Tilly told Patel that, if she knew that she liked the booths so much, she’d keep her in one more often. Tilly sounded serious and I’m starting to wonder if her comment earlier about killing me in her universe was not a joke. Patel got angry and wanted to say something but stopped herself mid-sentence and said that Tilly was right to say so and that it won’t happen again. Tilly told Patel to see that it doesn’t, because she’d hate to have to replace her but she will if she must.  I tried to dissolve the awkwardness by asking Tilly what her plans are and she told me that the next step is to get her vessel back in working order before those Klingons come back to finish them off. Tilly said that it won’t be easy because she’s down a Chief Engineer, the power grid is in shambles, they have multiple hull breaches, and they’re nowhere near battle-ready. Tilly remarked that it was a real shame, because she was looking forward to getting to know me over a nice steaming bowl of Kelpien. I didn’t even hide my horror from that and begged Tilly to tell me that she’s joking! Tilly said that, in her universe, it was my favorite dish! I firmly told Tilly that, in this universe, I’m a vegetarian and I don’t eat living beings, much less sapient ones!  Tilly only made a remark about how, in this universe, I was one of those people.  I contacted the Discovery, wanting to get off of this ship as soon as possible.  Nar answered and asked if everything was all right. He told me that they detected a surge in the I.S.S. Discovery’s warp core but now it’s operating at a safe level.  I told Nar that I need an Engineering team beamed over here ASAP. Nar told me that they’ll beam directly to Main Engineering and get to work. I cut the communication and asked Tilly if there was anything we can do on the bridge.  She said that their shields are down and, if the Klingons don’t get them, it’s only a matter of time before the ion storm does. Tilly told me to monitor that console while she tries to get the main deflector back online. Tilly said that she’d order her chief science officer to do it but she chose her loyalties poorly.  I didn’t even want to know, so Tilly ordered me to start a diagnostic on the shield emitters while she recalibrates the Main Deflector. I immediately ran a diagnostic. 

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Right after I was done, Tilly warned us that Klingons were invading the bridge. While we were shooting at them, one of the Klingons told the others to kill everyone, but the captain is his.  After we took care of the Klingons, Tilly told us that the main deflector is in position and told me to recalibrate it now, which I did. More Klingons beamed aboard, to Tilly’s disgust as she compared them to Xethian bed roaches. I got a call from my Engineering team, saying that they managed to restore partial impulse power to the I.S.S. Discovery.  After that, Somat called and said that sensors were picking up numerous Klingon vessels decloaking, so combat is imminent. Then he strongly recommended that we return to our ship at our earliest convenience. I told Somat that we will be as soon as we’re done here. Tilly sounded almost sympathetic as she told us that captains should be on their own ship in the heat of battle.  Then she told us to go and that they’ll take it from here. I thanked Tilly, seeing a bit of my Tilly in her as I contacted my Engineering teams. They told me that they have impulse power restored, but only just. Then they said that, if I want this to be more than just a patch job, they’ll need more time. I sadly told them that their time is up and that we need to return to our ship.  Tilly thanked me and said that, if we survive this, she’s looking forward to repaying the favor and added that, if we ever catch up, she’ll remember to make sure I’m served a vegetarian dish. I thanked Tilly, knowing that there was definitely some of my Tilly in her but made it clear that neither one of us will be eating Kelpien. Tilly told me to go before it’s too late.

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We beamed back to our ship, though I felt guilty about leaving Tilly in an almost impossible situation.  I didn’t have time to dwell on it, because Savea told me that the Klingons were hailing us. We got hailed by one of them who said that he doesn’t know how they came to be here, but he doesn’t care.  He said that what he does know is that we have a mutual enemy. I told the Klingon defensively that Tilly is not my enemy. The Klingon told me that I was a fool, if I believed that! Then he said that he intended to destroy that ship and mine with it, if we get in his way!  He told me to be smart, because our ship may have the technical advantage, but they have the advantage of numbers and they’re Klingon. This man had the nerve to claim that, if I stand with the I.S.S. Discovery, I will lose! Then he said that, if I fight with him, I’ll live to see another day!  I made it very clear that the I.S.S. Discovery and her captain are under my protection. He once again called me a fool and said that I was fighting in a burning house! We had to fight the Klingons and, in the middle of the battle, Somat told me that the I.S.S. Discovery was altering course towards Pahvo, at full impulse!  Then, while we were protecting them from the Klingons, Somat told me that the I.S.S. Discovery was lowering her shields and he was reading transporter signatures to Pahvo’s surface. What the hell is so important that they have to beam someone down to Pahvo in the middle of combat? Nar managed to re-establish communications with the very ship we were protecting and put them through.  Patel explained that Tilly left the ship and she’s in command now. So the I.S.S. Discovery is back in the fight. I wanted to ask Patel why Tilly would leave her own ship after making a huge fuss about how she would never abandon her, but Somat told me that he was reading numerous Klingon vessels decloaking. So, I would have to find out after we clean up Tilly’s mess. During the battle, Kwon told me that he was detecting a massive energy surge on Pahvo and said that something was…  Before he could finish his sentence, a large beam came from the Planet Pahvo that wiped out not only the Klingons, but nearly destroyed my ship and injured Artemis!

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I ordered one of my crew to take Artemis to Sickbay! While one of the bridge crew left with an injured Artemis, Savea told me that whatever that was hit us so hard that she was receiving casualty reports from all decks! I ordered helm to use evasive maneuvers and for Tactical to give a report. Savea said that our shields are at full, our deflector’s online and are weapons are all ready.  Then she explained that the beam bypassed all of our defense systems like they weren’t even there! I asked Somat for an analysis and he said that, based on what the sensors recorded during the attack, it appeared that we were hit by psionic energy manifested into an energy pulse of considerable magnitude. Then he said that the attack originated on Pahvo! I know, I saw it happen but I still don’t believe it! Savea said that we were receiving a hail from Tilly. I couldn’t believe it! There was Tilly standing at the other edge of my screen, holding a knife in her hand with a malicious smile!  She said that she didn’t like red in her ledger and, since I saved her ship, she spared mine… this time! I told Tilly that she killed some of my officers, left a ton of them severely wounded including Artemis, who’s in Sickbay because of her, and she calls that a favor? Tilly rolled her eyes and said that it was my first and last warning, leave the system while I’m able to. I demanded to know what Tilly was planning and what she wanted to gain from this. Tilly only laughed at me and asked me if I hit my head in the fight. Then she said that what she had to gain was pretty obvious, everything. Tilly bragged about how Pahvo’s reach is infinite and, after a few more demonstrations of its power, everyone in the quadrant will have no choice but to swear allegiance to her or die! Then Tilly started fantasizing about being called Empress Tilly! I was in such a state of shock that all I could say was that she’s insane!

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Tilly only said that it didn’t matter, because she’s the one calling the shots and she’s pretty sure that she told me to get lost or get wrecked. Then Tilly asked me who the insane one was here, her or me, the lunatic staring defiantly down the barrel of the ultimate weapon? Tilly finished up by saying that her trigger finger’s getting itchy.  After that, all I could say is that she’s not my Tilly.  Tilly, or this twisted abomination of her, only laughed and said that, considering how weak my Tilly was, she’ll take it as a compliment! I wanted to shout at her, but Somat stopped me. He told me that he was reading an energy signature on the surface of Pahvo that matches the initial blast from the planet. Somat said that we wouldn’t survive a direct hit, so he strongly recommended that we exit the system immediately. I didn’t know what else to do, so I took Somat’s advice.

As soon as we were in safe distance, Somat told me that Captain Tilly’s betrayal, while unfortunate, was not entirely unexpected.  He said that her use of the agonizer technology to weaponize the ecosystem of Pahvo is a matter of utmost concern. Somat believes that he can devise a means to neutralize her technology, but he will need time to conduct research.  Then Somat told me to rest assured that he will endeavor to counter Tilly’s insidious actions as soon as possible. The scientist said that I should prepare to take action at a moment’s notice, because the lives of untold millions, including our own, could be at stake.  

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I didn’t answer Somat and excused myself to my Ready Room, locking the door and then crying my eyes out. Somat said that Tilly’s betrayal was predictable but, if that was so, why couldn’t I predict it? All she did was talk about how she killed me in her universe to take command, then said it was good news that the mutineers in her crew would die, then she pointed a gun at a member of her own crew for swearing and threatened to put her own chief of security in an agonizer booth for the rest of her life. Artemis wouldn’t let Tilly near me and, when Tilly heard about Artemis, she wanted me to train her to be a killing machine. To top it off, she offered to eat a sapient being with me! Oh dear God, I am a fucking moron! I trusted a complete monster that, under normal circumstances, I wouldn’t have gone near with a ten foot pole just because she had my late best friend’s face! I felt so distraught that I grabbed a knife and hacked my own hair off!

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Hey, I may have doomed a planet of peace loving aliens, killed and injured some of my crew, put my beloved companion in Sickbay and doomed the entire Alpha Quadrant, but at least I got a new hairstyle out of it.  I should’ve teamed up with the Klingons and blasted Tilly’s ship to smithereens!

A/N: As you can see, the screenshots now show the dialogue boxes and I was able to capture the cutscenes.  This is all thanks to Hashakgig1106, who told me to install Bandicam which I will now be using to take screenshots.  Of course, I realize that I’ll have to turn off the announcements and play entirely with the keyboard now.  Anyway, what did you think of Bianca and my recap of the first Mirror of Discovery mission?  Feel free to Role Play in the comments with your own Star Trek Online character.  You can also request Star Trek Online missions for me to recap and even team up with one of my characters for one.

The Search (Star Trek Online)

A/N: Once again, Candy takes center stage as she remembers how Garak called her to help him solve the mystery of the Hur’q.  However, the answers she found were more than she bargained for.

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Fleet Admiral’s Log Stardate 96158.78

This is Candy Marino speaking and I got a message from Councilor Elim Garak.  I asked Garak what the sitch was and he told me that the Dominion asked the Alliance to send an expeditionary force into the outer reaches of their territory.  Then Garak said that the Hur’q aren’t as numerous there and that they’re hoping they can learn more about them while they render aid to Dominion forces in that sector. Great, I finally get to talk to the mysterious former tailor of Deep Space Nine and it’s about those life-sized bug abominations.  Thankfully, Garak didn’t notice my discomfort because he preceded to tell me that Ambassador Odo will be accompanying us on his flagship, along with Captain Kira aboard the Defiant. Then Garak said that he’ll be commanding a modest Cardassian fleet as well. He told me that we’re starting in the Dosi system, since their latest intelligence has discovered a Hur’q presence there.  Then he told me to meet them there at our earliest convenience. I ended the communication, feeling scared and excited at the same time. Excited because I finally get to match wits with the famous lying tailor of Deep Space Nine. Scared because I hate bugs and now I have to go on a mission to fight aliens that are life-sized versions of them.

Regardless, I went through the wormhole and set course for the Dosi System. Ambassador Odo was there to greet us and thanked us for joining him. He talked about how they can’t defend their own stations from Hur’q attacks.  Then he said that it’s going to take a joint Alliance and Dominion effort to stop them. Odo said that we’re currently at the edge of the Dosi System and he was thankful that the Hur’q aren’t attacking the Dosi homeworld, yet.  Odo warned me that the Dosi are still evacuating as a precaution. Meaning a Hur’q attack is bound to happen sooner or later. I really hope it’s going to be later, when the Winchester’s far away.

I read about the Dosi when I was reading up on the adventures of Deep Space Nine, so I didn’t even have to ask Odo who they were.  They’re the race Quark and a Ferengi named Pel negotiated with on behalf of their people. I’ve read quite a bit about Deep Space Nine and their adventures, so you can imagine that I’m rather excited about getting to work alongside them.  However, there’s still the whole Hur’q thing that makes me more than a little nervous. I didn’t have time to dwell on that, because the Hur’q showed up and Garak ordered his ships to target the Hur’q and fire at will. I wasted no time doing the same because, let me tell you, I’d much rather deal with this species in space than on the ground.  One of the Jem’Hadar chimed in with Victory is Life. From what I heard about their species, it’s pretty much their catch phrase. Even in space, the Hur’q put up a tough fight but at least I don’t have to look at their ugly faces.

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After the battle, Garak called me and said that I was a handy person to have around.  Let me repeat, Elim Garak, the former Obsidian Order spy, said that I was a handy person to have around!  This is the greatest moment of my life! Then he told me that, while he’d like to put this system far behind us, he believes that we should find out what we can about the Hur’q and their reasons for being here.  Garak said that we should do this while we still can, because the Hur’q may decide to send more ships here. I froze up for a bit, causing Garak to ask if anything’s wrong. I told him that nothing’s wrong, but then suggested that we could learn everything we can about the Hur’q from right here.  Garak told me that he was disappointed because, from what he heard about me, I’ve never been one to leave a mystery unsolved just to save my own skin. After that I felt challenged and I never back down from a challenge. So, I told him that, if he needs my help that badly, I’ll beam down with an away team if it’s necessary but, with my talents, I could solve this whole thing up in space.  Garak only smiled and said that it would be interesting to see.

I cut communications and scanned the planet.  Garak contacted me again and said that this planet appears to have been abandoned some time ago, since there was no life signs detected.  Then he said that sensors indicate an extensive network of defunct mines. Garak told me that he was reading residual levels of dilithium, topaline, kemocite… and several components used in the production of ketracel-white.  Then he found something curious, since he couldn’t see what use this world would be to the Hur’q. After all, this planet’s of no value to the Dominion. Garak and I didn’t have time to dwell on that, because more Hur’q arrived and we had to take care of that.  Kira immediately told us that the Hur’q are going for the station. I went to fight that as Kira wondered what they could be after and, I have to say, I’m wondering the same thing. I continued to fight as Kira suggested that we scan the station after we’re done with these Hur’q.

You can bet that I scanned the station as soon as we were done with the Hur’q.  Kira told me that the station is a basic resource transport hub, not exceptionally old.  She said that there were no life signs on sensors and it looks abandoned. Then Kira claimed that she was picking up trace levels of mineral resources in several storage areas, but there’s nothing of note here unless the Hur’q are driven solely to consume an assortment of minerals.  I said that I wouldn’t be surprised, since they are giant bugs. Kira said that the station’s a very interesting place, in that it’s completely uninteresting to everyone but the Hur’q. I told Kira that, even with my brilliance, I don’t think we’ll find the answers we’re looking for here, so I might get to leave without beaming down.

Unfortunately, Kira told me not to be so eager to go to warp and she sounded rather annoyed with me.  She said that she’s picking up a distress signal over there and that I should take a look. I unscrambled the distress signal on my ship and got another call from Kira.  She told me that it looks like a Ferengi signal, of uncertain origin, coming from the Karemma system. Kira talked about how she recalled Quark mentioning some business with the Karemmans recently.  Kira doesn’t think this is a coincidence and I agree with her 100%. She said that we should look into this, since Quark may have bitten off more than he can chew again. As someone who’s read all about Quark’s exploits on Deep Space Nine, I have some idea of what she’s talking about.  Odo didn’t feel that it was a good use of our time, because the Karemmans are very resourceful. Apparently, they’ve designed a number of weapons and defense systems for the Dominion. So, he was confident they can deal with the Hur’q on their own. Then he said that, as for Quark, he’s quite capable of getting himself out of trouble.  Trouble, Odo might add, that Quark had no business getting into in the first place. Garak told Odo that he’s rather shocked. Garak claimed that he knows Quark’s a gambler, but he never realized Odo was one as well. Garak said that Karemma is a part of the Dominion, and an important one at that. He asked Odo if losing their tactical and technological resources to the Hur’q wise.  I added that, if we rescue Quark, we can get a discount on anything we want. After all, he’d be in our debt big time. Odo eventually agreed, since he saw that there’s no way he can talk us out of this, even if a discount wouldn’t do him any good, so he’ll accompany us to Karemma. Then he said that they’re ready to go to warp when I am, and he really wanted to get this over with. If the Hur’q are part of this, then I have to agree with Odo.

When we got to the Karemma system, we found it guarded by a group of Jem’Hadar ships.  

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Garak asked where all of these ships came from. Odo contacted me and said, half-heartedly, that we’re at the Karemma system.  He told me to just find out what Quark needs, deal with it, and move on. Instead of doing what Odo wanted, I asked him what was going on here.  Garak agreed with me, even if he did act more polite about it, though it was a bit sarcastic. He said that it was far beyond him to question the word of a Founder, but that was a very large Dominion fleet he’s reading on sensors.  Then he claimed that he only mentioned it because we were led to believe Odo’s fleet was the last, something I honestly doubted. Anyway, Garak finished up by saying that he trusts there’s a reasonable explanation for this miscommunication.  I didn’t have time to speculate, as I had to tell Garak that the Dominion flagship is hailing us. Who should it be but the female founder? She told me that my presence was not required here and demanded that I explain myself. This is the same woman I freed from a Starfleet prison, so way to be grateful.  Instead I told her that I should be asking her the same thing. Then she started going on about how what I could do and should do are separate matters, and called me a solid. Then she had the never to tell me that I would be wise to learn the difference, as if I were a naive schoolgirl! Look, she doesn’t want to be grateful, that’s fine.  I have relatives who use me for free room and board, so this is nothing new to me. However, she doesn’t get to talk down to me like I’m a child! Anyway, she said that Karemma’s part of the Dominion and that they are here to assist them, if they wish it. I repeated that last part right back to her, but she ignored me. So I pointed out that she seems to have a larger fleet than Odo.  The Founder explained that Odo commands an expeditionary fleet; it is his to use in a mission to seek and destroy the Hur’q as he sees fit. She claimed that her fleet was a defense fleet, then said that the distinction was not made clear to me which, in her words, was rather unfortunate. Then I asked the Founder why the Karemmans have to ask for aid. She told me that the Karemmans are proud and, if they wish to stand alone and deal with the Hur’q, they will certainly accommodate them.  The Founder said that, should they decide to ask for aid, they will gladly assist them. Then she claimed that the point might be moot, however, because Karemmans are known for their potent weapons and defense systems. I told her that we’re going to assist the Karemmans. Odo contacted the Founder and said that he will take responsibility for their actions in Karemman space. He told her that one of their operatives requires immediate extraction. The Founder said that I’m quite persistent and then finally caved in.  She made this big deal about how, in the spirit of our newfound pact with the Alliance, she will allow us to proceed, albeit at our own risk. Then she told Odo to exercise caution, because it would be tragic for him to come so far, only to end it all here over Karemma. If I didn’t know that Founders have an Ape Shall Not Kill Ape rule, I’d think she was threatening Odo. Then again, just because she can’t kill Odo doesn’t mean that she can’t arrange for an accident and, with the Hur’q running rampage, it would be the perfect opportunity.

After the Wicked Witch of the GQ cut the comm, Garak pointed out what I already know, that we’re not getting the whole story.  Kira just responded with business as usual, to which Garak just said exactly. After that, we got to work destroying the enemy ships and protecting the Karemman freighters.  I ordered Chris to hail them, but he told me that he was getting no response. Then said that he was using all hailing frequencies, but getting nothing in return. Which, in all honesty, sounds like most of my major relationships.  I told Chris to keep trying. Garak contacted me and said that his sensors are showing a broad band of interference in the area. Then said that it’s jamming the standard Karemman hailing frequencies. Then he suggested giving them a new, more secure frequency to use for communications.  I immediately said that I’ll send them a new frequency, which I did quickly. We got the message from the Karemmans that they need help and fast. The guy said that most of their planetary defense lines are in danger of being overrun by the Hur’q. He said that they tried to evacuate, but the Jem’Hadar opened fire on their ships when they broke orbit.  Then said that they’re trapped. I asked Odo his thoughts about the Karemmans’ claim that the Jem’Hadar fired on them. Odo said that combat is notoriously chaotic. Then he claimed that he’s sure there’s a reasonable explanation for that, one best pursued after we find Quark and help the Karemmans. I told him that we’ll play it his way, for now. Garak is as curious about all this as I am, but said that we should find Quark as soon as possible.  He said that Quark should be the only Ferengi on the planet, so a deep-range scanner should be able to locate him. I told Garak that we’ll scan for Quark, getting a strong feeling that Odo’s not the only one hiding information from me. What is it with men and their constant head games? Anyway, Chris scanned for life and told me that it took a few scans, but he’s found one Ferengi life sign. Then Chris told me that said life sign is surrounded by a handful of Karemma and a large number of Hur’q.  Chris told me that there’s a lot of interference in that area, so we can’t get a transporter lock on him at this time. I asked Chris if we could hail them. What do we get but a scrambled message from Quark? I couldn’t catch most of what he said but he did get angry about how long we took and hinted that Garak hired him to do a job. I told Quark that we’re coming. Garak contacted me and said that we need to get Quark out quickly, before he has an encounter with the Hur’q of the fatal variety. Garak suggested that we go down together while Captain Kira and the Ambassador cover our ships in orbit and said that it looks like, even with my abilities, I’ll have to beam down after all.  I told Garak that I might be better off staying in orbit while either Kira or Odo beam down with him. Garak said he won’t stop me, but this could be my chance to discover the mystery of the Hur’q and he would hate for me to throw it away. I swallowed my fear and said that I’ll beam down. He told me that we’ll have to beam down outside of Quark’s location. Then suggested that we bring some pattern enhancers along, because we may need them to beam out once we find Quark. I told Garak that I was ready to beam down and face the Hur’q.

I beamed down to the planet and met Garak, who told me that we’re about as close to Quark’s last known location as we can get with transporters.  

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Then he said that he’s afraid that we’ll have to make the rest of the journey the old-fashioned way. I just wanted to get this trek through bug land over with, so I said that we should go.  Garak told me that Quark’s lifesign is near here and that we should try to find a way in. We followed the path and found an opening to a cave, to which Garak said that was convenient. Then talked about how we found a hidden path and said that we should have a look.  I told Garak that I wouldn’t exactly call that hidden. Before he could respond, we found a metal door that Garak said completely scattered his sensors. Well, guess what was waiting on the other side, more Hur’q! Which Garak said means we’re in the right place while I’m trying to fire at these guys and, let me tell you, it’s not easy!  I’m usually a good shot but my hands are shaking like mad!  Thankfully, Garak didn’t notice because, if he did, I would die right there! Chris did and he told me that I really need to get a hold of myself. I responded back by saying that Indiana Jones fears snakes and I fear bugs. Chris responded by telling me that Indiana Jones manages to pull himself together to go through snakes, something I really couldn’t argue against.

 

As soon as we defeated the Hur’q, Garak told me that his tricorder shows a Ferengi life sign beyond that rather secure door.  Garak claimed that the Karemman security system is beyond him. He said that, given time, he could crack it, but we’re running low on that commodity.  Then Garak told me that there are a number of Karemman life signs nearby however. He claimed that one of them might be able to help us reach Quark. I quickly led the team to find the first group of Karemmans while Garak told me that I do need to contain myself.  Then he followed that up by saying that it would be a shame if I accidentally shot a Karemman because of my own shaky hands. Great, so he did notice.

As soon as we made our way to the first Karemman, we found ourselves greeted by Hur’q.  I let out one little shriek, which I am a bit ashamed of, but I quickly got over myself and defeated the Hur’q with my away team.  I asked out loud why it had to be bugs, almost quoting the great Indiana Jones himself. Aubryllin said that she thought that she was going to get eaten by one of those things, an idea she didn’t like very much and I don’t blame her.  Then thanked me while she wondered who I was. Aubryllin could tell that I wasn’t police or military, though I beg to differ on that one. She corrected herself by saying that I wasn’t Karemman military. Aubryllin asked me what brought me down to the middle of hell.  I told her the truth, that we’re looking for a Ferengi. The way Aubryllin responded to that, you get the feeling she didn’t like him very much. She told me that she thinks she saw her brother and some of his men hustle Quark or, as she calls him, the little grifter into a vault before those monsters got in there.  Then she wished me luck getting Quark out of there. Then Aubryllin apologized for being rude because we just saved her life, so she’ll return the favor. Aubryllin told me that one of her brother’s people should be able to open the door for me. Then said that, if I find them, I’m all set.

I left to go rescue the other Karemmans, but Abryllin didn’t want to come with me.  She claimed that perhaps waiting here would be best, because the outer world is still a mess. Something I agree with because, as soon as we left, we got attacked by the Hur’q.

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We defeated them and made our way to the second group of Karemmans.  Guess what was waiting for us, more Hur’q. After beating them, we met Marimat who thanked us for the timely rescue.

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Then asked me if I was willing to turn a blind eye to all the contraband I’ve seen down here.  Marimat claimed that it would save me the trouble of shooting me later. I admitted that I didn’t know about that. Marimat made this lame attempt to cover herself by saying that she was kidding, something she dragged out for awhile.  Then said that I’m clearly not Karemman police, so she asked what brought me down here. I told Marimat that I’m looking for a Ferengi named Quark. Marimat said she knows Quark, describing him as a little guy with big ears and a flashy dresser, and also that she heard that Quark owns a moon.  Marimat told me that they locked him up in a secure room when the shooting started, because a big spender like that should be kept safe. Then she told me that, if we help them out with the nerks or gurks (she didn’t know what they were called), they’ll help us out with Quark. I recognized it as a you scratch my back and I’ll scratch yours kind of deal, which I agreed to.  Then I told Marimat that, in the future, if she wants to keep her illegal contraband safe, don’t let that be the first thing she mentions when meeting officials.

After that, I left to go find another group of Karemmans and got a call from Kira.  She told me that the other Dominion ships just left the system, so we’re on our own.  I told her that I do some of my best work when I’m on my own. I saved the last group of Karemmans from the Hur’q and met Konali.  You can bet that he was really glad to see me and said that he thought that they’d be safe from those things down here. Konali claimed that caves do a number on sensors and transporters, but that didn’t slow them down much.  Then he asked why we were here, since we’re clearly not with Karemman defense. Konali asked if we were mercenaries or private security. I sarcastically marked that it was a smart observation and then told Konali that we were looking for a Ferengi. Konali knew I was talking about Quark, since he’s the only Ferengi around that he knows of. Then told me that Quark’s in a secure vault, not far from here, with another VIP. Konali said that he owes me his life, but he doesn’t have the code to get to Quark.  Then Konali told me that there are others nearby, so one of them should have the code. Then Konali told me that, if I help them, he’ll make sure that they open the door for me. I told Konali that we’ve already helped the rest, so we need to go get Quark.

Konali followed me to the door and volunteered to stay behind while I save everyone.  I found Marimat right by the door, happy that we’re all alive and kicking. She said that we had a deal and she’s not about to back out on it, especially since we’re all so well-armed and cranky, her words not mine.  So we’re definitely not the type of people she’d want to cross. Then we heard a Ferengi scream in the distance, which could only be Quark. Marimat knew that couldn’t be good, so she told us that the door’s open and we’d better get a move on.  Marimat stated the obvious by saying that our pal sounds a little stressed, to which I responded, only a little? We went down the hallway to hear another scream, courtesy of Quark, so Marimat’s comment is the understatement of the year. Quark had every reason to scream, because we came across more of those giant bugs and, let me tell you, they pack quite a punch.

It took a long while, but we finally managed to get rid of them and Garak sarcastically responded to Quark that it’s good to see him.  Then Garak said that he sees that Quark’s mission was a successful one as well. Quark did not look happy to see Garak and told him that he found his mysterious widget.  So, Garak was behind this all along. Quark asked what it was exactly, since it’s clearly not Karemman tech. Then Quark explained that the Karemmans found it a few days before he got here, but didn’t have time to analyze it thanks to the Hur’q.  Garak thanked Quark, saying that this narrows things down considerably. Quark was happy to hear that, because it makes the item more valuable, something Garak agreed with. After that meeting, I talked to Quark who told the First Minister that his distress call was heard.  Then he thanked me for saving his life and said that my reputation for getting things done is well-deserved, which would’ve had me ecstatic had I not been recovering from facing my greatest fear.

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Quark turned to Garak and told him that they need to have a long discussion. Apparently, he forgot to mention that Karemma was under a Dominion blockade, and in the middle of a Hur’q invasion. Quark asked if Cardassians go senile and told Garak not to answer that, because he doesn’t want to know. Then Quark angrily told Garak that he’s not paying him enough for this aggravation. I told Quark that he’s not the only one Garak kept secrets from, something that angers and intrigues me at the same time.  I don’t like being someone else’s pawn but, I have to commend Garak, not many can successfully manipulate me like that. Anyway, I talked to the First Minister and she told me that we weren’t the liberators she expected, but she thanks us nonetheless. She introduced herself as First Minister Bekelba and told me that their situation has gone from bad to worse.  It’s something they have the Dominion to thank for. Bekelba told me that those of them that were on the edge of the Dominion were abandoned when the invasion began. In light of that, they voted to secede, to truly stand alone. Then Bekelba said that the Dominion stood by while the Hur’q attacked them. They held off the invasion for a while, but the Hur’q’s numbers were too great.  Bekelba told me that, when they asked for aid, the Dominion refused. When the Karemmans tried to evacuate, the Dominion fleet opened fire. Let me tell you, these guys are the most unforgiving people I’ve ever seen, and I have a sister who spread a rumor about one of her exes having an affair with his own sister. I got a call from the Winchester telling me that I’ll need to set up the pattern enhancers in order for them to get a lock and beam everyone out from my location.

I set up the first pattern enhancer, but found some rubble that I wanted to examine.

 

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Garak said that it appeared that the Hur’q burrowed this way to bypass the doors above. Then he said that, unlike most burrowing creatures, the Hur’q actually ate their way through the ground.  I said out loud that these creatures sound like monsters from a horror holo-program. No matter how far you run, they’ll always find you.  Garak didn’t know what I was talking about, so I mentioned some famous horror monsters such as Pennywise, Jason, Freddy Krueger. Chris interrupted us, saying that he doesn’t really think this is important right now, so we went back to setting up the pattern enhancers.

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After I set up the second one, Kira contacted me to say that the Hur’q are leaving, for now. Then I finished setting all of them up and Quark wished the Prime Minister good luck with the revolution, because they’re going to need it. Then told Garak that he’ll be hearing from him soon.  Garak only sarcastically responded that he was looking forward to it. Quark quickly told Garak that he won’t when he sees the bill and then beamed out. I talked to Garak who said, now that we’re past that unpleasantness, we need to have a chat with Ambassador Odo, particularly about this technological wonder we’ve acquired. I asked Garak what it was, who told me that he has his suspicions. He asked me what I make of the device, and I said that it looks technological, obviously. I told him that, judging by the color and the design, I’d say that it’s Dominion. Then Garak handed it to me and I felt a small vibration from the device, so I told him that someone turned this thing on and, if this sphere thingy is important enough for him to pay Quark to get it, what it does can’t be good.  Garak then asked me what I think it does and I said that the Wicked Witch of the GQ didn’t want us to find it and, in all honesty, it reminded me of the bug zappers people use on Earth, the little spheres that call bugs to them and vaporize them out of existence. Then it clicked in my head what this thing does and I freaked out, practically tossing it back to Garak and screeching at him to keep that thing away from me! Garak only gave an amused smile and said that, suffice it to say, he believes that I’ll find its purpose of great interest to all concerned parties.  Garak told me that his main concern lies in what the Ambassador will have to say about it. Then Garak proposed that we get to the bottom of this together. He told me that he’ll make all of the necessary arrangements and meet me aboard Odo’s flagship.

We beamed up to Odo’s flagship only for a Jem’Hadar to demand what’s going on.  They were about to fire at us, until Odo ordered them to stand down. Then he turned to us and asked us what he owes to this unexpected visit.  Garak told Odo that he hopes he’ll forgive the intrusion and said that we need to speak in person. Kira asked Garak what he was up to, something Odo agreed was a very good question.  Then Odo asked what this was about. Garak said that it’s in regard to this device we found on Karemma. He opened said device and asked Odo if he knows what it is. Odo said that he didn’t know and suggested that it might be new Karemman military technology.   Garak quickly shot that down because the Karemmans didn’t make this, but it is a Dominion creation. Odo asked what its purpose was, to which Garak admitted that he had no idea, but it does emit a signal. Garak said that it’s quite similar to that used by the Hur’q.  Then Garak suggested that he turns it on and shows Odo. Odo got all defensive and said that there’s no need for that, meaning he knows more than he’s telling us. Kira admitted that she didn’t like where this was going, to which Garak agreed. Then Garak explained that he found a similar device on Bajor and beamed it right in.  Kira and I both demanded to know when Garak found the item on Bajor. Garak said that it was right after the recent Hur’q attack and told Kira to scan the device. Then Garak talked about how she’ll find the soil residue on it is of Bajoran origin. Kira said that Garak’s right and that it’s from the Kendra Province. I pointed out a little angrily that, considering how cushy things were between the Alliance and the Dominion, they wouldn’t have been stupid enough to draw the Hur’q all the way to the AQ.  Kira started to defend Odo, who only interrupted her and said that he can’t have her defending him on this. Odo then explained that Garak’s right, because those devices call the Hur’q and the Founders put them there! Odo put a dangerous species on a planet where my daughter lives! Thankfully, Kira was as pissed as I was, even if she is much slower than I am. So, she demanded an explanation from her Founder boyfriend. Odo gave one by talking about how they needed the Alliance’s help, immediately. Apparently, there wasn’t time for summits, or diplomacy.  So, Odo found a high-value target, and led the Hur’q to it! He claimed that he took steps to make sure their attack would fail, like that’s supposed to make it better! Then he said that Bajor was never at risk and told Kira directly that she has to understand, but she wouldn’t hear a word of it. Kira slapped him, something that made Garak and me smile, and then let Odo have it. She told Odo that he put her entire planet at risk and people died! I pointed out that some of these people were children, while silently grateful that Rose wasn’t one of the casualties, but I’m not letting Odo off the hook that easily.  Odo tried to plead with Kira, but she told him to save it because she’s heard enough. Garak, on the other hand, wanted to hear the whole story. Odo said that he did what he needed to do to bring the Alliance into the war and admitted that he lied, risked the lives of millions to save billions. I’ll tell you right now, he’s lucky Rose wasn’t one of the millions or I would blow him up with my phaser right now! I don’t care what consequences I face for killing a Founder! Then Odo said that there’s more to this than a staged Hur’q attack. He talked about how the other Founders are hiding things from him, making his family even more dysfunctional than mine, which is really saying something.  Odo said that, if he challenges them now, he’ll have no chance to find out what. Then he claimed that, for now, he has to play the part. Kira told Odo that he’s doing a great job of that and called him a Founder. She beamed out, leaving Odo looking severely distressed. Then Garak told Odo that he understands his position, but Kira feels differently. Odo could only respond with an I know, but I’m still steamed and I let that be known. Garak asked me why I care so much about Bajor. Apparently, he read my report and I’ve been diagnosed as a high-functioning sociopath who cares very little about life, if at all. As angry as I am right now, I really have to commend him for getting that one right.  Odo started talking before I could answer, saying that he has a strong lead, but he’ll need our help to move on it. Garak told Odo that he knows how to reach him. Then Garak told Odo that he is a gambler, and a high-stakes one at that. Odo only gave a sad response about how Garak has no idea.

After that twist, I went to talk to Loriss and Weyoun, who were busy arguing like an old married couple about their place in the Dominion.  

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Weyoun serves the female Founder while Loriss serves Odo. Finally, I left when it looked like they were too busy to talk. I talked to Garak, who said that this was quite the revelation and that it would be interesting to see how the powers that be respond to all this, which made me think of Angel.  

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Garak told me that, for now, he thinks it’s best to keep this in the purview of the diplomats. Garak suggested that we return to our ships, and claimed that there will be more time to speak about this matter later. I talked to Dukan’Rex, the main Jem’Hadar, and he said that it is not his place to question the will of the Founders, which still sounds like slavery to me.  

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Then he told me that my mind, however, is my own. Rex said that I can do with my mind as I will, but be warned: the Founders do not appreciate betrayal. He told me that, if the Alliance withdraws from their pact with the Dominion, the consequences could be severe. In other words, the Founders expect you to take all of their bullshit but, if you dare to point out how they treat you, they’ll throw you out the airlock whether you’re right or not.  Yep, definitely an abusive relationship. Trust me, I know. After that, I talked to Odo, who told me that he needs me to understand that he took precautions, so Bajor was never in any danger.

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Odo claimed that he made sure that his fleet was in position to neutralize the Hur’q in time, which I call dumb luck. Then Odo told me that Karemma was not his decision, asking me if I honestly thought he’d take part in a plot to bring allies to their side, and then move to wipe another group of allies?  Which, in all honesty, does make sense. Then he told me that, as he said to Garak, there is more to this than we know. Odo said that he’s going to find out what, and he hopes that I’m inclined to join him when the time comes. I told him that it doesn’t really look like I have a choice and then beamed back to the Winchester.

As soon as I got back to the Winchester, Garak contacted me.  He said that visits to the Dominion are always enlightening. Then he told me that he suspects we’ve only just begun to discover what the Founders are playing at here and that concerns him greatly. Garak said that, after today, the wrath of Captain Kira may be the least of Odo’s concerns. However, Garak still feels that we need to continue working with him, as it may be the only way we learn the true intentions of the Dominion.  Garak told me that, with that in mind, he’ll contact me when they’re ready to move forward with his plan. I told Garak that I’d hate to admit it, but he’s right. He then brought up that I never answered his question, what is my concern with Bajor?  All I told him that I don’t like the slaughter of innocent animals and children and then hung up. Muttering under my breath that I especially don’t like it when it’s my child.

A/N: So, what did you think about Candy’s recollection of one of the famous Victory is Life missions?  I took a few liberties, such as the futuristic bug zapper.  Let me know what you think and, if you have your own Star Trek Online character, feel free to RP in the comments!

Jabberwocky (Star Trek Online)

A/N: Candy’s back and, this time, she talks about how she not only retrieved an Orb of the Prophets, but had to take it back to Mirror Bajor where she found herself facing Mirror Leeta, voiced by Chase Masterson.  I normally post recaps on Tuesday, but I was sick yesterday.  So, I had to make up for it.  Also, see if you can catch the subtle reference to another Deep Space Nine character.

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Fleet Admiral’s Log Stardate 96012.75

This is Candy Marino speaking and I just got the Orb of Possibilities back from Gul Kardek.  Commander Sarish Minna contacted me and stated the obvious about how the True Way was following me.  Then she told me that I had to return the orb to the temple in Hathon. Sarish told me that she notified Vedek Krim and that she’s waiting for me in the temple.

I have to admit, I’m nervous about going to Bajor.  I don’t know if you know this but, when I was seventeen, I gave up my daughter for adoption.  Last I heard about her, a couple of Bajoran farmers took her in. I’ve been wondering if I should look her up; maybe even meet her.  Oh well, I’ll worry about that later.

Well, I didn’t get to beam down to Bajor immediately due to the True Way ambushing my ship.  Elisa managed to pick up their warp signatures before they hailed us. Apparently, it was Gul Mutak of the Kriger, the adjutant general to Gul Kardok.  He said that I was carrying property that belonged to the True Way, meaning the orb that they stole, and then told me to lower my shields and prepare to be boarded.  I quickly pointed out how stupid it was for him to be making demands in orbit of Bajor. Elisa told me that the man cut off communications and is powering up weapons, so they didn’t get to hear my retort.  Then she asked me what my orders were, which was to hail Deep Space 9. I contacted Saresh and told her that the Winchester got ambushed by the True Way and in orbit of Bajor no less. You can imagine that she was pissed, but she managed to cool herself long enough to tell me that she’ll borrow the Defiant and be there momentarily.  I told her not to worry, because we’ll hold them off.

It wasn’t long until the Defiant showed up anyway and, together, we kicked their asses!  After destroying the first two ships, Saresh contacted me to see if I was still in one piece and got a bit excited about teaching the next batch of True Way invaders a lesson.  She’s getting a little bloodthirsty for Cardassians but, if it helps her show these extremist nuts who’s boss, I really don’t care. Together, we defeated the next two True Way invaders and showed them why you don’t try to ambush people near the planet you used to rule as overlords.  Sarish contacted me to tell me that was the last of them, but she’ll remain in orbit while I return the Orb, just in case.

After that detour, I immediately beamed down to Hathon.  Elisa contacted me to tell me that Vedek Krin is waiting for me at the temple.  I’ll admit that I did a little sightseeing before I went to see her. I have to say, Bajor is a beautiful planet!  

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Even if it does drive my allergies mad. No wonder the Cardassians took it over for so long. I also stopped by Colonel Kubus’s office to look up Rose, my daughter.  It was easy because there was only one Rose in all of Bajor. Turns out the farmers who adopted Rose are Termas Inarn and Lara. Yep, Lara as in Superman’s biological mom.  Rose also has a sister named Fiora. I only hope that they’re treating her well.

I finally went to the temple and stopped to read some of the Bajoran transcripts.  Hey, that orb isn’t going anywhere, I have time. One of the books had a possession story that gave me a serious Supernatural vibe.  I also found books about Sisko, a book about cooking for fasts (which seems like a great way to torture yourself) and even a book worshipping the Pah Wraiths.  I’m not big on Bajoran religion, but aren’t the Pah Wraiths to the Prophets as Satan is to God? Why would the temple have a book like that in their archives? My guess is, whoever this Anjohl Tennan is, he must’ve paid a fat load of latinum to get his book featured here.

Anyway, I finally talked to Vedek Krim and told her that I need to return the Orb to the temple.  

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She was all smiles about it, claiming that The Prophets are smiling upon us and that what was lost is now returned.  Krim told me that I’ve done a great service for the Bajoran people and that they are most grateful. I told her that she can’t really speak on behalf of the entire Bajoran people anymore than I can speak on behalf of the entire human race. Krim didn’t respond to that and only told me to place the Orb upon the altar, but she did sound a bit annoyed. Oh well, what do I care?

I went to the altar and placed the Orb of Possibilities where it belonged only to find out that it didn’t belong.  Well, not in this temple anyway… or this world… or this universe. Yeah, I probably need to explain that. The Wormhole Aliens talked to me in the form of people I already knew which, I have to say, was actually pretty cool.  At least, it would be, if I ever wanted an orb experience in the first place. Anyway, they talked to me in these riddles about how the service rendered is not the service desired. Then they told me that, when we gaze in the mirror, we see our faces as others do, but reversed.  I may be brilliant at deductive reasoning, but I suck at riddles big time. After all this, they sent me back to Bajor to try to figure out what they meant.

Honestly, if I had known that I would be talking to the WAs, I would’ve sent someone else in my place, someone who would actually want an orb experience.  As pretty and mystical as those orbs looks, I’ve never wanted to use one and I’ve definitely never wanted to talk to the WAs. I make my own destiny and I don’t need a group of mystical aliens to tell me what that is.

After that, I went to Vedek Krim who told me that she would be honored to know what the Prophets shared with me, if I’m willing.  Krim claimed that sometimes their visions can be very confusing, but she has some experience interpreting them. I told her what they told me, that they suggested that it’s not their orb and I have to return it somewhere else.  Krim got confused about that, since it’s an Orb of the Prophets, so it has to belong on Bajor. Then she asked me if I’m familiar with the so-called Mirror Universe. Do I know anything about the MU? Only that it’s where Kirk, McCoy, Scotty and Uhura got stranded in after a transporter accident!  Then Kira visited it with Bashir and found out that the Terrans got enslaved by the Alliance thanks to Captain Kirk’s meddling! After that, they abducted Sisko a couple of times to force him to help out, first by having him pose as his MU counterpart who died and then by having him lead the Defiant!  Then Kira’s counterpart came to our universe with their Bareil to steal an orb! Before I could bring up the time Quark and Rom had to go to exchange a cloaking device for their Nagus, Krim told me rather politely that she sees that I’m familiar with it. She said that she wasn’t as familiar as I was and then told me that, if I want to learn more, I can read the book on that table over there by a Vedek Eeth describing his experiences and said that it could guide me.  I’m so ecstatic; I have to exercise serious self-control not to bounce around the whole temple!

I went to pick up the book and read about how fascinated Vedek Eeth was by the Mirror Universe, not that I can blame him.  

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Then he talked about petitioning the Vedek Assembly for permission to go there. Unfortunately, for him, the Vedek Assembly denied his request because the Federation quarantined access to the MU and, at the time, Bajor was still seeking membership.  So, Eeth just renounced his seat on the Vedek Assembly and went to find the MU on his own, like a badass! As for how he managed this, turned out this former Vedek has an Engineer friend who owes him a favor. Well, he managed to find his way and, guess what he discovered, the Terran Empire’s back.  They took over Terok Nor, which we call Deep Space Nine in our universe, and dominated the Bajorans again. Talk about one-step forward and two steps back. The Terrans finally get their independence from the Alliance and they conquer them all over again. Guess conquest is just a never-ending cycle in the MU.  Plus, being on the path to peace is what got them enslaved in the first place, so maybe that’s not too hard to believe. The Bajorans are now doing the work that they made the Terrans do, mining and ore processing. Eeth talked about how he needed to cross over with a spaceship and he got a message from the MU that offered to help. After that, our universe never heard from him again. This sounds like one of those horror holo-programs where the guy goes missing and it turns out to be the work of a monster that hides in the shadows.

After that, I got a message from Sarish.  So, I told her what I found out, that the orb’s from the MU and we can pass through the anomaly we found earlier.  She told me to be careful, because the MU is known to be more treacherous than our universe. Then she said that I’ll be cut off from any support here.  I told her that we’ll be fine. After all, it’s not the first time my crew found themselves in a life or death situation and came out on top. Elisa contacted me and asked if I was ready to beam up.  I told her to beam me up and take me to the badlands.

I got contacted by Sarish the minute I arrived.  She asked me what our status was and I told her that we’ve entered the Badlands and are heading to the anomaly.  Sarish told me to keep the comm lines open as long as possible. She sounds like my mom when I first started learning to drive a hover car.  Then Sarish started talking about how we have limited intelligence on the MU but, from what we know, it appeared that the Terran Rebellion spread from Terok Nor, eventually forming a new empire.  So, she’s basically telling me what I already know, but that’s not going to stop me from being excited to find out more. Sarish told me that the Terran Empire reoccupied Bajor and that she believes that this Captain Leeta is the administrator of the Bajor sector.  Leeta, I can swear that I heard that name before but I can’t remember from where. Hey, my brain stores a ton of information and, occasionally, I have to delete some. Though I might be able to restore some files from the trash folder.

Later on, I got contacted by Gul Haneri of the Torhne, who called herself the Chief Tactical Advisor to Gul Kardek of the True Way.  She said the usual about how I’m not welcome here and to lower my shields and prepare to be boarded. Yeah, I’ll get right on that, sarcastically speaking.  Instead, I went to red alert. So, I had to battle them and I focused on the two weaker ships before attacking Torhne. While I was fighting, Sarish told me that she believes Gul Kardek used the orb from the MU to somehow create the anomaly that leads back to them.  Then Sarish talked about how he must have formed an alliance with the Terran Empire and warned me to stay on my guard, since they’re probably expecting me. Considering that the Alliance from the MU who enslaved the Terrans is made up of Klingons, Cardassians and Bajorans, I find it surprising that they’d team up with the Cardassians from our universe so quickly.  Anyway, after taking care of Torhne’s lackeys, I destroyed her ship and Chris contacted me. He told me that he believes that we can activate the portal by bombarding it with tachyon radiation. I told him to make the necessary modifications to the deflector dish, because I really want to see the MU. Then I did what Chris suggested and entered the portal.

As soon as I found myself in the MU, Captain Leeta herself greeted me.  Now I remember her, she’s that Bajoran woman Gul Kardek contacted. I have to say, she’s either aged well or she’s got great access to a plastic surgeon.  She went on about how it’s a pleasure to have visitors from my universe and how she didn’t believe Gul Kardek when he said that we’d be here, but she couldn’t afford to take the chance.  Then told me to surrender now and she’ll guarantee the safety of my crew. You can bet that, after all the studying I did on her universe, I know better than to take her up on her word. So, I refused to surrender and asked her if she thinks I’m a complete moron.  Leeta seemed a little set back but settled for cliché villainous taunting as she said that we could have had so much fun together and now she has to destroy me. Yeah, well she can try. I focused on destroying the ships from the Terran Empire and, after destroying one of them, Leeta gleefully talked about the fun she was having and how she was growing rather bored before I showed up.  Well, I’m not here to entertain her. After destroying Leeta’s pathetic attempt at an ambush, she apologized for the state of her troops. She talked about how they’d grown rather complacent and how she’ll have to provide a demonstration. Apparently, she sucks at demonstrations, because I had no trouble kicking her ass. Then Leeta talked about how Gul Kardek warned her not to underestimate me and she won’t make the same mistake next time, if there is a next time.  After Leeta left, Elisa contacted me and said that we can warp to Bajor, which I immediately did.

Finally, I made it to the Mirror Bajor!  

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Yes, I’m still excited about being in the MU, despite getting attacked by an evil bimbo. Elisa was quick to remind me that this isn’t a tourist expedition by telling me that Bajor was re-conquered by the Terrans and that we need to be on our guard, but I was only half-way paying attention.  She was kind of right because, the minute we stepped out of the transporter room, we got ambushed by the True Way. They didn’t put up much of a fight, even with me coughing and sneezing like crazy, but Elisa got worried that they followed us through the portal.  I told her that, more likely, they were Gul Kardek’s troops just waiting for us to arrive.

Remember how I talked about Bajor’s beauty, with its plants and trees everywhere and how it drove my allergies nuts?  Well, in the MU, the Terrans went a bit more exotic disco club and less nature holo-documentary. Let me tell you, this club only caters to one type of preference, because all they have are silhouettes of naked women and not one hologram of a man who’s at least scantily clad.  

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It’s also raining like mad and that’s not exactly good for my allergies either. Thankfully, Chris injected me with medicine after the battle so my allergies don’t wear me down. The Bajorans also look far more bitter and hateful as opposed to serene and peaceful.

It wasn’t long until we ran into the bimbo again.  She talked about how Gul Kardek was right, we are formidable but perfectly predictable.  I’d be angry about her calling me predictable, if I wasn’t sneezing up a storm. Chris’s medicine hadn’t fully kicked in yet, but I’m feeling better than I was a few minutes ago.  Leeta ordered her Terran forces to attack and said that she wanted us alive. Thankfully, that gave us an advantage even with my huge disadvantage. Sometimes, Leeta’s forces managed to get the drop on me, but we kicked their asses.  We would’ve taken Leeta down with them, but she spent the whole battle hiding behind a force field and beamed up afterwards. Okay, so maybe she’s not a complete bimbo, but I don’t think that kind of planning takes much brainpower.

We continued to the temple and passed by the fountain right in front of it where, in our universe, there’s a large tree.  In the MU, it’s a giant dancing holographic stripper and guess what gender that is. I didn’t have much time to dwell on it, as my team got ambushed by another group of Terrans.  This time, Leeta was nowhere to be found, but we did see Gul Kardek again. He said that we’ve interfered with his plans for the last time and attacked us. Thankfully, my medicine fully kicked in and I could actually fight to the fullest of my potential with my crew.  Also, is it just me or is Gul Kardek’s posture a little too perfect for a humanoid? Anyway, Gul Kardek actually managed to put up a fight. I can’t count how many times me and my crew had to make use of the medical generator. I also had to use the second setting on my weapon, something I don’t often do.  

Vedek Krim, or her MU counterpart, showed up in the middle of the fight and tried to stop it, saying that fighting is not permitted here.  Yeah, Vedek, that’s really going to stop Kardek from trying to kill us. What happened next was a bit of a shock, because Kardek’s arm turned to liquid and stretched out Mr. Fantastic style to strangle the Vedek!  That’s right, Kardek’s a changeling! Well, it explains why his posture’s so perfect. Then he told the Vedek that this is not her affair. After that interruption, we attacked Kardek with him using his changeling powers.  Though I don’t get why he waited to use those powers in the first place. It wasn’t long until Kardek went full on changeling, but we managed to defeat him.

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I even made sure to lock Kardek up in a special box so he won’t cause any more trouble.

After the battle, I healed Vedek Krim, who thanked me and admitted that she was surprised to see a changeling here.  

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Not surprising considering that, in the accounts I read, the only changeling they knew was Mirror Odo and our Bashir killed him.  Then the Vedek asked me what the purpose for our visit was. I told her that we’re here to return their orb. She was rather surprised, due to the fact that they lost the orb decades ago during the First Occupation of Bajor. Then Vedek Krim decided not to look a gift horse in the mouth, except she put it in a more religious way. She told me to go place it on the altar, which I planned on doing in the first place.

Before going to the temple, I picked up a PADD Gul Kardek left behind and found a note he sent to a man named Gul Pulat.  

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Kardek talked about how he ran into some complications, meaning us, and how we stole the Orb of Possibilities. He assumed that we returned it to the Bajorans by now.  Then he talked about how grateful he was that the anomaly’s still stable and retreated to the MU to take shelter with his Terran allies. Kardek told Pulat that he needed him to meet with a Dumat’Zukan at a facility in the Devos system in his place. Kardek was even kind enough to send Pulat the coordinates.  Dumat’Zukan, that’s a Jem’Hadar name if I ever heard one.

We went to the temple and I made a minor detour to the library and, let me tell you, most of the books read the same as the books in our universe, the only exceptions are the book about Sisko’s life and the book about the other universe written by Eeth played out differently.  Not surprising since Mirror Sisko’s no emissary and their Eeth would have a different experience. There’s still a book written by an Anjohl Tennan worshipping the Pah Wraiths. Even in the MU, the Bajorans still consider the Pah Wraiths the bad guys. Can’t say I blame them. Even their name doesn’t sound nice.  Then again, my name’s Candy and I’m not a blonde space trash bimbo stripping on Risa. So, in all reality, what difference does a name even make? The away team didn’t like my little detour, but I told them that the orb’s not going anywhere.

I went back to the altar and placed the orb there, again.  This time, they thanked me for restoring the balance and took the time to warn me about an ambush waiting for me in space.  Fortunately, they were kind enough to send me and my ship back to our regular universe.

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Elisa contacted me and asked what happened.  All she remembers is that I opened the orb case, everything went white and she and the rest of my away team appeared on the Winchester in orbit of Bajor, back in our own universe.  I told her that the Mirror Prophets returned us, assuming that they were different Prophets from our universe. No, I’m not converting to Bajoran religion, I’m just feeling too lazy to call them Wormhole Aliens right now.  I told her that I have to talk to Vedek Krim and then I’ll beam up.

Anyway, I went to see the Vedek and she told me that she didn’t see me enter the temple. I told her that the Mirror Prophets returned me here. She told me that she didn’t know much about the Mirror Prophets but, if they’re anything like our Prophets, then this is a great honor.  They were so similar, I’m still wondering if I even talked to their counterparts at all, or if they even have counterparts. Then Krim said that it’s very rare for the Prophets to interfere directly with our lives.  I’ll admit, I wish they stayed out of mine. Then she asked if my mission was a success. I sarcastically replied that it was a huge failure and the Prophets sent me here out of pity. She ignored my comment and said that I have the gratitude of two Bajors and closed with “May the Prophets continue to smile upon you.”  

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It gave me flashbacks of my grandpa trying to force the Catholic religion on me. Thankfully, my mom wouldn’t let him. Still, can you imagine the look on my grandpa’s face if I ever told him that I actually consulted with “false Gods?” Maybe I’ll break it to him next time I visit Earth.

I know I told Elisa I’d beam up after talking to Vedek Krim, but I didn’t say that I’d beam up right away.  I took a walk outside, fully able to enjoy the beauty now that I took Chris’s medicine. My mind started wondering about more than just the Wormhole Aliens. Maybe I had an MU counterpart over there I haven’t met, one who’s more Moriarty to my Sherlock Holmes or Joker to my Batman. Maybe my MU counterpart is like Leeta, a bimbo high on power.  Maybe, and here’s the worst thought, my MU counterpart is stripping on Risa, not taking part in the Terran Empire whatsoever. What choices did she make? Did she ever meet Joey and, if she did, was he the one who seduced and abducted her?  Maybe she was the evil seductress manipulating him to her own ends. What about Chris? Was he still the Watson to my Holmes or the Alfred to my Batman? Will I ever know?

While I was contemplating, I got a communication from Sarish who talked about how surprised she was to hear that Gul Kardek’s a changeling.  She said that an alliance between the True Way and the Alpha Dominion could prove dangerous for the Alpha and Beta Quadrants. Sarish did look on the bright side, by saying that she’s happy the orb’s been returned to the MU and I’ve returned to our universe.  Fortunately, Sarish doesn’t get distracted by small details and focused on the big picture, which was stopping the alliance before they could do any further damage. Then Sarish told me that they’ll analyze the PADD I found to see if they find this ketracel-white factory.

After Sarish hung up, I remembered the data I found on Rose and her new adopted family.  Maybe I should just stop by and introduce myself. Rose might be happy to meet her bio-mom and her family might welcome me into their home.  I could be their Fonzie or their Uncle Jesse, visiting their home and being Rose and Fiora’s cool older sister figure at the most. Then again, Rose might realize that I abandoned her and hate me for it.  Her family might not even let me talk to her and who could blame them? If some stranger showed up at your house claiming to be your kid’s biological mom, how would you react? Maybe I could just visit the Terma Farm and watch Rose from a safe distance, just to see how she’s doing.  I mean that in a non-creepy way. What are the odds that she’ll spot me? Then again, there’s a good chance that those odds might not be in my favor and I doubt that I can book a nearby hotel on short notice. I beamed back up and ordered my crew to leave orbit. Elisa asked me what took so long and I only told her that I was gathering my thoughts, even if I didn’t say what my thoughts were about.  I know, I can fangirl about going to the MU but I can’t bring myself to meet my own daughter. What kind of coward am I?

A/N: So, what did you think of Candy and her trip to the Mirror Universe?  Feel free to request a Captain’s Log or team up with one of my characters for a Star Trek Online mission that I haven’t already done.  You can request or team up with me to do a Star Trek Online mission I’ve already written if it’s from the point of view of another character.  For example, feel free to request for me to recap this mission with a different character.  You can also Role-Play in the comments with your own Star Trek created character, if you wish.

Sci-Fi Warrior (Azaleas Dolls)

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Have you ever wanted to create characters for the Star Wars universe?  Now you can with the sci-fi warrior dollmaker! Create your own Star Wars or sci-fi female OCs, female characters from famous sci-fi franchises or yourself as a Star Wars character!

Like many dollmakers, this has no storyline.  You just create female characters that can be Jedi, slaves, or rebels.  You can even create characters that have nothing to do with Star Wars.  SeekHim and I have both used this dollmaker to make our own Star Trek characters.  I even used the game to create a Star Wars inspired character.

Aura/Darth Vixen (Star Wars OC) by suburbantimewaster

I even used this dollmaker to make Firefly’s River Tam, as I’ve posted on this blog. If you want to make male characters, there’s a separate dollmaker for that.  I used that one to create Clark Kent from Smallville.

Clark Kent (Smallville) by suburbantimewaster

This one works as your typical dollmaker, with you picking various hairstyles, clothes and other features for your character. Unfortunately, one of those features is not different face shapes.  You’re also limited on hairstyles as all you can choose is straight or wavy with no options for curly hair, unless you pick a bouffant. Like many dollmakers, you’re also limited to one body-type.  You also have no option to put freckles on your character. Other than that, the game is very good at staying true to the Star Wars universe, with many options to make your character an alien. You also have a wide variety of clothes and weapons that fit the universe very well, such as lightsabers and blasters.

This game is fun, but needs work.  I give it 5 out of 10; I hope to see a scene maker version soon.  On another note, have you used this dollmaker to make characters or to just goof off?  If so, feel free to share your creations in the comments.

Revelations (Star Trek Online)

A/N: Candy’s back as she recalled the time she got to team up with Seven of Nine herself and discover the true threat to the Delta Quadrant.  See the rest of my Star Trek Online characters here.screenshot_lcl2018-02-11-21-26-51

Fleet Admiral’s Log Stardate 95898.47

This is Candy Marino of the U.S.S. Winchester and Ethan Burgess contacted me about a distress call sent by the U.S.S. Callisto.  Apparently, they were on a research mission to a little explored area of the DQ a.k.a. the Delta Quadrant. Burgess said that they’re not sure what happened to the Callisto, but they need someone to check it out.  He told me that there were a lot of good people on the Callisto, good Starfleet officers and researchers. Burgess ordered me to bring them home.

Thankfully, I was already in the DQ when Burgess called.  So, I set course for the location of the Callisto’s distress call.  As soon as we arrived, Flores told me that we arrived at the location of the distress call from the U.S.S. Callisto.  She said that we’re no longer receiving the distress beacon, but sensors are picking up debris consistent with a Luna class Federation starship.  I told Flores that there might be some survivors, so I ordered her to scan the wreckage. To do that, I needed to bring the Winchester closer to the ship.  I scanned what looked like the remains of the Callisto only for Flores to tell me that there was no luck.

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She said that our sensors weren’t reading any lifesigns in the wreckage.  Then she told me that the Callisto had a crew compliment of 350. I just asked if we could identify who attacked her though, from what I can tell, whoever did this was ruthless and didn’t like invaders.

Chris told me that we have an incoming message from the outpost station.  I said that I wanted to hear what they had to say. You would not believe who showed up on the screen, Seven of Nine!  That’s right, I’m actually getting to meet Voyager’s rescued Borg drone herself! She told me that she was part of a Federation research team assigned to the U.S.S. Callisto.  Seven said that her team was investigating this outpost when the defense systems activated and destroyed the ship. Despite my fangirling, I managed to keep my cool and introduce myself as Admiral Candy Marino of the U.S.S. Winchester.  I also told Seven that we responded as quickly as we could. Seven told me that she’s aware of my service record while I was thinking to myself “urge to fangirl rising.” She said that she was able to deactivate the outpost’s defenses, but the system sent out an automated distress signal upon shutdown.  Seven claimed that it’s logical to assume that someone will be arriving to investigate. Then she asked me to please transport her and her team to the Winchester, saying that she will be of more assistance to me there. I said that they have a lot to explain before cutting off communication and flying to the outpost all while thinking “I get to have Seven of Nine on my ship!”

I beamed over the survivors and Seven told me that long range sensors are picking up inbound energy signatures.  She said that they were Voth ships and that they must lay claim to this system. The Voth Commander hailed me and called me a trespassing endotherm, meaning this guy needs to get better insults.  He said that I was trespassing in Voth-aligned space. I can surrender now and they will allow us to live out the remainder of our lives on a prison world. I only scoffed at the guy, remarking sarcastically about how our choices are either to become his prisoners or die.  The Voth only hung up on me with clear offense, so I had to deal with an ambush. I’ll say one thing about these guys, they know how to put up a fight.

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I had to summon the Nimbus pirates to stand a chance at beating them. After defeating them, more Voth showed up and said that we violated the Voth facility and will be…  The Voth cut their transmissions short and engaged warp drive, something Seven point out. Which usually means we have a greater threat to worry about. The Voth high-tailed it out of here, which puzzled Seven because, in her own words, it’s not like the Voth to leave a battle they would have clearly won. I pointed out what I already suspected about the greater threat, which is usually how these things pan out.  Chris told me that we’re receiving a distress call from the Turei homeworld.

I ordered the message on screen and saw a weird blue alien say that this is a general distress signal for any ships in range.  He said that this is the Turei homeworld and they are under attack by an unknown force of immense power. He said that they require immediate assistance, meaning I was right.  The Voth are afraid of a bigger threat. I asked Seven who the Turei are and she told me that they’re a space-faring culture that Voyager encountered in 2376. She said that they claim ownership over the Underspace, which are corridors through subspace that significantly shorten travel time here in the Delta Quadrant.  Seven told me that Command has been attempting to contact them without success. She said that access to the Underspace would be a distinct advantage for our fleet. I asked Seven if this bigger threat the Voth were afraid of might have been the ones who attacked the Turei, or the Voth themselves. She said that it’s a definite possibility.  Seven told me that, to her knowledge, the Voth and Turei are not enemies. Then she said that there is still much we do not know about the Delta Quadrant. I told her that a show a good faith might be in order. Flores told me that she already laid in a course for the Turei homeworld. Then said that they’re ready to leave on my orders. It’s an order I wasted no time giving.

Seven told us when we arrived in the Turei system and said that the Voth ships are in combat, but they’re not engaging the Turei vessels.  She said that their opposition does not conform to any known ship in the database. I told Seven that, whatever they are, they’re packing quite a punch.  I watched the Voth and Turei attack the unknown ship, leaving me to wonder if they’re allies or they just teamed up to exterminate this one threat. Either way, one thing’s clear, I was right about the bigger threat.  Let me tell you, that’s some technology they’ve got. I don’t think even the Borg have ships like that. Flores told me that one of the ships was breaking off and moving in our direction. You want to pick a fight with me, you better know what you’re getting into.  However, I will give these mystery enemies one thing, they make tough opponents.  Flores told me that the debris from the Voth ships is falling and she’s reading massive damage to the planet’s surface. It took awhile, but I managed to defeat that ship. After the battle, Seven told me that the Voth and whomever they are fighting are speaking on an open channel.  She told me that we can listen in on their communications. I told her to do so.

I managed to make out a helmeted bad guy that looked similar to Darth Vader with a woman’s voice, despite the static.  She said to the Voth that their defense of the Turei thieves will be their undoing. So maybe the Voth and the Turei are allies.  Then I saw a clear picture of the Voth commander’s face, who told them that the Turei and Voth have a long standing allegiance.  So I was right about them being allies.  Anyway, he claimed that the Turei’s exothermic nature make them superior to the other feeble races of the quadrant. He’d better have been talking about the DQ. Anyway, the unknown alien told the Voth commander that he will be loyal to the death, and people say I’m stubborn.  These guys aren’t even attempting to negotiate. After that little bit of outer space eavesdropping, Seven told me that the surface of the Turei homeworld is being devastated by the debris from the Voth vessels. She said that the Turei do have a defense network of satellites and shields that is capable of protecting them, but the control network is offline.  Then she claimed that this was intentional — their attackers deliberately targeted the area during the initial assault. Seven told me that there is a secondary command center on the outskirts of one of their major settlements. She said that, if we transport directly there, we will be able to restore the control network. I wasted no time beaming down with my designated away team.

As soon as we beamed down, Seven explained how the invaders attacked this facility but they did not do significant structural damage.  She told me that they were, however, able to take down the control network controlling the orbital defense grid. Seven said that the defense grid is the only thing capable of stopping all of the debris from the battle in orbit from raining down on the planet.  She claimed that small pieces will burn up in the atmosphere and my ship’s weapons can deal with some others, but a significant percentage will get through. Then Seven told me that, until that grid is operational, there will be a widespread devastation. I told her that we need to get the defense grid back online and give the Turei a fighting chance.

We came across a scene of wreckage and a Turei begging us to help him, so Seven and I came to the conclusion that there was a firefight here.  Seven told me that one of the Turei is injured, but his condition is stable. She said that he may be able to give us more information about the invaders.  I told Seven that we’ll help him and maybe he can answer some questions. I healed the Turei, who thanked me, said his name is Bellas and asked if I was from Starfleet.  

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I told him that I was and then asked him what happened here. Bellas told me that the ships emerged from the Underspace, and they were too close for their defense grid to stop the launch of drop pods.  He said that, in minutes, they had knocked out the grid controls and they were defenseless. Then he claimed that they barely had enough time to transmit a distress signal. I asked Bellas what Underspace was, but he said that I’m not Turei so he cannot reveal their secrets.  It didn’t matter if Bellas did or not, because Seven answered my question. She told me that Underspace is a network of subspace corridors that extend through much of the Delta Quadrant. She explained that Voyager was pulled into one when its warp field interacted with the corridor’s radial wall.  Seven said that, at the time, they speculated that the corridors would speed their journey back to Federation space. Unfortunately, that wasn’t possible for them. It would be like Starfleet saying that the wormhole should only be used by Federation officials which, thankfully, we haven’t gone that far.  I asked Seven, if Underspace is a Turei secret, how were these attackers able to use it? Bellas explained that the attackers were Vaadwaur and that Voyager did indeed interact with one of their corridors. Then Bellas got all bitter about how, instead of deleting the information as they requested and going on their way, Voyager revived their greatest enemy.  Bellas went on to blame all of the destruction and death on Voyager. So you can guess he’s not one of their biggest fans. I asked about the Vaadwaur. Seven froze up and insisted that it was impossible, it couldn’t be the Vaadwaur and said that she would know. I turned to Seven and asked her who the Vaadwaur are. Seven talked about how it was all her fault.  She said that, when they first encountered the Vaadwaur, they were in cryostasis. Then Seven told me that she foolishly awoke their leader in a moment of curiosity. She said that she didn’t know their history and explained to me that they were conquerors, despots. Seven talked about how the Vaadwaur used Underspace to rule the Delta Quadrant for decades. She said that it was only when the other races banded together that the Vaadwaur were defeated.  Seven explained that, at the time Voyager encountered them, when she awakened them, Captain Janeway said she probably would’ve done the same thing. Seven then said that it wasn’t Janeway’s choice, it was hers and she is responsible. Seven explained that the Vaadwaur they encountered did not have the level of technology like what we face here. She said that this is far beyond anything that the Vaadwaur are capable of developing in such a short amount of time.  I said that now we need to form a plan of action. Seven told me that her analysis remains unchanged, we need to restore functionality to the defense grid. She said that there are four nodes located on the edge of the complex. Seven explained that we must restart these nodes and re-align them to the central tower to re-establish the grid. I agreed with Seven and told her to keep an eye on the Vaadwaur, because they won’t like what we’re trying to do.

Bellas told me that he’ll go to the central tower and start the initialization sequence.  We followed him to the next location as Seven said that she blamed herself for the return of the Vaadwaur and claimed that it was a door best left unopened.  I made a remark about how Seven should’ve known that the Vaadwaur were screwed up before she decided to act like a good Samaritan. Before Seven could respond, we came across the Vaadwaur and had to defeat them.  I have to say, they don’t seem as tough on the ground as they did up in space.

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All right, the technician near the first node was tough, but that’s only because he’s got a shield that makes it almost impossible to do any damage to him.  Eventually, we defeated him and I got to work on the first node. Seven gave me the info to get it started up, which I can summarize as reboot, update and align. I kept repeating that over and over, to Seven’s chagrin, but how else was I supposed to remember that? 

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We managed to establish the uplink and made our way to the next node with more Vaadwaur blocking our way. Seven said that, when Voyager first rescued the Vaadwaur, they thought they could be allies. I told Seven to trust me when I say that she’s not the only one who makes bad judgment calls like that.  She asked me to elaborate but all I told her was that, sometimes, you can trust the wrong people. We made it to the next node and Seven gave me the instructions, which I once again remembered by repeating the keywords over and over.

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We made our way to the next defense node, having to fight more Vaadwaur on the way.  Seven told me that, when Admiral Tuvok asked her to leave her post at the Daystrom Institute to assist the Callisto, she thought the possibility of seeing the Vaadwaur was statistically insignificant.  I just said that it’s a small galaxy and listened to Seven say that, whatever happens here, we must inform our superiors of the Vaadwaur threat. Then I followed Seven’s instructions about how to activate the third defense node successfully.

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We went to the final defense node and had to fight even more Vaadwaur on the way.  Seven told me that they had to ally themselves with the Turei to escape the Vaadwaur.  Then she gave me the instructions to activate the final defense node. After that, I activated the defense grid and I really hope the Turei appreciate everything we’ve done for them.  

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It wasn’t long until I got a call from Bellas, but the message wasn’t really a thank you, more like a cry for help. Apparently, he needed assistance at the central tower. We made our way to the landing pad and Bellas told us that we did an excellent job getting the defense nodes back online and realigned to the central hub.  Not exactly a thank you, but it’s better than what I would’ve said in his place. Bellas said that the restart process will take some time, but the defense grid will be active in about two minutes. Then Bellas said that they’d be in good shape, if the Vaadwaur hadn’t launched more assault pods. He told me that these are mobile transporter pads used to bring more troops to the surface rapidly.  Bellas assumed that they’re coming to stop us from restoring the defense grid. I told him that we need to hold them off until the defense grid has completed the restart sequence. Then Seven told me that the Turei took control of Underspace after the Vaadwaur were defeated. She said that clearly, the Vaadwaur objected. There was little time to comment as we had to repeal swarms and swarms of Vaadwaur.  If that weren’t enough, Seven told us that Vaadwaur reinforcements were approaching. They just kept beaming in to the point that Seven said that the Vaadwaur are relentless, and the probability of our survival is slim. I told her that a slim chance is better than no chance at all. After a while of fighting more Vaadwaur, Seven said that they’re tenacious fighters so we must be more so.

We kept on fighting to the point where Bellas said that we can’t keep this up forever.  Seven saw a few guys in machine suits land and asked what that was. I recognized it as Voth mecharmor and, let me tell you, I never thought I’d be so happy to see those Gundam knockoffs.  They helped us defeat the remaining Vaadwaur, which makes them our big damn heroes. After that, Chris told me that he was receiving a message from the Winchester. He told me that the Vaadwaur are retreating to Underspace.  Then Chris pointed out that, even with their defense grid online, the Turei couldn’t have defeated them. Then he asked why the Vaadwaur would leave before they finish the fight. I agreed with Chris that it was odd. The Voth commander said that it wasn’t because Voth reinforcements have entered orbit.  Then he claimed that these Vaadwaur do not want to do battle with an obviously superior force. I turned to the commander and asked him that, if he’s such a superior force, how did the Vaadwaur tear his ships apart so easily? Instead of answering, he told me that, while he did sustain great losses, they have made good on their agreement with the Turei.  Then told Bellas that they restored the defense grid. I corrected the a**hole commander by saying that Seven and I are the ones who restored the defense grid. Bellas told us that he’s not interested in petty squabbling about who did what. He said that the grid is restored and we are safe, that is all that matters. Chris told me that the U.S.S. Voyager has entered orbit.  Then he said that Admiral Tuvok is requesting to beam down to my position, which I immediately granted. It’d be cool to see him again.

Tuvok beamed down and greeted Seven.  Then he said that they detected the destruction of the Callisto and was about to ask a question when Bellas interrupted him.  He claimed that it was his fault, because his ship invaded the Voth outpost and they woke the Vaadwaur. Really, this again? Tuvok was confused, because Starfleet Intelligence did not consider them a threat.  I don’t know if Section 31 feels the same way, but that’s one of those things I’ve learned to keep my mouth shut about. Anyway, Tuvok said that they believed their numbers were few and their technology outdated.  Bellas got on Tuvok’s case about how they were wrong, because the Vaadwaur have returned and no one is safe. I said that you make this guys sound like monsters out of a horror holodeck program. All Tuvok could say was that he sees and told Seven that Voyager could use her expertise again.  Then he asked her if she would return to the ship. She said that it would be acceptable. Tuvok said that they would take the other survivors of the Callisto as well. Then he stopped to thank me. Seven beamed up to Voyager with Tuvok. Flores told me that Seven of Nine has safely arrived on Voyager and the Vaadwaur threat on the ground here is over.  She told me that the Voth commander has indicated his forces will deal with any remaining hostiles. Then Flores said that we’re cleared to return to the Winchester on my command, which I immediately gave.

I soon as me and my away team beamed back to the Winchester, Tuvok contacted me and thanked me for assisting Seven and lending aid to the Turei.  Then he said that the discovery that their old foes, the Vaadwaur, have made such a leap in technology and are now threatening the entire quadrant is… troubling.  I told Tuvok that no one gets that advanced that fast, so this seems more than just a tad bit suspicious. Then I got a call from Seven, who thanked me. She said that, without my help, she and her team would’ve been killed by the Voth.  She said that she has to turn her attention to the Vaadwaur. Seven claimed that, since she is responsible for their return, she must assist in their defeat. I told Seven that it was really awesome to meet her and cut the channel. Chris told me that we’re clear to depart as soon as I’m ready.  Trust me when I say that I was ready. I contacted Commander Burgess who said that he read Admiral Janeway’s mission logs from Voyager. He claimed that it would be troublesome enough to have the Vaadwaur return in force — they’re an aggressive and difficult species but, if they have technology and forces that can defeat the Voth…  this does not bode well. First of all, way to stereo-type an entire species. Second of all, I think this danger goes without saying. Oh well, at least I got to team up with Seven of Nine. That will be a story I tell my daughter… if I ever get to meet her.

A/N: So, what did you think of Candy and her mission to expose the threat while fangirling over Seven of Nine?  Feel free to request a Captain’s Log or team up with one of my characters for a Star Trek Online mission that I haven’t already done.  You can request or team up with me to do a Star Trek Online mission I’ve already written if it’s from the point of view of another character.  For example, feel free to request for me to recap this mission with a different character.  You can also Role-Play in the comments with your own Star Trek created character, if you wish.

Vorgon Conclusion (Star Trek Online)

A/N: Here’s another log recap from the point of view of my KDF character, Melana!  I’d like to give a shout out to Hashakgig1106 for not only teaming up with me, but for taking some screenshots and letting me use her characters in the recap.  If you recognize it from the Star Trek community, I don’t own it.  I picked Zuleikha Robinson for Melana’s voice, who you can hear in this video.  However, be warned, if you haven’t seen Rome and plan on watching it, there are some serious spoilers for the show.

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Major General’s Log Stardate 95726.01

This is Melana of the I.K.S. HAR’NUC and I just got another message from Daniels.  Apparently, there’s a disturbance in the 27th Century caused by Vorgon Mercenaries and I have to protect a scientist named Kal Dano.  I also have to prevent his research from falling into the wrong hands which is, you guessed it, the hands of the Vorgon. I asked Daniels why the Vorgons want this item called the Tox Uthat and, apparently, they want to sell it.  I can’t I say I blame them. I can think of quite a few people who would pay good latinum for the power to destroy a whole star. Therefore, I set a course for the Lirss System and met up with Daniels.

Apparently, I wasn’t the only one Daniels called.  When I got there, I met a Reman named E’Mak who Daniels also contacted.  

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With the time shift completed, Thraak told me that Daniels docked at shuttlebay 1.  Then told me that, in the future, we end up terraforming Lirrs and it looks like we’re getting close to succeeding.  As soon as Daniels came onboard the bridge, I used a tiny bit of pheromones, as I usually do with people who work with me.  It’s not enough to drive them crazy, but enough to let me determine if they can be trusted. It’s like putting on perfume to make yourself more desirable to someone you want to fuck.  Unfortunately, it only works on half the population and that half can sometimes be strong willed enough to fight that little bit of pheromone usage. Daniels asked me why I was bothering with my pheromones when I’m well aware that he’s too strong-minded to succumb to a small dose.  He’s right and, if I increase the dosage, it will sap some of my energy and cloud Daniels’ mind. So I stopped using the pheromones.

After that, Daniels told me that Kal Dano’s stationed at the Daystrom Institute and we need to get into scanning range to find out if the Vorgon took him.  First, I asked him the usual question, such as why Kal Dano is significant. He told me about how he’s a brilliant scientist working on the Tox Uthat, which I said earlier can destroy stars.  It’s a powerful weapon in the wrong hands and, according to Daniels, the Vorgon are the wrong hands. Then I asked why E’Mak was here and Daniels told me that this mission was too important to trust with a single person.  He followed that up by saying that E’Mak and me are both the best in our field and need to work together to stop the Vorgon. All right, it’s not as if it’s my first time working with someone else. After that, I finally ordered the helm to bring us into scanning range.

The minute we got in range of the Vorgon ship, Thraak told me that there’s no sign of the Tox Uthat or Kal Dano on there.  He warned me that they’re at yellow alert, and then told me that the Vorgon might already be on the planet looking for Kal Dano.  Therefore, I told Thraak to let me know if anything changes. Then Daniels told me that the Vorgons might already be at the facility trying to get what they want.  Daniels said that he’ll go check it out and that E’Mak and I need to keep an eye on the Vorgons. After that little speech, I ordered the helm to bring us into transporter range.

What do you know?  The minute we get into transporter range, K’Gan told us that the Vorgons were targeting us.  You can bet that I immediately brought the ship to red alert. Then, as I’m just getting ready for a fight, Daniels warns us that the Vorgon cornered Kal Dano on Lirss and he’s engaging them now.  Yeah, so am I, sweetie, and so is E’Mak. I have to say, I’m glad Daniels called him because we’re an unstoppable team. It’s like the old human expression, “Two is better than one.”  After E’Mak and I destroyed the ship, Daniels called to tell us that the Vorgons beamed out after their “disagreement.”

After this, a Vorgon named Boratus contacted us.  He claimed that we were interfering with a private matter that doesn’t concern us.  So I straight out told the guy he fired on our ships, so we’re making it our concern.  Then another Vorgon named Ajur told us exactly what Daniels already told me and says that the Tox Uthat is theirs.  She warned both E’Mak and me that reinforcements are on their way and that we shouldn’t have interfered. Honey, I am not Starfleet.  I don’t let entire species die out in the name of the “all-knowing” Prime Directive. Thankfully, E’Mak agrees with me and told Ajur in a mocking tone that she could’ve avoided this.  Daniels contacted us to tell us that Kal Dano’s safe, for now. Then they both beamed up to my ship at the same moment K’Gan told me that we’ve got more Vorgons to deal with. This must be my lucky day.

Daniels told me that, since these Vorgons aren’t of this era, destroying them won’t disrupt the timeline.  Well, that makes my job easier. So, it was up to E’Mak and I to get rid of three Vorgon ships and, during the battle, I felt much more grateful to Daniels for calling him.  Don’t get me wrong, I’m a good fighter but I’ve lived my life flying under the radar. Unlike Klingons, I, to use a human expression, know when to fold them. Speaking of Daniels, he told me after destroying three Vorgon ships that he gave Kal Dano his timeship because he must fulfill his personal destiny.  After that little speech, I immediately launched the timeship from Shuttlebay 1. Let me tell you, there’s no such thing as an easy mission. The minute the timeship left my shuttlebay; more Vorgons warped in and guess who they decided to attack. That’s right, Kal Dano.

E’Mak and I set our sights on destroying those Vorgon ships.  Daniels ordered us to keep the Vorgon ships busy a little longer.  Don’t have to tell us twice. I immediately targeted the small ships first and then worried about the big one.  After destroying the ships, Boratus contacted us once again and told us it’s a temporary setback. They will have the Tox Uthat and Kal Dano at any cost and then threatened us by saying that history can be changed, as we’ll see.  Does he seriously think he’s the first person to threaten me? I spent my childhood with a pervert who wanted to fuck me as soon as I got my first period. Then I spent my teenage years flying under the radar dealing with people much worse than him, and that was before I signed up for the Klingon Academy.  I can handle an entitled douchebag. E’Mak didn’t say anything and only looked like he wanted to laugh at this pathetic attempt to threaten us. Then Boratus finally cut the channel and left. To that, I say good riddance.

Daniels told us both that Boratus left for good.  Then he informed us that they’ll want to travel back in time to a pivotal point of its history.  Daniels found them in the 22nd Century, which, for Starfleet, is the time of Captain Archer and the first starship voyage.  For my people, it’s the time when Starfleet spread that ridiculous rumor about how Orion women are the true rulers of their race.  Seriously, just because of one Orion man’s stupid comment, the entire Alpha Quadrant thinks the women of my race are evil seductresses trying to crush the will of good and honest men.  Anyway, since Daniels can’t ask Captain Archer for help, he laid a temporal course for us to follow.

Thraak detected a Vulcan cruise and Captain Archer’s Enterprise fighting with Suliban and Tholians.  Of course, I’m more interested in finding the Vorgons, which Thraak managed to detect. Turns out they were running long-range scans and masking their warp signatures so the 22nd Century ships couldn’t find them.  I ordered Thraak to do the same for our ship and I hope E’Mak’s doing the same for his.

The Enterprise ended up taking the timeship along with the body of Kal Dano.  Daniels explained that Kal Dano was meant to end up on the Enterprise after a temporal incident ended his time and career.  Daniels then told us that the Vorgons don’t know this, so we can’t let them endanger the Enterprise and we need to stay out of their sensor range.  You don’t need to tell me twice.

My ship ended up getting a message from Ajur, who told us that history shows we have a habit of meddling in the affairs of others.  I know this isn’t my first time travel adventure, but I didn’t know E’Mak also went through time. Looks like I’m not the only one Daniels recruits to protect the space/time continuum.  Then Boratus told us that they believe it’s time to break us of that habit. E’Mak sarcastically wished him luck with that while I just told him to prepare to be disappointed.

That lead to another battle with the Vorgons and these guys are still good.  I’d admire them for that if they weren’t trying to kill me. E’Mak helped me survive and I’m grateful for it, but I’m still not sure if I can fully trust him.  With our combine forces, we managed to defeat them. I would’ve celebrated had K’Gan not told me that the Vorgons were repairing their systems quickly and multiple reinforcements were warping in.  Thankfully, that’s not a problem when you’ve got two ships fighting these guys. I’d better thank E’Mak after all of this is over. I just hope he’s not expecting me to fuck him. Not only would that be sleazy, I’d have to explain that I don’t like men.

There was no time for me to worry about that, because Tholians warped in.  Just when I thought things couldn’t get any worse. They told us that we don’t belong and that we need to submit to an investigation or be purged.  I’ve read all about these guys and they don’t like anyone outside of their own species. So, you can bet that I wasn’t submitting and negotiating with these guys is a waste of time.  Thankfully, E’Mak agreed with me on that point, treating this new battle as a pleasant surprise. Ajur tried to butter them up and align with them, which was a waste of time as I said earlier, and the Tholian captain proved me right.  So now we’re fighting both Tholians and Vorgon though, if you ask me, the latter should be aligning with us.

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During the fight, some of the Vorgons turned tail and fled.  Oh well, that makes my job easier. It also helped that E’Mak and I both summoned the Nimbus pirates.  I also used some of my scorpions. I have to admit, I’m a little surprised that E’Mak also knows the Nimbus pirates.  I guess they pay whoever does them favors in distress call beacons rather than money. Anyway, after the battle was over, Daniels told us that a Vulcan rescue ship is arriving to aid the D’Kyr.  We need to leave before they detect us and ask questions that we’re not prepared to answer. That’s a real shame, I’ve always had a thing for Vulcans. They’re immunity to my pheromones makes them a real challenge.  Unfortunately, Daniels is right, so I asked him if he could get a lead on the main Vorgons.

He managed to locate the Vorgons on the Risa system in 2368.  Great, I get a chance to visit Risa and it’s not for shore leave.  Daniels then told us that the Tox Uthat was buried there and about to be discovered by Jean-Luc Picard.  Of course, I remember reading about that. I told Daniels that Picard destroyed it. He informed me that it’s the official record, but he couldn’t bring himself to destroy something so valuable.  So he faked it’s destruction to fool the Vorgon. I have to say, nice job Picard! If it were me, I would’ve done the same thing, except I would’ve sold it to the highest bidder, after doing a thorough research on their background.  I’m not stupid enough to give a weapon like that to just anyone. Then Daniels found a new disturbance in the Sol System, 2375 and locked in a course for us to follow. Guess we’re not going to Risa after all.

E’Mak and I followed the coordinates and went to the 24th Century.  

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This time, we ended up in the middle of the Dominion war at the minute the Breen were attacking Earth, as K’Gan informed me.  I asked Daniels why he picked this moment in time. He explained that the Tox Uthat was here, in a high security vault under Starfleet Command.  The Vorgons were taking advantage of this chaos and trying to infiltrate the facility so they can steal the Tox Uthat. I told Daniels exactly what was on my mind.  That it’s a pity Picard’s ruse didn’t last. Daniels defended Picard by pointing out that the ruse held up for quite some time, which I agree with. Then he talked about how the Vorgons are getting help because history shows them giving up the hunt after their failure on Risa.  E’Mak pointed out, a little too happily, that they’re here now and we’ve got work to do.

K’Gan informed us that the Breen were attacking, so we had to handle them before we could beam down on Earth.  I have to say, both the Vorgons and the Breen have some impressive ships. I’d love to tinker with them someday, see what makes them tick.  Unfortunately, it’s looking like I might never get that chance.

Anyway, we defeated the Breen ships and, let me tell you, they put up less of a fight than the Vorgon did.  Daniels wanted to take advantage of the situation to beam down and asked if we were ready to go to Starfleet HQ.  Honey, I’ve been ready since you gave me the mission. E’Mak said that he was looking forward to blowing some more shit up.  So we both beamed down, and I took K’Gan and Ch’gren with me.

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I finally met E’Mak in person and he took Rush, a hot and feisty Cardassian, with him.  I used a bit of my pheromones to determine if E’Mak could be trusted. K’Gan told us that we’re in the middle of the Breen invasion.  So, we’d better to expect to find them here, something that made E’Mak, Rush and my Klingon officers very happy. I’m not as trigger-happy as my officers are, but I do appreciate a good fight. First things first, I had to see if E’Mak was someone I could trust, so I emitted a small pheromone effect.  As my people say, the only man that can be trusted is one too doped out on pheromones to know better. Okay, maybe we are vixens but, if the Orion men hadn’t gone on a power trip, we wouldn’t have had to resort to our pheromones to get power. Both E’Mak and his companion, Rush, showed a slight attraction and said that they’re here for the same reason I am, to stop the Vorgons.  I have to admit that I’m a little disappointed. I’d expect a couple of intergalactic pirates to have a stronger will than that. After that, I turned my pheromones off. There’s no time for sex and, even if there was, I never use my pheromones to get a woman into bed.

Then we went further into headquarters and who should we run into but a few of the Breen K’Gan mentioned earlier?  We made quick work of them, even though E’Mak got a little too explosion happy. After the fight, I checked the nearest terminal to read the news.  

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It was mainly about the Breen attack and the Starfleet casualties. After that exciting report, we went through the halls and came across a researcher named Roberto Nunez who Daniels suggested we talk to right away.  He was just happy to see that neither one of us are Breen, just an Orion, two Klingons, a Reman and a Cardassian. It’s a little weird for a Starfleet officer to greet my crew and me kindly, but I have to remind myself that this is before the Federation and the Klingons went to war.

Roberto told us that the Breen were heading to the vault and what’s left of the research team grabbed some phasers and decided to hold the line against the Breen.  The man begged us to help them and I told him to get to safety, assuring him that we’ll take it from here. So we go to the next room and, what do you know, more Breen.  Thankfully, we made quick work of them, but I think I nearly got caught in one of E’Mak’s blasts.

A nearby scientist, Skye Williams, thanked us for the assist and asked if there was anything she could help us with.  We went to her and she told us that the Breen thought Starfleet scientists couldn’t fight. Clearly, they were mistaken.  I told her that it was a huge mistake on the parts of the Breen. Then I asked Skye if she’s seen any Vorgon. She told me that they have and offered to buzz me in.  I told her to lead the way. Before following her, I checked a nearby news report to see that Breen forces are overrunning Earth and about to target Starfleet Academy.  

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I’m amazed that Earth actually managed to win the Dominion war, though it did help that everyone in the Alpha Quadrant teamed up with them. Including the Romulans and the Cardassians when their treachery got revealed.

Anyway, E’Mak and I went to the door, which was jammed on the other side.  E’Mak suggested blowing it up, but I didn’t want to waste equipment so needlessly.  Skye offered to open up secondary access but warned us that the Breen made it there.  I thanked her for the warning, but told her that we can handle ourselves. We made our way to the room nearest to the vault, and there was the Breen to greet us.  Fortunately, we made quick work of them and I checked another news report.

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Apparently, the Enterprise and the Cairo were holding off the Breen space wise but they were still kicking Starfleet ass ground wise.

After that, we came across the door to the vault and Starfleet locked it with a puzzle code.  Luckily, I have quite a way with machines and so does E’Mak. It was one of those reconfigure the isolinear chips puzzles in order to open the door.  It took a while but, together, we managed to get the door open. We walked through the hallway and managed to find the vault. Who should be waiting for us but the two Vorgons we’ve been looking for?  This time, the envoy’s with them.

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Well, I don’t think this person is a friend because they turned down his offer to be part of their war.  Only the Tox Uthat matters to them, something they won’t be getting. Then Boratus pointed out that they’re not the only ones who want it.  The envoy called us the meddlers that Boratus spoke of and told Boratus and Ajur to kill them quickly. Not in this life, honey.

I have to admit, even on the ground, these Vorgons put up one hell of a fight.  I’ll confess that I had to use my pheromones to give us a slight advantage over Boratus, giving one of the enemies a giant dose when I can.  After the battle, Ajur died in Boratus’s arms.

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All he could do was transport out in grief. I’d feel sorry for the guy if he didn’t try to kill us.  Meanwhile Daniels, the guy I’m actually capable of feeling sympathy for, screamed in pain and his face got even more damaged than before.

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This is the second time we helped him and ended up hurting him even worse.  I asked Daniels what was going on and he told me that it was need to know information and, right now, I don’t need to know. He also said that there are bigger things to worry about. Fortunately for him, he’s right, and I’ve already wasted enough energy using my pheromones to get the truth.  Even if I could sum up the energy to give Daniels a small dose, he’d be too strong willed to succumb to it. Now I’m starting to wonder if Rush and E’Mak played me earlier

I went to the nearby terminal and I wanted to search for the Tox Uthat from there.  Unfortunately, since I don’t have any science training, the best I can do is search for artifacts matching the Tox Uthat’s rarity.  While the computer was downloading the information, I checked the news and saw the exact same report from earlier about the Cairo and the Enterprise.  

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Anyway, all E’Mak and I got were four boxes that contained something similar and we had to scan them one by one. I took the left side and E’Mak took the right.  I managed to find an Alice droid created by Harry Mudd from the days of the Enterprise and the Tox Uthat! Right after that, Thraak contacted us to let us know that the Breen were leaving.  Then he told us to beam back to the ship whenever we’re ready. I’m ready now, hon. So, I told him to prepare the ship for a temporal transit and beam us back up.

We got back to our time and space and there was Daniels ready to congratulate us.  He talked about how the Envoy keeps gaining allies and how he keeps hearing about something called the Temporal Liberation Front.  Then thanked us for keeping Kal Dano and the Tox Uthat out of their hands. It was one of those good news/bad news deals. After Daniels left, E’Mak and I shared our contact info, just in case either one of us needs help again.  It’s always good to have allies when you need them. After that little time adventure, I’m off to Deep Space Nine.

A/N: So, what did you think?  Be sure to leave a comment and, if you have a Star Trek character, feel free to comment as them if you want to role-play.  If you want to team up with one of my characters for a Star Trek Online mission, as Hashakgig did, feel free to email me at suburbantimewaster@gmail.com.  Just give me a brief description of your character, take screenshots during the mission to send to me and I promise that I will send the rough draft to you before I post the mission here.  Don’t forget to check the categories before making a request to make sure it’s not a mission I’ve already made a log for.  Although, if you want me to replay the mission with a different character, I’ll be happy to do so.

Out in the Cold (Star Trek Online)

A/N: I’m going to be doing something different with this post.  Anyone who follows me knows that I am an avid Star Trek Online player.  So I decided to recap my missions from the point of view of my STO characters.  This is Candy’s recollection of Out in the Cold from the Breen story arc that, unfortunately, got removed in the latest update for Star Trek Online.  When reading the log, imagine the voice of Eliza Dushku, who I picked out for Candy.  You can hear her in this video.

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Captain’s Log Stardate 95670.87

This is Admiral Candy Marino of the U.S.S. Winchester, and we just got a message from the Deferi about Breen attacking civilian ships.  I’ll admit that I don’t know much about the Breen other than they wear refrigerated suits, their planet is colder than the North Pole and they look like something out of a Star Wars holo-program.  I’ll admit, protecting civilian ships isn’t much of a mental challenge, but I’d really like to discover more about these Breen.

So, I had the Winchester go to the VZA-4001 system and investigate what’s going on.

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Well, wouldn’t you know? Chris picks up a distress call from a Deferi freighter. He looks at me, expecting me to do the right thing.  Then Elisa chimes in by pointing out the obvious and finally locating the Sabok. It took me awhile to get out of warp, but we finally got there.  I have to say, for a mysterious species, the Breen really don’t put up that much of a fight. Then the Sabok thanks us for our assistance and tells us all about how they took extra precautions, such as a micro-warp jump and using the magnetic field of the comet to hide.  Yet the Breen still managed to find them. Seriously, these guys are good. Then they tell us about the Paktau, which is the sister ship, and asks them to check up on it. I feel like a glorified bodyguard, but the Deferi will make valuable allies to the Federation, which also includes me.  So I have no other choice but to help them. Sometimes I feel that I should’ve gone solo; then I can choose my missions without having to worry about anyone else.

Well, what do you know?  The minute we start searching for the Paktau, it sends us a distress call.  Apparently, they just need some replacement parts to prevent a warp core breach.  Then, as soon as we beam that over, Breen ships ambush the Winchester. The first two went down like that, but the second one put up more of a fight.  Eventually, we destroyed all of the ships and the Paktau rewarded us with information on the Breen slavers. Apparently, they heard a couple of the raiders talking about the Zaria system.  Zarva scanned it herself and found nothing more than a broken planetoid, but she pointed out that the information could be out of date. So, I ordered the Winchester to fly there immediately.

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Good thing I did, because that so-called destroyed planet has a dilithium-rich core, as Zarva pointed out.  The Breen themselves even use the Deferi they capture as slave labor. Not the first time they’ve pulled shit like this.  The Breen even stationed ships around the planet, but the Winchester took care of them. After that, we still had to beam down to the planet and destroy the transporter inhibitor the Breen kept in place.  I have to give credit to Elisa for discovering that.

We ended up beaming down into a cargo storage area and, what do you know?  They have all of them in prison cells. I guess this is what the Breen call a break.  Either that or they go around capturing slaves while having no idea what a slave is. Chris pointed out that the Breen are using three separate transport disruptors that are keyed to Deferi physiology.  It’s why the Breen can beam in and out and why the disruptors didn’t stop us from transporting in. If you ask me; that’s a really huge oversight on the Breen’s part. Then Chris points out how we need to neutralize the Breen guards before destroying the disruptors.  Thanks for pointing that out, Captain Obvious. Zarva took the time to examine the cells and said what Chris already told us. Then she told us that there are other Deferi life signs on other levels and the cells are all connected to the same mechanism. Well, that makes my job easier.

So, my away team and I went through the hallways and ended up fighting group after group of Breen, disabling each transporter inhibitor on the way.  

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After that was done, Zarva pointed out that a new Breen beamed on the planet. According to her, we aroused suspicion from the Breen commander by freeing their captives.  You mean the Breen don’t like people beaming on to their home world and sabotaging their prisons? What a shock! Now all we had to do was check on the Deferi captives and the only thing preventing that was a force field.  

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Well, I easily deactivated that and we inspected the now empty cells.

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Chris told us that all of the Deferi prisoners transported safely, and claimed that we could return to the Winchester. Well, he was about to until we got a message from Thot Trel.  You wouldn’t believe what that asshole said to me! He went on about how I’m not impressive and called me insignificant! Then claimed that his little henchmen should have no problem taking care of me! I’d like to see the look on his face when I prove him wrong.

Anyway, Trell sent Thot Gran and his henchmen after me.  Me and my away team took out the guards first and then dealt with Gran.  Hey, you want to beat the big boss, you have to take care of the small fry first.  I’ll admit, he did put up a bit of a fight but I won and we beamed back to my ship.  Who’s insignificant now? Elisa immediately began celebrating about how the whole mining operation fell apart.  Then she started speculating about who sent the message and how we’ll need to look into this in more detail. She told me that Starfleet will either send patrols to make sure this doesn’t happen again, or the Deferi will mine dilithium here for themselves.  Honestly, I don’t give a shit. I just found myself in the middle of a mystery, so I immediately left.

As soon as we left, Ambassador Surah hailed us, claiming that the survivors are on their way home and they want to mine dilithium for themselves.  Then he talked about considering a joint operation with the Federation and sharing the resources with us. The Ambassador ended up thanking us and telling us that our actions helped preserve the Balance.  It’s a big day for Star Wars references. After this, I ended up getting myself a huge promotion! You’re looking at Vice Admiral Candy Marino!

A/N: So, what did you think?  Some of the stuff I took pictures of didn’t show up in the screenshots, such as the dialogue or the fighting.  So, I need to figure out how to get that in the pictures.  Anyway, feel free to requests any episodes you would like my Star Trek Online characters to recap.  You can also role-play with one of your Star Trek Online characters in the comments, if you want to.