Major Character Listing
| Captain Taverain Ramius
CO, USS Corsair |
Commander Alanis Novada
XO, USS Corsair |
Commander Keith Durandal
CMO, USS Corsair |
Captain Zane Akina
Intelligence Operative, Starfleet Intelligence |
| Father Frederick Dakota
Pastor |
Alistair Merikai
President, NeoDyne Defense Corporation |
Aditus Religious Cult
Group of Brainwashed Religious Zealots |
Locations
Starship USS Corsair
Starbase 343
D’aisnenn - Uninhabited Planet in Romulan Space
Progeny Of The Progenitors - Part I
USS Corsair - NX-011979
Nebula II Prototype
"Sic Parvis Magna"
Motto: "Greatness From Small Beginnings"
Captain Taverain Ramius leaned against the shiny metallic railing of Starbase 343’s grand observation deck. Beyond him were massive windows and still further beyond them in her moorings was the only lady currently in his life; the USS Corsair. Her dark hull was in sharp contrast to the shiny silvers and sterile whites of the station’s interior and exterior. The entire vessel exuded a menacing aura. Its sleek lines and red exterior lighting announced it was not a ship in which to be trifled or underestimated.
Yet despite its powerful imposing stature it was taking a small army of engineers, technicians, and maintenance personnel to piece her back together after her latest mission. Two weeks had passed since he had entered port his ship badly damaged hunting for evidence to use against the mega-conglomerate the NeoDyne Defense Corporation. The mission had taken a high toll on both men and machine. Corsair had suffered in combat and more than a few of the crew had made the ultimate sacrifice.
Ramius took a deep breath as his eyes traced the lines of his starship. Estimates had the Corsair docked for at least another week perhaps longer given the extensive damages to the forward hull and saucer decks. More than likely his chief engineer and the station’s repair yard would insist on several days of shakedown time to ensure repairs were satisfactory and to reveal any lingering problems.
He didn’t like the idea of sitting around waiting when NeoDyne was on the move. While he had dealt them a blow, they were no doubt off licking their wounds, time was against him. The longer he sat here the less time he could be out there searching for clues and following up on leads with the goal of ending NeoDyne’s power and influence, but most of all stopping its sinister and corrupt leader, President Alistair Merikai. The corporation’s top officer had been engaged in significant biological and genetic experimentation for years to fulfill some terrible purpose. Whatever his goals or aims one thing was clear. He had to be stopped – at any cost. He needed a smoking gun to wave before generals, admirals, and politicians or else nothing would be done to end the threat. He was confident he would find it, but the price that was being paid in blood, sweat, and equipment was monumental. The final price tag would be astronomical however how could one put a price on eliminating a mortal threat to freedom, peace, and the rule of law?
Ramius took one last look at his injured lady. He had taken a few minutes aboard the station to relax and get away from his duties aboard his ship. The doctor had demanded he take a few days shore leave, but there was far too much work waiting for him. Leaving the ship periodically for lunch or dinner was enough to keep Doctor Durandal and his spy network temporarily at bay. With NeoDyne at work throughout the galaxy, Ramius had no time for vacations or relaxation. Too much depended on him stopping the corporation and ending its reign of horrific crimes against man and nature.
Leaving the observation deck, Ramius proceeded back to the Corsair by way of the docking platform where other ships, civilians, and cargo arrived and departed. A busy location the docking platform buzzed with different cultures and a variety of vendors, goods, and services. Moving past a substantial crowd of people, Taverain noticed something was out of the ordinary as one of the airlocks was cordoned off and had grown several station security officers. A crowd had formed but had been pushed back by officers and barriers. A news affiliate was also nearby its field agent engaged in a live broadcast.
“What is going on?”
Deciding to investigate, Ramius pushed his way through the crowd reaching a line of crime tape and several security officers with annoyed expressions.
“What happened here”, Ramius asked.
“Sorry sir, I cannot comment on the situation. It is a security matter. If you would respectfully move along sir we both have work to do here.”
The officer’s obstinate answer only served to further peak Ramius’s interest.
“LOOK..SOMEONE SUSPICIOUS”, Ramius shouted pointing into the crowd. The momentary distraction gave him time to slip past the barriers and yellow tape before the guards could stop him.
“WAIT A MINUTE”, the guards yelled in tandem. This is a crime scene! YOU CAN’T GO IN!”
Ramius was growing tired of playing twenty questions with the hired help. He was only interested in what had caused so much commotion. Ignoring the guards, Ramius continued rounding the corner which was filled with station security taking photos, interviewing witnesses, and performing other crime scene tasks. He didn’t stop walking until a hand forcefully grabbed his shoulder and yanked him backwards eliciting more than an annoyed look from the captain.
“HOLD IT RIGHT THERE”, one of the guards said shoving the business end of his weapon into Ramius’s back. “You had better have a good explanation captain or else I am afraid we’re going to have to ask you to answer a few questions back at station security.”
Tav pushed the guard’s hand from his arm freeing himself. He was done playing with amateurs.
“Captain Taverain Ramius, Starfleet Intelligence, Special Projects Division. Does that answer your questions?”
“Let’s see some ID.”
Ramius produced his identification which he snatched back after the guards had inspected it.
“I apologize captain, however we…”
“Following orders. I get it. Why don’t you two get back up to the front lines and keep those dangerous crowds in check and I will try to forget about this incident.”
“Come on”, one of the guards sneered heading off leaving the captain alone.
“Finally”, Ramius muttered as the guards left him. Proceeding forward Ramius noticed half of the station’s commercial street had been closed off. Dozens of businesses were closed and evacuated. Someone had thrown out a wide net however the question was why. Something highly unusual was going on and Ramius couldn’t ignore the tiny voice within him which was warning of potential trouble on the horizon.
Progeny Of The Progenitors - Part 2
Like a kid in a candy store, Ramius thrived on danger and continued down the lane of shops and booths until he encountered a rather animated human security officer and a stoic Vulcan.
“Give me that”, the human shouted snatching a padd from the Vulcan’s hands. “We don’t have time for this!”
“If I may quote regulation 146 paragraph 12 on proper procedure when dealing with…”
The human interrupted the Vulcan. “Do you have any desire to solve this case?”
“Of course, however in order to maximize our efforts in data collection, forensics, and…”
“If we follow every rule and regulation and line the walls with red tape, WE’LL NEVER CATCH THESE GUYS”, the human roared.
The flustered human looked up having spotted someone out of place and stepped passed the Vulcan directly into Ramius’s path.
“Just who are you and what are you doing here”, the man demanded.
Ramius shot the Vulcan officer a glance. The Vulcan merely returned his gaze with inquisitive eyes.
“Captain Ramius. Starfleet Intelligence.”
“Intelligence? I didn’t request any backup. Why are you here”, the man asked gruffly his voice shrill and hard on the ears.
“I was touring the station and noticed the commotion. Given the crowds and security presence I thought I might see what all the excitement was about.”
“None of your business”, the man snapped. “This is an internal matter and I don’t need Intelligence operatives snooping around fouling things up. You can just take your curiosity back with you wherever you came from. This isn’t your jurisdiction and I don’t need your help Captain.”
Ramius gave the man a sour expression. He wasn’t meddling in this officer’s case or his affairs…yet.
“Hayes, what the hell is going on down here”, a voice shouted from the distance. Ramius looked up to see the station commander approaching.
“Captain! Sir. We’re investigating the incident and searching for any trace the perpetrators may have left at the scene.”
“Investigating? While you investigate I’m losing half my station to terrorism! Do you know how many complaints I have received from the merchant’s association? You aren’t the one speaking to the media with a camera in your face! Nor do you have to deal with the public outcry. There’s a lot of people aboard this station, myself included, who are damned scared by recent events! I won’t stand by while these assassins tear apart my station!”
The captain turned noticing Ramius. “Captain Ramius isn’t it?”
Tav politely nodded.
“Captain Fujinata. Pleasure to meet you. I saw your ship arrive. Hell of a mess. How are the repairs coming?”
“Fine. However from the looks of things you too seem to have some difficulties of your own.”
The station commander nodded his face quickly losing its momentary brightness. “This is the third time in two months. A religious zealot and his followers are tearing my station apart. We do not know much about them, but there is strong evidence to believe some of the more devout are engaged in some kind of ritualistic cleansing of those they deem impure having fallen from the pure faith or perhaps wanting out. Whoever these people are or have hired they are expert professionals. No evidence, no traces, no witnesses – nothing. Worst their calling card is brutal and violent. The people targeted have all met gruesome ends. I suspect someone is sending a message, but we have few leads to follow.
The station residents and crew are on edge about recent events and we have little to show for our efforts. The damn news networks are only fueling fear and paranoia. I have Starfleet asking questions as well as several civic groups and other civilian agencies. My hands are tied when it comes to dealing with the situation for fear of being intolerant or abusive with Starfleet power. It has been a hell of a month.”
“Well I am sorry to hear of your troubles captain. Based on what you have said I would concur that someone wants to present a strong show of force. If you were dealing with professional hits I would suspect it would be a far quieter and less public affair. Can you tell me any more about this religious group you claim are behind the incidents?
Fujinata nodded. “This group showed up about a year ago here on the station. They filed the correct permits and followed normal channels. They established a small temple near the cargo bays down on deck 19. Rough area of the station. It’s more or less a cult run by some mysterious leader. We do not have any records on the group’s leader and no one has seen this man. Sermons are carried out by local faithful and this leader sends out recorded messages to his followers. They worship some alien race that went extinct several millennia ago. Rumor has it they controlled much of this area including large areas of the Neutral Zone and beyond extending into present day Romulan territory. The group claims these beings were some divine super race who endowed the universe with life possessing vast knowledge and technologies.
They have some nearly unpronounceable name for them. These alien deities are more commonly known around here as the progenitors. It’s a nickname that has sort of stuck.
Anyway these guys were perfectly peaceful until a few months ago. They suddenly became radical and we quickly received complaints of threats and violence. The group then became increasingly secretive and secluded. Members who wanted out have disappeared or been eliminated with extreme measures. The shop behind me was the latest victim. A follower was killed by a micro-explosive of some type. Fortunately no one was hurt other than the victim, however I am sure the trauma of such an experience will be with the witnesses for a very long time.”
Fujinata’s face twisted with anger. “Damn it. I can’t come down on them or else they’ll scream about religious intolerance and…I have no proof. We have been unable to find any traces of evidence linking the group and recent attacks. I can’t risk the fallout from what would be a public relations disaster if we attempted some type of action without evidence. I am forced to sit back until we can find something concrete to stop these killers. My hands are tied, but we have to do something!”
Ramius mulled over the information just as the captain turned toward him with an unusual expression.
“Captain Ramius, you work for intelligence. Perhaps you and your crew could assist us in this matter? Your ship will be undergoing repairs for at least another week or two and we could certainly use the extra help not to mention your experience and perhaps intelligence resources. I am afraid our security forces here are just not equipped to deal with such violent and professional criminals.”
“We are making progress captain”, Detective Hayes shouted. “I don’t need them in our way!”
“Hayes, you have yet to provide a single credible lead in this matter! I have residents and civic leaders ready to hunt me down if we don’t get a break in this case.”
“With all do respect sir it takes times to analyze data and interview witnesses..”
Ramius enjoyed a good mystery and these fiends terrorizing the local station population needed to be brought to justice before anyone else could be harmed.
“I will look into it”, Ramius answered interrupting the detective. “It would appear I have the time for the moment with the Corsair under repair. I will need access to your files on this group and all case materials. I will have my staff look over the data and files and I can work a few contacts to see if we cannot learn more about this group and its mysterious leadership.
With your permission captain I would like to beam aboard a small team to look at this scene. Perhaps my team can find something useful which could generate a lead?”
“Of course captain. I will ensure you receive my staff’s full cooperation. Hayes, see to it Captain Ramius and his staff have access to anything they request. I do not want any trouble or else YOU can explain to the public why our security forces have failed them time and time again. Do I make myself clear?”
“Perfectly”, Detective Hayes snapped.
“I apologize captain, but I must speak to the media about this latest incident and attempt to shore up the public’s deteriorating confidence. I pray you can find something to end the violence.”
Ramius nodded as the captain left.
Once Fujinata was out of earshot the detective quickly spoke up. “I’ll cooperate captain but this is my collar. I do not need Intelligence operatives and a bunch of cloak and dagger and special ops being conducted on my station. This is still my jurisdiction and you will run everything past me before taking matters into your own hands.”
“Detective, your passion for this case is admirable, but I wonder if it is not clouding your judgment? I am not here to steal your glory. Far from it. You have dangerous individuals threatening lives and property who must be brought to justice. We both want to see these criminals apprehended. You have your methods and I have mine. My intention is not to interfere, but to determine who and why. Surely we share the same goals? I am not here by request. I only stopped out of curiosity nothing more.”
“Just stay out of my way Ramius.” The detective turned and stormed off leaving Ramius alone wondering why the man was so irritated with his presence. If anything he thought he would appreciate the help.
Progeny Of The Progenitors - Part 3
“You must forgive the detective”, a calm voice said from afar.
Taverain turned to look at the lone Vulcan who was nearby. “He is obviously a proud and dedicated officer. He may be brash but I do not hold it against him.”
The vulcan’s eyebrow lifted slightly. “You are not what I expected.”
Tav offered a mild smile. “What did you expect? You seem to have me at a disadvantage.”
“I took the time to read your dossier when your ship docked. It is quite unusual to have such a ship, with a black hull and no paperwork, dock for repairs. I was intrigued. Your ship is as interesting as your colorful history captain.”
“I have few regrets”, Ramius offered. “However I like to know my company before speaking about my history.”
“Yes of course. My name is T’Shian. I am one of many detectives aboard the starbase.”
Ramius nodded. “Are you working on this case?”
“Affirmative. I am most gratified that you will be assisting our efforts. The perpetrators of these crimes are highly skilled and have access to sophisticated technology.”
“If your duties will permit, would you show me the crime scene?”
“Yes of course captain. Please follow me.”
Restaurant – Crime Scene
Taverain and T’Shian entered the small café where the latest murder had occurred. It was a grizzly scene. A dark, small crater in the center of the restaurant was the remaining testament to what was once a living individual. Overturned tables, chairs, broken glass, and a fine mist of blood coated the small eatery. Despite what had happened there was surprisingly little damage.
Taverain made his way to the crater and squatted down visually examining the charred floor.
“Hmm, blast was carefully focused and powerful. Has anything been moved inspector?”
“Negative captain. Everything is as it was after the incident”, T’Shian answered with a cool voice.
“This looks like a photonic blast, but confined and extremely precise. The victim was vaporized within a contained field otherwise there would be more evidence. The blast also incinerated the device itself leaving no traces. Clever. The Romulans have a device similar to this however they are expensive and highly customized units. They would not be available publically nor sold in the black market or elsewhere.”
He stood and surveyed the rest of the room before heading back outside.
“Well you won’t find much more in there. The victim was likely wearing the device before entering this establishment. Such a device would be small and easy to plant on a target without their knowledge. Has the victim been identified?”
“We are working on that now. There were some DNA fragments remaining and trace blood remnants. The security computers should have a match soon.”
“I am not as interested in the victim as I am in those he or she had contact with. Once we identify the victim we need to pull surveillance recordings in addition to locating friends, family, or other persons who may have an idea of where the victim was today and who they may have had contact with. Perhaps we can uncover a trail to the victim’s assassin by connecting a few dots.”
“How will dots aid us in solving this crime captain”, the Vulcan asked with a cool, inquisitive voice.
Ramius looked up with a slight band of amusement upon his face. “An Earth expression inspector. Forgive the usage. I believe with some coordinated effort we may be able to piece together several facts and derive a person or persons of interest who may be connected to this crime.”
“A logical course of action. Unusual to see such clarity from a former fighter pilot. My experience with such individuals reveals them to be highly emotional, erratic, and egotistical, but typically genuine. You however are quite different.”
“I am thorough. Though do not mistake me for something I am not inspector. My heart is still that of a pilot. I simply have the benefit of experience to help keep it in check most of the time.”
“Most?”
Ramius only smiled. He tapped his comm. badge.
“Ramius to Corsair.”
“Commander Novada here sir.”
“Number One, there’s been a murder committed here on the station. It appears that such incidents have been occurring with some frequency and I have been asked by the station commander to assist in the ongoing investigations while we are docked for repairs. Assemble a team to conduct an investigation of the crime scene and have them beamed over when ready. I want a full intelligence grade sweep. Have the team report their findings to me when completed. I will be returning to the Corsair within the hour. Ramius out.”
“Well T’Shian the team should arrive soon. Your help is greatly appreciated. Would you be willing to assist my team? Your familiarity with the case will greatly aid them.”
The Vulcan nodded quietly in acceptance.
“I have one additional favor to ask of you”, Ramius said his eyes dropping to the female’s slender waist.
<<NO..its not what you think! Geesh people lets not let our minds wander here. Focus. Focus!>>
“Yes captain”, came the reply as the Vulcan carefully watched the path of the human’s eyes as they settled upon her.
“Your sidearm. May I borrow it?”
“May I inquire as to why Captain Ramius?”
“I would like to pay a visit to the temple of this mysterious religion. I would like to learn more about these progenitors as well as speak with the group’s membership.”
“Captain I must warn you this group is wary of outsiders. You will not be welcomed.”
“Perhaps not as a Starfleet captain, but as a civilian, I might get a different result inspector. Especially for one interested in the faith.”
The Vulcan gave the human a perplexing look which lasted several seconds before she unholstered her phaser and extended it toward the captain. “Do you require…”
“No. I work alone. It is safer that way”, Ramius quickly answered anticipating the inspector’s question. “Thank you and I shall return this to you.”
Taverain bowed slightly before turning and heading off. Inspector T’Shian watched the man leave. “Fascinating”, she said quietly before returning to her duties.
“Ramius to Akina.”
“Akina here. Go ahead.”
“Zane, I’ve stumbled into a murder investigation here on the station. I’ve been asked to look into the matter. From what I’ve seen we’re dealing with someone with access to expensive, sophisticated weapons used primarily for clandestine assassination. The weapon used here was top quality and had to be stolen tech. I’m heading over to an area of the station that might shed some light on matters. Interested?”
“Let me get this straight Ramius – you stumbled upon a murder? And you want my help to solve it?”
“Yes.”
“Taverain, we are supposed to be hunting NeoDyne not solving crimes. Let the local authorities handle their own problems.”
“I have a feeling this is more than just a random killing Zane.”
There was a audible sigh over the channel. “The last time you said that we nearly ended up dead.”
“I was right wasn’t I?”
“Fine. Give me your position. I’ll beam over momentarily.”
“Oh and Zane, leave your uniform and put on something comfortable. You might wear something appropriate for obtaining religious enlightenment.”
“Come again?”
Ramius chuckled. “Meet me on Deck 27, Section 12 in twenty minutes. Ramius out.”
Closing the channel, Ramius headed off to change into something a little less conspicuous and to meet up with Captain Zane Akina, one of Starfleet Intelligence’s brightest, if not unorthodox, operatives. Tav had the feeling the next few hours would prove to be highly educational.
Progeny Of The Progenitors - Part 4
USS Corsair
Intelligence officer, Captain Zane Akina adjusted his civilian jacket and stepped up onto the transporter pad. He had no idea why Ramius has asked him to dress out of uniform and meet him in an unusual section of the nearby starbase. Ramius’s requests and actions seldom made any logical sense. Why was he trying to analyze someone as unpredictable as the Corsair’s captain?
“Do you have the coordinates”, Akina asked his voice bereft of any enthusiasm. He could only imagine what sort of fun Ramius had in store for him.
“Captain Ramius just transmitted them and is standing by sir”, came the confident reply of the Corsair’s transporter operator.
“Let’s get this over with. Energize.”
Deck 24 – Starbase 343
Akina gazed through a blue and white miasma as machines reassembled his body an atom at a time aboard the starbase. His skin prickled and tingled as the transporter beam completed its delivery having once again torn the captain’s body apart into billions of particles, converted his essence into energy, and successfully reassembled him. How such a device repeatedly worked without error never ceased to astonish the veteran intelligence officer.
As the transporter beam’s momentary after effects quickly faded, Akina quickly took stock of the environment in which he had been deposited. His nose was suddenly assaulted by a stale odor he couldn’t identify laced with overtones of oil and dirt. The area around him was illuminated by poorly maintained industrial lighting. Several overhead lamps loudly buzzed while others simply flickered on and off in various states of disrepair. A foreboding and irritating yellow light barely held back the darkness leaving large voids of black where the imagination could easily run wild.
A sudden hiss from somewhere unseen caused the captain to jump slightly as the machinery around him groaned and labored to provide necessary functions to seemingly every deck with the exception of this one.
“What sort of place had Ramius dragged him to this time”, he silently mused as his eyes traced the corridors and crammed with pipes, wiring, and electrical equipment.
“I thought you had gotten lost”, a familiar voice said behind him. Akina spun around as Captain Tav Ramius emerged from a darkened corner with a subtle grin. Akina was less startled by Ramius’s sudden appearance than by that tell tale smile on his face. As experience had proved in more than one instance, Ramius’s jocular demeanor was the ultimate predictor of coming trouble.
“Why have you dragged me into the station’s abysmal underbelly”, Akina asked. “Grease and grime isn’t exactly my thing.”
“It should be”, Ramius responded. “You’re an intelligence officer. You of all people should know that getting important intelligence information, the so called “dirt” on people and events, means you usually have to crawl through it.”
“I just like to do my crawling on my terms Ramius, not yours”, Akina replied with a coarse tone. “So what filth have you obviously asked me here to climb through with you”, the captain asked with a questioning, stern gaze.
“No climbing this time. I just needed a wingman.”
“A wingman? For what may I ask?”
Ramius pointed to what appeared to be a storefront across a busy deck teaming with merchants, shippers, supplies, crates and scores of less than savory individuals.
“It’s a religious group. Local word is it’s a cult that worships an extinct race of beings rumored to have possessed superior technologies and uncanny abilities. The followers believe they were responsible for seeding life through the galaxy perhaps even through the universe. They call these beings the ‘Progenitors’ and they supposedly controlled vast sections of the galaxy including most of the current Romulan Empire.”
“Fascinating”, Akina answered with mock enthusiasm. “And I should care about some bizarre cult why?”
“Didn’t you read my message?”
“I skimmed over it.”
Ramius continued despite his sour expression. “Station security believes this group is behind a recent wave of violent murders here aboard the station. They do not have any proof, but the individuals targeted have been members, former members, or people connected in business dealings with the group. Information indicates the group has recently become secretive and is rumored to be building an elaborate network with substantial underworld figures.”
Akina sighed. “Ramius, why are you involved in police work? It sounds like normal criminal activities. This is probably just some two-bit hoods using the cult as a front for black market or other criminal activities. The murders are probably initiation rituals or perhaps a rival is moving in. Why are you trying to get involved? Let the local authorities handle this. We have far more pressing matters to deal with than chasing around local syndicate thugs or a few zealous criminals.”
“Well seeing as the Corsair is grounded for the foreseeable future due to repairs I offered to assist the local security forces on this one given our experience and talent.”
“I go after the large fish that are too smart and quick to be caught. I am not keen on playing exterminator for the station’s local pest problems especially when NeoDyne is a far larger threat that must be eliminated. Let’s not lose sight of the target Ramius.”
“Akina where is your sense of adventure? Should be an easy collar and I could stand to make a few friends and allies in this neck of the quadrant. It is a long way back to Earth from here. Besides, the Corsair isn’t going anywhere which means we can do little in regards to NeoDyne for the time being.”
“Fine. Fine. Look, you want to play detective ok…don’t expect me to enjoy being your sidekick ok? You want a wingman. You got one. Go play. Have fun! I’m sorry I just don’t get as thrilled and excited taking on local scum.”
“Getting off the ship will do you good Zane. It might even help brighten that dark disposition. Come on, let’s go.”
“Uh Ramius, just a second. If I am not mistaken, using my so called talents as you said, I seem to see several rather imposing figures near the entrance to this cult’s base of operations. Forgive me for being the naysayer but those guys do not look like a friendly welcoming committee and judging by their movements and demeanor I’m fairly confident they are armed. I can also say with a fair degree of confidence they probably will not let either of us simply walk into their place of worship with just a wink and a nod.”
“Well we will just have to convince them we are both true believers!”
Ramius quickly turned and headed into the crowded deck failing to notice the deadpan expression and rolling eyes behind him.
“How do I get myself talked into these things”, Akina muttered to himself as he set off after the captain wondering just how much carnage would be left in their wake this time…
Progeny Of The Progenitors - Part 5
Deck 24 – Starbase 343
“Ramius”, Akina shouted grabbing the captain by his arm. “We cannot just walk in there pretending to be one of the faithful. They would see through us instantly and blow any chance we have of getting in there.”
“We”, Ramius asked with an amused tone.
“You, me, us! Look. If you want in there why don’t we do things my way for once huh? No phasers, no rushing in, no fistfights, no injuries. We can play this calm, cool, and still get whatever it is you think you are going to find in there.”
Ramius took a quick look at the heavily patrolled door and then looked back at Akina. “Alright captain. What do you have in mind?”
Sometime Later
“I should have listened to my instincts”, Ramius muttered as he followed Akina through a crowded corridor. “This is never going to work!”
Zane quickly stopped and turned toward the captain. “Just keep your head down and your mouth shut and this is going to work perfectly. Whereas you would prefer piloting a shuttle right through the door I prefer a more subtle approach. Just let me do the talking. Agreed?”
“Fine. It still isn’t going to work. The guards are not that dense.”
“No they are denser. I’ve done this routine dozens of times on everyone from well trained mercenaries to high tech criminals…it always works.”
Rounding the corner the pair arrived at the entrance to the suspicious cult’s place of worship. Their presence was immediately noticed by the three followers nearby who quickly moved to block access to the door.
“What do you want”, an imposing male stated with a gruff voice.
“I’m Ted Berkin and this is Mitch Wilkins. I..I am terribly sorry to intrude gentlemen but we have a serious problem inside that needs some attention.”
“Problem? What problem? Who are you?” Ramius bit his tongue wanting nothing more than to jump these two bit hoodlums and make his way inside. It was taking a sizeable amount of restraint to stand quietly watching Akina make a fool of himself.
“Oh I am terribly sorry. We’re from deck 7, maintenance division. You see a Ferengi captain was caught attempting to sell some well…illegal merchandise. Well I don’t want to name names, but it seems that tribbles were among some of the confiscated contraband and well some of them escaped into this area. Needless to say we have to take every precaution to avoid a serious problem from developing. Yes indeed. Have you ever seen these rascals? I mean they can breed like a ….well they can really um…”
The men were glaring at the both of them making Ramius doubtful of Akina’s confidence. Despite his misgivings he would grant the captain a few additional moments before taking matters into his own hands.
“Alright so some merchandise went missing pal. What does this have to do with us?”
“Oh, well tribbles are terrible pests. They reproduce exponentially, has something to due with some accelerated reproductive genes or something, but anyway they can get into ventilation systems and electrical conduits and wreak havoc. One becomes two becomes ten and before you know it you have thousands of these critters everywhere chewing on wires, falling out of the ceilings, literally crowding you out of house and home. Well in your case that’s house of worship, but you get the idea. To make a long story short we need to install some traps and bait as a precaution. Shouldn’t take long we just have to ensure we don’t end up with a major infestation on our hands here. Uh, may we go inside?”
The imposing men glanced at one another before returning their gazes to the two maintenance workers before them.
“Alright mac, do your inspection, but make it quick. We don’t like outsiders within the temple. And don’t touch anything while you’re in there or else you’ll have more problems than these furballs you’re after!”
“Don’t worry. Mitch and I are both extremely respectful of all cultures and beliefs aboard. Comes with the job if you know what I mean. Uh, yes well we’ll just go inside and set a few traps and bait and get out of your way as soon as possible. I just hope they aren’t chewing on the power cables like the last time. Nothing worse than a smoldering lump of scorched hair.”
“Get movin pal”, one of the men muttered.
Akina nodded and dragged Ramius along with him as they stepped through the doors and into the unknown interior of the cult’s house of worship.