114-USS ANUBIS: Dalziel: Day 4 - 0955 ("Cardassians Don't Get Frustrated, Do They?")
Posted by Susan on Sunday, May 2, 2010
==========
"Cardassians Don't Get Frustrated, Do They?"
(Previous Post: "Mother Dearest" by the talented Ashley)
==========
"I am proud of what I am, I believe in what I do. Can you say that?"
-Chekov to Irina Galludin, TOS, "The Way to Eden"
==========
Setting: Romulan Warbird SH'EREZAN, Brig
Stardate: 63073.0947
The first rotation shift emergency briefing took only a few minutes, but it was an essential part of running a tight ship. Even though their situation was unique, every protocol had to be followed. When the unexpected happened, routine was all they had left.
The disembodied voice of the Operations officer from the Bridge continued over the antique comm link. =/\=We are at a standstill with the Federation ship. They are being secretive, but they seem to be as unable to attack as we are. That's all we have at this time. If a security detail is needed, we will alert you.=/\=
"Understood, Llaerrh out," The Chief of Security said as he closed the communication link. Despite the events happening on the Bridge with the suspect Starfleet vessel, Sub Commander Llaerrh's prime concern was still the prisoner, at least until the Captain told him otherwise. "Report," he demanded of one of the guards, a lanky fellow by the name of Jolkrar.
"Nothing notable to report, sir. He has not spoken in nearly seven hours." Jolkrar was obviously trying to ingratiate himself to his superior's good side. The congenial ploy may have worked, had they not both been Romulans.
"Sleeping?"
The guard shook his head. "It appears he is... *meditating*." Jolkrar said the word as though it left a bad taste in his mouth. The world of a Romulan soldier was relegated to duty, more duty, sleep, food, and still more duty. The idea of anything as frivolous as spiritual enlightenment was lost on the militant race.
"He is a strange one," Llaerrh commented, rubbing his hand against his scruffy beard.
==========
Setting: Romulan Warbird SH'EREZAN, Cell
[[Must not submit... to *their* level. Grant me strength.]]
Karg, dishonored, disowned son of Golak, sat completely still in the middle of the cell, reaching with his mind to find inner peace. Being a prisoner of the Romulans had only been a ripple in his normal state of optimism, but the intense pain he was now experiencing was overtaking him much more strongly than his captivity.
His weapons had been confiscated, although he would have had no intention of ever using them against his captors. Even in his heightened consciousness, his face still bore the expression of an extremely proud, irritated Klingon warrior.
Karg still did not understand why he was here. He had been in the corner of the bar, nursing a glass of prune juice, and minding his own business. Somehow, the Romulans that arrived on scene wanted a fight and just assumed he would be more than willing to take them on. When he refused, they kidnapped him. 'Crimes against the state' was the weak reason they claimed for their actions, but what jurisdiction they held at the outpost he could not comprehend.
And the pain still persisted, even though the Klingon's self control was immense. Sharp needles touched every inch of his flesh, as if being branded by lancets of fire. Karg struggled to control, wondering if he had been given some kind of mind-altering drug without his consent. Beads of sweat formed on his ridged forehead, his stocky form twitching with an unknown energy. [[What was this?]] he thought, unable to disseminate the reactions of his physical being.
And, with a heaving breath, Karg passed out.
==========
Setting: USS ANUBIS, Bridge
Stardate: 63073.0955
Time.
[[Dammit,]] Eve fumed as she sat in stunned silence, wishing she had more *time* to think. The bridge was full of intense discussion and activity. And, as easy as it had been to chat in the Black Hole Lounge during the wee hours of the morning, it was equally supremely difficult to get a word in edgewise on the Bridge at this very moment.
So, relegated to her position, Eve sat back and observed, something she was very adept at. It had been years since she felt as though she had something to prove. But this new assignment had given her that. She would always be secure in her accomplishments and how far she'd come. But there was nothing that could replace the kind and deserving comments of a superior or co-worker. And Eve was chomping at the bit to earn those accolades. The mission to the YUDARA asteroid field was the perfect vehicle for her knowledge of reconaissance. An ideal chance to show what she was made of. And instead, here they were, stuck in the mire of a temporal anomaly.
Truth be told, Eve was almost as disappointed as the Kzinti had been when the weapons failed to discharge against the Warbird and its hapless crew, even though destruction of lives unnecessarily was something she was dead set against. The ship was a symbol of the ANUBIS being held back from its mission, even though it was becoming more and more likely that the reason for the ship's sudden appearance was part and parcel of locating the PARADOX.
(From Jessica's last post)
"...I am configuring the main deflector dish to create a harmonic Tachyon burst that will be directly opposite to the current state of the antiprotons and antineutrons that are in this region of space. This, in theory, should nullify the temporal distortion and return this region of space to a normal quantum state, unfortunately there is no time to test this theory before implementing it. It is rather ironic to not have the time to test a procedure that will affect time itself," the Chief Science Officer stated just before she engaged the deflector dish.
(Back to Mine)
Eve uttered a Bajoran prayer, trying to encourage a positive outcome. Commander Maya was highly intelligent, that was without question. If anyone could clear up this mess, it would be her-
There was a moment. A moment when everything and nothing collided. And then, silence.
"Bloody Hell," Ensign Dalziel said, borrowing her adoptive father's words of frustration. Eve found herself alone in the ship's command center, which appeared to be completely unchanged. Except for the unmistakable fact that she was alone. Well, almost.
"Annie?" Eve said, hoping that the ship's computer was not off-line.
Annie appeared in front of her, as efficient and pleasant as one would expect her to be. Elan Fairborn, the Chief Engineer, was a man of few words, but he seemed to view any technical creations with a sense of wonder and pride that was nearly as infectious as Maya's love of science. Eve had been informed of some of the unique properties of the extension of the ship. She just hadn't expected to call on those services so soon.
"Annie, how many life forms are missing from the USS ANUBIS?"
"There are no life forms missing from the USS ANUBIS," Annie replied efficiently.
Eve raised an eyebrow. "Computer, how do you explain the fact that we appear to be alone, even if there are no life forms missing from the ship?"
At least Annie had the grace to process this valid question a few seconds before responding. "There are a number of theories as to this scenario."
"How many possible theories?"
"Two hundred thirty-seven, to be exact." The Avatar's countenance was very matter-of-fact, although Eve could have sworn she saw teasing reflected back at her.
"Please use current known scientific principles to narrow the list to the top three likeliest reasons for this anomaly."
It was as if the raven-haired extension of the ANUBIS had anticipated Dalziel's request. "The most likely possible reason is that the temporal distortion field that caused the Romulan ship to appear in our time could also be related to the current event that is being experienced. The second most likely reason is that a rift has formed in the space-time continuum. The third most likely reason, which I will admit is a subset of the number one reason, is that the PARADOX has developed the capability to alter the continuum or has been modified beyond its original purpose to alter space-time energy."
Eve sighed. Quantum and Temporal Physics was definitely not her strong suit. She rose from her seat and paced about, thinking aloud as she engaged herself with the ship's Avatar. "So a possible option is that the temporal bubble has somehow encapsulated each of the members of the crew, while the physical ship itself remains constant?"
"That is a possibility."
"What is the probability that the harmonic Tachyon pulse that Maya instituted caused the current state?"
"There is a ninety-five-point-four-seven percent probability."
Eve collapsed a little inwardly. She hoped Maya was in a position to try and evaluate the data. "Can this procedure be reversed?"
"Negative. Another alternate procedure could be implemented, but it is impossible to undo what has transpired."
Eve sat back down, wracking her brain as to what she could ask Annie about next. Annie stood at silent attention, certainly ready to answer. But the Counsellor's thoughts were interrupted by the arrival of a stranger through the turbolift doors.
"Good morning, Ensign Dalziel... although I should call you Eve. I feel as though I already know you." The woman extended her hand in greeting.
[[Just great. Another mystery.]] "I wish I could say the same. Who are *you*?"
"Amanda Lopez. I'm Adriana's sister," the attractive woman replied cheerfully.
"I didn't know Adriana's sister served aboard the ANUBIS."
Amanda smiled. "That's just it- I don't. I'm not really here. But since Adriana hasn't mentioned my existence to you I figured I would take the opportunity to do just that."
This was getting curiouser and curiouser. Eve resisted the urge to ask what Adriana's sibling meant by her comments, and instead tried to seek help. "Amanda, the fabric of time has been twisted due to a temporal event of some kind. Are you aware of this event?"
"Oh, that's a good question," Amanda said playfully. "The only thing I am aware of is before a few minutes ago, the only person who could see me was my dear crazy sister Adriana. And now, I can talk to whoever I want. Naturally I thought of the ship's Counsellor. I need to tell you, my sister is quite mad."
"I don't believe in labels," Eve said dryly. "Especially not right now." The surgically altered Cardassian officer pursed her lips together in thought. If Adriana was really seeing her sister's presence aboard the ship, that could explain some of Ensign Lopez's erratic behavior since her arrival aboard the ANUBIS. "What I should say is there are reasons for seeing things that aren't there. For example, does it make me crazy that I can see you right now?"
The psedo-imaginary-possibly-real-and-sentient Lopez sister didn't respond. It was as if Eve caught Amanda in a trap. Only Annie answered the Counsellor's question. "Sensor scans indicate you are physiologically functioning within normal parameters, Ensign Dalziel."
[[Thank the Prophets,]] she thought. At least that was one thing she could pin her hopes to. "This temporal distortion needs to be fixed, but I'm certainly not capable of doing so," Eve admitted. "Amanda, can you be of assistance?"
If Amanda Lopez had any knowledge of science or starships, she conveniently did not volunteer that information. "I understand what you are saying, but I rather like this, Counsellor. I can come and go as I please. If Adriana's too stubborn to say she sees me, then I can force the issue, which I have."
"Then this is going to be a very long day indeed," Eve said under her breath.
==========
Susan M Ledbetter (susanmled@earthlink.net)
=/\=
Ensign Eve Dalziel
Counsellor
USS ANUBIS, NCC-18501
"I savored those stories; I read them slowly, one each day. And when I was done, I wished I hadn't read them at all. So I could read them again... like it was the first time."
-Melanie to Old Jake, DS9, "The Visitor"
"Cardassians Don't Get Frustrated, Do They?"
(Previous Post: "Mother Dearest" by the talented Ashley)
==========
"I am proud of what I am, I believe in what I do. Can you say that?"
-Chekov to Irina Galludin, TOS, "The Way to Eden"
==========
Setting: Romulan Warbird SH'EREZAN, Brig
Stardate: 63073.0947
The first rotation shift emergency briefing took only a few minutes, but it was an essential part of running a tight ship. Even though their situation was unique, every protocol had to be followed. When the unexpected happened, routine was all they had left.
The disembodied voice of the Operations officer from the Bridge continued over the antique comm link. =/\=We are at a standstill with the Federation ship. They are being secretive, but they seem to be as unable to attack as we are. That's all we have at this time. If a security detail is needed, we will alert you.=/\=
"Understood, Llaerrh out," The Chief of Security said as he closed the communication link. Despite the events happening on the Bridge with the suspect Starfleet vessel, Sub Commander Llaerrh's prime concern was still the prisoner, at least until the Captain told him otherwise. "Report," he demanded of one of the guards, a lanky fellow by the name of Jolkrar.
"Nothing notable to report, sir. He has not spoken in nearly seven hours." Jolkrar was obviously trying to ingratiate himself to his superior's good side. The congenial ploy may have worked, had they not both been Romulans.
"Sleeping?"
The guard shook his head. "It appears he is... *meditating*." Jolkrar said the word as though it left a bad taste in his mouth. The world of a Romulan soldier was relegated to duty, more duty, sleep, food, and still more duty. The idea of anything as frivolous as spiritual enlightenment was lost on the militant race.
"He is a strange one," Llaerrh commented, rubbing his hand against his scruffy beard.
==========
Setting: Romulan Warbird SH'EREZAN, Cell
[[Must not submit... to *their* level. Grant me strength.]]
Karg, dishonored, disowned son of Golak, sat completely still in the middle of the cell, reaching with his mind to find inner peace. Being a prisoner of the Romulans had only been a ripple in his normal state of optimism, but the intense pain he was now experiencing was overtaking him much more strongly than his captivity.
His weapons had been confiscated, although he would have had no intention of ever using them against his captors. Even in his heightened consciousness, his face still bore the expression of an extremely proud, irritated Klingon warrior.
Karg still did not understand why he was here. He had been in the corner of the bar, nursing a glass of prune juice, and minding his own business. Somehow, the Romulans that arrived on scene wanted a fight and just assumed he would be more than willing to take them on. When he refused, they kidnapped him. 'Crimes against the state' was the weak reason they claimed for their actions, but what jurisdiction they held at the outpost he could not comprehend.
And the pain still persisted, even though the Klingon's self control was immense. Sharp needles touched every inch of his flesh, as if being branded by lancets of fire. Karg struggled to control, wondering if he had been given some kind of mind-altering drug without his consent. Beads of sweat formed on his ridged forehead, his stocky form twitching with an unknown energy. [[What was this?]] he thought, unable to disseminate the reactions of his physical being.
And, with a heaving breath, Karg passed out.
==========
Setting: USS ANUBIS, Bridge
Stardate: 63073.0955
Time.
[[Dammit,]] Eve fumed as she sat in stunned silence, wishing she had more *time* to think. The bridge was full of intense discussion and activity. And, as easy as it had been to chat in the Black Hole Lounge during the wee hours of the morning, it was equally supremely difficult to get a word in edgewise on the Bridge at this very moment.
So, relegated to her position, Eve sat back and observed, something she was very adept at. It had been years since she felt as though she had something to prove. But this new assignment had given her that. She would always be secure in her accomplishments and how far she'd come. But there was nothing that could replace the kind and deserving comments of a superior or co-worker. And Eve was chomping at the bit to earn those accolades. The mission to the YUDARA asteroid field was the perfect vehicle for her knowledge of reconaissance. An ideal chance to show what she was made of. And instead, here they were, stuck in the mire of a temporal anomaly.
Truth be told, Eve was almost as disappointed as the Kzinti had been when the weapons failed to discharge against the Warbird and its hapless crew, even though destruction of lives unnecessarily was something she was dead set against. The ship was a symbol of the ANUBIS being held back from its mission, even though it was becoming more and more likely that the reason for the ship's sudden appearance was part and parcel of locating the PARADOX.
(From Jessica's last post)
"...I am configuring the main deflector dish to create a harmonic Tachyon burst that will be directly opposite to the current state of the antiprotons and antineutrons that are in this region of space. This, in theory, should nullify the temporal distortion and return this region of space to a normal quantum state, unfortunately there is no time to test this theory before implementing it. It is rather ironic to not have the time to test a procedure that will affect time itself," the Chief Science Officer stated just before she engaged the deflector dish.
(Back to Mine)
Eve uttered a Bajoran prayer, trying to encourage a positive outcome. Commander Maya was highly intelligent, that was without question. If anyone could clear up this mess, it would be her-
There was a moment. A moment when everything and nothing collided. And then, silence.
"Bloody Hell," Ensign Dalziel said, borrowing her adoptive father's words of frustration. Eve found herself alone in the ship's command center, which appeared to be completely unchanged. Except for the unmistakable fact that she was alone. Well, almost.
"Annie?" Eve said, hoping that the ship's computer was not off-line.
Annie appeared in front of her, as efficient and pleasant as one would expect her to be. Elan Fairborn, the Chief Engineer, was a man of few words, but he seemed to view any technical creations with a sense of wonder and pride that was nearly as infectious as Maya's love of science. Eve had been informed of some of the unique properties of the extension of the ship. She just hadn't expected to call on those services so soon.
"Annie, how many life forms are missing from the USS ANUBIS?"
"There are no life forms missing from the USS ANUBIS," Annie replied efficiently.
Eve raised an eyebrow. "Computer, how do you explain the fact that we appear to be alone, even if there are no life forms missing from the ship?"
At least Annie had the grace to process this valid question a few seconds before responding. "There are a number of theories as to this scenario."
"How many possible theories?"
"Two hundred thirty-seven, to be exact." The Avatar's countenance was very matter-of-fact, although Eve could have sworn she saw teasing reflected back at her.
"Please use current known scientific principles to narrow the list to the top three likeliest reasons for this anomaly."
It was as if the raven-haired extension of the ANUBIS had anticipated Dalziel's request. "The most likely possible reason is that the temporal distortion field that caused the Romulan ship to appear in our time could also be related to the current event that is being experienced. The second most likely reason is that a rift has formed in the space-time continuum. The third most likely reason, which I will admit is a subset of the number one reason, is that the PARADOX has developed the capability to alter the continuum or has been modified beyond its original purpose to alter space-time energy."
Eve sighed. Quantum and Temporal Physics was definitely not her strong suit. She rose from her seat and paced about, thinking aloud as she engaged herself with the ship's Avatar. "So a possible option is that the temporal bubble has somehow encapsulated each of the members of the crew, while the physical ship itself remains constant?"
"That is a possibility."
"What is the probability that the harmonic Tachyon pulse that Maya instituted caused the current state?"
"There is a ninety-five-point-four-seven percent probability."
Eve collapsed a little inwardly. She hoped Maya was in a position to try and evaluate the data. "Can this procedure be reversed?"
"Negative. Another alternate procedure could be implemented, but it is impossible to undo what has transpired."
Eve sat back down, wracking her brain as to what she could ask Annie about next. Annie stood at silent attention, certainly ready to answer. But the Counsellor's thoughts were interrupted by the arrival of a stranger through the turbolift doors.
"Good morning, Ensign Dalziel... although I should call you Eve. I feel as though I already know you." The woman extended her hand in greeting.
[[Just great. Another mystery.]] "I wish I could say the same. Who are *you*?"
"Amanda Lopez. I'm Adriana's sister," the attractive woman replied cheerfully.
"I didn't know Adriana's sister served aboard the ANUBIS."
Amanda smiled. "That's just it- I don't. I'm not really here. But since Adriana hasn't mentioned my existence to you I figured I would take the opportunity to do just that."
This was getting curiouser and curiouser. Eve resisted the urge to ask what Adriana's sibling meant by her comments, and instead tried to seek help. "Amanda, the fabric of time has been twisted due to a temporal event of some kind. Are you aware of this event?"
"Oh, that's a good question," Amanda said playfully. "The only thing I am aware of is before a few minutes ago, the only person who could see me was my dear crazy sister Adriana. And now, I can talk to whoever I want. Naturally I thought of the ship's Counsellor. I need to tell you, my sister is quite mad."
"I don't believe in labels," Eve said dryly. "Especially not right now." The surgically altered Cardassian officer pursed her lips together in thought. If Adriana was really seeing her sister's presence aboard the ship, that could explain some of Ensign Lopez's erratic behavior since her arrival aboard the ANUBIS. "What I should say is there are reasons for seeing things that aren't there. For example, does it make me crazy that I can see you right now?"
The psedo-imaginary-possibly-real-and-sentient Lopez sister didn't respond. It was as if Eve caught Amanda in a trap. Only Annie answered the Counsellor's question. "Sensor scans indicate you are physiologically functioning within normal parameters, Ensign Dalziel."
[[Thank the Prophets,]] she thought. At least that was one thing she could pin her hopes to. "This temporal distortion needs to be fixed, but I'm certainly not capable of doing so," Eve admitted. "Amanda, can you be of assistance?"
If Amanda Lopez had any knowledge of science or starships, she conveniently did not volunteer that information. "I understand what you are saying, but I rather like this, Counsellor. I can come and go as I please. If Adriana's too stubborn to say she sees me, then I can force the issue, which I have."
"Then this is going to be a very long day indeed," Eve said under her breath.
==========
Susan M Ledbetter (susanmled@earthlink.net)
=/\=
Ensign Eve Dalziel
Counsellor
USS ANUBIS, NCC-18501
"I savored those stories; I read them slowly, one each day. And when I was done, I wished I hadn't read them at all. So I could read them again... like it was the first time."
-Melanie to Old Jake, DS9, "The Visitor"
Tags: dalziel
