Title – Game of Life

Author – Puzzler

Disclaimer – Star Trek is the property of Paramount Pictures and I am only borrowing the idea for fun. The Pirans are my own creation.

Summary – Voyager is attacked by a race called the Pirans who force the bridge crew into completing a set of puzzles to stop 'an item they will not want destroyed' from being destroyed.

Set – Just after the episode 'The Killing Game' in Voyager's season 4. There will be references to this episode.

Stardate – 51734.5 I have done my best to think of a stardate that fits in with the Voyager series 4. I'm sorry if you don't agree.

Chapter 7 – Equations

"At least this place looks the same as when I left." Tom said sarcastically as they entered sickbay

"Actually, there appears to be several hyposprays missing" the doctor added.

"Anything else?"

"Yes, a few medical tricorders, some diagnostic equipment and…ah, this appears to be our next puzzle" The doctor walked back towards the door carrying a handful of data pads.

"All of them?" asked Chakotay, taking the top one "Yes, must be. This one contains instructions. Listen:

            Each of these 10 pads contains a mathematical equation. You need to solve the equations to find the pads that hold a part of your clue. Those for the same value for 'x' contain your clues. Once the right pads have been found, read the number/letter on the pad in numerical order using the numbers on the back. Only Commander Chakotay, Lieutenant Commander Tuvok and Lieutenant B'Elanna Torres can complete this challenge."

"What do we actually need to do again?" B'Elanna asked, taking 3 of the pads off the doctor, not including the one Chakotay still held.

"Just solve the equations and we'll go on from there" she gave a nod in acknowledgement. Tuvok also took 3 pads, leaving the last 4 for Chakotay.

B'Elanna had these pads:

            1.

 

      9x = 27

     D

            2.

 

8 + 2x = 22

                 4

            3.

 

      2x + 8 = 14

           1

'Right, the first one equals 3, the second 7 and the third 3' B'Elanna thought 'Get rid of the second pad.'

Tuvok had these pads:

            4.

x²  – 11 = -2

     3

class=Section2>

            5.

 

      4x = 20

           9

            6.

      x³  – 1 = 26

                 3

'By eliminating numbers in each equation, it is clear that 'x' is equal to 3, 5 and 3' Tuvok thought, logical as ever 'Therefore, it is logical to presume that pad 5 is not needed.'

Finally, Chakotay had been left these pads:

            7.

 

      x³ + 2 = 10

           1

            8.

 

      x² + 18 = x3

                 1

            9.

 

      x³ + 4 = 5

                 B

            10.

 

      5x – 4 = 3x + 2

                 1

'OK, x³ + 2 = 10 would equal 2, x² + 18 = x3 equals 3, x³ + 4 = 5 must equal 1 and 5x – 4 = 3x + 2 makes 'x' equal 3 again.' Chakotay went through each puzzle methodically 'As there are 2 equations equaling 3, pads 8 and 10 will probably give us the clue.'

"Any idea where we are going yet?" Harry whined. He was getting rather impatient.

"Put the pads in order" Chakotay ordered as he got up from one of the beds.

"Of course" Tuvok said, putting down the 2 remaining pads he was holding on the bed Chakotay had been sitting on, B'Elanna and Chakotay did the same.

"D13S11. What does that mean?" Tom asked stupidly

"Quite simple really, so I refuse to offer you any help" a male voice said from the doorway.

"Who are you?" a chorus of voices demanded.

"The last thing on this ship you'll ever see!" he said gleefully, advancing. The last Voyager crewmembers remaining on board collapsed almost as one. The darkness encased them just as the doctor's program flickered out of existence.

TO BE CONTINUED…