Fire

by Spinozist

It is twenty years since Voyager made it back to federation space. The crew have gone their separate ways and Annika Hansen has been able to make a life for herself. Called to a remote system to meet an isolated tactical master, she must try to convince him that becoming the monsters he hunts is not his only option.

1. Chapter 1

Fire

'Target System will be reached in ten minutes, prepare for intra-system flight.'

Annika Hansen places the book she has been reading onto the large wooden writing desk she had been given by the Jovian University. She still wants for a place to attach herself when not engaged.

Pushing the chair back she stands and the old parts of her mammal brain just catch through the corner of one eye the reflection of her movement. She glances to her left at the window. She is framed, and for a pulse of synapse she can smell the warmth of a Cube.

She moves towards the door and passes through the corridor leading to the bridge of the USS Raven. The lighting is low. She prefers it this way.

'Computer, display course from the point of atmospheric entry onto the second planet. Highlight major population centres and transportation corridors.'

'Showing course plot. Would you like to switch to manual control for the descent?'

'Auto-pilot will suffice.'

Annika waits. She has done her research. She knows what she is going to be asked to do, she knows her answer. The Raven's engines change pitch.