Star Trek : Centimeters – Life In Drabbles
By Rob Morris
No Movie Tonight
After the events of 'Specter Of The Gun', the crew tries to unwind with an ancient film. That is, they try...
After escaping the illusory Old West, Kirk sat his tense staff down to watch something sent by Lady Amanda.
"Spock, what is this ancient vid?"
"I assume from the title that it is a romance."
McCoy nodded.
"So long as it gets our minds off of Melkotians and Tombstone, Arizona."
"Da-and the tombstone placed above my own head!"
When the title went up, so did Kirk, resisting a glare at his dear friend.
"People, for reasons I'll explain later, we will not be watching-'My Darling Clementine'."
McCoy tried to save the night.
"We could always do a sing-along."
Based partially on a M*A*S*H* episode called 'Movie Tonite'
Did You Know Her?
With his mother's passing, Spock is offered startling evidence of her true nature, and perhaps his own. An AU unrelated to any other I write.
VULCAN, 2296
Spock's mother was dead. Guests grieved with himself and Sarek. A tall man walked up. He asked a question in an accent not unlike the vanished Scotty.
"Did You Know Her?"
"She was my mother."
"But did you know her? Do you know what Amanda forsook to have you?"
"No."
"She forsook eternity, which has taken her back. You'll nae see her again. But I will."
"She-is dead."
"So were you."
Spock saw him leave with a glare at Sarek.
"Father, who was that man?"
"That, Spock, was- a very old friend of Amanda's. His name is Duncan Macleod."
Dedicated to mothers everywhere - There Can Be Only One.
The Other Edge of Forever
-
The trip through the Guardian Of Forever may have saved the Federation more than just once.
In 2271, James Kirk and his crew returned home to face an unjust court-martial.
Admiral 'Skip' Terrence, unable to be dissuaded, hounded every last one of them out of the service.
His obsession with the letter and the law of the Prime Directive directly caused the weakened Federation to be carved up by the other powers in 2300.
In 1930, a drug-addled, time-lost Leonard McCoy ranted and raved about 'needles' before moving on.
Wino 'Rodent' Terrence found McCoy's phaser and destroyed himself while playing with it.
In 2271, James Kirk and his crew returned home justly acclaimed as heroes.
Top This!
-
After 'The Naked Time' Sulu feels an odd connection to someone on the NX-01. Will he be hit with a 'Shockwave'?
McCoy gave Sulu another injection of the antiviral.
"You imagined you were one of the Three Musketeers?"
Sulu nodded, obviously feeling quite embarrassed.
"Uh, yeah, Doc. I've always been obsessed with them, especially D'Artagnan. I even read Alexander Dumas's novel in the original French."
McCoy picked up Sulu's tunic.
"Then why whip this off? Didn't the Musketeers all wear elaborate uniforms? What were you thinking of, just falling out of your shirt?"
"Well, Doc. It's odd. When I lost touch with reality, my last thought wasn't about Musketeers."
"Then what was it about?"
Hikaru scratched his head.
"My Grandma Hoshi."
No canon connection exists between the two characters, and the one here is just for humor's sake.
Look Before You Leap
In an AU, the events of 'Operation:Annihilate' go very differently, thanks to a bit of untimely help.
Jim waved goodbye to his brother Sam's family. He had a special hug for nephews whose world was almost devastated, but who would now grow up with both parents alive and well.
"Captain, does your brother possess mental aberrations?"
"No, Spock. Why?"
"During our efforts to repulse the parasites, he-talked to himself."
Inside, Sam again seemingly did just that.
"So what happens now?"
"By saving Kirk's brother, you stopped his nephews from sliding into criminal behavior, years on."
A boy looked in.
"Daddy-I Love You!"
The hug was cut off by familiar words.
"Get Ready To Leap, Sam."
Of Superior Mice and Men
The real power behind Khan's rise muses on his downfall
-.
EARTH, THE MID 1990's
The schemer watched the secret launch of the Botany Bay.
"Our plans for these genetic supermen fell away to nothing. They were beyond controlling. They were too power hungry, and far too bloodthirsty. Like Napoleon, Khan's arrogance awoke the ire of those he threatened. I had accounted for every factor, except the Human factor. They did not want an overt ruler, no matter his strength. Yet my plans are many, and one will eventually succeed. For tomorrow is another day, and tomorrow is also another night."
His assistant asked a question.
"Why? What are we gonna do tomorrow night, Brain?"
A Slow Boat To China
While awaiting either rescue or death, Captain Kirk thinks of the response he should have given earlier. Set during Star Trek VI.
RURA PENTHE, 2293
Kirk awaited the coming of the next day, knowing that Maartia was likely a dupe, and knowing that he was perhaps at the end of his run of luck, not to mention his life, and the life of Leonard McCoy.
"Bones?"
"Go to sleep, Jim."
He thought about every decision that had brought him there.
"You know what I'm gonna tell Spock, if we ever see him again?"
McCoy groaned.
"That he is and will always be your friend?"
"No. What I'm gonna tell him is..."
The one prisoner flashed a grim smile at the other.
"Nixon was a crook."
Just Stick With Us (Star Trek 2009)
This one has no purpose except to express my love for the Disney series 'Phineas & Ferb'
The security man once called 'Cupcake' shook his head as the mad scientist entered the brig.
"That guy needs a wedgie."
"...and our mother always favored my brother Noonien,..."
Kirk cut him off.
"Enough with your tragic backstory, Doctor Soong. Geez-what a doof."
Matt Decker seemed half-impressed with his mission partner..
"Jim, aren't you a little young to be a starship captain?"
"Why Yes. Yes I Am."
Spock saw a smiling Uhura come around the corner.
"Hey, Commander. Whatcha doin'?"
"Merely watching the Captain attempt to do it all."
Kirk looked around for the furtive Ensign Chekov.
"Where's Pavel?"
The Cradle Will Rock
Beverly shows some patients that the excuse 'We Were Desperate And Dying' just doesn't cut it. Follows the S1 ep 'When The Bough Breaks'
USS ENTERPRISE NCC-1701-D, SICKBAY, 2364
Beverly smiled at the Aldean women.
"I know that you're nervous. You've likely never disrobed in front of others before, let alone received fertility treatments. So let me give you some assurances."
"This Sickbay is sealed. Your modesty will not be compromised."
"We have technology to undo the reproductive damage done by your planetary cloak."
They were all strapped in.
"Most importantly, know that as you face this terribly intimate process, you are one and all under the care of a highly skilled, superbly trained, dedicated Starfleet physician..."
The smile faded.
"...whose only son you kidnapped, just three days ago."
The Silence Of The Laws
Bashir takes hurt-comfort to a new level.
Bashir slept the sleep of the just these past nights, even knowing that, on one of them, he would surely be roused from a sound slumber.
The night was pierced by an unholy wail, but he did not stir. He merely smiled. A figure then vanished as though he never was.
"Personal Log : While poor Jadzia would certainly have enjoyed the spiked Klingon armor I purchased for her wedding anniversary, I think I find that I should finally take it off my chair's seat. Poor Agent Sloane did not seem to enjoy it at all. Custodiet Gluteus Maximus, Sloane!"
The Giving
Janeway's beloved Mark makes a sacrifice on her behalf.
The news was good. Kathryn was alive. The months of holding out had paid off.
But Mark knew her. Knew she would hold out seventy-five years. He couldn't bear the thought of her with another. He couldn't live knowing she was alone.
He had to tell her it was alright, though she would never accept that. The only break in vows that Kathryn Janeway would accept would be the one that gave her no choice at all. Mark then knew the lie he had to write, even as life went on around him.
"Dear Kathryn. I think you'd like her..."
Memories
The returned Tuvok chats with Ambassador Spock about challenging individuals, in days of auld lang syne.
The two Vulcans talked at length, about many things.
"Tell me of this Talaxian. Rather a complex individual?"
Tuvok nodded in agreement.
"He was far too emotional for my comfort. He was highly opinionated. Argumentative to a fault. Delighting in my discomfort. Always fighting ever harder for illogical ideas. Yet, I count him as a true friend. His final departure will always remain for me a highly moving occasion."
Spock shocked Tuvok by moving to wipe his eye of a single tear.
"Ambassador. Are you well?"
Spock nodded.
"I am. Your words merely caused me to think upon Doctor McCoy."
Long-Distance Caller
The Captains are and are not amused...
"It's been great, Jean-Luc."
"Indeed, Kathryn, even if our opportunity to talk was wholly unexpected."
"Well, for me, just swapping stories has been a joy."
"Agreed. For me as well."
But now it was done, and their smiles faded. Their features grew arch, and annoyed. With certain gifts, after all, it wasn't the gift itself so much as the presentation. One may enjoy something without caring for the person who broke their living room window while throwing it to them. So it was with this gift. They breathed in, and the entire Delta Quadrant resounded with one shouted word.
"Q-ewwwwwwwwwwwww!"
Just to clarify : This story is set before Voyager's return.
Immortality Denied
After stopping the mad Vulcan in DS9's 'Field Of Fire', Ezri learns how the UFP tries to keep from making such people into celebrities.
"Ben, what do you mean Chu'lak is now XY3?"
"His actual name will be withheld for a full month. The hope is that, after the cooling-off period, he will be less remembered than the names and lives of his victims."
"Ben, that sounds unconstitutional."
"His treatment will still be scrutinized. But his name like all the names of spree or serial killers, are excised for that initial period. It's a rough law, and it's hard to make work. Though Chu'lak wasn't seeking it, through this we deny all like him their moments in the sun."
Outside The Box
A drabble coda to the DS9 S2 episode 'Paradise'.
One unrepentant makes a request-and it is granted.
Alixus made a demand.
"I wish my observation journals to be collected for transport. They contain years of work."
Sisko shook his head.
"You kidnap these people for an experiment, and now you want the fruits of your sick labor?"
New colony leader Joseph spoke up.
"It's all right, Captain. She can have them."
"Thank you, Joseph."
"Well, we have learned from you, Alixus."
Joseph was handed a phaser by O'Brien, and used it to destroy the disciplinary box. The sight of a burnt journal cover shocked Alixus.
"Now, by all means—take them away. I could get a whisk-broom."
In case you couldn't tell, I really didn't like that episode's ending.
A Form Of Address
What did Tom just call Be'lanna? Set shortly after 'Drive'
The new husband called his new wife.
"Paris To Paris."
There was no response at all.
"Paris To Paris."
Again, no response was heard.
"Computer, locate the Chief Engineer."
"The Chief Engineer is in Engineering."
"Then why isn't she responding?"
"Unable to ascertain."
"Is she fit to respond?"
"Affirmative."
"Okay."
He tried yet once again.
"Paris To Paris."
"Paris To Paris."
"Paris To Paris."
"Paris To Paris."
"PARIS-to Paris."
At long last, Tom realized his probable error, and grinned sarcastically. Belanna had warned him, after all.
"Paris-To Torres."
"Torres here. What can I do for you-Mister Torres?"
Only In...
Worf finally calls someone out-in a manner of speaking. Post-DS9 finale scenario
USS ENTERPRISE-E, 2380
Worf walked off the Bridge. Picard rose.
"Resume your post, Commander."
The Klingon folded his arms.
"No."
"Resume your post, Commander. That is an order!"
"You have no authority over me."
"Think so, do you?"
Worf smiled.
"I am an Ambassador. You will show me respect, or I will ask Martok to petition Starfleet for your removal from command. Are we clear-sir?"
Picard bit down, and then finally acquiesced.
"Yes, Mister Ambassador."
Worf exited the doors unchallenged, and nodded to one who waited.
"Did it work, Mister Worf?"
"Yes, Mister Barclay. I shall make good use of this holo-program."
For Name's Sake
-
Some historical glories they'd rather do without.
The Tholians continued their web, as the anxious crew of Deep Space Nine waited in their warship for one of the nearby Starbase's 'web-clipper' drones to offer them a way out.
O'Brien was being realistic.
"If that closes, we could end up literally anywhere, and not necessarily alive."
Bashir was trying to be annoyingly optimistic.
"I happen to know that, in all of history, only one Federation starship has been lost in Tholian space."
"So what ship was it?"
"I-don't recall its name."
Sisko watched glumly as the web neared completion outside.
"I do."
He then looked at them.
"Defiant."
Thrice Fried
The launch of a new type of starship has three great leaders quite wary indeed. Once Burned, Twice Shy…
In orbit over the Utopia Planitia Shipyards, Late 2378
"Welcome to Captain Picard, Admiral Janeway, Colonel Kira, and all our esteemed guests. We are pleased to have you aboard the experimental Morpheus-Class prototype USS Neil Gaiman. The infrastructure can be moved in an instant and refitting is transwarp, because the ship itself is crafted entirely from sophisticated holo-generators."
Picard's eyes met Kira and Janeway's.
"So in essence, the entire vessel is one large holodeck?"
"Actually, Captain, it's all one solid hologram."
First Kira, then Janeway and Picard, and then a whole chorus of Starfleet captains joined together in hitting their respective comm-badges and saying three simple words.
"Emergency Beam-Out!"
Harvest Time
Sometimes, you can be too damned thorough. Follows up the DS9 episode 'Armageddon Game'
T'Lani Three, 2374
O'Brien glared at their kidnappers.
"What part of 'The Federation will treat another such incident as an act of war' did you fail to get?"
"Chief, you don't understand..."
Bashir cut her off.
"Again, you've expediently decided that our lives must be forfeit, merely because we know something about the Harvester technology."
"No, please-we don't want to kill you."
Miles snorted.
"But you 'have' to, right?"
"We didn't bring you here to kill you."
Etyshara turned on the monitor. Approaching onscreen was a small but deadly Dominion fleet.
"We brought you here because we need to recover the technology."
Obey One, Trip?
-
When two friends get in each others' faces, will we see an Attack Of The Colognes? Occurs during Enterprise S3
The Expanse, 2253
Archer grew indignant at Tucker's glare.
"Trip, the Xindi assassin was getting away!"
"You took us off on that grav-cycle like a bat out of perdition! That was about seventeen kinds of reckless."
"Trip, we've been blind since before we entered the Expanse. I was hoping the assassin could give us something we could use on those that hired him!"
Charles Tucker breathed in. He remembered their long friendship, and he remembered that he was speaking to his captain. But he did shake his head just before he let the subject go.
"Captain, sir? You're gonna be the death of me."
Petty Revenge
-
Follows from the DS9 S6 episode 'You Are Cordially Invited' Sisko finds one of his matchmaking actions biting back at him.
Sisko hung blindfolded and suspended above a sauna pit.
He shouted.
"I won't break this easily! Do you hear me? I've endured worse...hello?"
Below him, his vengeful captors feasted on Meatball Subs, Chili Cheese Fries and Chocolate Shakes.
"I was at Dax and Worf's wedding, and then…"
They knew they would pay for this. They didn't care.
"He had this coming, taking from us what was ours."
"To Captain Sisko on the road to Stovokahr."
"To Captain Sisko, on the LONG fast."
Bashir and O'Brien resumed eating. Inside the secured holosuite, Benjamin Sisko began to break.
"I smell-Pepperoni Pizza!"
All Will Scream-
What are those Klingons eating-and why?
O'Brien saw the Klingons walk up to Quark, one by one.
"Butter Pecan."
"Lemon Sherbert."
"Strawberry."
Finally, Martok walked up.
"Mint Chocolate Chip."
As each sat down with their cold dishes, O'Brien finally asked.
"Why?"
"Just watch and wait, Chief."
Each warrior ate their dessert very rapidly. Far too rapidly, some might say. Miles cried out.
"Don't! You'll get..."
"Save it, Chief. Klingons, remember?"
Each Klingon keeled over at their table, howling in delighted pain from the 'brain freeze'. After ten minutes, a staggered Martok walked up again.
"Rocky Road."
Quark shook his head.
"General–I'd say you've had enough."
Enough Is Too Much
We always knew that Worf could only be pushed so far. An unlikely (but not impossible) AU after the end of ST: 'Nemesis'
THE BRIG, USS ENTERPRISE-E, 2380
As a brooding Worf contemplated a future in disgrace, a surprising figure emerged in front of his holding cell.
"You?"
Deanna Troi nodded, fighting not to look directly at him.
"Despite what you've done, few know your psychology as well as I. Ezri Bashir is on a diplomatic journey to a former Dominion world, and so here I am."
"Can you ever forgive me?"
Troi made the only concessions she would make in this matter.
"To be fair, Mother was at times a very difficult person, and you did ask her on countless occasions to stop calling you 'Mister Woof'..."
Point and Match-
Paris finds a flaw in Torres' reprogramming of the Doctor's holo-family.
-
Torres waited to hear what Paris had to say about the Doctor, now mourning a daughter.
"I give him points. He let it play out."
She was less than impressed.
"He had no choice. Ego, and fear of looking foolish pushed him back."
"Maybe. But did the level of simulated danger have to be so high as to kill the little girl?"
"It says a lot about the Doctor's shortcomings that he would program a family that sugary."
Paris agreed, but took her down anyway.
"Just like it says a lot about you that the troublemakers you programmed were Klingons."
Recount
-
Boy, does a certain Gul look foolish or what? Just after TNG's 'Chain Of Command'
-
Cardassia, 2369
He had been disgraced by his failure with Picard, but that wasn't what bothered him.
"Could it be? No..."
The Federation now had information on their best breaking techniques, but that wasn't what bothered him.
"Only one way to find out."
Gul Madred was a goals-oriented man, but he was also a stickler for fine details. So at last he donned the spectacles he hid from nearly everyone, even his beloved child. Looking at the upper light fixture, he then checked how many fingers he had held up. He shook his head.
"Well, I'll be damned. He had it right."
Speak Freely
-
During Ro Laren's final appearance in S7, Picard finds himself called out.
-
The timing was all off, thought Picard. Ro Laren had betrayed their plan to The Maquis.
"Mister Worf, when Miss Laren comes back on board, place her under arrest."
Worf nodded.
"You mean-arrest her for ruining the plan that she never wished to be a part of, had deep questions about from the beginning, only became a part of out of personal loyalty to you, and all but begged to be removed from, fearing something just such as what has now occurred?"
Picard appeared to gulp a little.
"Well, if you're going to go and put it *that* way..."
My Old Backyard
Chakotay is back in town, but there are some places you can never go again.
THE BADLANDS, EARLY 2379
Chakotay and the former Maquis once under his command had been given use of a beat-up Miranda-Class, to take a tour of what were once their stomping grounds, in part to give Starfleet information on tracking elusive foes.
"Be'lanna, is there anything different about the Badlands?"
Torres was anxious to get home, Miral's 2AM lungpower aside.
"Other than no Maquis, no Starfleet and no Cardassians, and five less gas giants, courtesy of the Dominion attack–nada. Why? What seems different to you?"
He finally gave in and asked the question.
"Didn't this place used to be a whole lot bigger?"
A Crack Of Lightning
Mirror Commander Archer and Captain Forrest discover that something may or may not have altered their history. Hey, Ray-what do you say? Just prior to the events of 'In A Mirror Darkly'
-
Captain Forrest nodded, though he felt like punching his desk.
"I knew Silik was holding out on us!"
Archer moved to keep the wrath off his point man.
"Don't blame Reed, Sir. He went to town on that Suliban, before he expired. If Silik's own diaries hadn't recorded the portal, we wouldn't even have known how far their time travel experiments had gone."
"Jonathan, Black and Gardiner are going to have all our hides unless we can tell them specifics. Had the Suliban actually managed to get into Earth's history, and changed it?"
Archer realized sadly that it really would be all their hides. No advantage able to be gained, he gave as accurate an answer as self- interest would allow.
"The recon teams say that the Suliban only managed to kill two things on ancient Earth."
"What things? Could they have impacted our history somehow?"
"I frankly don't see how, Captain Forrest. After all, what impact could a Tyrannosaurus Rex and a single butterfly have on the existence of the Terran Empire?"
Cold Pizza
-
Tasha tries an old routine with Data, only it doesn't go quite right.-
On Holodeck Three, Tasha waited in a bathrobe. There was a knock on the 'door'.
It was Data.
"I am the Pizza Delivery Person."
Tasha smiled.
"Oh, I'm so hungry. But I haven't any money to pay for the pizza."
Data puzzled at this, then spoke.
"Remuneration is required. If you have no money, then you may not have the pizza."
"But couldn't we work out...something else?"
Data shook his head.
"I do not see how."
Data then exited the holodeck.
Tasha threw up her arms.
"He really doesn't get it-and what's even worse is now, neither do I!"
Mrs. O'Brien Says Goodbye
Before she leaves DS9 and Bajor behind with her family, a lady not known for her reticence lets someone have it. Around the end of 'What You Leave Behind'.
Neela, attacker of Bareil, had recently made strident statements.
She saw her visitor.
"Hello, Keiko. Miles has given up trying to get me to 'repent'. "
A Keiko soon departing Bajor stood silent. Miles didn't have many female friends, needlessly fearing Keiko's jealousy. This one had used and betrayed him, now not feeling a thing about it.
"It was not a sin. Winn's unspoken wishes guided me, and The Prophets guided her."
Keiko fired off a quantum torpedo, then left.
"Winn Adami died serving The Pagh Wraiths."
Shortly after this, Neela confirmed this news, and howled in agony for weeks.
Talking-To
-
Janeway dresses down a member of her crew-
Chakotay brought the crewman before the Captain.
"Am I This Ship's Captain?"
"Yes you are, Captain Janeway."
"Do you enjoy your position?"
"Yes I do, Captain Janeway."
"Did you disobey my orders?"
The crewman nodde .
"Yes I Did, Captain Janeway."
"Do You Wish A Demotion?"
"No I Don't, Captain Janeway."
"Well, pull anything like this again, and you'll see the brig all the way home."
The low-ranked crewman left more than a little tearful.
"Permission to speak, Captain Janeway?"
"You May Speak, Mister Chakotay."
Chakotay considered his words carefully.
"Don't you feel you were a little hard on Naomi?"
Braxton Loses It
Time Authority Captain Braxton turns thumbs down on the Temporal Prime Directive in a major
way.
Braxton was out of control.
In 1989 California, a maddened bigot was killed. One week later, no schoolchildren were shot.
In 1998 Australia, a man on his way to shoot a lot of people drove off the road and died.
In 1998 England, a pedophilic schoolteacher with a small arsenal slipped and fell down the stairs.
In 1999 Colorado, a group of young psychotics found their arsenal melted. They died of 'overdoses'.
His underlings worried.
"From here, he'll escalate."
At the 2014 'Temple Of White God' a bomb went off, killing bomb builders.
In 1889 Austria, an infant stopped breathing...
Staff Meeting
Between the Voyager S6 finale and the S7 premiere, 'Unimatrix Zero'
Chakotay.
"While the Captain is away, I want to hear your impressions of her plan to infiltrate the Borg with Be'lanna and Tuvok."
Tom.
"Bad plan."
Neelix.
"Bad plan."
Seven.
"Bad plan."
Harry.
"Bad plan."
The Doctor.
"Bad plan."
The Borg Children.
"Bad Plan."
Naomi.
"Bad Plan."
The 'Good Shepherd' geeks.
"Bad Plan."
The former Equinox crew.
"Bad Plan."
Computer.
"Bad Plan."
Suder and Seska's ghosts.
"Bad Plan."
Barclay and Troi, subspace.
"Bad Plan."
Kes, calling to apologize.
"Bad Plan."
Admiral Paris.
"Bad plan."
Chakotay stood.
"I'm glad that we're all behind her!"
Tom watched him leave.
"He is whipped."
Priorities
Mere hours after the close of Voyager series finale 'Endgame' and containing spoilers for such.
Captain Janeway feared the worst for Owen Paris's visit to the newly returned Voyager.
"It's the Prime Directive. I'm in deep."
Chakotay also feared the worst.
"It's The Maquis. Starfleet has to punish those that turned out to be right!"
Seven was cynical.
"I am likely to be analyzed in depth."
The Doctor was declarative.
"I am *not* becoming a miner!"
Harry was optimistic.
"Tom's been riding me so much about this ensign business lately, I'll bet his Dad has that extra pip in hand!"
But upon entering, a smiling Admiral Paris merely asked one brief question.
"Where's my grand-daughter?"
No Reply
Directly after the events of the Voyager episode 'Fury'
In the galley the two sat, figuring it out.
"Tom?"
"Yes, Neelix?"
"That-visitor we had?"
"That recent visitor, you mean?"
"Yes, that old friend who came by."
"What about her?"
"Do you want to talk about her?"
"Frankly-no. Right now, I feel more warmly towards Seska and my cousin Nick."
"She-didn't seem to have much use for us, did she?"
"Well, Neelix-after all, she only once loved both of us."
"So-she nearly kills Be'lanna, and looks at me like I was a bug."
Ensign Tom Paris and Ambassador Neelix never spoke of Kes again.
Cruise Control
Just a bit of unlikely J/C silliness
Janeway lay down with Chakotay.
Janeway got a bright idea.
"Computer, cancel privacy protection codes."
Chakotay smiled wickedly.
"Go ahead and do it."
"Whereabouts of my senior staff."
The computer did as told.
"Torres with Paris. Kim with Seven. Neelix with Wildman. Tuvok is meditating. EMH and Naomi in play on Holodeck."
"Rest of crew."
One by one, it was found that all crew members were doing what they enjoyed.
"Chakotay, I guess its truly a night of joy."
"Mmmm. Except for one thing."
"What is that one thing?"
"Kathryn?"
"Yes, Chakotay?"
"Who, Precisely, Is Running The Ship?"
"ALL HANDS!..."
I know ship staffing logistics make this nearly impossible, but I couldn't resist.
Four Afield
In an AU, a time-travel attempt to save four of history's most fantastic heroes goes very wrong indeed.
As the rocket ascended, Kirk queried his fellow travelers.
"We ALL set out to save them from Doctor Doom's descendant, and ended up taking their places instead?"
Sisko took note of the approaching cosmic ray storm.
"It would seem that way. Why did I use an Orb instead of Defiant?"
Janeway groaned.
"I'll order the crew not to make 'transparency' comments. Braxton will have kittens."
Picard said little as they entered the storm. He noted that Kirk was hands-on, Janeway analyzed at a remove, and Sisko had a fiery temper. That left him a sorry fate.
"What a revolting development!"
THE ANCIENT DESTROYER UNIVERSE (TOS-based Xover AU)
The Commodity
In the Ancient Destroyer Universe, Harriet Janeway meets a weasel whose family is familiar to two late 20th Century FBI agents.
STARBASE 50, 2260
Commodore Janeway greeted the newcomer.
"We call ourselves The Commodity as a private joke. The Commodity, which we will never treat as such, is honor. We are not The Hall. What they do in isolation, we do out here in the universe."
"That's why I'm here, sir. All we 'foolish idealists' want nothing to do with those barbarians."
"Harriet-come here. Commander, this is my pride and joy, soon bound for The Academy."
Harriet immediately did not like this man. In later years, she would mark him as her father's murderer—by taking his arm.
"It's a pleasure-Commander Krycek."
In the ADU, reincarnated villains from other genres 'bleed' in, drawn by its corruption.
She Loves Me Like A Rock
Peter Kirk learns anew that there is someone who doesn't care about your cosmic destiny. You only get one.
2281, San Francisco
Commander Uhura came to fetch her adoptive son, Cadet Peter Kirk.
"You're not actually going to wear that, are you?"
She offered tips on conduct at Starfleet functions.
"Try not to lock eyes with Saavik. Yes, everyone has caught on."
She offered protocol tips.
"The Commodore's hand is still sore from when you last shook it. *Try* to remember your strength."
She asked him a question.
"What were we discussing yesterday, before I had to cut you off?"
As they left, Cadet Kirk fought the urge to roll his eyes.
"Whether or not you've really been a mother to me."
The Figure's Head
Uhura tries not to explain her ultimate bad hair day to young Peter Kirk...
USS Enterprise, November, 2266
Uhura showed her adopted son a saved planet's gratitude.
"Aunt Nyta, the dolls they made of the senior staff only kind of look like it."
"They were a pre-warp culture, just on the verge of breakthroughs like laser sculpting."
"That Bridge is goofy-except for the spinning transporter. Aunt Nyta-your doll-sorry, 'action figure' - about that hair-"
"Peter-never bring up the hair on Mother's doll. Take that one to heart eternally."
"Under-stood."
But Peter did look at the mop-top, and tried hard to remind himself that the residents of Mego 75 had likely done their best.
Not Even Close
A captive is not a slave, if that is what he chooses. Based on the Teen Titans episode 'The Apprentice'
2275
Brock Cartwright was in charge of Starfleet, but not of one young man.
"Total assault. Mental invasion. Tortures of hell devised just for you."
He slammed the cryo-stasis chamber.
"None of it broke you. But make no mistake, Peter Kirk. You will give us Lord Ghidorah. You will willingly swear allegiance to him, and to us. You will call him Master. You will call Admiralty Hall your home. You will call me Father!"
Roaring in defiance, a telepathic voice that could be dampened but never silenced arose from the stasis tube.
"Your little dragon is not my Master!"
Cartwright cowered as a large image of the USS Enterprise appeared in the room.
"This is my home!"
Cartwright got to his feet just in time to see the room flooded with hundreds of James T. Kirks, standing about him in various uniforms and stances. No matter what powers Peter had, it was the elder Kirk who looked quite literally invincible.
"And I already have a father."