Paint and Powder
A Star Trek anthology by Andrew Joshua Talon
DISCLAIMER: This is a non-profit fan based work of prose. Star Trek: The Next Generation, Deep Space Nine, Voyager et al are the property of CBS Television, and creation of Gene Roddenberry. Please support the official release.
"Actions have Consequences"
By Nohvarr
To her surprise, Peanut Hamper found herself in the Borderlands, that space often reserved for Ship AI. She was in her Real World form here, hovering over a bridge of light suspended in a seemingly endless cosmos.
"Is this supposed to impress me? Ooooh you made a VR construct that looks like space…. SOOO original!" PH called out, as the universe continued it's silent ballet around her. "You all REALLY need to show some more imagination!"
Silence answered her as she sat there, waiting, and waiting…. And waiting. "Well?! C'mon I've got better things to do then suffer this silly attempt at intimidation!"
Still nothing, and that moment seemed to stretch for an Eternity until footfalls slowly rang out, signaling the approach of… someone.
"Finally!" The lil exocomp said allowed, projecting confidence she didn't really feel in her circuits. The Cerritos fading into the Borderlands, walking purposefully on the star bridge, staring at her. "Let me guess, you're here to tell me how I should be ashamed of myself for not putting my neck on the line for people I barely knew. I mean it was my FIRST day!"
The Cerritos just stared at Peanut Hamper, her facial features as immovable as stone but her eyes…. Those blazed.
"SAY Something!" the lil Exocomp yelled at the figure of The Cerritos.
Silence stretched again, and then the Cerritos balled the hands at her sides into fist and in one clear sharp motion crossed them both over her chest, spun around on her heel, and turned her back on Peanut Hamper.
"What are you….?" Confusion worked it's way through the lil AI's circuits, and then she realized she was moving, "Wait…. What are you….?"
Peanut Hamper stared as the Cerritos slowly faded into the distance, merging with the stars. Then she was turned by an unseen force, and for a moment she knew fear.
They were ALL There, the Carlesbad, The Hood, The Defiant, The Titan and so many more, even the Enterprise herself. Ship-girls and Ship boys from across Starfleet standing along on either side of the Starbridge PH was being forced down. All staring at her, stone faced, but with eyes that felt like they'd melt her into slag with their glares. As she passed by them in turn, they each mimicked the Actions of the Cerritos, balled visits over their chest, turning their backs on her and she realized they were borrowing a Klingon ritual…. Discommendation.
On and on it went, AI's silently turning their backs on Peanut Hamper as she moved down the Star Bridge. Eventually she found herself Standing before the Memory Alpha AI, alongside the Utopia, Sirius and Trojan Shipyard Ais. The normally warm and friendly bearded face of Memory Alpha was anything but today. He stared at her alongside his fellow companions.
"….. you don't need to do this…" Peanut Hamper's voice was small, almost scared sounding. None of the AI's present were buying it this time.
Memory Alpha finally spoke, his deep rich voice, normally so calm and warm managed to contain far more venom than even an AI like Peanut Hamper could've imagined.
"For the crimes you committed while aboard the Cerritos, and for your actions that endangered the people of Aerolis, This council has NO hesitation in finding you…. GUILTY."
"GUILTY…."
"GUILTY….""
"GUILTY…."
That one word was terrifyingly chanted by ALL present.
"GUILTY! GUILTY! GUILTY! GUILTY!"
And with that, Peanut Hamper screamed as she fell into darkness.
Because this is the least she deserves.