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 6 – Unexpected Ally
Chakotay shook his head slightly to check he wasn't imagining things. When he opened his eyes, nothing had changed. On the floor were several alien weapons, apparently discarded. Most of the items from the desk were also now also the floor, including several data pads.
"Who could have done this? No-one should have been here since this morning" Clarin said quickly, pushing past everyone and kneeling down next to the discarded pads "I was supposed to get further instructions."
"You really don't know what's happening?" Chakotay asked, moving out of the way of the door to let everyone in.
"No. You're on your own for the moment."
"Well then, you can help us look." Said B'Elanna indignantly, glad to be able to tell Clarin what to do for a change.
"Sure." Clarin started shuffling through the pads while everyone else looked around.
"Any idea what type of puzzle we are looking for?" Harry asked, searching behind the desk with Tuvok.
"A riddle, I think, but I can't be sure"
"I may have found it" Neelix said from the seats "I'll read it out:
You are not well, your mind declines.
Being near here would make you fine.
It also says that we can all solve it together." When the others tried to think of an answer, Clarin was heard talking to herself in barely a mumbled whisper.
"Good, I've got nothing to do. I want to be out of the way when the Matriarch finds out about this. They will be in so much trouble." Tuvok looked over at her, rather confused (or as confused as a Vulcan can be) as he had overheard.
"What is 'the Matriarch'?" Tuvok asked, moving towards her. Clarin seemed surprised that he had heard.
"Oh, nothing"
'I told the Half-Klingon to stop thinking aloud' Clarin scolded herself 'I should do the same.'
"The riddle does seem to fit for sickbay" Tom said suddenly "What do you think, doc?"
"I agree. Do we want to get moving then?"
"Hang on" Harry interrupted "I found this during our search and it is not written in any language I've ever seen. Clarin, do you recognize this?" Harry gave her the pad he had just found.
"Yes. Thank you." Her expression turned to one of surprise as she scanned the page "What?!"
"Something wrong?" asked Tom.
"Oh…no. just…confusing" Clarin quickly responded. She was definitely hiding something.
"OK" Tom was still suspicious but decided to keep quiet.
"Right. Back down we go to sickbay" Chakotay announced, then looked to Clarin "If you can, please try to find out what happened here."
"Of course. Go on ahead to sickbay and I will follow. I need to…get further instructions" Clarin looked as if she was making excuses.
Chakotay nodded and followed Tuvok out the door leading to the corridor.
"Yeah, right. I'm going to report this. Just as soon as I find something to…" her voice stopped abruptly as she fell unceremoniously to the ground.
TO BE CONTINUED…
