USS Lexington, S. P. Heller Commanding – Chapter 4
"Captain's log, Stardate 80010.1: We have encountered a race of people calling themselves Klardons. Klardons are part of the Stellar Republic, an alignment of worlds and species that is much like the Federation. The Stellar Republic wants to open full diplomatic ties to the Federation. I am strongly in favor of this, but it will require a team of negotiators that a science ship like Lexington doesn't have.
"Two things concern me right now. The 'Deathbringers,' as the Klardons called them, is most urgent. They were described as essentially human, with organic ships and a thirst for conquest and genocide. If the Deathbringers should find a way into our own quantum reality, Starfleet will have another war on its hands. And I don't know if we can win this one.
"My second concern is we still don't know who created the gateway to Phased Space – though, that name is obsolete now. I can only hope that we find the answers to those questions. Computer, end log." The doorbell chimed. Just in time. "Enter."
Rikka Berti walked into Steven's quarters, and sat on the comfortable chair across from him. "Thank you for seeing me, Captain," she began. "I know we don't get along, but I was hoping we could get all of our issues out in the open."
Steven smiled. "The way I see it, your issue with me is that I have an issue with you, Counselor."
"And just what is your problem with me?" She straightened out her uniform, showing off her cleavage in the process.
"You're in the healing profession. I don't like healers. It's that simple."
Rikka assumed a chastising expression. "It rarely is. What is it you don't like about healers? Were you or was someone close to you hurt by a doctor or a counselor?"
Steven did not want to think about Meira ever again. "I'm not going to answer that."
"Captain, we can only get to the root of the problem if you're open and honest with me. Otherwise, we're just wasting our time." Instead of put off, she sounded disappointed. Steven had to admit, she was a credit to counselors everywhere; he had made a good choice in assigning her to Lexington.
Steven slammed his fist into the coffee table, making Rikka jump. The whole room shuddered. When he spoke, it was with a mix of anger and resentment. "You want to know why I don't like you? It's nothing personal. I just don't like people asking questions that dredge up unhappy memories. I chose you because you're talented at your job, but I'm not ready to talk to you yet. I'll let you know when I am."
Rikka nodded, looking very pleased with herself. "Good. We got a lot cleared up today, this was a very healthy session," she said. Steven looked taken aback, but she continued, with a smile. "Don't worry, Captain, I'm sure you'll come to me when you want to have another session. I'll talk to Commander Walsh about assuaging the crew's misgivings about you. Now, if you'll excuse me?" Steven nodded, and she left the room. That was the strangest conversation Steven had ever had.
Captain Heller decided it was time for a break from paperwork. He left his quarters and made way for the Bridge. A turbolift ride later, he was there. "Captain on the Bridge," said Commander Walsh.
He knew it was unprofessional to put personal business on the bridge, but so long as nothing was happening, he saw no harm in it. "Commander. How would you like a holodeck visit?"
Rob grinned. "Actually, Captain, Mr. McKenna expressed interest in joining us."
The Captain looked over at the Tactical Station. Jessica McKenna was a beautiful woman, with long, dark hair – styled to regulation. She was definitely intelligent – he wouldn't have requested her as his Chief Tactical Officer and Head of Security, otherwise. Under any circumstances, he would have considered himself lucky to be with such a woman.
Rob had a habit of playing matchmaker. He had been the one to get Steven and Meira together in the first place. Steven suspected this was Rob's motive, but resigned himself to his friend's machinations. "Both of you meet me outside Holodeck Six once your shift is over." With that, Steven left the bridge.
The holodeck door closed behind Steven Heller, Rob Walsh, and Jessica McKenna. The Captain, First Officer, and Tactical Officer were dressed as Will Scarlet, Robin Hood, and Maid Marion, respectively. Each wore a sword at their hip, and Rob had a bow and quiver across his back. "Welcome to Sherwood Forest," Walsh said, rolling his 'R's in a mock British accent.
They were in Robin's hidden encampment. Merry Men were drinking and dancing. Piles of treasure could be seen, money "raised" to stand against Prince John. A feast was being had by some, but it was a buffet-style meal. Not very contemporary, but it was how Rob had made the program. Marion went over to the buffet table, and grabbed a piece of venison. While she munched, Robin called for an archery contest.
Little John, a bear of a man, bigger than even Robin's great stature, came over first. Will Scarlet was second, the only one of Robin's men not drinking. Robin, of course, shot first – a bull's eye. When Little John loosed his arrow, it was as near the center of the bull's eye as possible, without splitting Robin's arrow. Will fired his arrow next. It landed slightly to the left of John's. And so the Archery contest went.
Scarlet drew third prize, followed by Little John and Robin Hood. They were truly gifted archers. Little John slapped both Will and Robin on the backs, causing both men to nearly fall over. "Computer, freeze program," Maid Marion said. Robin and Will looked at her strangely. "Initiate 'Camp Raid' subprogram. Computer, resume program." Will grinned, and Robin frowned.
Will drew his sword, causing all the Merry Men to turn towards him. "What is it, Will?" asked Friar Tuck.
"I hear something." They tried to chalk it up to nerves, but then Marion drew her blade as well. Then John found his quarter staff, and Robin knocked another arrow. The Merry Men prepared for combat, although most were drunk.
A small army charged toward the Merry Men from the words. Arrows took out the first wave, but the second made it in with their swords. Will cut down every enemy to approach. Nearby, Marion was doing just as well herself. Robin also held his own, using a 19th Century rapier. Then the Sheriff arrived with his elite troops. Merry Men began to die. With each death, Robin cried out a corresponding name.
Marion was unlucky enough to face off against the Sheriff himself. Will yelled for her to run, but she would not listen. He mentioned something about safeties being off, and still she ignored him. The Sheriff was too good for her. Marion was soon disarmed. The Sheriff of Nottingham swiped his sword against Marion's right leg, causing her to collapse in pain.
With Marion on the ground, bleeding, it was up to Will Scarlet to rescue her before the Sheriff did her in. He charged forward, sword raised, a war cry on his lips. "Sherwood!" he screamed. The Sheriff turned just in time to deflect a blow to the head.
Will and the Sheriff dueled, each practicing exceptional skill. In a short time, they both had nicks and bruises from the other's blade. Then the Sheriff made a mistake, reaching too far back to come in for an over-hand strike. Will had just enough time to move inside the Sheriff's range, and cut his side open from behind. Will Scarlet quickly circled the Sheriff, cutting up in a spiral as he moved. The Sheriff fell, disemboweled and sliced open along his sides.
While Robin dispatched more of the Sheriff's men, oblivious to Marion's injury, Will Scarlet ran over to her and dropped to his knees. "Jessica?" he asked. She had her hands around the leg wound. "Are you alright?"
"I should have listened to you."
"That's not important right now."
"Some Tactical Officer I am." There was a tear in her eye. Oblivious of the battle waging around them, Will Scarlet lifted Marion's head and kissed her.
"Computer, end program," said another voice. Rob had noticed his two comrades. "Can Will Scarlet and Maid Marion end up together?" The First Officer was too happy for his friends to break them apart. Steven had been mourning his fiancée's death for long enough.
Jessica laughed nervously, then wrapped her arms around Steven's neck. "I can get this leg fixed later." She kissed Steven deeply before he broke it off, memories of Meira come unbidden.
Steven looked forlorn, then suddenly smiled. "She would have liked you," he whispered. When she looked confused, he stroked her cheek to calm her. "Let's get that scratch checked out." Steven helped Jessica to her feet. Rob and Steven escorted a limping Jessica to Sickbay.
Dr. Felicia Preston was sitting in her office when they arrived. She saw them through the office window, and came out with a medical tricorder. Jessica hopped up on one of the biobeds. Felicia moved the small detachment a few inches over the wound, scanning. "Just some minor tissue damage. We'll have this fixed up in no time." Felicia smiled warmly. "How did this happen?"
"We were fencing on the holodeck," answered Jessica.
Felicia looked at their getup and frowned. "You took the safeties off again, didn't you?" she asked, retrieving an autosuture. Dr. Preston activated it, and a line of blue light was moved back and forth over the sword wound. In a matter of seconds, the cut was closed and healed. "Well, you're done. Captain Heller is next." Steven glanced down to see various cuts and bruises from his battle with the Sheriff – the only character safeties were disabled for.
Instead of getting off the biobed, Jessica moved back on it, leaving just enough room for Steven to hop up. She leaned against his back while Felicia cured his wounds. "You two aren't going to be more discreet?" asked Felicia, as she finished up.
Jessica countered, "Would you rather less discreet? Besides, your relationship with Ensign Beech isn't exactly a secret." Felicia blushed. She and the much younger Ted Beech, an ensign on his second assignment, were the hottest item aboard Lady Lex. Well, after today, no longer.