Disclaimer: I don't own Star Trek.
"Brace for impact!"
Everyone on the bridge gripped something in a vain attempt to cushion the imminent attack. No one uttered a noise as the Machta continued towards them, not even a surprised yelp. Every eye, widened like a deer's when caught in headlights, was glued onto the screen.
Closer...
Closer...
Time seemed to be frozen. No one moved. The only sound that could be heard was the slow and steady heartbeat of the collective crew, waiting for their deaths.
Closer...
Closer...
AND THEN!
...gone.
No explosion, no impact.
Absolutely nothing.
The stunned crew could only stare at the blank space that the Machta had once taken up before it disappeared. The Romulans had been known throughout the universe for their cloaking abilities, but even so, this took the cake. They were too close to be able to avoid the collision, and yet they didn't hit the prized Enterprise. It was almost as if the whole ship had turned into a ghost...
Picard, on impulse, murmured, "...report."
Only one person on the bridge answered his call. The clear, steady voice of Data calmly announced, "...no residual effects. Scanners cannot pick up the Machta's trail." Data turned around. "Sir? There is a downed shuttlecraft, heavily damaged."
Blinking a couple of times, Picard replied, "Tractor beam. Bring it into the shuttle bay."
"Yes sir." Data's hands began working at their amazingly fast tempo as he began to bring the downed ship into the cargo bay.
Picard looked around at his crew. All had some type of would, from blows to the head to cuts on their arms. Scattered panels across the room were blown out, and continued to emit sparks. The emergency light was on, casting an odd glow on everyone, making them seem as if they were shells of their former selves.
He didn't even bother asking about the extent of the damage.
The captain looked at each one of his officers. He never spoke, but his message got across to them all: You know what to do.
Turning, he slowly walked back towards his office. He barely noticed the orders that his officers were giving.
The doors closed with a silent swoosh.
When Demitri awoke, the first thing he noticed was the sharp pain in his head. It was as if a huge needle was sticking out of his forehead. He opened his eyes, only to find thins extremely blurry. He blinked furiously, trying to clear his vision.
"Ah, you're finally awake."
Demitri froze. I know that voice...
He tried to grab onto the bodiless voice, but found that he couldn't move. He began jerking his arms and legs, trying to get free. His vision clearing, he stopped. He was trapped.
A cold and sinister laugh was heard. It made the hairs on the back of Demitri's neck stand up.
"Don't even bother trying to escape," the voice said. "I know all of your tricks, and this time I'm prepared for them."
Demitri grounded his teeth. "Natalllllll..." he growled.
Walking up to Demitri, Natal made an odd clicking noise with his tongue. "Tut tut Demitri. Where are you manners?"
Demitri snorted. "Fuck you Natal."
"Now now Demitri, watch what you're saying. You don't want anything to happen to her, now do you?" He pointed to Demitri's left.
Demitri turned his head and yelled out in outrage at what he saw.
Anja was lying on a tilted table, her hands and feet locked in place by metal bands, with a glowing headband around her head. There were many life support systems monitoring her, each one giving off an odd beep now and then. She was unconscious.
"You monster, what have you done with her!" Demitri yelled.
"I? I have done nothing." He paused. "Yet."
If looks could kill, Natal would have died a thousands times by now. The muscles on Demtiri's jaw tightened.
"Oh don't worry. I won't kill you two yet." Natal said as he walked towards a table containing several strange devices. He swooped down and picked up one of the smaller ones.
"I've got bigger plans for you two."
He pushed a button on the device, and all throughout the ship, everyone heard Demitri scream's of pain.
"AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH HHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH"
Picard called his officers to him after they had set the groundwork for rebuilding the Enterprise. They came quickly, and sat down at the same table they always held their meetings at.
"Report."
Geordi took a deep breath. "The engines are almost completely destroyed. It'll take me at least a few days working 'round the clock just to get things up and running again."
Picard closed his eyes and nodded.
"Captian?" The soft voice of Diana asked. "Anja and Demiri have been kidnapped."
Again Picard nodded.
After a few minutes time, he opened his eyes. "Geordi, I want you to repair the Romulan shuttlecraft."
He looked at everyone.
"We are going to rescue them and destroy that ship."
AN: Sorry for not updating for a while. Complications at home and writers block are not good for writing a story. I AN NOT GIVING UP ON THIS STORY! So please, just push that little button at the bottom and leave me a review. I don't even care if it's a flamer, I just want people to review.
Go read Lenorathetrekkie's story as well.
Thank you.