STAR TREK
"Disturbed Peace"
In the darkness of space, there was a vessel in trouble. It was of Prometheus-class. Its two engines lied dormant while troops packed their bags.
"Why do they need us this time?" one asked on the USS Ragnarok. It was a strike cruiser.
"We have been on red alert forever," the team sergeant stated. "What do you think, Hexter?"
A very large marine replied, "We are late. Let's move as quickly as possible. Hurry!"
They were told not to run down the corridor as they formed up for an approaching shuttle.
"Corporal Alec Hexter," the captain hailed, "do not shed as much blood on this mission as you did on the last one."
He did not know what Captain Rodney Dare was talking about, "Anything you say, Captain."
They arrived at the shuttlebay to hear the klaxons stop, "Everyone, stand in formation."
A bomb exploded. It incinerated the shuttle as it landed. Only the tardy team would survive.
On the bridge, "Captain, the Romulan shuttle has exploded along with its ambassador!"
"I know that!" Captain Dare cried out. "Turn our engines on, so we can defend ourselves."
The engineer, Dreg Knots, asked, "Why was it so important to turn the engines off anyway?"
The captain replied, "To appear peaceful in the midst of negotiations with the Romulans."
A Romulan warbird decloaked at point-blank range to beam over boarding parties, "Humans, you have crossed our path for the last time."
"Put the shields up," Rodney Dare spoke. "Or, at least, find out what caused the explosion."
It became time to inform his troops, "How are things, marines? Are you still with us?"
"Sergeant Brink here. My team is the last one of all the troops at these parade grounds," it was truthfully relayed to the captain.
"Alright," the bridge said. "Your orders are to take out the Romulan boarding parties. Then find the one who blew up our chance for peace."
"Yes, Captain Rodney Dare," he began. "This is the USS Ragnarok, and I obey orders."
"Let us go to the armory," Alec said. "I'm going to shed all the blood in the universe."
He picked up the biggest gun he could find. Then two attacking soldiers rounded a corner.
The soldiers were shot down.
"Great job!" the captain said. "Soldiers remain in engineering. Take them out as we leave."
The ship disengaged by acceleration. The Romulan warbird could not keep up.
Engineering had to be retaken, "The engineer was wounded by the Romulans, Sean Brink."
"We'll take them out quickly," Alec said as he shot all of them down with his big gun.
They ran to Dreg Knots' aid. He was bleeding to death. Now the team had to find the bomber.
Dreg died in Hexter's arms. He cried. Then the sergeant pointed his phaser rifle to fire.
"Why?" the marine asked him.
"Is that all?" the leader of the team of four asked. "I'm entitled to my prejudice, Hexter."
Then a brave hero from behind knifed Sean in the back. Of all the things he could say to a mission well done, he said, "No hate crimes here."
Private Sparks then ran to a console. His idea to restart the engines saved the ship.
There were smiles in the engineering room as the marines cheered. Mick Doran contacted sickbay for Dreg Knots.
"Alright!" he said hailing the bridge. "The ship is ours again, Captain. Could this mean—"
"Yes! Promotions," the captain spoke. "Officers are on their way to relieve you."
"Captain," the corporal told him, "this area is secure. The engineer died, but Sergeant Brink was traitor enough to turn on us. I'm in charge here."
Engineering crews showed up just as Captain Rodney Dare replied, "I want to hear all about it."
"Do I have to draw up a report?" he began. "It's not one of my favorite things to do, Captain."
It was a bad day, "Just do it!"
Once the USS Ragnarok had engine power, its captain had to explain what went wrong. Only the testimony of Alec Hexter saved them.
The End