#little Borg we hardly knew ye

[thresholdbb]

Mezoti's such a little weirdo I love her

Janeway: What's your science project?

Mezoti: Radioactive ants 👍

[we-are-only-halfway-home93]

Come and Lay the Roses 29- No Room For Innocence- [Ivar x OC]

Summary: Aaline witnesses a blood eagle.

Characters: Ivar x OC, Bjorn x Torvi, Ubbe x Margrethe, Hvitserk x Thora, Sigurd x OC, Ragnar, Lagertha 

Warnings: arranged marriage, violence, sex, torture, language, mentions of rape/sexual assault

Word Count: 2544

Ch. 28

AN: I’d like to apologize for how long it’s taken me to update. I have no excuses. All I can say is life. 

It took me a while to get the blood eagle scene done. I wasn’t sure how I wanted that to look for a while. I think it turned out okay. I listened to Heimta Thurs by Wardruna the whole time I wrote it to put me in the right head space. 

I’d like to thank everyone who’s stuck with me for this long. I sincerely appreciate you.

“Revenge is an act of passion; vengeance of justice. Injuries are revenged; crimes are avenged.” ~ Samuel Johnson

Aaline heaved as her body expelled what little she’d eaten that day. Her stomach had been in knots all day and it finally rebelled against her. She heaved again as a timid knock sounded on the door. “What?” she croaked. 

Torvi pushed the door open with care and peeked around the frame. She winced when Aaline gagged again, nothing coming up except bile and saliva. 

She pushed her way into the room and shut the door behind her, turning the lock and leaning against it. “Are you alright?” She asked. 

Aaline rolled her eyes up to her sister-in-law and bit back the snarky comment she so badly wanted to express. She clenched her eyes shut as her stomach seized but was thankful when nothing came up. 

“I’m fine.”

“I vomited when I saw my first blood eagle.” Torvi shared. Aaline slowly sat back, her hands still clutching the rim of the toilet. Her nausea had dissipated but her stomach still felt weak. 

“I hid behind the shed. I swore everything I’d eaten in the last week came out of me that night.” Aaline turned her head and stared at Torvi. She had a faraway look in her eyes and a sad smile on her face. 

“Did you love him?” Aaline asked. She remembered that Björn was Torvi's third husband and that her first had been blood eagled by Ragnar after he tried to kill Aslaug and their children. Ivar hadn’t even been born yet and Björn was just a teenager. 

Torvi blinked and turned her head. She smiled fully at Aaline and shook her head. “No. I thought I did but I was young. I didn’t know what love was. The love I had for him was one of companionship and youth. I did not love him like a wife should.”

Aaline nodded, processing. “And you married the son of his executioner.” She looked up when Torvi laughed. 

“I didn’t blame Björn. I didn’t even blame Ragnar. I was angry, yes, but my husband broke our laws, committed crimes. He was going to die no matter what.” Torvi shrugged and stepped deeper into the bathroom.

“Ivar will understand if you are unwell. This is a difficult experience.” Aaline shook her head. 

“I told you, I’m fine. I’m sure it’s nothing. I’ve been feeling under the weather for the last few days. It’s probably just a stomach bug.” Aaline made to stand. Torvi helped her up and studied her closely. Aaline closed the lid of the toilet and flushed, wincing at the reminder of her episode. 

“How long have you been feeling poorly?” Torvi asked. Aaline shrugged, washing her hands. 

“I’m not sure. A few days at least.”

“Just nausea or something else?” Aaline sighed and dried her hands, trying to be patient. 

“Mostly nausea. A few headaches,  some stomach cramps. I’m tired all the time. Really, Torvi, I’m fine. It’s just a stomach bug.” 

She tossed the towel down onto the counter and pulled the door open. “Can we please go? Ivar’s supposed to help me get ready.” Torvi looked at her, her gaze skeptical. She nodded once and preceded Aaline out of the bathroom. Aaline shook her head at Torvi’s behavior and followed her, closing the door behind her.

.

“It’s a preposterous plan. I don’t even know how you talked me into it.” 

“It’s because you know I’m right.” 

Ecbert looked up with sharp eyes at the young woman before him. She held her head high and carried an air of superiority around her. Ecbert didn’t know if she was stupid or just insane. Perhaps a bit of both. 

Ecbert himself wondered where his own sanity had gone to consider this plan. It wasn’t even a good one and he truly didn’t even know its purpose. 

 “I don’t see how this plan will weaken Ragnar.”

The woman scoffed and he narrowed his eyes. “Ivar will go mad with grief and anger. Ragnar won’t be able to control him thus losing control of his men. He’ll be overthrown and you’ll be able to swoop in and take control of his empire.”

The plan was shaky at best. It all hinged on a small group of men being able to go unnoticed by Ragnar Lothbrok’s very observant sons. Even then they weren’t guaranteed a win right away. The women before him needed to stay out of it personally and Ecbert wasn’t sure if she was capable. 

“You remember what we discussed.” He said. 

She narrowed her eyes and sat up straighter almost like she was trying to look intimidating. “I remember.” 

Ecbert arched one perfect brow and waited, hoping she’d take his cue. She did and crossed her arms over her chest. “I’m not to approach anyone in the Lothbrok family.” She admitted through clenched teeth. 

Ecbert sat back only marginally satisfied. 

“Good.” He waved a hand at her, dismissing her and she rose with anger. Ecbert didn’t flinch when she slammed through the double doors. He was too engrossed in calculating everything that could go wrong with their plan.

.

It was late, almost midnight and Ivar was helping Aaline into the traditional white outfit worn during a blood eagle. Aaline knew very little about the traditions involved in a ritualistic murder. She knew it was a big deal. Their family was taking revenge on the man who murdered Sigurd. 

The blood eagle was a sacrifice to Odin. Aelle would serve as both a warning and a blessing. His death would bless their retribution, keeping them safe from further harm. It would also warn others intent on wronging them. His death would tell them what would happen to anyone who tried to take them down.

White was worn to show the blood that was spilled. It was expected for blood to transfer on all spectators and it would symbolize the blessing that Odin brought upon them.

Traditionally, it was expected that the victim remain silent less they be barred entrance into Valhalla. Björn had talked long about how Jarl Borg had taken the whole of his punishment in silence, never making a sound as Ragnar killed him. 

She could see the respect shining clearly in Björn’s eyes. Even though Jarl Borg had tried to murder his brothers and step-mother, Björn had admiration for the man. Aaline was eager to understand why.

A knock on the door pulled her from her thoughts and she looked up. Hvitserk opened the door and nodded once, pushing it further open and leaving them again. It was time.

Ivar settled his hands on her shoulders and stepped around to face her. “It’s not going to be pretty.” She rolled her eyes and looked away but he caught her chin between his fingers and pulled her back to look at him.

“There’s going to be blood, lots of it. He’ll scream and he’ll cry and there’ll be piss and shit along with the blood. Do you think you can handle that?” Ivar’s voice was soft when he spoke but she could hear the hard edge. He still wanted her to back out. He wanted her to sit up here in their room alone while the rest of the family witnessed the execution of the man responsible for their pain. 

She wrapped her hand around Ivar’s wrist and gently pushed it away. “I think you forget who you’re married to.” She said. 

She stepped around him and headed towards the door, turning at the frame to look over her shoulder at him. He was staring at her, his face unreadable. She cocked an eyebrow. He shook his head and followed her out the door.

As they descended the stairs, the light grew dimmer. The shadows on the wall danced. The smell of incense was heavy in the air. A heavy bass resounded in the air and chains rattled against the stone.

 When they turned the final corner into the room, Aaline allowed herself to take in the scene. Ragnar stood in the center of the room on a raised platform. His back was to them and his shoulders flexed as he worked with something on the table before him. Behind him, standing shoulder width apart, were two identical wooden posts with half circle brackets at the top. 

Ivar cupped her elbow and steered her towards the rest of his siblings. The brothers and their wives were standing in a semi-circle around Sibylle whose eyes were glassy.  Aaline didn’t know if it was her tears or the drugs that gave her the appearance. 

Ivar stopped beside Hvitserk and nodded, folding his hands in front of him as they waited. Aaline surveyed the room. Lagertha stood just behind the table that Ragnar was working at. Rollo and Floki stood across from them, Helga next to Floki. Several of Ragnar’s men filled the rest of the room. She and Ivar were the last to arrive.

Ragnar turned to Rollo and Floki and nodded once. The two men retreated behind a door behind Lagertha. The drum beat held steady. 

Rollo and Floki returned with Aelle bound between them. A gag was tied tight in his mouth and his wrists and ankles were hogtied. He was naked from the waist up. Rollo and Floki stepped onto the platform and shoved Aelle to his knees between the wooden posts. 

She couldn’t hear what he was saying to them but Aaline could see his mouth trying to move around the gag. Rollo and Floki ignored him as they tied his wrists to the posts beside him. Tears poured down his face and she felt more than heard Ivar chuckle behind her.

The fires surrounding them were hot and the incense made her drowsy. She felt like she was outside of herself, watching the movement around her with detachment. She hardly felt Ivar’s hands on her shoulders.   

Ragnar turned then to the trembling Aelle and scanned the line of his back with clinical apathy. He placed a hand on Aelle’s shoulder and the man startled. Ragnar stilled him with strong fingers pressed deep into the meat of his shoulder. Ragnar bent low and settled his face next to Aelle’s. 

Aelle’s screams were drowned out by the thumping of the drums and the crackling of the fire. Blood pooled around his knees as Ragnar drew the blade up the center of his back. Ivar’s fingers tightened on her shoulders.

Her eyes were glued to the scene before her. She felt entranced by Ragnar’s work. Ivar brought his chin down to her shoulder and watched with her.

Ragnar drew the knife quickly across Aelle’s shoulders and back, pulling the skin back from the bones. Blood sailed through the air, spattering the spectators with warm drops. 

Aaline inhaled sharply and the scent of copper filled her sinuses. Ivar’s hands trailed down her arms and to her hands. He knotted their fingers together as more blood sliced through the air and painted their faces. 

Ragnar soon replaced his blade with an axe, the blade winking in the firelight. Aelle’s screams had died as shock set in. He wasn’t dead yet. Aaline could see his chest heaving up and down. Blood dripped down his arms and sides as Ragnar moved his flesh as he pleased. 

With a flash, the axe came down and separated ribs from spine. The sound of breaking bone reverberated through the air, over taking the drums. Ragnar hacked at the bones, sending blood flinging through the air. Aaline could feel it settled on her cheeks and fought back the urge to lick her lips.

Ivar did no such thing, leaning close and licking a long stripe up the side of her face, humming at the metallic taste that coated his tongue. Aaline shivered as his breath ghosted over her ear. “I can’t wait to lick his blood off you.” He nipped sharply at her earlobe and she shivered. He was hard as steel against the small of her back.

With his ribs now spread wide away from his body, Aelle died. Aaline watched as Ragnar finished the ritual, slipping his hands inside Aelle’s chest from behind and pulling his lungs from within. He settled the useless organs across Aelle’s still shoulders and stepped back.

He was covered in blood. His bare feet were sticky with it as he stepped around to Aelle’s front. His hands were stained crimson as he, almost reverently, pushed Aelle’s hair back off his forehead. His face and beard were saturated in the life giving fluid as he gazed down at the man who ordered his son dead. 

When Ragnar’s head came up, Rollo and Floki got to work. 

Aelle was to be placed on display outside of Ecbert’s home. He was to serve as a warning to the rest of the Saxons.

Once Rollo and Floki began cutting down Aelle, the rest of the spectators began making their way out of the ceremony room. A bonfire was lit in the backyard and they were to spend the rest of the night celebrating Aelle’s demise and Sigurd’s life. 

Aaline was confident she and Ivar wouldn’t make it to the bonfire. 

Ivar tugged her back the way they’d come with insistent hands. She allowed him to lead her away, her mind still preoccupied with the blood eagle.

As soon as Ivar had their bedroom door shut, she was pressed face first against the wood of the door. She gasped and smacked her palms against the door. 

Ivar already had his hands under her dress and his fingers inside her panties. His groan vibrated against her back and she shuddered when he immediately sank two thick fingers inside her. “You’re soaked.” He whispered brokenly against her ear. 

She moaned and arched her back, pulling his fingers deeper and feeling him hard against her ass. 

“Did it turn you on? Watching a man die?” He rocked his fingers inside of her, pressing his palm against her clit. She pressed her forehead to the door, pressing back against him. She needed more. More pressure, more fingers, more friction. Just more. 

“More.” She moaned. Ivar cursed and withdrew his fingers. She felt him fumbling behind her. Before she had time to take a breath, he was sheathed to the hilt inside her. She yelped, her muscles stretching to accommodate him. 

The sting between her legs quickly subsided when he started moving. His fingers returned between her legs and circled her clit in quick, firm circles. Her knees buckled but he wrapped an arm around her waist and kept them upright. 

Ivar groaned against her neck before sinking his teeth hard into the muscle of her shoulder. Her pussy clenched around him and he groaned, the vibrations against her skin sending goosebumps down her back. 

Her whole body vibrated and her knees began to shake as her orgasm crested inside her. Ivar circled her clit twice more and her orgasm washed over her. She shook against him, her internal muscles squeezing him tight. He wrapped a hand around her throat and grunted, his cock twitching inside her. 

She sagged against the door, her heart pounding and her knees like jello. Ivar licked the side of her neck, moaning at the taste of sweat and blood.

Tags: @dreamlesswonder @youbloodymadgenius  @inforapound  @bcarolinablr @funmadnessandbadassvikings @feyrearcheron-nightcourt @londongal2810 @khiraeth @didiintheblog @jeremyrennerfanxxxx123 @xbellaxcarolinax @shannygoatgruff @kingniazx@revolution-starter @jay-bel

[sibillascribbles08]

Blow It Out

Echo’s birthday feat. clone universe. A bit of angst but good feelings in the end.

Apologies if you have no prior context, main things to note, Zane isn’t around and Gizmo is now 8ft tall.

    Typically the factory was an empty place. Only select people even dare tread into it, much less actually climb the tower. 

    That’s why, when Echo heard footsteps, he reacted to his instinct to draw his pistol.

    “Who’s there?” He pointed the gun down the hall, letting the cameras in his eyes adjust to the low light.

    Cryptor stood there, hands up. “Only me, Echo. You may want to refrain from being so quick to draw a weapon in the city. You’d get an alert if there was a threat.”

    Echo snorted but put his gun away. “What do you want?” He turned his gaze back to what he was staring at earlier. A worn out frame. The corner of the glass chipped. Underneath was an aging picture of his father and Dr. Borg. It was some commemoration of yet another technological advancement made under their collaboration. A collaboration that only lasted a short while, he had read, as his father passed away less than a year after the two started working together. 

    “Gizmo was looking for you. Said you wouldn’t respond to your messages.” Cryptor came closer, tucking his arms behind him. His pink eye glanced at the photo on the wall. “I didn’t expect to find you on this floor.”

    “I hardly have any other reason to come in here.” Echo crossed his arms, trying to look as annoyed as possible. He certainly felt that way the longer he stared at the picture. It was just one of many, too. There were dozens more in the hall. An entire hallway committed to his father, celebrating his achievements, the things he’d done.

    If only they knew. 

    But even if they did, would they have cared?

    Cryptor stood beside him. “Gizmo mentioned your birthday. Is that why you came out here?” 

    “Sure, whatever.” Echo shoved his hands in his pockets now. “I know he likes to celebrate it, but I’m not sure I do.” He kept staring at the photo. “Just reminds me that I woke up to an empty lighthouse and an empty promise.” 

    “It’s understandable.” Cryptor took a step back. “I can tell him you wish to be alone right now.” 

    “Don’t speak for me.” Echo sighed. “And don’t tell him I won’t show up cause I will just...need some space to think.”

    Cryptor stopped walking away, but didn’t say anything. 

    The silence drew on for too long. It made Echo nervous. “He gets so excited about it that it helps, sometimes. Makes it feel a little less terrible.” He made his way down the hall. None of the lights worked, but the sun from the windows was more than enough. It amplified the dust in the room. 

    He kept looking at the photos and the plaques, some of which showed signs of tarnish. Eventually he reached the one with Dr. Julien and Zane. 

    Echo narrowed his eyes and ignored the temptation to throw it out the window. “Why do we even keep this place around?”

    “I imagine if you wanted to clear out this floor then–”

    “No, not just this floor.” Echo gestured around him. “This whole building, the factory, the tower. Why not just torch it and replace it with something else?”

    Cryptor let out a long sigh. “Echo I can’t count the number of times I’ve had this conversation with others.” 

    Echo turned to look at him. “Doesn’t that just prove that we’re all in agreement.” 

    “But that doesn’t prove you’re right.” Cryptor frowned, staring down at him. “Maybe one day, farther in the future, we will take this place down and replace it with something else, but doing so right now won’t help any of us recover from what happened.”

    “Oh bull shit.” Echo rolled his eyes. “How is keeping such an awful reminder around good for anyone?” 

    Cryptor kept his gaze firm. “It reminds me to keep myself humble. And for a lot of the kids, erasing all of this would be an expression that their past means nothing.”

    “What? Are you telling me the kids want to keep this place around?”

    “They do, if you ever bothered to speak to them you’d know that.” Cryptor turned his gaze to the pictures. “It’s a hellish memory to them, yes, but in their mind they conquered it. The empty building serves as a reminder that they overcame it.” He shifted his stance, folding his arms behind his back again. “If you wish to clear out this floor, I don’t see how it would be a problem, though you may want to ask Pixal if she wants that picture of Zane.” 

    Echo glared at it. Part of him didn’t understand what Pixal saw in Zane, but he also knew his hatred toward his sibling was mostly because of their father. Zane was probably fine, just as kind and heroic as everyone said. 

    Not that Echo would ever find out. His anger tried to latch onto the fact that it was Cryptor’s fault Zane was gone, but he squashed it back down. 

    Ultimately, outside of Gizmo, Cryptor had made the most effort to be kind to him. Despite the time Echo shot Cryptor over that time machine idea. He regretted the fight not long after, when Gizmo gave him a long lecture. 

    Maybe life right now wasn’t ideal, but there was no proof going to the past and changing things would actually make it better. 

    Echo shook his head. “She has enough pictures of Zane. Maybe I’ll let Jay have it instead.”

    “Oh?” Cryptor tilted his head. “Are you two friends now?”

    “I mean, he’s cool, even if he’s super jumpy.” Echo shrugged. “I work with him enough, and he doesn’t tell me to stop talking.” 

    “It’s just good to see you socializing in some form.”

    Echo glared at him. “Hey, I’m not a hermit or anything, unlike you Mr. Security Office.” 

    “I have quite a lot of work to do.” 

    “Yeah, well so do I.” He spun on his heel and began to head down the hall again. “City won’t rebuild itself.” 

    “That’s why you’re spending time up here.”

    “Hey, it’s my birthday, I get the day off.”

    Cryptor chuckled. “Of course. I’ll leave you to it then. Don’t leave Gizmo wondering for too long.”

    Echo looked back to see Cryptor leaving, but didn’t say anything. Being alone in this hallway wasn’t entirely wise, but he didn’t want to force Cryptor to stick around either. He probably should just head back to the apartment. 

    He began to head to the stairs when a glint of bronze caught his eye. He stared up at the plaque on the wall, reading the text engraved on it. 

    Dr. Edward Julien. Brilliant Inventor and Loving Father–

    Echo snatched it off the wall so hard the nail came with it. He tossed it on the ground and tried to stomp on it, but of course it didn’t do any damage. He once again thought about throwing something out the window, but that may end up causing more damage than it was worth. 

    He stared at it, jaw clenched, begging for his anger to recede. At least for the time being. 

    When it finally did, he moved his foot and picked the plaque back up off the ground. He stomped down the hall toward the staircase with it tucked under his arm.

    He had an idea of what to use it for. 

۵۵۵۵۵۵۵۵۵۵۵۵۵۵۵۵۵۵۵۵۵۵۵

    Pi-ting! 

    Another bullet bounced off the bronze surface, leaving another harsh mark. Echo narrowed his eyes and opened his gun to add more bullets. 

    “Echo?”

    He looked over to see Jay peeking around the building. Echo thought he picked a spot far out of the way, tucked behind one of the buildings they were still repairing. 

    “Wh… what are you doing?” Jay glanced at the gun and then the plaque. 

    “Target practice.” Echo finished reloading the gun. He snapped it shut and fired off all six rounds.

    Jay squeaked and ducked as the bullets ricochet around the area. “Hey! That’s dangerous.” 

    “Maybe for you.” Echo muttered but still put the gun away. “Did you need something or were you just curious?”

    Jay slowly stepped out. “Ah no, just curious when I heard the noise.” He looked over at the plaque, squinting. “Um… where did you get that?”

    Echo answered flatly. “The tower.” 

    “Where in the tower?”

    “On the floor with the rest of the stuff about my dad.” Echo pretended to study his knuckle joints. “There’s a photo of Zane up there, by the way, if you want one.” 

    “Oh.” Jay almost looked frightened. He pulled his hands closer, one of them rubbing his wrist. “Would probably be weird to see that, to be honest.” 

    Echo raised an eyebrow. “Why?”

    “Just, you know, it’s been so long.” He gave off his usual nervous laugh. “Um, to be honest I’ve almost forgotten what he looked like. How sad is that?” His gaze fixed on the ground before he blinked and straightened up. “Oh, sorry, haha.” He waved his hands. “Didn’t mean to go on a tangent there.” 

    Echo shrugged. He wasn’t much for sympathy, couldn’t even understand Jay’s position, but he was on friendly enough terms he didn’t want to leave him upset. “If you forgot maybe the photo would be a good idea. Your other friends might appreciate it too.”

    “Yeah.” Jay sighed. He walked over to the plaque and picked it up, trying to read the text that was left. “Ah, yeah, your father. Should have guessed.” 

    “It’s a decent substitute for punching him in the face.” Echo glared at it. 

    “Aha, well, I’ll leave you to it.” Jay put it back down. “And I’ll see you later. Try and watch the bullets though, don’t know who else might be around.” 

    Echo didn’t reply to that. He watched Jay leave with an awkward wave. He knew he shouldn’t be this bitter or cold, but his irritation made it hard to act otherwise. 

    He looked at the plaque, wanting to deface it more, but knew Jay was right. He should find somewhere safer to do this. 

    He sighed and went over to pick it back up. He checked his messages. Ten of them from Gizmo. 

    No sense in avoiding it anymore, he really should get back. 

۵۵۵۵۵۵۵۵۵۵۵۵۵۵۵۵۵۵۵۵۵۵۵

    Echo headed up the steps to the apartment and tried the door. Locked. He pulled his I.D. card out of his pocket and scanned the door. It opened with a click and he pushed it the rest of the way with his knee. It was dark inside. Was Gizmo out? Echo extended his free hand to flip on the lights.

    POP!

    Echo screamed from the sound, and would have gotten ready to fight if the colorful confetti didn’t cross his vision.

    “[Surprise!]” Gizmo beeped, party popper in the claws of his vacuum tubes. 

    “G-Giz? What are you doing?” Echo stared at the confetti that was now on the carpeted floor. 

    “[Surprise party.]” Gizmo put the empty popper away as one of his vacuums already worked to clean up the confetti. “[I was told that was how it worked.]” 

    Echo let out a long sigh, now that his panic was subsiding. “I suppose, but it’s not like I forgot it was my birthday.”

    “[I will have to try harder next year.]”

    He snorted. “Okay big guy.” He glanced around Gizmo into the small living room. Even from here he could see a pile of wrapped gifts. “What are all those?”

    “[Presents!]” Gizmo’s beeps came out as a pleasant chime as he walked over to them. He pointed at them one at a time with one of his hose arms. “One from me, Cryptor, Mindroid, Pixal, Jay, and even Toby.” 

    “Oh.” Echo wasn’t sure what to say to that. He didn’t expect this many people to even send him presents. “Were you advertising my birthday?”

    “[A bit. These people are also your friends, yes? It would make sense to invite them to celebrate if they want.]” 

    Echo wasn’t sure if he could call them his friends, but they went out of their way to do this, so it was something. 

    He was silent for a while, lost in his thoughts, so lost he wasn’t aware that Gizmo was reaching for the plaque until it was snatched from his grip.

    “Hey!” Echo protested and made a dive for it, only for Gizmo to hold him back with one of his hands. 

    “[What is this?]”

    “I know you can read Ninjagian, you know what it is.”

    “[Why are there such violent scuff marks on it?]”

    Echo sighed. “Target practice.” 

    Gizmo let go of him and handed the plaque back. “[Do you really think it wise to keep holding onto your anger toward him?]”

    “I have plenty to be angry about.” Echo snatched the plaque. “You know as well as I do. I’m not sure why you don’t hate him more. He left you on the island to rot too.”

    “[Yes, but he is dead, and we are not.]”

    “We would have been if Toby didn’t learn we existed from another universe.”

    Those blue eyes stared through him. “[Things worked in our favor. However lucky you want to call it, we are able to live our own lives out here. Why is that not satisfactory to you?]”

    “I don’t know.” Echo admitted. He ran his thumb over the dents in the metal. He couldn’t feel the texture, just the rises and dips. “I don’t know how to stop wishing for something I can’t have.”

    “[Which is?]”

    “To ask him why he thought it wouldn’t matter if he left us there.”

    “[And would an answer actually satisfy you? Or make you feel worse?]”

    Echo didn’t have an answer to that either. He didn’t know. Either their father admitted he was just as terrible as Echo thought or it was played out as some kind of accident. That he intended to come back but died before it happened. 

    Gizmo walked toward the kitchen. “[Well, you know what they say, sometimes wishes you make on birthdays can come true.]” He came back with a small candle. His two hose arms lit a match in order to ignite the candle. 

    Echo snorted. “What, you think I should waste a birthday wish on that?”

    “[It is up to you.]” 

    Echo took the candle, pondering it. He could wish for it, he already did after all, but Gizmo was right. An answer wouldn’t satisfy him. 

    He needed something else. He needed something to better anchor him in the life he had now. If only he had a clue where to start.

    Regardless, he reached out and pinched the flame, putting it out. 

    Gizmo’s hand rested on his head, ruffling his hair through his hat. “[Happy Birthday, Echo. I understand being made isn’t an entirely fond memory for you, but I am glad you are here.]”

    Echo couldn’t keep himself from smiling. “Thanks, Giz. Glad you’re around too.” He headed over to the coffee table and tossed the plaque aside onto the sofa. “So, which of these should I open first?”

۵۵۵۵۵۵۵۵۵۵۵۵۵۵۵۵۵۵۵۵۵۵۵

    Mindroid hummed as he worked on cleaning up all the dishes from breakfast. Always a lot to go through, but worth it. The kids ate so much more these days than they did when Mindroid first started caring for them.

    The ping in his head caught him off guard for a moment, even more so when he saw who it was from. 

    Unusual for Echo to send him a message.

    >Hey, tell the kids I said thanks for the present. Though Gizmo’s griping just a bit about the glitter cards. I probably should come around and see them sometime, huh? Is there a good time for that?

    Mindroid couldn’t keep himself from smiling as he went back to his dishes.

    >Almost anytime is fine, though afternoons are best. Just let me know before you show up.

    >Yeah, no problem. I’ll swing by in a few days. 

    >I look forward to it. 

[aweebwrites]

Move on Dragons Ch3

Eternal thanks to the light of my writing life @thelucariosfish for beta-ing!

____________

'Alright. This is it. Hiroshi's Labyrinth. Miles and miles of unexplored territory. I think Mr. Borg had an old base here a few of you can use as a den. Maybe your Cole could widen it a bit.' Kai suggested as the thunder of dragons focused on him where he was still perched atop Garmadon's head.

'Perhaps you could show us this… Base.' Wu requested, the large white and gold dragon focusing on the half dragon and Kai scratched the back of his head, having no clue where it was.

'I'll take care of that.' They looked over to the hovering Bounty where the Oni that was Lloyd had spoken from, his hand absentmindedly petting the small black dragon taking a nap around his neck.

The dragon version of himself flew over and without prompting, Lloyd hopped out on his back, startling the smaller dragon around his neck. The wide eyed black dragon looked to where they once stood on the Bounty then back to their place on the back of a far larger dragon than he. The small dragon began chittering and nipping at Lloyd as if reprimanding the Oni for doing something so risky.

"Ow! Ow! I'm fine! No need to bring teeth into this!" Lloyd yelped, pulling his face back from the cranky black dragon.

'It's strange that he is obviously kin but yet… I cannot understand him.' Draconic Lloyd says as he flew him over to his uncle.

'It's odd to me too.' Lloyd says back, apologetically petting the black dragon's head. 'I could understand Firstbourne and while she's in the same dimension as I am, she's in a different realm. Well. That's assuming that this little guy is from this dimension.' He added, remembering that other dimensions were a thing.

"Well, lead the way." Kai says to Lloyd from his pace atop his dragon self's back.

The Oni nods then told his dragon self to fly straight ahead, the rest of the dragon nation following.

"We should follow too." Cole says to Nya from the Bounty and she nods, navigating the Bounty behind them.

Zane kept his focus, even as Jay poked and prodded at the microscope he was using while waiting for the results of the blood test he had ran. Looking at something at a microscopic level was beyond his abilities as a Nindroid after all. Though, what he was observing at this point does prove to be… Worrying. Zane sat back with a frown, professing all he has observed so far. Back then, years ago, Nya had said there was a theory that elevating one's heartbeat could cure the bite of a Fangpyre. It was all theoretical though. They should have known to give Jay a full check to see if the venom was truly gone. It wasn't gone, only had been lying dormant in Jay's very DNA all this time. Being exposed to the draconic dimension and its ways of mutating humans by simply being in that dimension for long had triggered it. 

Zane was just guessing here but the changes from human to draconian started the very second they crossed over to the dragon's dimension. It's just an incredibly slow process that gets faster over time. But while the change may have run smoothly in Cole and Nya, it must have ran into some trouble with the dormant Serpentine venom spread out through Jay's body. He imagines that both may have clashed for a bit before the stronger rose up- the stronger being the venom in Jay's DNA since the draconian influence would have been very weak at that point. The venom must have overpowered and used what little energy drive the draconian influence had to become active again, starting off as sluggish as it was now. But within a few days, a week at most, Jay would be almost completely Serpentine. He would retain most human features Zane felt sure of, but yet again, this was all theory. He can't say for sure this is the direction in which things will go.

"I take it that you've found something?" Zane looked up at Sensei Wu as he approached him.

He breathed out slowly then nodded.

"Yes. I have." He says, gaining Nya and Cole's attention as well. "I still need the blood work to say for sure what changes to expect but… The venom he had taken in from pricking his hand against the Fangpyre skull years ago hadn't disappeared with unlocking his true potential. Rather, it had became dormant. I theorize that the exposure to the Dragons' dimension is the trigger of why it's suddenly active again," Zane explained.

"I don't get it. Didn't it take Kai a month or two in the dragon dimension to start showing changes? And how does being in a dragon dimension turn one into a Serpentine?" Nya asked, confused.

"A change as big as going from human to dragon isn't a sudden thing. It's more logical for the change to start from the moment one enters the dragon dimension and slowly proceeds from there. My hypothesis so far is that once the influence of the dimension met the dormancy of the Serpentine venom in Jay's blood, there was a bit of a struggle between both genetically-changing forces. The venom which was more likely the stronger of the two forces must have overpowered the draconic influence and took it's drive to become active again," Zane explains then looked towards Jay who was only half listening. "From what I've seen so far, Jay will be completing his change by the end of the week." He added and they gasped.

"But- but if he's been bitten by a Fangpyre, surely we can just meet up with some Serpentine and make some antivenom, right? Right?" Cole asked and Zane frowned.

"We could try… But it's unlikely to work. The venom was from a skeletal system that dated back almost a hundred years. Serpentine now have evolved much since then. Their venom may not be the same. The antivenom may not have the components needed to cure him. Moreover…" Zane explained then looked over to Jay as the blue ninja smiled at him, cheeks in hand. "The venom has been in his system so long that it has become apart of him- apart of his very DNA. That alone is enough to almost guarantee that even if the antivenom is correct, it wouldn't be able to do anything." Zane told them and the others frowned.

"No need to look so glum!" Jay says cheerfully, gaining their attention. "I'm just becoming a snake man permanently is all! You guys can just kick me off the team if it comes to it. No biggie." He shrugged and his teammates looked at him in disbelief.

"As if, you damn airhead!" Cole snapped at him, leaving Jay to blink at him curiously. "We're gonna try everything we can to keep you normal and even if that fails, you'll still be apart of the team! Serpentine or not! Does it look like we give a damn what any of us become?! That won't stop us from being family! From being Ninja? No, so shut your damn mouth before I make you!" The Earth ninja says as he took a threatening step forward.

"Yeah! Cole's right! Heck, we could all become inhumane and I still wouldn't care! I didn't care that you were being Serpentine back then, and I sure as hell don't care now," Nya says, crossing her arms and narrowing her eyes at Jay.

Said ninja blinked at them then smiled.

"You two sure do get worked up easily, huh," Jay jokes but Cole, Nya and Zane's eyes widened once tears fell down their blue brother's cheeks. "Still, it's a nice thing to hear. Thanks." Jay says softly and for a moment, he seemed like a completely different person, smiling and crying as he was.

"Come here you big-" Cole cut himself off to hug Jay instead, the blue ninja hugging back tightly, smile still in place, even as he buried his tear-stained face into Cole's shoulder.

Nya joined the hug, then Zane himself, though he had something else Jay-related on his mind…

___

'Here it is.' Lloyd says, looking down at the small clearing that hardly looked like anything else was around.

That was because the base was underground.

'The entrance might be a bit small for you guys. First, let me check if he still has traps out and about,' Lloyd said and his dragon self nodded then lowered to the clearing.

The green-eyed Oni hopped off before his dragon counterpart could land, earning more reprimanding from the tiny dragon traveling with him.

"Ow! Ow! I'm fine, aren't I?" Lloyd hissed then took him off from around his neck, leaving the small black dragon to coil around his hand. "Jeez. I know what I'm doing. I'm a ninja for crying out loud." That didn't appease the small angry bundle of scales it seems if the little guy's hisses and chittering were anything to go by.

"I'm not as careless as you think you know." Lloyd huffed as he walked towards the base on his hind legs.

The unimpressed look he received from the dragon had Lloyd sputtering.

"Ok, so maybe I'm not the best with self care but I'm getting better." Lloyd huffed and the small black dragon crawled his way back up around his neck, rubbing against Lloyd's cheek with a purr that made the Oni boy smile.

He then dropped down on all fours, shifting as he does to his full Oni form then took off, deciding not to keep the dragons waiting.

Kai in the meantime felt a bit guilty to not have come here all those years ago. If they had, would it have made a difference? The fire ninja only shook his head. He blinked once he caught wind of a few dragons murmuring to themselves.

'Why should we live underground like Oni scum?'

'Be grateful. These humans are willing to share their world with us.'

'But at what cost? To hide and burrow like snakes? If it were up to me, I'd-'

'You'd what?' The toxic dragon froze once he gained Garmadon's attention. 'Conquer this world? Do as you please?' The large black dragon asked, turning around to face the cowering toxic dragon as the others parted away from the grass green dragon.

'You're better off listening to your brethren. We are here out of courtesy and we will not cause the humans any trouble or harm outside of self defense. If any of you find yourselves unable to follow those simple terms for our very survival, then you will be sent back to our home world.' Garmadon declared and all of the dragons visibly shrunk at that.

They all knew going back would mean death. Even if they manage to find corpses of animals, the air quality would be so low and the waters would soon be impossible to drink, that it wouldn't ever be possible to live for long. They knew better than to test that claim. Of the two brothers that lead them, Garmadon was not only more strict, but he was never one to go back on his word. The toxic dragon swallowed thickly then flew back, head bowed in submission and acknowledgement.

Kai leaned against one of Garmadon's fabled horns of destruction. He hadn't even considered them wanting to overthrow humanity. He closed his eyes then crossed his legs. He still won't. Garmadon was different. They all were. They were good. Kai rubbed his cheek against the massive dragon's horn, a low purr leaving him- a sign of trust. He blinked his eyes open once he felt him lowering from the sky, landing quietly moments later. Kai shifted then slid himself down on Garmadon's nose, watching as large, red eyes focused on him.

'The base is more of a start. You guys don't have to stay underground. We expect you all to spend almost all of your time on the surface as the dragons you all are. We're prepared to help you all build a sort of home base anyway.' Kai shrugged, wanting to clarify with his adoptive dragon father. 'I mean, you will all be here for a while anyway. Might as well get comfortable.' He says, prodding at a large scale on his snout.

Kai was unphased when Garmadon tilted his head down, allowing Kai to slide right off his snout to land in his waiting paw.

'We will forever be in your debt,' Garmadon rumbled softly and Kai shot him a wide grin.

'What do you mean? You're paying your debt as we speak.' Kai says, confusing the elder dragon. 'You're surviving, aren't you?' The fire ninja asks, tilting his head to the side, grinning wider once Garmadon's eyes widened.

'That's Kai for you. He always has a way with words.' Kai looked back at the bright green dragon with gold horns that was Lloyd who was looking at him amused from his place seated before his father, at the perfect level with his father's paw.

'I wouldn't know about that…' Kai says, rubbing the back of his head with a sheepish grin.

'Course you wouldn't. It would take away the appeal. You know?' Kai looked up to see the dragon version of his sister coming in to land, the rest of the dragon version of his family coming in too.

Before Kai could make a bashful comment, Lloyd returned, still on all fours. Kai hopped out of Garmadon's paw, using his wings to glide down to the ground, folding then against his back once he landed.

'There were a few that were still active but I've disarmed them. We're good to go.' Lloyd reported as he looked up at Kai, getting up onto his hind legs a moment after.

'Sounds like it's my time.' They looked back to the dragon version of Cole then nodded.

'I'll supervise,' Zane says as he walked forward, narrowing his slitted, icy blue eye at his fellow dragon who flicked his tail at him with a huff.

'I'm not some kind of out-of-control dozer bull.' Cole huffed and both Kai and Lloyd snickered, looking up at the dragon.

'It's called a bulldozer.' The small Oni corrected, amused.

'Let's go. We have a lot of work to do and very little time to do it.' Zane says, looking up at the sky.

It was getting close to midday already and they had to make a settlement there so everyone could rest.

'You guys go ahead. We'll get our Cole to help.' Kai says, taking Lloyd under the arms.

"Are you sure you can-" Lloyd's question was cut off when Kai beat his wings a few times, lifting then off the ground. "Oh. You've been working out?" He asked as Kai flee them towards the ship.

"Yeah. Since I'm the only one of us that can fly, it's only natural I work up the muscle strength to carry one of you guys." Kai says then beat his wings faster the strain getting to him. "I just… Can't carry you for long yet." He got out then almost dropped him on deck.

He set him down gently then blew out a breath of relief, flexing his wings a bit.

"Hey Cole-" Kai cut himself off, noticing the upset yet determined looks on everyone's faces.

"... Did we miss something?" Lloyd asked, shifting back to normal as he looked amongst them all.

"... I'll catch you up on things." Zane says as he walked over to them.

Minutes later, both Kai and Lloyd shared the same upset yet determined expression.

"We won't know unless we try. Skales is our ally so I'm sure he can convince a Fangpyre to spare a few drops of venom." Kai says and Lloyd nodded.

"The change is still in progress so maybe if we get him the antivenom before the change is complete, it'll have a better chance of turning him back!" Lloyd says and Zane only nodded.

He had major doubts but he won't dismiss the slight margin that this might work.

"You both need to stay here to help the Dragons settle in and you need Cole for it. Zane and I will head to New Ninjago City to talk to Skales." Nya instructed and they all nodded.

"But who will look after Jay?" Zane asked, taking the microscope from the spacy Ninja.

The team shared a look.

"I'm sure Lloyd and I can multitask. Besides. We should probably talk to him about this anyway." Kai says, looking to Lloyd who nodded once.

"Alright. So we're set then. Zane and I will take the Land Bounty. We'll be back soon." Nya says before both of them took off.

Lloyd looked Jay of as he hummed to himself, smile unwavering. He walked over, placing a hand on his shoulder.

"Don't worry Jay. Things will turn out fine, human or Serpentine. You'll see." Lloyd reassured quietly.

Jay looked up at him with clear blue eyes then grinned.

____________

(Update! We're finally starting off somewhere! Yeah starting considering that this will have a lot of chapters. I have something else working on but it's,,, nsfw so that'll go on Ao3. Anyway, thanks for reading!)

[cartoonishvendor]

Unexpected

A/N: This is the second of the fics I wrote on vacation. Enjoy!

Summary: (New) Cryptor gets used to life with Ava’s Team after March is no longer controlling him.

Word Count: 1715

-

"Cryptor? Cryptor, I'm talking to you."

The rising of a by now familiar voice above every other sound in the room caught the nindroid in question. He flinched and moved out of his previous position, resting his head on his hands, to look at Ava, who stood next to him, carrying two fully packed gym bags the size of fully grown greyhounds as if they weighed nothing. Confused, and admittedly a bit helpless - even if he didn't like to admit it, he tilted his head, which gained nothing from Ava but a usual, stoic stare.

"I assume that, even though you could use some training in practical combat like all of us, you would not be interested in visiting Sensei Garmadon's class on the arts of fighting, since you're not interested in training, nor information on how the Sensei managed to stay alive for so long like I am. Is my assumption correct?"

Cryptor couldn't believe how, despite Ava showing no signs of malice, her obkective wording still managed to hit, somehow. It was true, he avoided practical combat training as far as he could, but the way she said it made Cryptor feel guilty about avoiding it. Nonetheless, he nodded in agreement.

"Good. So, you will..."

A cough from across the table Cryptor sat on turned both the nindroid's attention away, and toward Chrissie, who shot a glare with lowered eyebrows at Ava. One that said things words probably couldn't.

"I mean, if you would be so kind, could you maybe watch Sam's training? They refuse to come along as well since they prefer to train in private, but it would come in really handy if we had someone to keep exact record of their progress."

'To compare how far behind they are?' Even if he didnt pay much attention during the conversations that didn't involve him, it didn't take much for one to notice that Sam was considerably less trained in combat, and especially their elemental power, than Ava or Chrissie. Why that is the case, nobody knows. He's heard the others fleetingly blame it on pacifism or not wanting to overshadow their sibling a few times, but for Cryptor, none of those excuses made sense. It was like they didn't want to actually know why they're behind. But, since Cryptor had nothing else to do, he figured he might as well just find out why, so he nodded again, accepting Ava's request, who, in return, smiled and clapped their hands together.

"Good. We'll be back around midnight or tomorrow morning."

And with that, she left the room, followed by Chrissie who carried about the same weights as Ava. Now left was Cryptor who, after locking the front door, went on to look for Sam. After knocking on the door to their room, the short reply "Over here!" sounded from a different side of the hallway, muffled by a door between said hallway and the bathroom in which Sam seemed to be in. Before Cryptor could start an awkward attempt at knocking on that door however, it suddenly opened and Sam stepped out, wearing their casual summer attire; a short-sleeved top,  pants that go just above their knees and no footwear. Though Cryptor couldn't even know if it was their casual wear; this was the first summer he spent with Borg after all.

"Is it time for training yet?"

Sam reached for a gym bag they left in front of the bathroom, looking at Cryptor, who in response, moved past Sam, nodded, and gestured them to follow him. Before he turned around, Cryptor noticed a smile on Sam's face as they swung the bag over their shoulder after having pulled a pair of shoes out of it and put them on. It made Cryptor smile a little as well, but as he became aware of it, that smile disappeared again.

-

The training went as Cryptor expected: Sam displayed every advantage and disadvantage they had in a fight, whether they realized it or not. However, to Cryptor's surprise, Sam hardly tried to utilize their elemental powers during the combat training they performed on dummys. Then again, was it really a surprise? Cryptor sunk back into his thoughts, not realizing that Sam waved at him from across the hall until they whistled a tone that caught Cryptor's attention. They gestured him to come over.

"Can we do a one-on-one combat?"

Cryptor's questioning expression turned into a rather sheepish one fairly quickly after hearing Sam's suggestion. It wasn't that he didn't trust them to be strong enough to take them on, he could probably even manage to tone down his fighting instincts to the bare minimum, basically becoming a moving dummy. No, it was the idea of fighting them - or anyone from the team - that kept him from agreeing to help. Who knew what crazy, dangerous malfunctions from the cracks of his damaged subconcious could occur if a fight brought up old memories? He shuddered, telling himself to stop acting like a sheep, and finally nodded. Though Sam seemed to have noticed that something was up, judging from the sorrowful glance they gave Cryptor as he went to his position, they didn't say anything.

And as Cryptor expected, not once did Sam use their powers. Not once did they try to knock him over with a strong gust of wind he knew they were capable of. During a few times, where their powers could have saved him, in case this had been an actual fight, they didn't use them there either. Every fight went by like that, and after every fight, Cryptor got even more interested as to why. But he didn't. How was he even supposed to form an entire sentence without panicking? The next fight started; Sam attacked Cryptor, who could bring them to the ground mid-jump, by ducking down, confusing Sam, and then grabbing their legs, swinging them in the opposite direction Sam was jumping. A thud sounded through the otherwise empty gym hall as they hit the ground, thankfully remaining unharmed due to a piece of chest armor designed for training they wore. Cryptor didn't hesistate to help Sam up after they haven't made an attempt to try for themselves, like before. They grabbed his hand.

"Let's take a break."

On an old, defective jumping obstacle, the two made themselves comfortable as Sam took off the armor from their chest and arms, and stretched, letting the noise of their knuckles cracking sound through the area. Cryptor only sat and watched, having nothing to do but wonder. After having let his glance wander through the hall, it landed back on Sam, who, while wiping their face clean of sweat, brushed a strand of hair that was previously in front of the ear to the side, revealing something that Cryptor hasn't noticed before: a tube or cable-like device hung out of Sam's ear. At closer inspection, another part of that device was located behind Sam's hair, also partially hidden by a few strands of hair, and of course, the ear itself. Too bad that that closer inspection caused Cryptor to unintentionally move closer, which Sam noticed.

"What're you doing?"

That successfully made Cryptor shy away, even if Sam didn't want to. The nindroid was startled for a moment, and proceeded to point at Sam and then to his own ear.

"My hearing aid? What of it?"

The upset undertone in Sam's voice almost made Cryptor regret pointing it out, but his need to know why they needed a hearing aid. He tilted his head, interrupting Sam uncomfortably scratching their ear.

"So, uh, you didn't know I was hard of hearing? And you've never seen my aid before?"

He nodded, gaining a more confused than upset expression from Sam.

"I've had my aid for quite some time now, I'm surprised you haven't seen it yet... Then again, we don't really talk much, huh?"

Cryptor nodded again. It was true, he and Sam barely talked until now, even though Cryptor considered them probably one of the most pleasant people on the team. They weren't so overly positively energized like their sister, nor were they a... freak like Ava. They adjusted and worded all conversation they had to be easy for Cryptor to reply to by making everything a Yes-or-No question or something that could be easily signed out in response to, accepting that even though he could, he just wouldn't speak a lot. Not with them or anyone else. They were pleasant enough to be around, but Cryptor rarely ever was around them. Did he even spend that much time with his other teammates? It always felt like he was to sy trying to adjust to the new routines that spending time with the team felt so... overwhelming.

"Can I tell you a secret? Whenever I use my powers and move the air too close to my ears, it hurts. A lot. That's why I avoid using them at all. Even when I probably should."

Baffled, Cryptor just stared at them. This entire confession seemed unreal. Not only didn't Sam wait for an answer to whether or not they could trust him, like they didn't need an answer because they already did trust him, but he got the answer to a question he hasn't asked because he didn't know how to. Did Sam just... know? Could they figure out he got interested in why they didn't use their powers when he beat Sam into the dust over and over during training?

"Every action has reason. Mine do, at least. So, it's fair for me to assume yours do too, right?"

But before Cryptor could do anything, Sam jumped up from their seat, extending a hand to Cryptor with a warm smile on their face. They, again, needed no reply, because they already knew the answer. After Cryptor took their hand and jumped down, he pulled Sam into a tight hug they had no chance to escape from. But it's not like they wanted to do that anyway. As Sam returned the hug, they softly brushed their hand against his shoulder, letting a short, mechanic purr escape the robot. For a moment, he began to panic. But feeling Sam attempting to hug him closer helped him calming down almost immediately.

When was the last time he felt safe?

[blyanten]

THE DUCK AVENGER PK2: #6 ALPHA WAVES

90 million years ago, on som strange, random planet… yeah, it’s Earth. A bunch of aliens are packing up and getting ready to leave, because their enemies have arrived and are winning that fight. 

Jabba the Hut’s slightly prettier cousins.

Said enemies’ uniforms share a funny resemblance to our hero’s.

Look at those capes.

The enemies land on the planet, happily unaware that the first aliens left a surprise behind.

In the present time, at Duckmall, the nightshift is late, and the people finishing for the day has to call to let people know they’ll be late. Luckily, there’s great coverage at Duckmall, thanks to those antennas that were installed two issues ago.

Donald is still wondering why Anymore Borging would be involved with that. So tonight, the Avenger will be giving those antennas an extra look.

This is going to be hilarious next time.

At Ducklair Manor, it turns out the Everett installed “hostile intent sensors” in every single antenna, just in case someone would try to mess with them. This means that Everett can respond to an eventual threat with his idea of a reasonable response.

In other words, ARMY OF KILLER ROBOTS.

In this case, the overkill is actually what damages the antenna, specifically, the foundation, causing a minor earthquake around Duckmall.

The Avenger leaves before anyone can notice his involvement, but the night shift at Duckmall decides to make sure it’s no danger.

Nooo, better stay back until someone can confirm that that thing won’t collapse, or that the ground won’t. But no, let the mall cop do it.

Rupert goes to check, and takes long enough that the others get worried. But when he comes back, he’s seemingly fine, until you realize he’s just a tiny bit off.

And if you didn’t notice, they’ll make sure to tell you.

At Ducklair Manor next morning, Juniper and Everett have a conversation about how strange everything is. Everett says it took him a long time to figure out how things worked in this place, but it’s not dangerous. Juniper is fascinated, wanting to start familiarizing herself with her new life, and Everett decides they should take a day to do just that.

Meanwhile, the Avenger is still in the middle of moving to Century. Turns out he’s gathered quite a lot of stuff over the years, and it’s taking time to get it all in place. He also notes that Century must have been empty for ages considering the amount of dust and cobwebs around.

Oh, look, it’s irony.

Heading back to gather more boxes, the Avenger is suddenly attacked.

“Q’Zwokk” is basically keyboardsmashing. I realize they’re a one-off, but it’s so lazy to throw lesser used letters together in a word.

The Avenger wraps the attacked in a cage, and lets him drop into the street, where the cops are keeping people away even before the Avenger gets down there. Impressive.

The Avenger decides to ask why the attacker attacked him, because the Avenger didn’t catch him doing anything illegal, and it can’t be revenge, because attacker guy is pretty obviously new in town. Does he just have it in for the Avenger?

Turns out the answer’s yes, as attacker guy blasts his way out of the trap, telling the Avenger to leave the planet. He also keeps calling him by the name of the enemy aliens from the beginning, in case it wasn’t obvious what was going on here.

The fight is also interrupting the Ducklair family outing, but while Everett is content to sit back and bitch about the Avenger, Juniper decides to take a closer look.

Speaking of lazy, let’s talk about how Juniper’s eyes don’t even point in the same direction. Not an uncommon thing in this issue.

This leads to the attacker guy landing right next to her. The Avenger leaps in between them, telling him to back off, but attacker guy is confused, claiming he has no interest in those people. Then the police arrives for real, and he gets even more confused at being treated like the bad guy and takes off.

While the Avenger explains the situation to the police as best he can, Everett arrives and drags Juniper back to the car. Everett tells her to stay away from the Avenger as he’s a complication they really do not need, while Juniper…

Yeah....

At Duckmall, they’re finally fixing the destroyed antenna, starting by filling the chasm they’re only now realizing must be below it, due to the rock splitting like it did. Turns out they need quite a lot of cement do to it too, so the antenna’ll just have to wait until it’s dried.

At Century, the Avenger finds that all his equipment has been strewn around like garbage. The man from earlier, and in fact even earlier as it’s the same one that helped him against the car thieves, appears, telling him that he’s the janitor and somehow he still has a job there. 

At the abandoned factory.

He’s also unimpressed by the Avenger’s sense of humour, thinking that superheroes were better in the past. Then why haven’t we heard of them?

Meet Lyonard D’aq, everyone.

Not quite right, our Lyo.

The Avenger thinks this is a bad start for his new secret hideout and agrees to leave as quickly as possible.

Later that night, Donald is working the nightshift at Duckmall, and Tempest is worried. She’s also cranky, because someone is keeping secrets, and she’s had enough of that in her for now mysterious past. We’ll get to that later.

After a bit of vagueness and half-threats, Tempest explains that she followed Rupert the night the antenna got damaged. He was taking too long, and she was worried. She went out alone, because she thought the others might think she was going soft if she was worried about someone who went out to an earthquake area and a severely damaged structure that might fall down at any moment on its own took too long getting back.

Which is how she’s the only one that saw Rupert climb out of the hole in the ground, carrying a bunch of weird stuff. Some of that stuff were the same weapons the attacker guy from earlier was using against the Avenger.

Donald forgets for a moment that he has a secret identity, but Tempest tells him to chill before he says anything incriminating. She just wants him to talk to his friend, the Avenger, so they can get Rupert out of this mess unharmed.

Donald agrees, but it wouldn’t be the first time someone went enemy on him. Speaking of, there’s only one person around capable of making weapons like that and who can manipulate people like that.

Okay, Everett. It’s on. Donald knows some of Everett’s secrets that he can use.

Unfortunately, Everett is watching, and Donald’s little threat seems to knock him straight into mad scientist mode.

You know, I’ve said the art is lazy, and it is, but it’s also exagerrated to the point of ridiculousness. It makes it an annoying blend of lively and fluid and, well, eyes that don’t match and this sort of thing.

Donlad goes straight from nightshift to Avenger business, and drills his way through the newly dried cement to get to the cave beneath the antenna. 

Tiny drill, giant hole.

He gets pretty far too, before he’s attacked again. This time he uses the shield to… make a bigger shield, but the attacker guy destroys it.

Oh, shield that only existed to prove how dangeorus this new threat is without trashing the real shield, we hardly knew ye.

The fight goes badly, and then Tempest shows up. Attacker guy, who is definitely Rupert recognizes her, hesitating. The Avenger decides to take this chance to dive back underground, causing a minor avalanche to seal the entrance.

Leaving Tempest above with a kinda nuts Rupert. Luckily, he’s focused on the Avenger, still thinking he’s one of the aliens from earlier, but now he can’t get to him anymore. He does make enough noise to wake the neighbors.

Also, if you pay attention to sky over these panels, it goes from morning to night again.

Underground, the Avenger has reached the important part of the cave, which is filled with strange machines.

From Everett’s spycenter, someone comments that the cave is also filled with Alpha waves, and is surprised the Avenger doesn’t notice.

He does notice two seconds later, when the hypnotic anti-intrusion system tries to put him to sleep. The Avenger trashes the place in response, and hits something that makes an old logbook start playing.

At Ducklair Manor, Everett is confused at why his spycenter is on, but it doesn’t matter. He’d have to activate it to find the Avenger anyway.

The Avenger meanwhile, is watching the logbook, where it turns out that the first aliens did in fact sick the dinosaurs on the enemy aliens. They did so by using a neuronal realigner to convert them into aggressive battle machine, and the equipment was left on after the enemy aliens were eaten or chased away. It’s been sitting there, underground for millions of years, until Rupert climbed down and got caught by the effects of it.

That is some amazingly well made stuff.

The Avenger blasts it.

I’m with him though, because this is dumb. Let’s destroy every trace of it.

Aboveground, the situation has changed.

Everett is holding Rupert and Tempest on gunpoint, because a man’s gotta do what a man’s gotta do.

Then Juniper appears, informing everyone she’s there to stop her father from... doing whatever to the duck she loves.

“Please, please, don’t be talking about me.”

Everett tries to talk sense into Juniper, lowering the weapon in the process and Rupert immediately tries to take control of the situation using the weapons he’s carrying. Unfortunately, he has no idea how out of his depth he is here, and also he has no idea how to actually use those weapons now that’s he’s been un-brainwashed.

The Avenger saves Juniper, using a protective bubble, and Everett decides this means he owes him. So he points the weapon he was carrying at himself. The Avenger freaks out a bit, because goddamn, but Everett tells them it’s not a weapon.

It’s a memory eraser! Intended to be used on the Avenger, but Everett decides to erase his own memories of the Avenger’s secret identity instead.

Oh, now we’re all friendly again?!

Aw, how nice. I mean, if you ignore the fact that should he ever want to know, he could just read the Avenger mind, no problem, so it’s at best a symbolic gesture.

Everett picks up the uconscious Juniper and leaves after making another “no favors next time “ threat.

Tempest asks if they shouldn’t report Everett to the police or something.

No, I mean, yes, but that’s not how this works, and also that would mean being reminded of this issue more than absolutely necessary. We’ll keep the hints about your backstory, everything else can go.

The Avenger says no, this is a private fight and no one else is invited.

Rupert, on the other hand, seems to have given up on trying to figure out what any of this is about, and decides to focus on other matters. Like, why is he wearing alien armor? Tempest and the Avenger tells him not to worry about it, and wow, that is an infuriating answer, but he agrees to let it go.

The Avenger takes the armor and weapons and leaves, just before the press shows up, courtesy of the neighbors. The press is this case is Mike Morrighan, who tries to blame it all on the Avenger. Tempest tries to protect the Avenger’s reputation, but without evidence, Morrighan keeps going in classic Angus-style.

At Century, Lyo is watching. Apparently familiar with Channel 00’s reporting, he concludes that the Avenger is in fact a hero and should be given a chance.

At least this explains why Lyo doesn’t need a real job.

This is basically one of those issues that are a lot of fun while reading, and then I get the fridge moments of “wait, actually, that’s dumb and now everything about it annoys me”. Until I forget about it, rereads and repeat experience.

Kinda like this.

[underthewingsofthblackeagle]

Chapter 3: Facing an unknown Challenge, Part 7

Looking and longing (3)

         The time of waiting seemed endless. He had the impression that the hours had a few extra minutes and the days a few extra hours. Then it was Wednesday. Once again he had arranged his daily inspection so that he was half an hour earlier on estate Balfenberg than usual. As he walked through the main entrance, he heard voices in the hall. It was clearly the voices of Pauline and Claire. He stopped in the corridor and gingerly looked into the hall, then took a step backwards. When he entered the hall, the women would surely retreat to the kitchen. He did not want to risk that. He would rather wait in the corridor and listen to them, blissfully knowing that she was there. The women talked about everyday things, but that did not matter to him. If only he could hear her voice. And her laughter! This hearty laugh! It had struck him the very day when they had met for the first time, and when he had watched Claire welcome her cousin. This laughter was like music in his ears. What would he give for listening to this laughter in his life, at his side, daily? When he heard the women leave, he entered the hall. Then he took a heart and knocked on the door. This time, however, he waited until Pauline shouted

         "Come in!"

         Then he entered. Clair sat at the kitchen table and watched her cousin as she was busy with the pots on the stove.

         "Oh good day Ms. Beauchamp!"

         Claire looked at him in surprise.

         "Good day, Mr. Fraser," she replied reservedly.

         He turned to Pauline:

        "Pauline, I just wanted to ask you if everything is in order here. Do you need anything I can order for you? Is there something that needs to be repaired?"

         "No, Mr. Fraser, but thank you for asking."

        "Yes, you know, if you or Louise need something, or if there is any problem, just let me know. I'm out of the house most of the time in spring and summer, but you now …."

         Pauline had to think he was completely crazy. Or wonder if the hot sun of the last days had not done him any good. But he did not care. He was willing to pay this price if he could spend only a few minutes in Claire's presence. But Pauline responded differently. She smiled and to his surprise he felt, that Pauline became his unexpectedly ally just in that moment.

        "Oh, Mr. Fraser, now that you ask for it, I realize that I wanted to speak to you about the back door for a long time."

         "What is it about the back door, Ms. Durant?"

         "It squeals, and I'm worried about the door angling, it's rusted, but you better look for yourself."

(”Scharnier” /  MonicaVolpin)

        Fraser walked through the room, opened the door to the garden, stepped into the open, and examined it thoroughly. He stroked the door anchors, swung the door back and forth, felt the wood in every possible way.

        "Yes, we really have to do something here," he said as he returned to the kitchen. He took a small portfolio of papers and a pencil from his pocket. Then he reached for a chair.

         "Allow me to sit, Ms. Beauchamp?"

         "Sure," she replied, her words still cold and reserved.

         He sat down and wrote something on one of the sheets. Then he got up, put the papers back in, and said:

         "I'll have this door repaired immediately, Ms. Durant. I don't want to wait until one of the door anchors breaks out."

         "Thank you very much, Mr. Fraser, that's very kind, but now we should eat, the Baron is certainly already there."

        A few minutes later Pauline served lunch to the men in the hall. When she had returned to the kitchen and closed the kitchen door, Claire looked at her and rolled her eyes:

         "Mr. Fraser here, Mr. Fraser there. Mr. Fraser everywhere."

         "Stop it, Claire! What should he think when he hears your singsang?"

         "I do not care, dear cousin," she replied and a rebellious grin flitted over her face.

        "But maybe you could care a bit about my position here. And by the way: Mr. Fraser is not just the Bailiff, the Baron also made him his deputy"

          "What?! After two years ... I can't believe it!"

        "Because you don't know anything about him. When the Baron has appointed him, he has told a little about Mr. Fraser's background. That he has lost everything in the struggle for the freedom of his country: his title of nobility, his estate, his entire possessions. The Baron also said that Mr. Fraser's title was, according to Scottish law, even superior to his own. And now he's working here, as Bailiff! You have to imagine that!"

         "Oh, what is that more than two nobles who help each other? Do you think he would have become the Bailiff if he had been a simple Prussian or Huguenot?"

         Pauline looked at her cousin and could hardly suppress her anger:

        "May I remind you that Wilhelm Jakobi was a simple Prussian? And do you know that the Bailiff of the Baron von Warenburg is a simple Huguenot named Pierre Le Prestre?"

         "I've got your point, my dearest Pauline, but that's not an argument that after such a short time, he was appointed the Bailiff and deputy of the Baron," Claire grimaced grimly.

           "But have not you overlooked something?"

           "What fact should have escaped me?"

            "I said, he was a nobleman in Scotland, the owner of an estate like this one, perhaps even larger. It is undoubtedly so that he was trained to manage such an estate in his youth! Do you really think that Wilhelm Jakobi or Pierre Le Prestre were as well prepared for their task as he is? I do not think so! If these men were as well trained as he, then tell me why Balfenberg has been flourishing and thriving for the last two years more then ever before? I am very sorry, that the Bailiff has lost his country and his home. But for us it is a great luck that those (Claire could not hear properly what her cousin muttered) English have driven him out."  

(“Distel” /  derekmuller)

            Pauline had nearly talked herself into frenzy, but she had hit the mark. Claire knew this, and deep inside, she agreed, but she did not answer her cousin.    

          "Tell me, Clair: Has the antipathy that your father has against Mr. Fraser influenced you?" Pauline then demanded.

          "My father? My father has something against him?"

          "Let me say it this way: Your father is not that  fond of Mr. Fraser."

          Claire remained silent and waited for Pauline to continue.

           "As I said, the Baron gave a great feast on the occasion of the appointment of Mr. Fraser, and it was the most glorious feast we had at Balfenberg for a long time. The District Councilor, the clergy of the surrounding villages, some nobles, many merchants and all the representatives of the surrounding towns were invited. Of course your father was among the guests."  

         "And? What has he done?" Claire asked urgently.

         "After dinner I and some other maidservants cleared the tables. The guests were standing together in small groups, drank and talked. In passing, I heard how your father said to Mr. Héretier: 'Can you believe it? The Baron has made a papist the Bailiff! But not only that, he even installed him as his deputy! A papist will have authority over us!'"

         "And what did the pastor answer my father?"

         "I don't know that. It was and still is of no interest for me. I had looked at the Bailiff, who was standing nearby. Mr. Fraser must have heard what your father said. He looked consternated and ... hurt. If someone could be rightly offended, then it's probably the Bailiff. I can not imagine that your father has apologized for his disgusting behavior to the man to whom we owe so much. Can you imagine what an impression this must have left behind? He must think that all the Huguenots were like that! And now you also know why I am doing everything to reverse this impression. I did not mean to tell you this, but you could not stop talking so badly about him."

          Pauline had put all her anger in these words. Claire was silent for a while. Then she said thoughtfully:

          "My father did not tell me about the feast or the new Bailiff. He is too busy with constantly bringing new young Huguenots from everywhere into our house. Every Sunday! Immature boys, who 'want to get to know me'. Allegedly."  

            "And? Was there any one you liked?" Pauline asked curious, eager to drive out the bad mood, which had settled between her and Claire.    

             "Nonsense! The man whom I marry, I choose by myself. Or better: I do not marry at all."    

              Before Pauline could say anything or ask, the kitchen door opened and an excited Louise came in.      

         "Oh, I missed the time! Thank you, my dear ones, for waiting for me with lunch. But that was not necessary."

         After the men had eaten, they retired to their rooms for a brief pause as always. When Fraser returned half an hour later, the dishes were cleared and the table cleaned. Pauline used the table now to put laundry together.

         "I am riding out again, Pauline, in the small forest there are workers to get the roads in order, and I want to get me a picture of the work there. I'll be back for dinner."

         "That's all right, Mr. Fraser, have a good day."

         Fraser was almost out of the door when Pauline turned around and said:

        "Thank you for taking care of the back door. My cousin, by the way, went home already. It looked very much like rain is coming and she did not want to get wet on her way. "

         Again, on her face, this slightly conspiratorial smile became visible.

         "Ah, yes, the back door, yes, I'll take care of it."

         He did not know what else to say, and so he hurried out into the court.

        As he had previously ordered, a servant came and brought him his saddled horse. He got up and rode through the gate. A few yards away he saw something white lying on the ground. He stopped and got off the horse. It was a thin white silk scarf. 

(”Weiss” /  borgs)

         The same scarf he had seen in the kitchen, lying in Clair's wicker basket. He picked up the scarf and folded it. He looked at him and could not resist. Slowly he led the small package to his nose, closed his eyes and smelled of it. Ah, what a gift of heaven, he would have to wait seven more days, but this time not without something that made the pain easier for him, something from her that would accompany him through these seven long days. He unbuttoned his jacket and put the small package in the left inner pocket. There, right above his heart was the right place. He went back to his horse and got up. As he continued his way, he thought:

         "Thank God for every little grace."

[voyagerafod]

Star Trek Voyager: A Fire of Devotion: Part 2 of 4: Louder Than Bells: Chapters Two & Three

[Chapters 2 & 3 are being posted together because of how short Chapter 2 is in the original document]

Chapter Two:

    “Hey Seven,” B’Elanna Torres said.     “May I ask why you invited me to your quarters?” Seven said, hands behind her back and standing at attention.     “At ease Seven, this isn’t a formal meeting. I actually had an idea last night. Care to sit down?”     Seven looked at the chair B’Elanna motioned to, then quietly sat down.     “I’ll cut to the chase Seven. Except for Sam and Harry you’ve hardly been talking to anyone since Edwin died. I understand, I pretty much isolated myself for awhile after I heard about what happened to my Maquis friends back home.”     “I remember,” Seven said. “While I appreciate the attempt at empathy, Lieutenant, I do not believe our situations are the same.”     “No, they’re not. And I wouldn’t insult you by suggesting they are. We’ve both suffered loss, but comparing the types of loss is a pointless exercise. I’m just offering you a chance for some cathartic release.”     “If you are proposing what I believe you are, I should inform you that Samantha has been already been helping me in that regard, and I-”   

    “Oh, no!” B’Elanna said, shaking her head “God no, I’m not, oh why did you have to put that mental image in my head? No, I was just going to ask you to join me in one of my combat simulations on the holodeck.”

    “Ah,” Seven said, her cheeks reddening slightly. “In hindsight perhaps I should’ve realized that is what you meant, as you have never shown any signs of a physical attraction to me. I apologize for my error.”

    Apologize to the dreams I’m gonna have tonight, B’Elanna thought.

    “Well, that little bit of awkward out of the way, the invitation still stands. I already have the interior of a Borg cube as a setting. We could-”     “Actually, Lieutenant,” Seven said. “I believe seeing Borg drones again so soon might cause the very discomfort you are hoping to alleviate. I believe we have some data on the Jem'Hadar, the race responsible for the deaths of your friends?”     “One of them, along with the Cardassians. We don’t really have much data beyond the tiny bit Commander Sisko was able to get about them. Starfleet only had one encounter with them before Voyager got yanked into the Delta Quadrant.”     “It will have to do then. I will meet you on holodeck one at the appropriate time. Thank you for your offer.”     “Okay. See ya then,” B’Elanna said.

---

    On her way to the holodeck, Seven almost literally bumped into Naomi Wildman as she walked down the hall, by herself.     “Hi Seven,” Naomi said.     “Hello, Naomi. Might I ask why you are wandering the corridors by yourself again?” Seven said, kneeling down so she could look the child in the eye while they talked.     “No reason. Just out for a walk. Mom’s on the bridge today, and I already finished my lessons for the day.”     Seven knew that Naomi was exceptionally bright, but that she also would often procrastinate when it came to her schoolwork. The lack of an actual school on board probably didn’t help, since it meant that Naomi had to do her lessons in her quarters, where all her toys and books were.

    “Are you sure,” Seven said, mimicking the tone that Samantha would take when she would ask that question. Naomi frowned.     “Yes, I’m sure,” she said.

    Seven wasn’t entirely sure she believed her, but smiled anyway. “Okay, good. I’m going to be on the holodeck with Lieutenant Torres for awhile, but when I’m done, how about we meet up in astrometrics and I can show you how some of the stellar phenomena we’ve passed lately?”

    Naomi smiled at that. Much like a Borg she constantly showed a desire to learn to new things, but unlike a Borg she approached it with an enthusiasm that Seven admired.

    “That’s sound awesome. Thanks, Seven,” Naomi said, throwing herself into a hug. Seven hugged back, and tousled Naomi’s hair, again copying Sam.     “Very good. Meet me in the lab at 1230 hours. Have fun.”

---

    “Ready?” B’Elanna said as Seven entered the holodeck. Seven looked around, taking in her surroundings.

“This looks like a standard deep space Federation colony,” she said.     “This is Soltok IV. It’s the colony Chakotay and I took off from our last mission before getting caught in the Badlands and taken by the Caretaker. Given its location, it was probably one of the first places to get hit when the Dominion attacked.”

Seven nodded, then said, “What types of weapons shall we be using?”     “Well,” B’Elanna said, pointing to a nearby wall where two weapons were leaned against it. “I didn’t know how much hand-to-hand training you’ve had, if any, so I’ve got a standard issue Starfleet phaser rifle for you, and a Bat'leth for myself. I’ve left the safety protocols on, so I figure between us we can handle about ten or twelve Jem'Hadar.”     Seven picked up the phaser rifle, looked at it, then looked up.     “Computer, increase safety protocols, then increase the number of enemy combatants by 500%.”     B’Elanna’s face must’ve betrayed her shock, because when Seven looked back at her she shrugged, and said “You said this was about catharsis, not about combat training. Wouldn’t an overwhelming victory serve better in that regard than a realistic one?”     “I guess, though if you ask me it’s not much fun if you can’t get hurt.”     “That is a matter of personal preference,” Seven said.     She’s got me there, B’Elanna thought. “Fair enough. Computer, start program.”

---

On the one hand, Sam was glad that Seven and B’Elanna were getting along better. They hadn’t really been metaphorically at each other’s throats since around the time Sam and Seven started dating, and had even been literally so once, but the two seemed to be forming a bond that Samantha didn’t want to discourage, anymore than she wanted to discourage her daughter’s recent interest in medicine.

On the other, it bothered her somewhat that what time Seven and B’Elanna spent together, with the exception of the time spent building the new Delta Flyer, was spent engaging in various battles on the holodeck; some created, some historical. Sam knew full well that it was all holograms, and that if anything Seven’s temperament when she left the holodeck was actually more mellow than when she went in. She just wished that her Borg girlfriend could’ve found a way to deal with the loss of her “son” Edwin and built a rapport with B'Elanna Torres without resorting to violence, even fake violence.

Finally, after several days of internal debate, Sam decided to finally discuss her concerns with Seven, which they did as they sat on the edge of Sam’s bed.     “Very well,” Seven said in a neutral tone. “I will discontinue the combat simulations with Lieutenant Torres.”

“Well,” Sam said, “I don’t want you to feel pressure-”     “To be honest Sam,” Seven said, cutting Sam off by putting a hand on her thigh. “while early on the simulations were a helpful cathartic aide in dealing with my grief, lately it has become more simply just something I do with the Lieutenant every week, much like my games of velocity with the Captain, or the Flotter holonovels with Naomi. Discontinuing the war games would not be a hardship, and I have no desire to make you uncomfortable.” Seven smiled, and Sam sighed.     “Someday,” Sam said. “I’ll remember that I don’t have to sugarcoat things with you. I was worried you’d be upset.”     Seven frowned. “Why would you think that?”     “Humans sometimes, not always but sometimes, can get a little defensive when you challenge their hobbies.”

“I see. Well, I am not wholly human. A fact I am certain you are reminded of everytime you get a hair caught in one of my remaining Borg implants.”     “You don’t need to keep apologizing for that Annie, it happens. Besides, at least it was just my head hair. It would’ve hurt way worse if-”     “Paris to Seven of Nine,” Tom’s voice said, coming out of Seven’s comm badge. “We need you in the shuttle bay. We’re about to do a test run on the Delta Flyer and I want you there for the weapons test since you helped design them.”

“On my way,” Seven said. “Would you like join us, Sam?”     “Thanks, but no,” Sam said. “Maybe some other time.”    

Chapter Three:

    Samantha Wildman looked over her shoulder as she heard the turbolift doors open. As she’d suspected might be the case, both Tom Paris and Harry Kim exited still dressed in the outfits they wore when taking part in Tom’s holodeck program, Captain Proton, based on early 20th century science fiction stories.     “Sorry Captain, we didn’t have time to change,” Tom said.     “Understood,” Janeway said. “Long range sensors have picked up something interesting.”     “Concentrated mass of oxygen and hydrogen,” Samantha said. “Lots of animal and plant life.”     “So, a planet?” Tom said sarcastically.     “No,” Janeway said, smiling. “That’s the interesting part. We’re almost in visual range, let’s fire up the viewscreen.”     Everyone on the bridge not already looking in the direction of the main viewscreen did so. A planet-sized globe made entirely of water, no visible land at all.     “Wow,” Tom said. “What’s holding all that water together?”     “I’m detecting a force field,” Harry said from his console. “That’s what’s keeping it from dissipating.”     “Get us in closer,” Janeway said. “I want a good look at this thing.”

    As Tom did so, the viewscreen showed three ships coming out of the water, passing through the containment field, and heading towards Voyager.     “Are those starships or submarines?” Tom said.     “I’m going to say, yes,” Samantha said.

    “Open a channel Tuvok,” Janeway said. Tuvok nodded, and Janeway began her standard greeting. “This is Captain Kathryn Janeway of the starship Voyager. Please identify yourselves.”

“They are powering weapons,” Tuvok said.     “Shields up, red alert,” Janeway said. The ship shuddered slightly as the first volley hit, but Voyager had been shaken up worse by random nebulas.

“Shields holding, no damage,” Tuvok said.     Samantha actually felt some degree of concern, but not about the battle, but rather about the fact that she didn’t have any concerns about the battle.     Am I getting numb to this stuff? she thought. Normally I’d be nervous as hell right now.

“Should we return fire?” Tuvok said.     “Not yet. Janeway to approaching vessels, we have no hostile intentions.”     There was no response. Janeway shook her head.     “Target the lead ship’s weapons systems,” she said. After a few seconds…     “Direct hit,” Tuvok said.     “And now they’re hailing us,” Harry said. “What a shock.”

    “On-screen,” Janeway said.

    On the viewscreen appeared an alien wearing a jacket and a hooded undercoat.

    “I’m Deputy Consul Burkus of the Monean Maritime Sovereignty. You have violated our space. Withdraw or we’ll resume firing.”     “Consul,” Janeway said “we could’ve destroyed your ship but didn’t. We have no interest in a fight.”     “Then why are you here?”     “My people are explorers. Your ocean planet is frankly one of the most interesting things we’ve come across in some time.”     That hasn’t tried to kill us, Samantha mentally addended to Janeway’s statement.

    “We’d like to learn more about it. And your people as well, if you’d be willing.”     “And if we are not?”     “Then we’ll have to leave you alone, as disappointing as that would be.” Janeway was smiling now. She was sure that this was going to go her way and there wouldn’t be a fight. Samantha had a good feeling she was right, but hoped that Tuvok was ready with the phasers just in case.

    The Consul looked apprehensive, assuming his facial expressions were as readable as a human’s.     “Your ship is certainly impressive, Captain,” he said.     “We’d be happy to give you a tour,” Janeway said.

“I think that would be most interesting, I’ll give the other ships the order to power down. Please accept my apologies for the misunderstanding.”     Janeway chuckled.     “Consul,” she said “you’ll be shocked to learn that we’ve actually had worse greetings in our travels.”

---

    Seven of Nine stood by Sam’s console on the bridge, going over the readings from the ocean planet.     “The Captain and Tuvok went to greet our guests,” Samantha said. “They should be reaching the bridge fairly soon.”     “I imagine the Moneans will have very interesting data on this phenomenon,” Seven said. “I look forward to the chance to observe it more closely.”     “Get in line,” Tom Paris said, still looking at the globe of water on the main viewscreen with some degree of awe. Seven couldn’t entirely blame him. It was certainly as aesthetically pleasing to look at it as it was scientifically fascinating. Had she still been a Borg drone when she’d encountered this, she wouldn’t have been able to truly appreciate it.     “So you never saw anything like this when you were still in the collective?” Sam said.     “No,” Seven said. She thought for a moment then turned to lean against the console so she could look Sam in the face without having to turn her neck at an odd angle. “Would you care to join us if the Captain approves a survey mission.”     Sam shrugged.     “I don’t know. Maybe. There must be some very unique aquatic life down there.”     “And you haven’t taken a ride in the Delta Flyer yet,” Tom said, still eavesdropping on the conversation.     “Mister Paris’ rude interruption aside, he is correct,” Seven said. “Given how likely it is that the Flyer will be used for a variety of missions, it would be ideal for as many crew members to be familiarized with it as possible.”     “Well,” Sam said, “you did help build it. I wouldn’t be a very supportive girlfriend if I didn’t give it a little spin.”     “I am flattered,” Seven said. “but the majority of my contribution was to the weapons systems, which you are unlikely to use.”     Sam opened her mouth to reply to that statement, but the sound of the turbolift doors distracted her. Captain Janeway, followed by one of the Moneans, Tuvok, Neelix, and two other Moneans, one apparently female, exited onto the bridge,     “And this is Voyager’s command center,” she said. “Feel free to have a look around.”     “I’m curious, Consul,” Neelix said, “have your people always lived here?”     “Our ancestors were nomadic,” one of the aliens said, denoting him as the Consul who Neelix was speaking to. “They discovered the waters roughly 300 years ago.”

    “I bet they were as stunned as we were,” Tom said.

    “Yes,” the Consul said, nodding and smiling. “Mister…?”     “Paris. Tom Paris. I’m the ship’s pilot.”     Janeway began introducing the Consul to the rest of the bridge crew, including Seven and Samantha. Once introductions were out of the way, Consul Burkus, as he’d introduced himself, continued speaking about his ancestors who’d discovered the ocean planet.     “My ancestors realized they could farm sea vegetation, extract oxygen from the ocean for their ships, make a permanent home.”     “What’s your population?” Tom said. Seven raised an eyebrow as that was the exact question she was about to ask.     “More than eighty thousand.”     “And you all live underwater? That’s amazing,” Tom said. Seven was sure this was the most excited she’d seen him since the Delta Flyer had been completed.     “Mister Paris,” Tuvok said. “We do have other business to attend to.”

    “Tuvok, escort our guests to the briefing room,” Captain Janeway said. “Care to join us Lieutenant?” she added, having turned to face Tom.     “How could you tell?” Tom said, smiling as headed for the briefing room door behind ahead of the captain who merely chuckled as she shook her head.     “You know,” Sam said in a deadpan tone, “I get the feeling Tom might be intrigued by the water planet.” Seven had learned enough about human humor that she felt she knew how to reply.     “Are you sure?” Seven said, equally deadpan.

---

    “Do you still live aboard your ships?” Neelix asked the Consul once the group was in the briefing room. Paris was curious himself, so he listened closely to the answer as he took a seat.     “We’ve built an industrial infrastructure and undersea dwellings but yes,” the Consul said. “Most of our people still choose to live as our ancestors did.”     “Any idea how the ocean came into existence?” Captain Janeway said, leaning against the table as opposed to sitting down. “In my experience, it’s a unique phenomenon.”

    The Consul motioned to the other male Monean, this one wearing a red hood as opposed to Burkus’ blue.     “Riga?” Consul Burkus said.     “There are several theories,” the one called Riga said. “Our clerics teach that the ocean was a divine gift from the creators to protect and sustain us. But in my opinion, the most plausible explanation is that the ocean formed naturally, much the same way that a gas giant does.”     Tom noticed that Riga was starting to look slightly nervous, and kept looking at Burkus, as if afraid of what the Consul would think about what he said next.     “Unfortunately, our limited knowledge of the phenomenon has created a few problems.”     “What do you mean?” Janeway asked.     “I’m not sure this is an appropriate topic,” Burkus said. The way he said it raised a red flag for Tom, though what it meant he wasn’t sure yet.     “But, they might be able to help us,” Riga said.     “We’d be willing to help in any way we can,” Janeway said.

    “The ocean’s losing containment,” Riga continued. “Hydro-volume has decreased more than seven percent in the last year alone.”     “Any idea what’s causing it?” Tom asked.     “No,” Riga said. ”To make a thorough study we would need to explore the ocean’s center where I believe the gravitational currents are fluctuating.”

    “That’s more than six-hundred kilometers deep,” Tom said.

    Riga nodded. “Our best research vessel can only go one hundred kilometers deep. beyond that the pressure is just too great.”

“Well we could take you there,” Tom said. He saw the captain giving him a look. “I mean, if the captain gives a go-ahead that is.”

---

    Once the Moneans had left, Janeway brought Tom with her to her ready room to discuss the matter.     “I never had you pegged for a sailor Tom,” she said, smirking.     “Well, in a way aren’t we all? What is space but an ocean of stars?” Tom said.     Janeway rolled her eyes.     “Save the poetics for your girlfriend, Tom,” she said, though not with any real annoyance. She did think Tom had a point, even if he presented it in a pretentious fashion.     “When I saw that ocean today, Captain,” Tom said. “I was reminded of the first time I read Jules Verne as a kid.”     “20,000 Leagues Under the Sea?” Janeway said.     “You’ve read it?”     “Once, but it left an impression. Shame nobody really writes stories like that anymore. I guess once humanity actually was traveling the stars, meeting aliens, walking on distant worlds, that kind of tale lost its luster.”     “Not for me, though you probably already knew that since I’m sure you’ve heard of my Captain Proton program.”     “Indeed,” Janeway said. “Coffee?” she added, now standing by the replicator.     “No thanks,” Tom said. He sat down on the long couch up against the viewports. “I was obsessed with stories about the ocean for a while,” he continued. “read all sorts of stories about it.”     “Moby Dick?” Janeway said, now sipping her own cup of coffee.     “Well, yes, though I found that one a little boring to be honest.”     Janeway nodded, but said nothing.     Tom took a deep breath.

    And here comes the mission pitch, Janeway thought.     “Captain, I believe that with a few simple thruster modifications to the Delta Flyer, I could make her seaworthy in no time.”

    “Good,” Janeway said, sitting down behind her desk. “Because it would take a week to make the necessary modifications to Voyager.”     “So it’s my mission?” Tom said, looking excited.

    “Bon voyage,” Janeway said with a nod.

---

    “I don’t need you per se,” Tom Paris said to Samantha Wildman as he sat across the table from her and Seven of Nine on the mess hall. “I just thought you might like to come down and see all the new sea life no human has ever seen before.”

    “Tempting, Tom, very tempting,” Sam admitted. “But this mission has a specific purpose that’s not really my field. If you were just going down there to look at the sea life, you’d have to have Tuvok drag me out of the Flyer, I haven’t really had the chance to ply my trade since Naomi was born. But I would love to have a look at whatever you pick up on your sensor logs on your way to the core.”     “Okay,” Tom said, “but I think you’re missing out. How about you boatswain?” he added, looking at Seven.     “What?” Seven said.     “Are we ready to shove off?”     “It’s sailor talk sweetie,” Sam said, guiltily feeling amused at Seven’s look of confusion at Tom’s outdated Earth slang. “You’ll probably get used to it.”     “I imagine not,” Seven said. Tom just laughed.     “Well, anyway Seven, meet me, Harry, and the Monean named Riga down in the shuttle bay in an hour. Enjoy your lunch in the meantime. And remember to call me Skipper once we’re seaborne.”

    Sam rolled her eyes. “Tom, If I promise to go along on the next Delta Flyer mission will you stop with the nautical lingo?”     “I’ll consider it,” Tom said as he got up and left.     “Should I research this nautical lingo you speak of before I go?” Seven said. “Or can I safely ignore him during the mission?”     “Just have Harry translate it for you,” Sam said. “At least he’s not going to make you dress like a cabin boy.“

    Seven frowned slightly.     “I’m not even going to bother asking you to explain that one, as I’m fairly sure I do not wish to know.”

    Sam thought about it for a moment.     “Hmm, probably not,” she said. “Though I can certainly think of some period appropriate garb I wouldn’t mind seeing you in.”     Seven smiled. “We can discuss that when I get back from the mission,” she said.

---

    Seven of Nine didn’t allow it to show on her face, but she completely empathized with Tom Paris’s awe at the site of the underwater structures the Moneans had built as the Delta Flyer made its way towards the core of the ocean planet.     Sadly they had not seen much in the way of marine life, at least not yet, but Riga had promised that there were species of fish that had been here when their people first arrived centuries ago. Seven kept a lookout, hoping to gather some data for Sam.

    “What are those structures?” Tom said to Riga.     “It’s our main oxygen refinery,” Riga said. “and desalination plant.”     Seven ran a quick scan.     “Corrosion resistant alloys, variable-density ballast, an efficient design,” she said, openly impressed.     “We’re very proud of what we’ve built here,” Riga said.     “I can see why,” Tom said.

    The Delta Flyer continued deeper and deeper, eventually passing all the Monean structures, but still a ways to go to the core.     “Excuse me, Seven is it?” Riga said.     “That is correct,” Seven said.     “I wonder why it is you’re so interested in sea life. Is that your field of study, or is it more of a hobby? If you don’t mind my asking, that is.”     “I do not,” Seven said, not looking up from her scans. “And the answer is neither. While I am well versed in many branches of science my expertise does not lie in marine biology or xenobiology.”     “Oh. So why the interest in fish?” Riga said, sounding genuinely curious.     “I am in a relationship with Voyager’s chief xenobiologist,” Seven said. “I am hoping to collect data for her, as she prefers not to leave the ship unless absolutely necessary. I convinced her to join me on an away mission once, and I was injured. It was minor, but the last time she was off ship prior to that incident her daughter became gravely ill.”

    “Oh dear,” Riga said. “I hope the child survived.”     “She did,” Seven said.

    “Good to hear. And I guess I can see where your mate is coming from. I imagine I’d feel the same way. It’s also interesting to learn that humans apparently can procreate with a person of either gender. We’ve never encountered that before.”     “It doesn’t exactly work like that,” Tom said. “But let’s not get into that here. Human sexuality is complicated, to put it mildly.”     “An understandable error,” Seven of Nine said to Riga. It wasn’t an appropriate conversation to have, as Tom said, but she felt no need to make him feel guilty about bringing it up. He was merely curious, as any scientist would be.

    “We’re at a depth of five hundred and sixty kilometers,” Tom said. A few seconds later, the hull made a squeaking noise.     “What was that?” Riga said.     “The hull contracting,” Seven said.     “Rerouting additional power to structural integrity,” Harry said. “We’re good.”     “I am detecting multi-phasic energy discharges,” Seven said. “bearing zero-two-one Mark 6 and a range of twelve kilometers. It’s a structure of some sort.”     “At this depth?” Riga said.     “Adjusting course,” Tom said. “Increase forward illumination.”

    Seven turned to look. The structure in front of them was old, she could tell that much even without an additional scan. Hexagonal patterns covered it, whatever it was, as did many aquatic plants. Whoever had built this either did not have any automated cleaning systems installed, or they had failed long ago.

    “What is it?” Riga said, moving from his seat to stand next to Tom.     “It’s generating massive amounts of artificial gravity,” Harry said. “Looks like it’s some kind of field reactor.”

    “If it’s malfunctioning that could explain the loss in hydro-volume,” Riga said.     “Perhaps it can be repaired,” Seven suggested.     “It looks ancient,” Tom said, moving the Delta Flyer closer to the structure.

    “If these readings are right,” Harry said, “it’s over a hundred-thousand years old.”     “We’ve no records of any previous inhabitants,” Riga said. “Who were they? Where did they go? Why did they build this?”     “Looks like the reactor is controlled by a core computer,” Harry said. “I’ll try to upload the database, see if that gives us any answers.”     “Do so carefully Mister Kim,” Seven said. “A computer that old, its hardware may not hold up well under the strain of a large scale upload.”     “Initiating the interface,” Tom said, “upload in progress.”     The Flyer suddenly began shaking.     “What’s happening?” Riga said.     “We’ve got a visitor,” Tom said, as the shadow of a massive, black, eel-like creature passed in front of the main viewport.     “What was that?” Riga yelled.     “You live here, you tell us,” Harry said.

    “My people have never been this far down before. Whatever this is doesn’t get up to where our structures are, thank goodness.”     Seven turned and saw out the side viewport the creature heading straight towards them, its maw wide open, showing rows of large sharp teeth.     “It would be advisable for us to leave,” Seven said.     “I believe that’s Borg for ‘get us the hell out of here,’” Tom said, “and I couldn’t agree more.” Tom began to turn the ship, in time to avoid going straight into the creature’s mouth, but not enough to avoid getting sideswiped by it. The shuttle shuddered violently.     “The creature is emitting biothermic discharges,” Seven said. The ship shook again, and a console near the rear exploded. “That last charge exceed five hundred thousand volts.”

    “Shields are fried,” Harry said.     “I’ve got us turned around, let’s get back to-”     Another impact shook the Delta Flyer, as bad as the last one, but no panels exploded this time.     “Dammit!” Tom yelled. “Thrusters are off-line. Targeting forward phasers.”

    “Wait, you can’t kill it!” Riga said.     “I don’t intend to if I can avoid it,” Tom said. “I’m lowering the power. Hopefully we’ll just stun it.”     Another impact.

    “How is that upload coming Harry?” Tom said.     “Just a few minutes,” Harry said.     We may not have a few minutes, Seven thought.

“Firing phasers. Just a warning shot,” Tom said. The ship took another hit, and for a moment Seven was concerned that Tom’s actions had only angered the creature, but a glance at her sensors showed that that was not the case.     “The creature is retreating” she said. Tom and Harry breathed a sigh of relief, but before anyone could say anything, an alarm sounded.     “We’ve got a breach!” Harry yelled. The sound of running water soon confirmed that, and it was getting louder.     “I’m on it,” Tom said, heading to the back of the shuttle. Seven could now see the water leaking in through a panel in the Flyer’s ceiling.     Well, Seven thought. This is unfortunate.

“Hand me a laser welder,” Tom said. Seven looked under her console, but couldn’t find one. Harry apparently had the same thought as he handed one to her to pass to Tom, who quickly got to work sealing the leaks. He managed to do so, but not before his uniform got soaked through.     “Nothing like a cold shower to wake up the senses,” Tom said.     “You should warm yourself quickly, Lieutenant,” Seven said. “before hypothermia has a chance to set in.”     “Yeah, thanks Mom,” Tom said dismissively as he returned to the pilot’s seat.     “Structural integrity is weakening,” Harry said. “We’ve lost communications, shields, and the pièce de résistance, propulsion.”     “We can decrease our density by venting plasma,” Seven said. “and by transporting all non-essential equipment off the ship. It will take time, but we will eventually rise to the surface.”     “Not a bad idea Seven, but I think we should stay,” Tom said.     “Stay?” Riga said.     “I’m not about to be scared off by a few damaged systems,” Tom said.     “Were you perhaps struck on the head while repairing the leak, Mister Paris?” Seven said.     “Look,” Tom said, “it’s a pretty good bet that the reactor’s malfunctioning. We’re only gonna get one shot at fixing it. You wanna leave, fine. Give me an environmental suit and you can pick me up after you’ve repaired the Flyer.”     “That is such an idiotic thing to say I really have no comeback sarcastic enough to counter it,” Harry said.

“You have a better idea?” Tom said. Seven shook her head and went to work on her console. Hopefully she could find a solution to the situation while the two supposed friends bickered.

“Well, we’ve managed to interface with the reactor’s computer core,” Harry said. “Maybe we can make the repairs, maybe not. But I’m not leaving you down here alone.”     “I’m scared,” Riga said. “But I’m willing to stay.”

    “Seven?” Tom said.     “It would seem I am already outvoted,” she said. “We may as well stay then.”

    “Okay, let’s get to work th-”     The ship shuddered one more time.     “Oh come on!” Harry yelled.     “Is that creature back?” Riga said.

    “It was a gravimetric discharge,” Seven said. “The reactor’s core is unstable.”     “You’d be unstable too if you were as old this thing,” Tom said.     “Age has nothing to do with it,” Harry said. “The reactor's diverting massive amounts of power to its structural integrity field. Power normally reserved for oceanic containment. This could explain why the containment has been weakening.”     “Makes sense,” Tom said.     “Looks like the density of the water’s been increasing over the past few years,” Harry continued. “It seems the reactor is just trying to keep itself from being crushed.”     “A logical conclusion,” Seven said.     “Can we initiate a power transfer?” Tom said. “That might stabilize the core.”     “It would only be a temporary solution,” Seven said. “But it can be done.”     “Do it,” Tom said. “Then vent the plasma, jettison what we don’t need, and we can go home.”

---

    “Have you found something?” Riga said, entering the lab on Voyager where Tom Paris was going over the data obtained on the mission to the ocean planet’s core.     “Yep,” Tom said. “I’ve been studying the generator’s database and you’re not gonna believe this, but apparently your ocean used to be part of a land mass.”     “Astonishing,” Riga said.     “I know right? As far as I can tell it used to be part of a planetary eco-system. One inhabited by a very advanced civilization.”     “What happened to them?” Riga said.     “Good question. All I’ve been able to find out is they launched this reactor,” he touched a button on a console and began playing a simulation for Riga. “into orbit, and used some kind of elaborate kinetic transfer system to draw the water and everything in it up to the reactor.”     Riga stared in wonder at the simulation as it showed a sped up version of what the process most likely looked like.     “Extraordinary,” Riga said. “Why would anyone want to move an entire ocean?”     Tom shrugged. “Some kind of disaster on their planet maybe? Or maybe it was just an experiment.”

    “That must’ve been a massive undertaking,” Riga said.     “Took them almost two hundred years by my calculations,” Tom said.

    “I wonder what they’d think if they knew we settled here and built another civilization,” Riga said.     “Actually,” Tom said, “I think they’d be pretty concerned. This field reactor they designed, it’s a pretty amazing and durable piece of technology. I don’t think it’s responsible for the loss of containment.” Tom walked over to a desk in the lab and picked up a PADD to hand to Riga.     “But, as soon as we made the recalibration the water stabilized,” Riga said. “I don’t see what else it could be.”     “Riga,” Tom said. “your people’s mining operations are destroying the ocean.”

    “Oh,” Riga said, sounding more saddened than shocked, like deep down he’d always suspected this might be the case, but just didn’t want to admit it.     “There’s more you should know,” Tom said. “When I got back, the Captain filled me in on what we missed while we were down there. The rate of water loss is worse than we thought. We’re looking at total dissipation in in less than five years. You may have to consider evacuating if we can’t stop the hydro-volume loss.”

    “Oh,” Riga said. It seemed like an underreaction, but he didn’t say anything, figuring that Riga was just in shock, and that the news he’d been given just hadn’t sunk in yet. After a few quiet moments, Riga spoke up again.     “We need to bring this information to Consul Burkus,” he said.     “Agreed,” Tom said. “I haven’t met a lot of them, but I know that good politicians do exist in this galaxy. If he isn’t one, maybe one of your other leaders will be willing to listen.”

---

    Captain Janeway sat at the head of the table in the briefing room. She wanted to make it clear to Burkus that this was not the same casual type of meeting that they’d had when he first came aboard. Tom Paris and B’Elanna Torres were with her, while Burkus and Riga and a third Monean sat opposite them.

    “The council is very grateful for your help Captain,” Burkus said, after Tom filled him in on the situation. “They’ve asked me to request the shield and thruster schematics for your Delta Flyer. We’re hoping to design a probe that will allow us to monitor the containment generator.”     If I wrote a holonovel with a politician this stereotypical, Janeway thought, he’d be dismissed as too cliched.

    She put on a smile that she hope looked genuine.     “Lieutenant Torres will give you everything you need,” she said. She didn’t like Burkus all that much, but there was no point in screwing over his entire race over it.     “I’ve also drawn up some designs for an oxygen replication system,” B’Elanna said, reaching over the table to hand Burkus a PADD. “It’ll allow you to create free oxygen without extricating it from the water. It won’t solve your problems overnight, but it’s a start.” B’Elanna sat back down and smiled. She was proud of how quickly she came up with a solution to the Monean’s problem, and as far as Janeway was concerned B’Elanna had earned that pride. It was a good solution.     “I’m sure it’ll be very helpful,” Burkus said in a tone that made the hairs on the back of Janeway’s neck stand up.     There’s a ‘but’ coming, she thought, I can feel it.     “Our oxygen extraction levels are still dangerously high,” Riga said. If Janeway had been right about that ‘but,’ she would never know because the conversation took a different turn. “I’m going to recommend shutting down refineries four, five, and six.” Riga continued.

    “We’ll take it under advisement,” Burkus said quickly, looking very uncomfortable. He stood up. “Well, Captain, I wish you a safe journey.”     “We have a few more suggestions if you’d like to hear them,” Janeway said, resisting the urge to add the word “asshole” at the end of the sentence.     “Please,” Burkus said. “Pass them along to Mister Riga, and he’ll include them in his report.” Riga looked concerned. Janeway glanced to her right and saw Tom Paris with a similar look on his face.     “I’m curious,” Tom said. “who’s going to read that report?”     “It will be given to the subcommittees on life support and agriculture,” Burkus said.     “Forgive me for my bluntness, Consul,” Riga said, “but I don’t think you understand the magnitude of the crisis. What you’re suggesting could take months.”

    “Thank you, Mister Riga,” Burkus said, in a tone that suggested he was anything but thankful.     “You should listen to him,” Tom said, standing up. “If you don’t make some serious changes, and soon, that ocean won’t be here much longer.”     Janeway hoped that Burkus would listen, but also hoped that Tom would calm down. The last thing she needed on her hands was an interspecies incident.

    “As I said, we understand his concerns,” Burkus said, trying to sound diplomatic.     “Do you?” Tom said.     “Tom?” Janeway said quietly, trying to get her navigator's attention, hoping to calm him down.     “It seems to me like you’re trying to sidestep the issue and just send us on our way,” Tom continued. Janeway took some small relief in the fact that Tom at least wasn’t raising his voice.

    “With all due respect,” Burkus said, letting his agitation show now. “who are you to tell us what to do with our ocean?”     “With all due respect, it’s not your ocean,” Tom said forcefully, moving around the table to stand face to face with Burkus, just what Janeway had hoped he wouldn’t do.     “Lieutenant?” she said forcefully, trying to get Tom to back off.     “It’s all right Captain,” Burkus said. “I’d like to respond. But not as a diplomat, as a Monean. You came here claiming you wanted to learn about our way of life, and now having spent three days here you’re suggesting we abandon it. My people have an expression. ‘Brine in the veins.’ Riga, tell him what that means.”     Riga sighed.     “It’s used to describe someone who has special connection to the waters,” he said.     “My family has lived her for ten generations,” Burkus continued. “We protected this ocean. Cultivated it. Lived in harmony with the animals that inhabit it. Can you say the same?”     Damn, he’s good, Janeway thought. If I didn’t already know he was full of shit, I could be convinced to vote for him.

    Tom didn’t respond.     “I didn’t think so,” Burkus said. Good day, Captain.” Burkus turned and left, Riga and the other Monean following behind him, leaving Tom standing there. Janeway couldn’t see the look on his face since his back was turned to her, but she could guess.     “We can’t just let this go,” Tom said, turning around.     “What do you want me to do, Tom?” she said. “Just violate the Prime Directive because of one idiot?”

    “Well, frankly yes,” Tom said. “I’ve been thinking a lot about the PD lately and it seems to me that what started as a good law has become intractable dogma. It’s not that I want us to just throw it out, that would be wrong and against everything the Federation stands for. But sometimes I think we use it as an excuse to avoid making a hard decision.”     “We?” Janeway said.     “The royal ‘we,’” Tom said. “As in Starfleet as a whole.”

    Janeway stood up.     “I know you’re upset Lieutenant, but when you’re in a room with me you check that attitude at the door, understood?”     “Captain, I’m sorry, but-”     “We can’t expect an entire society to change because we think they should. Between you me and B’Elanna I’ve had my doubts about how the Prime Directive has been applied too. Hell, I wonder about how I’ve applied it myself in the past, though I will deny it if you tell anyone I said that.”     Tom looked down, seeming embarrassed.     “I didn’t mean to antagonize you, Captain,” he said.     “You didn’t,” Janeway said. “I’m just being honest with you in ways a Captain normally shouldn’t in the hope that it’ll keep you from doing something stupid.”

“We did what we could, Tom. We gave them the help they asked for. We told them what we know. Now it’s up to them to do what they think is appropriate.”     “You heard that Consul,” Tom said. “they aren’t going to a damn thing.”     “Maybe but that’s their prerogative, Tom. End of discussion. At 1400 hours we will resume a course for the Alpha Quadrant. Is that clear?”     “As a bell,” Tom said. B’Elanna got up from her seat and moved to Tom’s side, putting a hand on his shoulder.     “Come on, Tom,” she said. “I’ll join you on the holodeck for a Captain Proton adventure. Maybe that’ll help take your mind off of this.”     Tom looked sadly out the viewport, where the edge of the ocean planet was visible. Janeway felt sorry for him, but the fact was that unlike some instances she’d run into since taking command of Voyager, the Prime Directive here was clear cut. The Monean leadership had made it clear they did not want any further help from her or her crew.

As Tom and B’Elanna exited the briefing room together, she hoped that the Monean that had gone to the core with Tom, Riga, would find the courage to stand up to his superiors.

---

    It was almost 1400 hours, but Seven of Nine had decided to arrive on the bridge early. Normally she did her duties from the astrometrics lab, but Commander Chakotay had decided to add her to the bridge crew for this particular shift. She found his reasons for doing so inadequate, especially the claim of it ‘breaking the monotony’ on the grounds that she was quite comfortable having a fixed routine. In fact, except when she was spending time with Sam during the periods when their off-duty hours coincided, spontaneity held no appeal for her.

    She sat down at the station that was normally Sam’s during her bridge rotations, and adjusted the settings on the console to her liking. While she was doing so, an alert noise from Tuvok’s console got her attention. Tuvok summoned Captain Janeway to the bridge. She arrived quickly, the front of her uniform jacket only partially zipped up.     “Captain, there has been an unauthorized launch from the shuttle bay,” Tuvok said.     Tom Paris, Seven thought ruefully.     “The Delta Flyer,” Tuvok continued. “Sensors show another lifeform aboard with Mister Paris. The lifesigns are Monean.”     “Hail them,” Janeway said,     “No response,” Tuvok said.     Seven looked at her console. She felt like she should be doing something during this situation, but wasn’t sure what, and that lack of certainty frustrated her.     “Try a tractor beam,” Chakotay said.     “We’re out of range,” Tuvok said.     We’re being hailed, Captain,” Harry Kim said. “It’s Consul Burkus.”

    “Of course it is,” Janeway said as she took her seat. “On screen.”     “Your shuttlecraft has violated our borders. I demand an explanation,” Burkus said.     “Mister Paris is acting without authorization,” Janeway said with frustration punctuating every syllable.     “To what end?” Burkus said.     “Our scanners show that Mister Riga is with him,” Janeway said. “I’m assuming they intend to take some sort of radical action to protect the ocean.”     “Hmm,” Burkus said. “I’m certainly angry, Captain, but I must admit a part of me respects Riga for this. He’s always come across as a coward to me before. But they still must be stopped.”     Seven found Burkus’ description of his subordinate rather hypocritical in light of his own actions after Riga and Lieutenant Paris had presented him with the information regarded to side effects of their oxygen mining.     “I assume you plan to take radical action to stop them, Captain?” Burkus said.     “I do,” Janeway said. She silently signaled for the communication with Burkus to be ended. Once his face was off the screen, she began pushing buttons on the console by the captain's chair.     “Janeway to Paris, return to Voyager immediately,” she said.     “I’m sorry, Captain,” Tom’s voice replied. “I can’t do that.”     “Lieutenant, you are disobeying a direct order. This goes beyond violating the Prime Directive, you and Riga are about to commit an act of terrorism.”     “I know,” Tom said, sounding sad. his short statement was followed by the noise of a com channel being closed.     “He cut us off,” Chakotay said.     “I noticed,” Janeway said. “What the hell are they up to?”     “They appear to be headed for somewhere underneath the industrial complex,” Seven said.     “Can we reach them with phasers?”     “Unadvisable,” Seven said.     “Seven is correct,” Tuvok said. “It would create a hydro-dynamic shockwave.”     “What about an old-fashioned depth charge?” Chakotay said.

    “It should be possible to modify a photon torpedo,” Tuvok said.     “Do it,” Janeway said. “Quickly.”

    It only took a few moments for Tuvok to complete the task, faster than Seven had anticipated.     “The torpedo is ready,” he said. “However, the Delta Flyer has submerged below our targeting range.”     “Consul Burkus is hailing us again,” Harry said.     Janeway sighed. “On screen,” she said.

    “Our refinery workers have been given five minutes to clear the structure. Was this the kind of evacuation you had in mind, Captain?” Burkus said with an accusatory tone. Seven of Nine began to understand why neither the Captain nor Lieutenant Paris liked the man.

    “Can you get them out in time? Janeway said.     “Yes, but-”     “Do it. I’ll find a way to protect your refinery. End transmission.”     “Captain, I-” the viewscreen returned to the view of the ocean planet.

    “Mister Paris descended to avoid attack,” Tuvok said. “If my calculations are correct he will have to come back up to a depth of two thousand meters to strike his target.”     “Giving us a window of opportunity,” Janeway said.     “Captain,” Harry said. “This is Tom we’re talking about. We’re not going to open fire are we?”

    Seven agreed. While she conceded that Mister Paris’ attack had to be stopped, destroying the Delta Flyer seemed like an extreme measure, in addition to being a waste of resources for Voyager as Tom was also the ship’s lone nurse in addition to its pilot.     “As far as I’m concerned,” Janeway said, now directing some of her anger at Lieutenant Kim. “he forfeited his status as a protected member of this crew the second he launched that shuttle.”

    “He’s started his ascent,” Chakotay said. “He’ll reach the target in thirty-six seconds.”

    “Hail him,” Janeway said. Seven could pick up from the tone of the Captain’s voice that this was the last time she was planning to do this.     “Go ahead,” Harry said.     “Lieutenant Paris, this is your final warning,” Janeway said.     No response.     “Arm the torpedo,” Janeway said.     “Twenty seconds to weapon’s range,” Harry said.     “Stand down Mister Paris. Or I will open fire.”     Should I do something? Seven thought. This doesn’t seem right. Tom Paris is an individual, not a defective drone. She bit her lower lip to keep from speaking up. She wondered if Sam would’ve said something at this point, or would she have just followed orders.     Tuvok began counting down. When he reached “One,” Janeway gave the order to fire.     “The Flyer has been disabled,” Tuvok said a few moments later.     “Their missile?” Janeway said. In all the tension, somehow Seven of Nine had missed the detail that the Delta Flyer had fired a missile at the refinery. That was unacceptable to her. She made a note to speak with the Doctor about it later.

    “Deflected,” Tuvok said.     Janeway didn’t say anything. Seven of Nine returned her focus to the console in front of her.

---

    Captain Janeway stood facing Tom Paris, with her hands behind her back, her stern glare masking the seething anger she truly felt at what her navigator had done. Two armed guards stood behind him. If they had any feelings about what was happening, they didn’t show it.

    “You are guilty of insubordination, unauthorized use of a spacecraft, reckless endangerment, and conduct unbecoming an officer. Do you have anything to say for yourself?”     “Riga needed my help,” Tom said.

    “In doing so you disobeyed my direct orders.”     “Yes, Captain,” Tom said.     “You violated the protocols that govern this crew.”     “Yes, Captain.”

    “You nearly caused an armed conflict with the Moneans.”Janeway heard her own voice getting louder with each sentence, but she didn’t care. Her anger was justified as far as she was concerned.

    “Yes, Captain,” Tom said.     “Frankly, you’re lucky to be standing here right now. I would’ve destroyed your shuttle if necessary.”

    If Tom was flustered by that, he didn’t show it. He kept as stoic as he had been throughout the proceedings leading up to this moment. In a twisted, ironic way Janeway was as proud of him right now as she was tempted to keep him in the brig for the rest of the journey home, all sixty-plus years of it.

    “Yes, Captain. Permission to speak freely?”     “Granted.”     “Riga’s people weren’t going to listen. They were going to ignore our warnings.”     “You don’t know that.”     “Riga knew, and I was the only one who could help them.”     “I understand your passion,” Janeway said, and she hoped he knew she meant it. “But passion alone doesn’t give you the right to take matters into your own hands. Four years ago, I released you from prison and gave you a fresh start. Until now you’ve been a fine officer. Your service on this ship has been exemplary. I really believed you were past this kind of conduct.”

    “Serving under your command has changed me, for the better. But at least this time I broke the rules for a reason, for something I believed in, instead of just trying to piss off my father, or because I was looking for a fight.”     “I admire your principles Tom, but I can’t ignore what you’ve done. Lieutenant Thomas Eugene Paris, I hereby reduce you to the rank of ensign. And I sentence you to thirty days solitary confinement.” Janeway stepped closer to Tom, and removed one of the pips on his collar. “Take Ensign Paris to the brig,” she said to one of the security guards, both of them moved to stand on each side of Tom.     “I know the way,” Tom said, turning and walking out of the captain's ready room, the guards following behind him.

Once the door closed, she let out a long, sad sigh.

---

    Seven of Nine wondered briefly why she’d allowed Harry Kim and B’Elanna Torres to talk her into doing what she was about to do, but after taking a calming breath, she walked up to the door to the captain’s ready room, and waited for permission to enter.     “Come in,” the captain said.

    “Captain,” Seven said, standing at attention.     “So, how can I help you Seven?”

    “I’m here in regards to Mister Paris’ incarceration,” Seven said, deciding it best to get this over with quickly, since she was more than ninety percent certain of this conversation’s outcome. Janeway sighed and put down her coffee and the PADD she was reading.     “Like I’ve already told Harry and B’Elanna I’m not letting him out of the brig. Not until his thirty days are up. So-”     “I am not asking you to do so Captain,” Seven said. Her reluctance to interrupt people was a fairly new trait, one she’d picked up from dating Samantha, but she also knew that if she didn’t get her point across quickly the captain would dismiss her before she even had a chance to start.

    “Oh? Then why are you here?”     “I understand that what Lieu- sorry, Ensign Paris did requires some form of consequence. However, I question the value of a month of solitary confinement. Having him in the brig, the demotion, these are all reasonable given this ship’s circumstances. But I feel I should remind you that using solitary confinement as a form of punishment is listed as torture under the Articles of the Federation, and was banned on Earth even before said articles were signed. In fact most member races of the Federation-”     “You’ve made your point Ensign,” Janeway said harshly, her expression flat. It occurred to Seven just then how, even though she’d been given a rank and a uniform months ago, how rarely anyone ever called her by her rank. “I don’t think you understand the severity of what Tom did, Seven. This goes beyond disobeying orders. You’ve done that. Even Tuvok went behind my back once.”     Seven didn’t know what she was referring to, but refrained from asking. She had a feeling she had already pushed the captain’s patience too far already, despite having only been speaking to her for a minute at most.   

    “He had come so far these past three years,” Janeway continued. “He was acting like a real Starfleet officer. He had stable friendships, he did his job well, often exceeding expectations. Looking at him today you would never know that at one point he was an academy wash-out and a convict with a chip on his shoulder the size of Europa.

    “And he risked it all on some foolish crusade that ultimately accomplished nothing. You could stand there and argue that he was just following his conscience. Harry and B’Elanna said the same thing, but it doesn’t matter. He accepted responsibility for his actions, and now he’s paying the price for them.”     “A point which I have never disputed, Captain,” Seven said.     Janeway sighed, and rubbed her face.     “Yeah, you haven’t. I’m arguing with you over a point you didn’t even try to make. Maybe I’m just trying to justify it to myself. Alright, I’ll start allowing some limited visitations on a schedule. Thank youm Seven.”     Seven was more than a little confused. Somehow, she’d gone from failing to make her case to the captain changing her mind without even getting the chance to expand her case. She nearly just flat out asked what had happened to make the captain change her mind so quickly, when Janeway said, “Dismissed.” Seven simply nodded, and left.   

    Heading towards the turbolift, Lieutenant Kim stopped her and asked how it went.

    “It would appear I succeeded,” she told him.

    “What does that mean?” Harry asked.

    “It means that I convinced her to end the solitary confinement, but I am uncertain how.”

    “That doesn’t make much sense.”

    “No argument here. Now if you’ll excuse me, I must return to astrometrics.”