Chapter Ten: Signal Tracking

Severin stepped onto the bridge and slowly walked around to his chair, slumping down into it and buried his face in his hands, taking a deep breath. Despite the fact Vox had been around now for a little over 300 years, spanning seven lifetimes and had lost people before, Severin was only 25 and never had, oh he had Vox’s memories of loss but it never compared to the real thing.

“Computer…” he sighed as he lifted his head “How long until the transmission analysis is complete?”

“Analysis will be completed in 15 minutes 45 seconds.”

Sev nodded and stood up, making his way across the bridge to his ready room. When the doors closed he stopped and closed his eyes, the image of his crew lying there dead. His breathing became deeper and his hands clenched into fists. When he opened his eyes there was a pure rage in them.

“ARGH!” he yelled as he stormed forward and swiped his hands across his desk, sending everything on it flying across the room, before moving over to the shelf and trashing that as well. He went all around the room knocking over anything that was standing and breaking anything that was breakable.

He punched and kicked his desk, the wall, the floor anything he could as he vented his anger and grief until he’d spent all of his energy and leaned back against the wall, sliding down it slowly until he was sitting with his knees pulled up to his chest and his head buried in his arms, which were folded over his knees.

After a few shaky breaths he lifted his and slowly stood up, glancing around at the mess and sighed before shaking his head and walking out of the room and over to the turbolift.

“Deck three.”

Once the doors opened he made his way to his quarters and changed into a fresh uniform before sitting down at his desk, activating the terminal.

“Computer; begin recording…”

Ten minutes later he was back on the Bridge looking over the results of the analysis and smiled when they had a strong enough signal to follow. Walking over to the helm he laid in the course. He was about to engage the Warp Drive when something stopped him.

Looking up he glanced at the planet on the viewscreen and frowned.

“How did you know I was down there?” he muttered aloud. They’d run a scan of the planet when they had
arrived and there had been no signs of any surveillance or monitoring equipment. He supposed it was possible something in the building had been activated when he had entered a certain area of facility and shrugged. Hitting the flashing button on the helm, he took the ship to warp.

What he hoped was that the signal they had been tracking would lead them to Tyiana, instead they had spent the last 3 hours going from signal relay to signal relay, each one leading them further into the unexplored regions of the galaxy.

“This is getting ridiculous…” Sev muttered once they’d scanned the 6th relay. He sat at the helm staring at the image on the viewscreen, pondering his next move.
His thoughts were interrupted by Serena’s voice through the Comm system “Serena to Vox.”

“Go ahead.”

“I’ve finished my autopsy Captain; you need to get down here.”

Severin nodded, although he knew she couldn’t see it “I’m on my way Serena.”

Standing up he glanced at the viewscreen again and frowned “Computer run a level 5 deep scan on the relay.”

The computer beeped its reply and began the scan. Walking over to the turbolift he stepped inside.

“Deck 5, Sickbay.”

He entered sickbay a few minutes later and walked over to the hologram “What have you got?” he asked.

“Captain I…I’ve never seen anything like this, take a look.” She said, pulling back the gown covering the body, revealing the open chest cavity.

Although he winced at the sight he kept looking as he realised immediately what was wrong.

“I know I’m only half human but I’m pretty sure humans only have one of every major organ.”

Serena nodded “And you’d be right, she’s been genetically modified Captain to have multiple, backups of all the major organs, heart, liver, lungs, kidney and stomach, she has two of each.”

“So the multiple organs killed her?”

“That’s just it sir, they didn’t. I don’t know how but wherever this Tyiana did, he’s managed to get these organs working together with no adverse effects, this is…amazing.”

“I don’t give a rat’s ass if he figured out how to make everybody invincible!” Severin yelled, pointing at the corpse “She is dead! As are 99 other members of this crew…our crew and he killed them. Now I want to know how and I want to know why, I’m assuming you called me down here because you have the answer to one of those two things!” he yelled.

“I’m sorry Captain, your right.” Serena replied with a sombre tone to her voice. “All I can tell you is that she was poisoned, but with what and how I’m afraid I don’t know.”

“You couldn’t identify it?”

“I couldn’t identify the one that killed her; it could have been all of them as far as I know.”

When Serena saw his confused look she waved him over to one of the displays and tapped a few buttons.

“There must be 15 different toxins there…” Sev muttered.

“25 to be precise, almost all of them gaseous in form I would imagine, it would be quick and easy to deliver if they were all the same when you found them.” Serena answered

“They were.” Sev answered with a nod.

“Why would someone do this Captain?” the hologram asked, not getting an answer. When she turned around to face him, she saw a look in his eye.

“You know what he’s doing don’t you?” she asked.

“I have an idea.” Severin replied. “And it sure as hell isn’t advancing the healing process.” He added as he walked towards the door.

“Captain?”

“He’s trying to create a super-soldier, it would explain everything. The multiple organs and the toxins, he was testing to see if they were immune.” Severin asked as he left sickbay.

_________________
(._.) ( l: ) ( .-. ) ( :l ) (._.) They see me rollin, they hatin.

Chapter Eleven: There may be Trouble Ahead…

Location: Bridge of the U.S.S. Illustrious

Mara was sitting in her command chair, looking out at the stars. The Illustrious’ repairs were almost finished, although she had no idea what she was going to do. A part of her, the officer in her knew what she should do, contact Starfleet and get assistance to help hunt Vox down. The other half however,
Severin’s friend wanted to find a way to track him and help him, after all he was alone out here, with only an EMH and a beat up Intrepid class, not exactly a winning combination.

She was brought out of her thoughts when a console beeped, causing her to glance behind her and over to Raines, her Ops officer and raised an eyebrow.

“We’re receiving a message Captain.” He answered her unasked question but frowned before looking back at her “Captain’s eye’s only.”

Mara frowned but nodded, smiling when Raines told her he was patching it to her ready room for her.
She tapped the control as soon as she sat down and entered her command code, watching as Severin’s face appeared on the screen; he looked a cross between sad and angry.

“He killed them Mara.” He said softly “100 members of my crew…dead.” She watched as he bowed his head and sighed “I don’t know why yet, I don’t know where he is either. I only know two things. One: He threated to kill the other 100 if I didn’t return to Federation space, but he’ll kill them anyway…”

Mara could only wait and wonder what the second thing was, almost gasping when she saw the anger in her friends eyes when he looked up again.

“And Two: I will find him and I will make him pay for what he’s done.” Mara thought that was going to be the end of the message until she saw his face change again.

“I don’t know what’s going to happen next…” Sev began, his image glancing around the room he was in with a soft chuckle “My ship has several holes in it, main power's at about 80%, I used the reserves already and the only other crewmember I have is a hologram. The odds aren’t really in my favour.” He paused again as he tapped a few keys on the console in front of him.

Mara watched as several files began downloading into her personnel database, Sev always had been good with computers, trust him to figure out a way to by-pass security, she had to smile at that.

“Maybe I’ll beat the odds but they sure as hell aren’t in my favour and despite Vox’s luck at cheating death over the centuries even his has to run out eventually I guess…I just wanted you to know that I’m not a traitor.”

DOWNLOAD COMPLETE

“Goodbye Mara.”

The screen went blank and Mara had to wipe a tear from her eye as she got the feeling that might have been the last time she saw her friend, before opening the files that had been downloaded.

She stepped onto the bridge and walked over to Chiara, her Conn Officer “Scan for this warp signature and follow it once you find it.”

“Yes ma’am.” Chiara replied.

She tapped her Combadge as she headed back to her seat “Bridge to Engineering, I assume the repairs are complete?”

“Just finishing the shield recharge cycle now captain, Warp Drive is online, we’re ready when you are.” Her chief engineer answered.

“Uh Captain?”

Mara looked over at her first officer “We’re going after him.” She answered.

“We should contact Starfleet and get reinforcements before we go after this traitor.” He replied.

“He is not a traitor.” Mara countered.

“With all due respect Captain, I believe your personnel feelings are clouding your judgement.”

Mara glared at her first officer “With all due respect Commander I am the Captain of this ship and it goes where I say it goes, unless other members of the crew feel the same way you do.”

The two glanced around the room, looking for anyone to speak up.

“I’m pretty sure I speak for everyone here when I say we trust you Captain.” Raines said, causing Mara to smile before she turned back to her first officer.

“So either you can sit down, shut up, follow my orders and do your job or I can have you escorted off my bridge, choice is yours.”

She could only watch as her first officer snorted “Don’t bother.” He replied as he walked past her and into the turbolift.

Without skipping a beat she glanced over at Raines “Congratulations Raines, your now acting First Officer.”
Raines nodded as he stepped away from Ops, letting another member of the crew take his place as he joined Mara at the Command Chairs.

“Are you sure he’s innocent Captain?” he whispered

“Yes I am.” Mara answered, watching as Raines nodded.

“Then that’s good enough for me.” He said as the two sat down.

“I’ve picked up the Warp signature Captain, ready to follow it on your order.”

Mara nodded “Engage.”

Location: Aeni IV

The Angelwing dropped out of Warp right over the planet, avoiding the security detection grind in orbit.

“Found you.” Severin muttered from his spot at the helm, before standing up. “Same as before Serena, you have the bridge, I’ll keep an open Comm Channel.” He added as he walked past her and into the turbolift.
“Transporter room 1.”

He materialised in the middle of yet another reception area that looked identical to the other one.

“This guy seriously needs a new decorator…” Sev muttered as he walking carefully towards the open elevator at the back and entered it, pushing the button to go down.

Considering the lack of people in the reception area, plus the security in orbit, Vox knew he was walking into a trap, which is why he wasn’t surprised when the elevator stopped mid-way, and Tyiana’s face appeared on a screen.

“Well, Well, Well I knew you’d follow me Captain, which is why I have arranged something special for you.” Tyiana said with a grin. “I’ll be seeing you soon Captain.”

Severin glanced around as a gas started hissing into the elevator from almost every direction. He tried to force the doors open but they wouldn’t budge, until soon he found himself fading as his vision blurred and his breathing became shallow. The last thing he remembered was reaching for his Combadge before everything went dark…

“…He’s waking up…” a voice said as he opened his eyes, seeing the ceiling passing by although he blacked out again a few seconds later.

“…strap him…don’t want…like…happen….time…”

“Ah good, I was beginning to think you’d miss it.” Tyiana said as the young man slowly woke up again.

He glanced down at a PADD “Captain Vox, what an interesting selection of lives you’ve lived.” He said as he read through Vox’s file. Before putting down the PADD and retrieving a syringe from the table next to him.

Severin was only half aware of what Tyiana was saying as he was still pretty out of it. All he did know was that he was strapped to a table in a lab somewhere. He tried to struggle free but he was just too weak, whatever that gas was, took everything he had out of him. He caught a glimpse of Tyiana approaching him, with a needle in his hand.

“The Hypospray is so boring, don’t you agree? I much prefer the needle. You get that pinch as it breaks the skin, you feel as whatever’s inside it gets injected into your veins…” Tyiana said as he flicked the syringe as he injected some of whatever it was that was inside it into the air, testing it. “…That slight cold feeling as it crawls up your arm, have you ever experienced it before? Ah no matter you soon will.”

Tyiana laughed as his captive tried to wriggle free of his constraints, but he knew it was of no use. The gas he had used was designed specifically to knock someone out and sap their energy.

“You should save what little strength you have Captain, you’ll need it for later. Oh and just so you know, I have your ship under heavier guard this time, so if by some miracle you do manage to escape again, you won’t be getting away that easy this time.”

“We’ll…see.” Sev muttered.

Tyiana laughed “You’re determined, good, good I like that.” He said as stopped next to Severin.

“I like you Captain, your determination reminds me of my own. According to your bio you’ve had a few close calls with death and got lucky, let’s see if you can do it again shall we?”

Severin tried to break free and avoid the needle, with no success, as he felt it press into then through his skin, feeling whatever liquid it was shoot up his veins.

“There, that wasn’t so hard was it?” Tyiana said as he turned on his heel and walked towards the exit, only stopping when the doors slid open, revealing another metallic corridor.

“Oh and Captain, just so you know what to expect, first your limbs will go numb, then you’ll feel dizzy and nauseous, then the pain will come, but don’t worry, feel free to scream all you want, the lab is soundproof.” He smirked, chuckling maniacally as the doors closed.

_________________
(._.) ( l: ) ( .-. ) ( :l ) (._.) They see me rollin, they hatin.

Chapter Twelve: The Countdown Begins

Vox had to give Tyiana credit for one thing; he wasn’t lying about the stages. His limbs had gone numb a few hours ago, then the dizziness a little while later and finally the pain. Now Vox had felt pain over the centuries but this was something else entirely.

If felt like every single part of him was burning in a plasma fire from the inside out but he was stubborn and refused to cry out in pain…well he hadn’t yet anyway.

He had blacked out a few times though, only to reawaken a little while later, in what seemed to be twice the amount of pain he had been in before. The last time he had come round Tyiana had just been leaving the room so who knows what he had been up too.

He closed his eyes as more pain shot through him, and he was sure he felt something inside him shift to another position…that probably wasn’t good. He opened his eyes when the doors hissed open and stared at Tyiana as the older Trill walked over to him and scanned him with a Tricorder.

“And I had such high hopes for you Captain…” Tyiana sighed as he read the results. “But you’re going to be another failure; just like the others I’m afraid.”

“Sorry to disappoint you.” Vox muttered as Tyiana headed for the door.

“What? That’s it?” Vox asked.

Tyiana turned around and looked at him; raising his eyebrow “You were expecting something else?”

Severin shrugged his shoulders “Well according to you I’m a failure like the others which means I’m going to do die.”

“Yes that is true, so?” Tyiana nodded.

“So…I’ve read the super villain handbook, this is the part where you’re supposed to brag about your diabolical master plan and what you’re going to do next.”

Tyiana smiled “Ah but the hero usually manages to foil the villain’s plans after the big reveal so why should I tell you?”

“I’m dying right and you probably have a good idea how long I have left so you don’t have much to lose.”
Tyiana seemed to think about it for a moment as he leaned against the wall “Your of course assuming that I’m the villain in this story.”

“You’re working on a formula to create genetically modified super soldiers, you've tortured and killed innocent people and you've done it all with no remorse, that’s pretty much the definition of a villain to me.”

Tyiana laughed “Yes I suppose your right and I guess this makes you the hero of the story then?”

Severin shook his head “No, I’m more an anti-hero in this story.”

“Oh really?” Tyiana asked, surprised. “Now that is surprising.”

“Oh I might have started out as a hero but not anymore.” Severin replied.

“And why is that, may I ask.”

“I was ordered to stop you and bring you back to Federation space, then you killed half my crew, for that I was going to kill you.”

“So the hero becomes the anti-hero out for revenge, too bad you failed, at least you’ll be joining them soon.” Tyiana replied “But let’s get back to the topic at hand I don’t think you’ve given me a good enough reason why I should tell you my plans.”

“It takes about 12 hours after exposure to die right and I was injected at least 9 hours ago, which means I’ll be dead in about 4 and since I’m not going to be around I just want to know how the story ends.”

Tyiana paused in thought for a moment “Well you have been a part of the story so I suppose it’s only fair. Tell me Captain, how much do you know about my work?”

“I know you were working on a project to accelerate the healing process…”

Vox was interrupted by Tyiana laughing “Is that what they told you? Oh my dear captain I’m afraid you’ve been lied to.”

“What are you talking about?”

“Starfleet was the one who began the project and it has always been about creating an advanced super soldier, the healing was just a part of it.”

“I don’t buy that, the Federation would never do such a thing, they're…”

“They're what? Better than that?” Tyiana chuckled “You’d be surprised. Besides I didn’t say the Federation, I said Starfleet. Think about it, the war with the Klingons, Undine infiltration in all the main factions, the Borg, the Romulans, The Remans, The Breen...how can we possibly hope to overcome all of them without some kind of advantage to even the odds?”

“We find a way! Like we always have. Besides, even if what you’re saying is true, they would never condone what you've done here.”

“Desperate times call for desperate measure’s Captain.”

“I don’t believe you.”

“Oh really Vox, with all your lifetimes you can’t be that gullible can you? Do you really think I would have been allowed though all those sector blocks and out here into the unknown regions if I didn’t have authorisation?”

Severin paused in thought, if he truly had been on the run, boarder patrols and their checks would have been increased to prevent it, unless they had authorisation to pass through…hell even he needed it to get out into the unexplored regions. He turned his attention back to Tyiana who must have seen him lost in thought and was waiting.

“If Starfleet are behind this then why send me to stop you?”

Tyiana shrugged “They had to send someone to make it look like they were actually trying to stop me, as for why it was you? Well...”

“Well what?”

“Well since your dying anyway I might as well tell you. I knew you were the one sent after me and I was told to kill you, unfortunately for me I underestimated you and you escaped before I could do it.” He laughed “And now here you are and I got my second chance.”

“So what happens now?” Vox asked.

“You stay locked in here until you die and I get back to work. Once the formula is perfected we’ll start distributing it, creating an army of super soldiers, win the war and then I get to retire on a nice beach somewhere.”

“How lucky for you.”

“Yes it is isn’t it?” Tyiana grinned as he stood up straight and walked towards the door “Well it was nice talking with you captain but I have things to do.” As he reached the door he glanced back over his shoulder “Oh and Captain I didn’t kill half your crew, I killed all of them. After all I said I would if you followed me here, you did and I am a man of my word.”

To Tyiana’s surprise Vox didn’t yell at him in anger or attempt to struggle against his restraints, in fact what he did took him by surprise. He smiled.

“That’s not the reaction I was expecting.” The older Trill said.

“Oh well I’ve just realised something.” Vox replied.

“And what’s that?” Tyiana asked, his curiosity getting the better of him.

“Well with no ship, no crew, no life and no career to worry about since I’ll be dead soon I now have nothing to lose, which means that if I manage to get out of here there is absolutely nothing stopping me from killing you.” The young Trill snarled.

Tyiana backed out of the door and started walking away Anti-hero indeed he thought.

_________________
(._.) ( l: ) ( .-. ) ( :l ) (._.) They see me rollin, they hatin.

Chapter Thirteen: Ticking of the Clock

Severin had tried to escape several times over the last half an hour with no success. At least the pain had subsided for now, although whether that was a good thing or not he wasn’t so sure, probably not if he was being honest with himself.

He heard footsteps approaching and closed his eyes, listening as the door hissed open. Cracking open an eyelid he could just make out one of the male Denobulan lab assistants enter the room. Severin held his breath, relaxed his body and waited.

The Denobulan glanced over at the Starfleet captain and noticed that he wasn’t breathing. Frowning he glanced at the PADD in his hand “Hmm I expected him to survive a little longer than this.” He muttered as he placed the PADD down and walked over to the bed. He tapped the controls on the side and released the binds holding the body to the bed.

The second he felt the binds loosen he opened his eyes and punched the man standing over him, knocking him out before standing up and searching his pockets, finding an I.D card. With a grin he headed towards the door.

As he crept down the corridors he passed a room with a window. He paused as he glimpsed inside and saw the rest of his crew and bowed his head, resting it against the glass.

“I’m sorry.” He whispered under his breath before looking up and through the glass “I will make him pay, I swear to you all.” He added before continuing on his way.

He’d passed through several more doors, ducking into empty rooms whenever someone approached until he reached the final room of what he presumed was the medical wing. It was large judging by the number of doors and corridors he had been through since leaving his own room. Some were small, for individuals others larger, like the ones his crew had been held in.

The door opened to reveal an elevator with 7 different floors to choose from.

“Well that’s just perfect.” He muttered as he stared at the panel, wondering which one to choose.
His choice was made for him however when the elevator started moving. Glancing around and knowing this was a bad situation for him to be in he glanced up and quickly opened the panel, leading to the roof and climbed through onto it, sliding the cover back into place, leaving only a tiny gap for him to peek through.

He watched as an Andorian, armed with a rifle stepped into the elevator realised it was the same one he remembered escorting him to Tyiana’s office the first time he had been captured and carefully slid the hatch open and lowered himself back inside, dropping silently behind the Andorian.

He charged forward and rammed the Andorian into the doors of the elevator, dazing him before putting him in a choke hold.

“Where’s Tyiana?” he asked.

“I don’t know.” The Andorian answered.

Vox tightened his grip around his captive’s throat “I won’t ask again.” He growled.

“Okay, okay he’s in his office on the first floor.”

“Push the button.” Vox ordered, watching as the Andorian pressed the correct button. “Where is his
office?” When he didn’t get a reply he tightened his grip again.

“If I tell you he’ll kill me.”

“I’ll kill you if you don’t.” Vox countered.

“Okay when you get out of the elevator head straight down the hallway, take the first left, it’ll lead you down another corridor, take the second right down there then the third left. His office is at the end of the hall.”

“Are you lying to me?” Vox asked.

“No, you’re in the perfect position to kill me why would I lie.”

Vox remained silent for a moment before nodding “Hmm good point.” He said aloud as he twisted the
Andorian’s neck, hearing a loud snap as it broke. He reached down and took the Andorian’s rifle from him.

The elevator arrived on the first floor and opened into a large open area. There were several civilians around and a few armed personnel from different species. Vox fired on those that he could see from his spot inside the elevator, ducking inside whenever they returned fire and soon took out those he knew about.

He carefully made his way down the hallways, following the directions the Andorian had given him, quickly dispatching any armed people he saw.

He reached the office at the end of the hall and pressed the button next to the door, which opened to reveal a medium sized reception area.

In the centre of the room was a reception desk which was flanked on both sides with several chairs on the left and a couch on the right. A young male Trill sat behind the desk, looking down at a PADD, not even bothering to look up when the door opened, behind him was a door that Vox assumed led to Tyiana’s
office.

“Is Tyiana in there?” Vox asked, startling the young man who almost jumped out of his skin.

“Uh y…yes he is.”

Severin grinned “Good now I suggest you leave.”

Not needing to be told twice the man practically leapt out of the chair and ran past Vox on his way to the exit.

Severin walked around the desk, towards the door behind it and raised his rifle as he entered, spotting the scientist standing with his back towards the door as he spoke to someone communicating with him via the computer on his desk.

“…I told you to do two things Tyiana, leave no trail for anyone to follow and to kill Vox and yet here I am reading a report that not only did you fail to kill him but that he escaped, reclaimed his ship and came after you again.”

“Yes he did but he’s dying now, I injected him with the formula.”

“YOU DID WHAT!?” the voice yelled “WHAT IF IT ACTUALLY WORKS ON HIM YOU IDIOT!”

“It won’t, I’ve already checked, what happened to the others is happening to him as well, all the signs and symptoms are the same, he’ll be dead within 2 hours.”

“That’s not your only problem Tyiana. Vox’s friend hasn’t returned to known space, she’s probably on her way now.” The voice replied.

“Then I’ll deal with her too.” Tyiana shrugged.

“Fine, just don’t screw it up this time and if you do need to kill her and her crew make sure that it looks as though Vox did it, he’s already considered a traitor.”

“Of course.” Tyiana replied.

Severin felt his grip tighten on the rifle, as if killing his crew wasn’t bad enough now he was going to kill Mara too? Oh he was defiantly going to kill him now.

Tyiana chose that moment to turn around and gasped when he saw who was standing on the opposite side of his desk.

“What was that you said about me not getting out?” Severin smiled.

“Well…I…” Tyiana muttered before lunging forward and grabbing a pistol from his desk draw, firing it at Vox who cursed at the bolt tore through his shoulder, the force of the impact sending him to the ground.

Tyiana hit a button on the desk, which opened to reveal a secret passage in the corner of the room. Taking another shot towards Vox, who had crawled behind the desk to avoid another shot, he sprinted through the opening which closed behind him.

Vox carefully popped his head up and scanned the room, seeing Tyiana nowhere in sight and stood up.

“Great as if dying wasn’t bad enough now I have a hole in my shoulder too.” He muttered as he glanced at the wound.

He walked around the desk and activated the computer, wanting to know who it was that was speaking with Tyiana. It didn’t take him long to find the communication logs and frowned at what he saw.

“The communication did come from Starfleet Command, so he wasn't lying about that. Which begs the question who there wants me dead and why?” he shrugged "Guess it doesn't matter now." But at the least he wanted to clear his name.

He found the video file made a note of where it was before opening a secure channel to his ship, making a note that judging from the reading wasn't far away and still ground side. It was probably where Tyiana was heading.

He tried to use his access code to login but it wasn't being accepted. With a growl he decided to try using the default Captain's emergency override code, laughing when it actually worked.

The first thing he did was create himself a new command code and use it to lock the ship down before creating a hidden file in the system and copied the video into it, at the very least if Mara was on her way she'd hopefully find it.

Once he was done he logged out and glanced around the desk, spotting the button that Tyiana must have pushed. He pressed it and heard the door slide open.

Staying low he made his way over to it and peeked inside, seeing a long corridor. Raising his rifle he started running down it in pursuit of his prey.

_________________
(._.) ( l: ) ( .-. ) ( :l ) (._.) They see me rollin, they hatin.

Chapter Fourteen: Time Waits For No Man…

Tyiana had emerged from the passage into another lab close to where Vox’s ship was being stored. They had patched up the ship as best as they could so they could use it; all he needed to do was grab some test data. He could use the Angelwing’s transporter to beam the test subjects aboard before he destroyed the facility.

It took him several minutes to download the files and transfer them onto a PADD and with a satisfied grin headed towards the door. As he stepped back out into the corridor an energy beam shot past his face. Turning he saw Vox running towards him, already lining up another shot.

“You don’t give up you do you?” Tyiana said as he took off into a mad dash, blind firing his pistol as he went.

Vox ignored him as he ducked the haphazard shots, although he was forced to duck into one of the labs when a shot impacted the floor just in front of him, giving Tyiana just enough time to reach the final door at the end of the long passage.

As he reached the door Tyiana turned around and fired down the hallway, keeping Vox pinned down wherever he was.

Vox was crouched just inside the doorway of one of the labs with his back pressed against the door, waiting for the shots end. Now that he was waiting however he realised that it was getting harder to breath and he was defiantly getting hotter, so much so he was already sweating.

A wave of dizziness chose that moment to wash over him, forcing him to close his eyes as it passed. When he opened them again his vision was blurred and everything was spinning. He shook his head as he pushed himself to his feet and, after focussing enough to realise Tyiana had apparently finished shooting, peeked his head out of the doorway. Seeing that the coast was clear he staggered towards the doorway, only partially away that he wasn’t walking in a straight line. He blinked in an attempt to clear his vision with little success but somehow managed to reach the end of the hall.

The door opened to the barren outside world as a cool breeze blew through the air. Luckily there were a few crates stacked just by the door to provide Vox with some cover. He crouched down behind one of them and closed his eyes tightly willing his vision to clear. When he opened them again it had, bringing a small smile to his face, although he knew his time was running out.

Glancing out from behind the crate he saw Tyiana as ran into a large building opposite him. Taking a breath Vox pulled himself up and carefully made his way across the open area, using the crates for cover whenever he could.

Inside the build he saw the Angelwing, and noticed that they had patched the hull breaches with whatever bits of metal they could find.

At least she’s in better condition than she was before, suppose I should thank them for that. He thought as he ran across towards the ship, figuring that the rest of Tyiana’s crew were aboard.

He had almost made it to the open hatch when he heard voices coming towards him from just inside the ship.

“Hurry up we’ve got one last crate to load and the boss says that Captain is probably on his way.”

Glancing around Vox spotted the crate and jogged over to it, smiling when the lid was loose. He slid it open and climbed inside before sliding it back again.

A few moments later he felt the crate move as the cargo mover retrieved it and started transporting it into the ship.

Once he felt the crate stop moving he waited a few moments before opening it and climbing out, finding himself in one of the smaller cargo bays on Deck 11.

Deciding the best way to proceed would be by going through the Jeffries Tubes again he crawled his way along the deck to Engineering, where he was pleased to see Tyiana speaking with who he would assume was his engineer.

“I thought you fixed this thing?” Tyiana snarled.

“I did, everything is working fine.” The Tellarite replied.

“If everything was working fine we’d be far from this planet by now.”

The Tellarite sighed “Someone has changed the access codes and locked down the system, it’ll take us a while to break the encryption.”

Even from his place in the tube he could hear Tyiana growl and smiled “Just get it done.” the Trill muttered before turning on his heel and marching out.

Vox exited the tube near a turbolift and stepped inside trying to ignore how weak he was starting to feel. He could literally feel the life starting to leave him. “Bridge.” He muttered as he wiped some sweat from his brow.

He watched as the image of the lift worked its way through the ship and waited for the right moment.

“Computer, halt turbolift.” He ordered, stopping the lift between the bridge and deck 2. Glancing up he opened the roof hatch and climbed out onto the top of it. “I’m starting to make a habit of this.” He muttered as he climbed over to the Jeffries Tube access point he knew was there and crawled inside.

He crawled through the confined space until he reached the T junction and turned right knowing that it would take him where he needed to go. He reached the hatch and gently pushed it open, climbing out into the little room just behind that door in his ready room. He pretty much converted it into a storage space; luckily he hadn’t filled it with anything yet.

“Computer is there anybody in the ready room?” he asked.

“Negative.”

“And how many people on the bridge?”

“There are nine people currently on the bridge.”

“Well those are great odds.” He muttered under his breath as he stepped out into his ready room and over to his desk, smiling that someone else had cleared up the mess from when he trashed it before he was captured.

“OK let’s see what’s we have here. Computer seal the doors.” The computer beeped its reply as it locked them.

First he brought up a view of the bridge and saw Tyiana sitting in his chair and frowned before shaking his head and shutting of the feed as he accessed the sensors and performed a long range scan, smiling when he saw a Federation signature at the edge of the system, figuring it was Mara.

With a smile he accessed the directory he had stored the file in and encoded it to transmit once the Illustrious was within range, programming it to be sent on a frequency that would appear to match normal background noise. It was an old trick one of his former hosts had learned a long time ago.

With a grin he brought up the feed from the bridge again watched as the Andorian at Ops tapped a few keys before glancing over towards the ready room door. Vox had a feeling he knew what was about to happen but just sat back in his chair and activated the audio.

“Uh sir I’m reading a human/trill hybrid bio-sign.” He said

Tyiana stood up “Vox is aboard? Where is he?”

“I…In the ready room.”

Tyiana turned his attention towards the door and glared at it before looking at his men “Don’t just stand there!” he yelled.

Severin just smiled and leaned back in his chair, putting his feet up on the desk, watching as the men charged towards the door only to run face first into it.

“Computer; initiate auto-destruct sequence, authorisation Vox Nine-Eight-Nine-Alpha-Five, set it for…five minutes on my mark, deactivation on my vocal authorisation only.”

“Standing by.” The computer replied.

Still smiling Vox activated the comm system and projected the stream onto the viewscreen, seeing Tyiana looking back at him through it.

“Hi there.” He waved “As you may have noticed my ship tends to be just as stubborn as I am…” He said as he pointed over Tyiana’s shoulder at his men, who were still trying to get through the door.

He chuckled and stared at the ceiling in thought “Which is probably why Command gave her to me in the first place now that I think about it.” He said aloud before shaking his head and returning his attention to the screen, while tapping a few keys on the console, sealing the bridge off from the rest of the ship.

“As you also may have noticed I have complete control over this ship and if you would turn your attention to the Master Systems Display you will realise I have just sealed off the bridge from the rest of the ship.”

Tyiana glanced over at the Andorian who had been at Ops who nodded in confirmation. This time Tyiana smiled and turned back to face the screen “Well now you’ve sealed yourself in here with us and as soon as we get through this door my men will kill you, then all I have to do is wait for my engineer to break the codes again.”

Vox pretended to acted shocked “Hmm I never thought of that…”

Tyiana laughed and turned to his men “Use your weapons, cut through the door and kill him.”

Vox chuckled “I wouldn’t do that if I were you.”

“And why is that?” Tyiana asked watching as Vox just smiled at him for a moment before he spoke again.

“Computer: Now.” Vox said.

Tyiana glanced around the bridge along with the rest of his men as the red alert alarm started blaring as the lights dimmed.

“Warning the auto-destruct system has been initiated, Warp Core overload in 4 minutes 55 seconds.” The computer announced.

Tyiana spun back to the viewscreen, a shocked expression on his face only to find Vox sitting back, with his feet still on the desk and a smug smile on his face.

“That’s why.”

Tyiana felt the panic rising in him “Computer deactivate auto-destruct sequence.” He ordered
“Unable to comply, Vocal pattern not recognised.” The computer replied.

He turned back to the screen seeing Vox in the same position just watching him, that smug smirk still etched on his face. He knew he had won and Tyiana knew it too.

“Disable it.” Tyiana said as he glared at the screen.

Inside the ready room Severin laughed so hard he almost fell off the chair “Yeah…I’m not going to be doing that.”

Before Tyiana could reply the computer spoke “Warning the auto-destruct sequence has been initiated, Warp Core overload in 4 minutes…”

“Tick-Tock Tyiana, after all time waits for no man.” Vox chuckled.

_________________
(._.) ( l: ) ( .-. ) ( :l ) (._.) They see me rollin, they hatin.

Chapter Fifteen: The Final Countdown

He had to admit despite the fact he was soon to be blown up, Vox was feeling pretty good. His shoulder didn’t hurt too much and he was going to have the distinct pleasure of taking Tyiana out with him, one less bad guy in the galaxy.

He’d decided to spend his last moments relaxing on the sofa in his ready room with a bottle of Romulan Ale. Unfortunately all the real stuff was in his quarters so he’d had to replicate one but it was good enough.

“Warning the auto-destruct sequence has been initiated, Warp Core overload in 3 minutes.” The computer announced.

Three minutes. Three minutes until his life was over. It seemed strange, considering how many times he’d cheated death during his lifetimes. But there was no way out now, even if by some miracle he did manage to survive the destruction of the ship Tyiana’s little project was going to kill him anyway.

He took another sip of Ale and closed his eyes, letting his mind wander through various memories.

“Warning: The auto-destruct sequence has been initiated, Warp Core overload in 2 minutes.”

Vox ignored the voice and kept drinking his ale, content with things. Even when he heard the door to his ready room make a loud noise as Tyiana’s men cut finally cut through it.

“That took you far longer than I expected.” Vox said as he opened his eyes, holding the bottle of ale out “Romulan Ale anyone?” he asked.

“Deactivate the self-destruct.” Tyiana demanded as he walked into the room.

“Yeah...I'm not going to be doing that.” Vox replied “Are you sure you don’t want any?” when nobody took him up on his offer he shrugged and shifted his position on the sofa, so that he was lying on his back again and took another guzzle.

Tyiana marched over to where Vox was lying and pulled him up “I said shut it off.”

Vox just smiled and remained silent as the computer announced 1 minute until their destruction. Wordlessly he walked past all of them and onto the bridge.

“There’s an old Earth saying Tyiana. “ You've made your bed, now you've got to lie in it.” He said as he sat down in his Captain’s Chair. “Oh and “You reap what you sow.” That one also applies here, there are a few others as well but you get the point.”

Tyiana was genuinely afraid now “Alright, I’ll make you a deal. You stop the auto-destruct and I’ll give you the cure.”

Vox laughed “One: I’ve read some of your files and there was no mention of a cure. Two you injected me about eleven hours ago so the odds of that cure working now are slim at best and three I did tell you I was going to kill you, and this is how I’m going to do it.”

“Warning: The auto-destruct sequence has been initiated, Warp Core overload in 30 seconds.”

Vox smiled “The next time we hear that voice, it’ll be the final countdown.” He said aloud before turning to look at them all “If you haven’t made peace with your maker, now would be a good time.”

Tyiana ran over and punched Vox in the face “STOP IT! STOP THE COUNTDOWN!” he screamed as he punched him again and again. After he had bloodied Vox’s mouth he stopped and stood up, watching as Vox rolled over and spat some blood onto the floor before staggering to his feet. To his amazement however when he turned around to face him, all he did was smile a bloody smile at him and laugh.

“Warning: The auto-destruct sequence has been initiated, Warp Core overload in 10…9…8…7…6…5…4…3…2…1…”

Silence passed over the bridge for a few minutes.

“What the…?” Vox muttered in confusion.

“Xin’atri to Tyiana, I managed to disconnect the auto-destruct relays manually a few seconds ago, we’re not going to explode.” A voice came over the comm system.

Vox glanced at Tyiana who was now grinning at him “Kill him.” Tyiana ordered.

“Aw crap…” Vox muttered as the men raised their weapons. Instead of trying to dive for cover however, he dived towards Tyiana, hoping that he would grab him before they fired and that his buddies would kill him too, unfortunately as he leaped forwards blue dots appeared across his vision.

It passed a few seconds later and he found himself lying face down on the ground. With a groan he lifted his head and saw a pair of long heeled shoes standing in front of him…that wasn’t right. With a frown he followed the shoes up a pair of slim yet muscular legs, up across a short black skirt…defiantly NOT what Tyiana was wearing and up over a female chest until he came found himself staring up at Mara who was looking down on him with a smile.

“Welcome back Sev.” She smiled.

“Thanks.” Sev muttered as he stood up.

“Your lip.” Mara said as she took his face in her hands.

“It’s nothing…and the least of my problems.” He added.

Before Mara could ask what he meant a voice came over the comm “Uh Captain, I’m reading at least 60 lifesigns on the Angelwing.”

“Destroy it.” Vox said.

“What?” Mara and the speaker on the other end said at the same time.

“None of them are my crew and that ship cannot be allowed to leave. Destroy it.”

“Sev you can’t be serious!” Mara replied.

“Mara I armed the self-destruct but one of Tyiana’s men stopped it, if it had worked that ship would have been destroyed by now.” Severin replied before wincing.

Mara finally noticed how pale and sweaty her friend was and knew something was wrong

“Sev are you alright?” she asked.

“Fine.” He muttered “Just a little dizzy that’s all.”

Even though she was a Betazoid, she didn’t need her empathetic abilities to know that he was lying.

“No you’re not.”

“Yes I am.”

“No you’re not.”

“Yes I am.” Sev replied even though Mara was now giving him ‘The Look’. He had to smile at the fact that it seemed that every female of every species could do it. Must be in all female DNA he thought.

“Fine, I’m not but it doesn’t matter anyway.” Vox replied.

Before Mara could question her friend, the voice on the comm spoke again.

“I’m sorry to interrupt Captain’s but the Angelwing is powering her engines.”

“What? I locked out the computer and encrypted it.” Sev said.

“Well apparently they’ve cracked it sir.” The voice replied.

The two crewmembers and Mara blinked when they heard Vox growl before he turned to look at Mara.

“Mara you have seen the files I sent you earlier, and if you got my last transmission…”

Mara nodded “With the video and the other files? Yes I did.”

“Then you know we can’t let him get away. He’ll just keep doing his experiments on other people. We need to destroy that ship.”

Mara paused in thought for a moment before nodding “Commander Raines, lock all weapons on the Angelwing and prepare to fire.”

After a moment’s pause Raines replied “Aye ma’am.”

“Let’s get to the bridge.” Mara said, as she turned back to Severin, who for a moment she was sure looked worse than he had done a few seconds ago.

Sev nodded and waved his hand in front of her “After you Captain, after all it is your ship.”

Mara couldn’t help but smile and shake her head, although she knew she should really be sending him to sickbay.

“Bridge.” She ordered as the two stepped into the turbolift although now that they were alone she could hopefully find out how he really was. “OK Sev what’s wrong, and don’t say nothing because I know better.”

Severin wanted to lie but one he knew she didn’t believe him and two he just didn’t have the energy “I’m dying.” He said, refusing to look at her.

“What?” Mara gasped.

“Tyiana injected me with his serum, just like he did with his other lab rats and my crew. I’ll be dead within the hour.”

Mara stared at her friend for a moment, watching as he kept his gaze straight ahead. She could already fell the tears brimming in her eyes and sniffed. That was when he turned to look at her.

“Hey it’s okay.” He said softly.

“How can you say that? How can you be so calm?”

Severin shrugged “I’ve cheated death so many times during my lifetimes; it was only a matter of time before it finally caught up to me.”

“But…” Mara began.

“Mara I know you’re upset but you need to focus and be the Captain right now, we need to stop Tyiana…and your crew will listen to you more than they will me okay?”

Mara nodded and took a deep breath as she wiped her eyes, watching as Sev smiled at her

“There you go.”

Just as the lift arrived on the bridge the ship shook.

“Report.” Mara asked as she stepped out.

“We opened fire on the Angelwing as soon as we were within range and have started taking down her shield, however she fired back.” Raines answered, watching as his Captain joined him while Captain Vox took the console on the upper deck just behind the command chairs and started typing away on the keyboard.

“Ah they did crack my code.” He muttered “Mara I need your captain’s override code.”

Mara nodded and quickly ran around the railing and typed it in, watching as the Angelwing’s computer accepted it and gave her access.

“Thanks.” He replied as he began working his way through the system checking various systems.

“Target sections 13 through 17 on Deck 9.” He said.

The tactical officer frowned “Sir that area doesn’t contain any vital systems.”

“I know but it’s where they did their own DIY patchwork to fix a few hull breaches, shielding and the hull will be weaker there.”

The tactical officer turned to Mara who nodded.

I didn’t take long until the Illustrious tore through the shields of the Angelwing, considering that even with their repairs the ship had taken a beating before and only some serious time in dry-dock would have got it back in fighting shape.

“Their port shield is down and those hull breaches are reopened.” The tactical officer announced.

“Keep firing I just need to download one thing from the computer.” Vox said.

The battle continued for several moments as both Intrepid’s exchanged fire. The Illustrious shook as she took several torpedoes to her shields.

“Shields at 93%, no hull damage.” One officer said.

Mara took a moment to glance over at Sev, who wiped some sweat from his brow before his fingers went back to dancing over the controls. Although he had defiantly gotten paler and knew that he probably wasn’t going to last much longer.

She felt a pain shoot through her but turned her attention back to the viewscreen where it showed the Angelwing venting plasma from her nacelles. Her shields were also flickering, there was at least one fire burning on the hull as well.

Mara couldn’t help but see the irony. By the looks of it the Angelwing, just like her captain was on her last legs.

“Captain the Angelwing’s shields are down, one torpedo will finish her.” The tactical officer said.

“Not yet!” Vox said “I need 10 seconds.”

The crew waiting, ignoring the shudders as the Angelwing’s weapons continued to fire in a last ditch attempt to save herself. Although it didn’t last long before the Illustrious’ weapons disabled her engines and her weapons, crippling her.

“Got you!” Vox chuckled before walking over to the Tactical console. “May I?”

The officer glanced over at Mara who nodded “It’s his ship.” She said softly. The officer nodded and stepped aside, allowing the other Captain to take his place.

Vox glanced down at the torpedo launch button then up at the screen, watching as his ship drifted in space near death, just like he was. There is no describing the bond between a captain and his ship, it was just something that all captain’s felt.

Well girl we’re not exactly going out together but it’ll be close enough he thought before thinking of Tyiana stuck aboard her and allowed himself a small smile “Told you I was going to kill you didn’t I?” he muttered under his breath as he pressed the button, watching as the torpedo flew across the screen towards the Angelwing. Just before it reached it Vox returned his thoughts to his ship. It was defiantly his favourite out of all the ships he had both commanded and served on Goodbye.

A second later the torpedo reached its target and detonated, reducing the ship to nothing but debris.

Releasing the breath he didn’t realise he had been holding he turned to the tactical officer and nodded as he stepped away, returning to his former place.

“So what did you download?” Mara asked.

“Oh.” Sev smiled as he typed a few controls on the console, watching as a female hologram shimmered into existence.

“I had to save at least one member of my crew.” He said as the hologram turned to look at him.

“Hey Serena.” He smiled.

“Captain!” Serena smiled before frowning at him “You look terrible.”

Vox laughed “Nice to see you too.”

“Don’t try to be charming with me, you should be in Sickbay, you really don’t look well.”

“Believe me I don’t feel it either.” He replied.

“What happened?” Serena asked.

“Tyiana injected me with his serum.”

Everyone watched as the holograms eyes widened “How long ago?”

“Twelve hours give or take a few minutes either side.”

“But that means…”

“…I know.”

Mara and the rest of the crew watched as the EMH pointed at the turbolift “Sickbay.”

“What the poi…” he began but stopped when she gave him that glare again and sighed “Fine.”

Mara couldn’t help but smile at her friend being bossed around by a hologram but being a medic herself know that that was where he should be and walked around to join him.

“Raines set a course for home, maximum warp. You have the bridge.” She said

“Yes Captain.” Raines replied as she stepped into the lift.

“Sickbay.” Mara said once the doors closed.

“Thank you for retrieving me Captain.” Serena said as she examined Severin.

“You’re welcome. Besides I lost the rest of the crew and my ship, at least I saved one of you.” He said as he leaned back against the circular wall. “I’m so tired.” He muttered as his eyes closed.

“Captain?” Serena said.

“Sev?” Mara asked at the same time, although he didn't hear either of them as he slid down the wall, the darkness already embracing him…

_________________
(._.) ( l: ) ( .-. ) ( :l ) (._.) They see me rollin, they hatin.

Chapter Sixteen: Life after Death

Location: Leran Manev; Trill

Two Weeks Later

Stardate: 85266.08

It was a beautiful day in the capital city of Trill. The sun was shining, birds were singing and there was a gentle breeze in the air. For a few people, however it was also a sombre one as they stood around the grave.

Civilians were dressed in robes, suits and dresses while Starfleet members were in their dress uniforms in honour of their fallen colleague.

“We are gathered here today to mourn the passing of Severin Inneris, a loyal friend, colleague and dedicated officer to Starfleet and the Federation.” Admiral Neilson said as he stood in front of everyone.
Mara, along with Severin’s parents were hit the most by his loss it would have seemed by looking at others in attendance, although maybe the others we’re just better at hiding their grief.

She didn’t know what possessed her to do so but Mara turned around and caught sight of a young woman with long brown hair standing at the back with a Starfleet dress uniform on. She had never seen her before or heard Sev talk about her either. Her curiosity got the better of her so she walked over to the young woman, wondering who she was.

“Hi.” Mara said “I’m Mara.”

“Kianna.” The young woman replied.

“Nice to meet you.” Mara smiled “How do you know Severin, if I may ask.” Watching as sadness and guilt washed over Kianna’s face as she glanced over at the coffin.

“He was my host.”

Mara’s eyes widened “Vox?” she gasped.

Kianna turned back to her and nodded, surprised when Mara hugged her. Having only been joined with Vox for a few days, Kianna was still getting used to all these new memories and feelings that she knew wasn’t hers, yet at the same time were she hesitated, knowing that this woman was a stranger to her, she was hesitant to return the hug. While at the same time, thanks to Severin’s memories and feelings for her that Vox carried also felt like she knew her…and she guessed in a way she did.

However it was only when she felt Mara’s body trembling with sobs as she cried that she actually return the embrace.

Mara broke the embrace a little while later “So how are you adjusting to being joined?” she asked as she wiped away her tears.

“It’s…difficult. I mean I have all these memories of people I’ve never met, places I’ve never been and a load of other things that I as Kianna know I’ve never done and yet Vox has, and since Vox is me and I am
Vox, I have. It’s strange.”

Mara smiled “Sev said the same thing as well when he was describing what it was like for him at first.”

“I know.” Kianna smiled.

Mara laughed “Yes I suppose you do.” However soon her laugh stopped “Can I ask you something?”

Kianna nodded “Of course.”

“You have Sev’s memories right?”

“Yes I do.”

“Did he…I mean…” Mara paused as she debated asking what she wanted to “Did he…have feelings for me?”

Kianna took a breath and glanced over at the coffin “Does it really matter now?”

Mara glanced over at the coffin and back again before nodding “I need to know.”

Although she felt uncomfortable Kianna felt her heart lurch for the young Betazoid and nodded “Yes he did.” She answered, watching as more tears filled the woman’s eyes, her lips trembling before she looked down.

“I…he was going to tell you once he got back.” Kianna added “And I’m pretty sure you felt the same about him.”

Mara nodded “I loved him; I just didn’t want to say in case he didn’t feel the same.” She cried.

Kianna looked away feeling really uncomfortable, unsure what to do.

“I…Thank you for telling me.” Mara whispered as she looked up “I’m glad that at least you survived and that a part of him lives on in you.”

Kianna managed a small smile and nodded “Thank you. I’m sorry that you lost him.”

“Me too.” Mara sobbed as she turned on her heel, wanting to be alone.

Kianna sighed and tilted her head to either side, cracking her neck, something she had never done before until she had been joined. Ironically it was something that Vox had picked up from Severin.

She saw Admiral Neilson walking over to her and stood at attention “Vox.” He nodded.

“Admiral, it was a lovely speech and a good service.”

Neilson nodded “Thanks, come we have some things to discuss.”

“Yes sir.” Kianna replied, following the Admiral as they walked away from the others and through the city until they reached a transporter, where they beamed to the Caves of Mek’ala and ventured inside.
They wordlessly descended the steps until they reached one of the natural pools the Trill Symbionts inhabited. Standing by the edge, gazing into the pool was a young man.

“How was the funeral?” He asked.

“It was nice.” Neilson answered. “There was a good turnout of people, the service was beautiful and I gave a wonderful speech.”

The young man turned and smiled at them “Sorry I missed it.”

Neilson smiled “Yes it not everyday someone has the opportunity to attend their own funeral.”

Severin chuckled “Very true Admiral. So have we learned anything new?”

“I’m afraid not, we viewed the data that you recovered. The Admiral that Tyiana was speaking with was a Tellarite named Xavesh, but when we arrived to apprehend him he was gone.” Neilson answered.

“So we have nothing?” Kianna asked.

Neilson sighed “Not exactly. There were only a few members of the Admiralty who knew about…” he paused and glanced between Severin and Kianna “Well…your mission, Xavesh, myself and three others.”
“What happened to them?” Severin asked.

“One of them, like me had no clue that Starfleet was involved from the beginning and the other two were found dead shortly after you returned to known space.”

“That’s no coincidence.” Kianna added.

“It is a little strange isn’t it?” Neilson replied. “All we do know is that Xavesh was the one who authorised the project and assigned Tyiana to be the project lead.”

“So why did he want me dead? I’ve never even met the man.” Severin asked.

Neilson shook his head “I don’t know, did Vox ever meet him?”

Kianna shook her head “No.”

“The only thing I can think of is that you were the one sent to stop Tyiana and he was afraid that you would find out the truth.”

“That makes sense.” Severin nodded.

“So what’s our next move? Something tells me this conspiracy, whatever it is must go higher than just one Admiral, two assuming the dead ones were in on it as well, I mean a project like that, more people in command would have known about it.” Kianna said.

“Unfortunately there’s no way to tell who, Xavesh’s computer was erased and Tyiana’s information you recovered mostly concerned the test data and that message you retrieved. Speaking of which are we sure he’s dead?” Nielson asked.

“The Angelwing was destroyed, there were no survivors.” Kianna answered.

“And the serum?” Severin asked.

“According to Tyiana’s files what was on that planet had been transferred onto the Angelwing so we must assume it was destroyed along with the ship, if he had some stored elsewhere though there’s no way to know for certain.” Neilson replied, pausing to take a breath.

“So again what do we do?” Severin asked.

Neilson turned to look at Kianna “Vox, you’ll be returning to the 12th Fleet and resuming your duties there, we’ve already assigned you a new ship, the Invictus. She’s a Vanguard class cruiser and is already at Valhalla waiting for you. I already explained that the treason charges against you were only a cover for a classified mission, but be careful just in case there are other’s involved in this. They may try another attempt on your life.”

Kianna nodded “Yes sir.”

“What about me?” Severin asked, forcing the Admiral to turn and look at him.

“For now you remain dead, that way you can investigate this further with relative ease. I’ve created a new identity for you and will provide you with a secure way to get in contact with both myself and Vox if you find anything. I will continue to investigate things at Command the best I can.”

Severin and Kianna nodded in agreement and understanding.

“Okay then, good luck to us all.” Neilson said before saluting, turning on his heel and beginning his journey back up the stairs and out of the caves, leaving the two alone.

The two stood in silence for a few minutes before Severin spoke up “Well this is awkward.”
Kianna nodded “Yes it is.”

More silence between the two.

“You know I genuinely thought we were going to die in that turbolift.” Kianna said.

“Me too I guess Tyiana wasn’t expecting what happened to happen, lucky for us.” Severin replied as he remembered what had happened…well what he had been told had happened a few days ago when he had woken up.

Apparently after he had collapsed in the turbolift, Serena and Mara had rushed him to sickbay and were shocked to discover that instead of modifying his DNA to develop redundant organs it had been disrupting the isoboramine levels in his system. The longer it continued the worse he got as the levels dropped. By the time they had gotten him to sickbay the levels had dropped below 40% of normal, meaning they had to remove the Vox Symbiont to protect it and insure its survival.

Luckily for Severin however the healing ability of the serum did work and repaired his nervous system so that he no longer required a Symbiont to survive, saving his life. The only downside, he found out was that it had done such a good job of repairing it that he could no long host one either, meaning that he would not be able to be re-joined with Vox.

He was brought out of his thoughts when he felt a hand on his shoulder, and turned to see Kianna looking at him.

“Are you okay?” she asked.

“Yeah I’m fine.” Severin answered “Although it’s going to take me a while to get used to this empty feeling again.”

Kianna smiled “And it’s going to take me a while to get used to all these memories and personality changes.”

Severin laughed “Yeah I remember that, don’t worry it’ll pass. So you’re what 23-24?”

Kianna nodded “24, I was awaiting a Symbiont when the Illustrious returned with Vox. He had to spend a few weeks here recovering, just like you did.”

Severin nodded as he returned his gaze to the pool and remained silent for a few moments before speaking up again “How’s Mara?”

“Heartbroken, she thinks the man she loves is dead.” Kianna answered.

Severin sighed and ran a hand through his hair “You heard the Admiral, I have to remain dead.”

Kianna turned to look at him “True but we both know that she can be trusted.”

Severin nodded “I know but we only met after I was joined with you and you know that whenever a Trill is joined it’s a merger of all the previous hosts’ personalities together, which creates a new, unique individual. The person she fell in love with doesn’t exist anymore.”

Kianna nodded “That may be true, but that doesn’t mean she won’t love the person you are now does it? Assuming of course you still feel for her now what you did before.”

Severin nodded without even thinking about it “I do.”

Kianna smiled “Then once you get off this planet contact her and see what happens.”

Severin nodded slowly before a small smirk appeared on his face “Maybe I will.”

Kianna smiled, already having a feeling that he would “Well I should go I have a shuttle to catch.”

Severin nodded “Yeah, if I find anything out I’ll contact you.”

“Sure just be careful out there.”

Severin laughed “You too.” He replied as the two started ascending the stairs, parting ways once they reached the entrance to the caves.

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(._.) ( l: ) ( .-. ) ( :l ) (._.) They see me rollin, they hatin.

Chapter 18: Epilogue

One week later.

Kianna Vox:
Location: Starbase Valhalla, home of the 12th Fleet

Kianna had to admit that she liked her new ship. It was big and well-armed defiantly built for survivability. However it was taking her time to settle in on the station and it was taking the division time to adjust to her new personality, and gender but other than that it was business as usual. She had heard from Admiral Neilson once although he had nothing new to report and she had yet to hear from Severin either, although that was to be expected.

There had be no attempts made on her life yet so that was a good thing and the Trill Symbiosis commission was still trying to convince her to resign from Starfleet and do something else with her life, not that she was going to listen to them, they would give up eventually they always did.

She had to smile at that, she was sure that when she died her entry in the Symbiont records would simply read “Vox: The most stubborn Symbiont in the history of the Trill.” Her mind’s eye conjured up a picture of it, causing her to laugh out loud, yep business as usual.

Severin Inneris:
Location: Noctarra VII

Severin sat on the sofa in his apartment reading over a PADD containing all the information on Admiral Xavesh that Admiral Neilson could provide but nothing in there even hinted that Xavesh would ever involve himself in something like this. It gave him a bad feeling, like there was something else going on.

But with no proof and currently no leads there wasn’t much he could do. On the plus side he had contacted Mara and let her know that he was indeed alive and well, explaining to her what had happened as best he could and why he had faked his own death. He hadn’t revealed his location to her though, although he had regretted it soon after they had finished talking. At least Mara had sworn to keep his secret, which he had fully expected her to do. As far as their relationship…or potential relationship stood, he didn’t have a clue. Not that he could really focus on that at the moment, in the end only time would tell.

Admiral Xavesh:
Location: Unknown

The Admiral sat in a dark office with the shutters closed, the only light in the room coming from an active terminal on the desk, although his back was facing it.

“…Yes I know Tyiana failed but that is just a minor setback, we have other options.” He said.

Whoever was on the other end of the transmission replied in an unknown language that sounded like a series of high pitched screeches and other sounds. It was so unique that the universal translator was unable translate it.

“I am well aware of how long we have been preparing for this.”

More of the alien language came through the computer, echoing around the room.

“Tell the others that is was just the beginning of the story and that when the final chapter is written this galaxy will be ours.”

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(._.) ( l: ) ( .-. ) ( :l ) (._.) They see me rollin, they hatin.

Started reading it again yesterday and finnished it!
Still a great story m8!

U.S.S. Illustrious is happy to help

Grt Mike

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Lieutenant Mike
United Federation of Planets
The 12th Fleet Science Division Zeta Squad
USS Illustrious NCC 198206
Ready on Arrival
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I guess we can post comments - great story! There were a few grammar / syntax issues, but they were minor and the story itself was compelling enough that I read it all in one sitting. Very nice!

The one thing I wonder is, if Severin regenerated back to health after the symbiont was removed, how did he fake his death? Wouldn't Mara and Serena have scanned his health returning? Or was he close enough to death that he didn't heal until after Starfleet Command had a hold of him?

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Click Here: USS Bajor (NX 93771) Master Systems Display!
Coming Soon: USS Bajor (NCC 93771-A) MSD!

@Felderburg

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Anara Pallra
The 12th Fleet
Maco Division Veteran
Current Mission: Aggressive ground deterrent against Klingon forces
Current Location: Otha
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