The Death of the King

Posted on Sat Oct 27, 2018 @ 8:11pm by Lieutenant Nicole Anderson

3,240 words; about a 16 minute read

Mission: Plaga Navis
Location: Holodeck 2
Timeline: Late evening, two days after recovery

"Mags, it was one fight," Nicole said, looking across her desk.

"I know," Maggie said, sniffling. "But, it was our first fight and it just really hurts! Everything was going really well, and one night he decides to be a complete jerk."

"What did you do?" Nicole said.

"I tried arguing back but I was just getting madder and madder," she said, shaking her head. "By the time I thought of anything good to say back, he'd already stormed out of my quarters."

"I'm sorry," Nicole said, her tone sympathetic. Then, she grinned. "Want me to go kick his arse?"

Maggie smiled weakly. "No," she said. "I just wish I could go back and know to be angry before I walked in. Would have saved me time, and I could've gotten off a few choice phrases."

Nicole blinked at her, then slapped herself upside the head. "Of course," she said. She got up quickly. "I have to get going. I'll see you later. Call me if you need company, okay Mags?"

"Okay," Maggie said. "I think I should go get some dinner anyway," she said.

"Good, enjoy," Nicole said, her mind already racing ahead. She took a healthy swig from her flask and capped it, walking briskly out of Sickbay.

It was a short walk to the Senior Officer's section, and within a minute or so she was hitting the chime repeatedly. "C'mon, c'mon, c'mon," she muttered.

Alec had been reading a western novel, Lonesome Dove to be exact when his chime rang. Not once but repeatedly. Scowling he put the book down and rose from the sofa. "Hold on! I'm coming !" He shouted as the chime kept being pushed. Opening the door he was surprised, no strike that he was startled to see the CMO standing before him. "Doctor, what's the mea...…"

"Suit up, we're going to the holodeck," she said.

He blinked and eyed her suspiciously at her abrupt order. "We are? Why if it's not to bold to ask."

"Because I'm beating that fucking program and we're deleting it from the computer once and for all," she said. "Five minutes. Get moving!" She stalked down the corridor like an animal going after prey.

Alec stood there looking at the retreating figure of the CMO. He didn't know what sparked her sudden decision to beat and delete the program but he nodded in approval. "About time." He whispered before reentering his quarters to suit up as she suggested after all he had an appointment to keep.

* * *

As the doors to the holodeck opened, Nicole was pacing and balling her hands into fists. "Know-it-all, self-righteous, pain-in-the-ass," she grumbled. She looked over as the doors opened and Alec walked in. "About time," she growled, her eyes blazing red.

Alec walked in just as Nicole finished her grumbling. He looked at her, "Have you another appointment Doctor?" He asked and then followed it with another question. "Are you alright?"

"I'm pissed, so I'm grand," she said, her fangs showing as she snarled. "Computer: load program Ommadawn-3. Two phaser rifles and sword at the ready."

The computer beeped and the weapons appeared at their feet as the grid disappeared and the gothic interior of an alien ship appeared. Nicole's foot caught the handle of the sword and she kicked it up, catching the hilt in midair. "Keep them out of the chamber," she said, leaving the rifles for Alex.

Alec was going to comment on Nicole's Grand comment but decided to let it pass, not wishing to start an argument and worsen her mood. It was his opinion that the CMO was decidedly not "grand." "Ah, welcome to my nightmare." Alec quipped scooping up one rifle, checking it and then picking up the other one and slinging it over his shoulder. "By your command." He replied to Nicole. "Let's get this party started."

"Computer," she said, "begin program." The lights immediately lowered and she spun around hard, bringing the sword up and through the neck of a leech that had suddenly appeared behind her. She growled and ran at the staircase winding its way up along the wall of the chamber towards the leader's chamber.

Alec watched her race up the staircase. He only watched for a moment for a moment was all he had as the leeches began funneling into his position. "Time to rock and roll." He whispered through clenched teeth as he laid down a truly writhing field of fire. His sole intention was to protect Nicole. They had their differences to be sure but he knew how much beating this program meant to her and he was going to do his part in helping her to succeed.

Yet the leeches continued to come. They seemed to be coming out of the very walls! He fired again and again barely allowing the rife enough time to cool down. Leeches grabbed at him, tearing his uniform and scratching his arms and face as he beat the attacks off. "Sorry fellas. I'm not on today's menu." He said in a ragged whisper. They were trying to crowd his position through sheer force of numbers, making it hard to use the rifle effectively. He had managed to keep them at bay but then it happened the first rifle clicked empty. it's charge gone. "Shit! Shit! Shit!" He exclaimed as he pulled the second rifle of his shoulder just as the leeches sensed his position had weakened and charged forward in a renewed attack.

He fired again and again when a leech managed to get above him and pulled him up. Swinging around frantically in it's grasp Alec shot it in the face and it was instantly vaporized. Landing back on his feet he continued to fire even as he could hear sounds of Nicole's battle with the leech king. He hoped she was kicking his ass all over the chamber. He noticed that the numbers seemed to be thinning or maybe he was just imagining but he didn't stop firing. Leeches were piled up all around him. Some just inches from where he stood. His finger spasmed on the trigger again and again as he kept firing then suddenly there were no more. He looked around sensing it could be a trick but no leeches rushed at him. He looked upward where the battle between Nicole and the King still raged. He ran up the steps, taking them two at a time, entering the King's chamber.

Nicole dove into the chamber and as the leech lord landed on the deck, she growled a challenge. "You smell familiar," he started.

"Shut up," she snarled and leapt up, her sword coming out and connecting with his head, taking off an ear. The king roared in pain and swiped at her, but her feet landed on his chest and she pushed off, sailing through the air and landing hard, rolling away as he stomped after her. She swung around and grabbed his leg, sinking her fangs into his thigh. He roared in pain again as she tore a chunk of flesh from his leg and she rolled away hard as he jumped up and moved away from her to regenerate.

She leapt up after him, clawing her way up the wall after him, following the trail of blood till she found his perch and grabbed him, pulling him off and landing hard on the floor with him. She brought the sword down and shoved it hard through his ribs. He spasmed and his fist connected with her side, knocking her off him hard, the sword ripping out of his chest.

He got up and stood over her and growled. She looked up at him, trying to breathe through her cracked, but healing ribs, as his foot raised above her head. She placed a hand up to stop it and as his foot slammed down, her second hand came up as well and she grabbed it and twisted hard, using the momentum to snap his ankle as she diverted it to land next to her skull.

The king howled and toppled to the side, his balance thrown. Nicole sat up and swung the sword hard and it connected with his neck. The combined force of her swing and gravity pulling him down successfully cleaved his head from his neck. As it hit the deck and rolled away, blood spilled out across the deck.

"Program complete," the computer said, the holodeck grid clearing.

Nicole sat down and rubbed her fangs gently, her jaw sore, and rubbed her side, her newly healed ribs still aching. "You good?" she said, looking at Alec.

He nodded wearily leaning on the door frame. He was bloodied but unbowed. "I'm good. What about you? You good?"

"I'll live," she said, breathing hard. She reached into her uniform top and pulled out her flask, uncapping it and taking a few long swigs. "Just reveling in the joy of never having to do that again."

Alec studied her for several seconds before replying, "Glad to hear it, though I know it may be contrary to what you may think Doctor." He answered sincerely. "By the way, congratulations on beating the program and putting some of your inner demons to rest."

Nicole gave a bitter laugh. "I didn't put my demon to rest," she said, and looked at him, her eyes still blazing red, "I just let it out."

Alec nodded in understanding, "And you feel better for it don't you?" He questioned.

She shrugged a shoulder and took another drink, her eyes returning their usual icy blue. "I don't know. I honestly don't care anymore. I just wanted to chop the bastard's head off one more time."

He looked at her in silence for a moment, trying to gage what and how she was feeling before answering, "If that's all you truly wanted then I can only add mission accomplished."

Nicole snapped off a salute. Her stomach growled hard and she stood up. "I need to eat something," she said, trying not to make the phrase sound too ominous. "And we should get you to Sickbay."

"Sickbay? Really Doctor, there's no need for that. I'd rather join you in getting something to eat. That's if you can stand my company,"

Nicole made a face. "I'll do my best," she said. She stood up and walked stiffly out of the holodeck, not looking back. She was incredibly thankful the holodeck was on the same deck as her quarters. She walked in, hitting the door panel to keep it open for her guest. She had a fleeting thought about how few guests she had, but pushed it aside in favor of a meal.

Alec said nothing in way of reply, simply nodding as he followed Nicole into her quarters. He head no desire to stir up her prickly personality.

She punched an order into the replicator and pulled out a bowl filled with a reddish-orange substance and several pieces of meat sticking out. She also replicated a drink and sat down in an armchair, taking a mouthful. "Help yourself," she said as she ate.

He looked around, "When I said go with you to get something to eat, I meant the Officer's Mess, not your quarters Doctor. I have no wish to impose upon you."

"And I have no wish to get in a turbolift right now," she said, wrinkling her nose. "Get something to eat and sit down before you fall down."

Nicole's quarters were somewhat spartan, most of her belongings still back in her apartment in Ancient Grace. She had a couple of holos on a her shelves, and a few pictures around of herself and her mentor, Doctor Hanopar, her mother, and a tall, smiling man who looked like he'd stepped back into a shadow as the picture was taken.

On her wall was the standard nondescript artwork that ship's stores supplied all quarters with, except for one old-fashioned canvas oil painting of what appeared to be herself and her crewmates.

She had a few books on her shelves including medical journals, her Book of Numbers and literature from her homeworld. She didn't have many knick-knacks, but she did have a few old medical items scattered around. In short, it was the home of a doctor on the go.

Alec looked down at himself and he had to agree he was a mess. His uniform was torn, and he was bloodied, bruised and sore but he felt surprisingly good. He had helped Nicole defeat a personal demon. Yes, his part was minor but he had helped. As he got up and walked/limped to the replicator he gave the painting a closer look. " Excuse me Doctor, isn't this Cassandra, Penny, Dr. Jones and Captain Edwards and the chief flight control of her of Captain Edwards' ship? I never learned her name. I don't know the gentleman.

Nicole paused in chewing then swallowed hard. She looked over at the painting. "Yes. And the helmswoman is Lieutenant Jasmine Gorgon," she said. "One of the more aptly-named members of the crew. The tall one near Amber is Thomas Riley." She stood up and walked over to the painting, admiring it. They looked so young, so hopeful, so ready. She smiled slightly in nostalgia and irony. "The newest generation in the League of Extraordinary Gentlemen."

"Ah." he replied nodding, "Jasmine Gorgon an appropriate name, indeed." He agreed. "I didn't see Mr. Riley during my stay." He confessed then looked over at her. "The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen? I don't know to what you are referring, Doctor. I'm guessing by your reference your saying the people in the painting all had extraordinary abilities. Well, I know about Captain Edwards, Dr. Jones, you, Cass and Penny. What's the story about Jasmine and Riley?"

"She's the sole survivor of an Invasion attempt by an ancient race to enslave the Alpha and Beta Quadrants," Nicole said. "He's from Sigma Iotia II and a skilled Engineer. Very good at turning rocks into replicators." She sighed a bit and took a sip of her drink. "An assassin, a false prophet, a Khan, a spy, a thief, a prisoner and a monster. The heroes." She raised her glass to the painting and drained it, going to the replicator for more.

He looked at the painting again. "Interesting." He commented but didn't add anything else. As he got a cheeseburger, fries and a beer. Then returned to the sofa to sit down.

"Feels odd saying this at 28," she said, "but we were so young then."

"Babes in the wood." He commented as he bite his burger.

"Or something like that," Nicole said. "But our C.O. knew what he was doing when he found us. We were his prized collection. A group of uniques who would save the galaxy from itself." She yawned. "Right now the galaxy can go dig a hole. I just want to take a vacation."

"A vacation sounds like an excellent idea. Just where would want to go on your vacation Doctor?" Biting into his burger as he waited for Nicole's answer.

Nicole snorted and took another bite of her food as well, sitting back in her chair, staring at the bulkhead. "I want to go back to Rigel. I want to sleep under the stars near the Soul Clan's commune and watch the constellations pass. I want to hug my niece and nephews and pick enough gespars so our tongues are dyed purple for days." Her smiled dropped and she looked down at her bowl. "And I should probably go to the Mantilles Colony and speak to my father."

Alec listened in silence. It was nice to hear Nicole speak of hugging her niece and nephews and just relax, do normal everyday stuff. When she finished he posed a question. "So, why don't you?"

"Might have something to do with the fact that our one and only meeting was 10 years ago, and I called him a few horrible names and told him I never wanted to see him again," she said.

Alec put his burger down, "Doctor, Nicole." He corrected, "We're talking about your father. Alright you were mad and said some horrible things but it's water under the bridge. A parents love is constant! They can get mad but they always love us. No matter how old you get you will always be your father's daughter. He'll always have a special place for you. I bet he's very proud of you and what you have accomplished. Besides it's time for another visit."

Nicole looked at him like he had three heads. "I'm not worried he hasn't forgiven me," she said, the word 'idiot' not spoken but her tone subtly implying. "I'm trying to figure out if I've forgiven him for creating me in the first place."

Alec stiffened at her tone but managed to jeep his mouth shut from saying anything nasty in return. An awkward silence filled the air which Alec broke, "Doctor, I apologize for misreading what you were saying. So rather than give you anymore bad advice. I'll simply say to do whatever the hell you feel like in this situation."

Nicole swallowed hard and took a breath. "I'm sorry," she said, slowly. "That was uncalled for. You were trying to help." She ran a hand through her hair. "When I was unconscious, I actually had a lot of time to think. I don't know what to believe anymore when it comes to him and I don't want to speak with him, but if I'm 'not a monster' is he still one for creating me?"

Alec waved her apology off. "Think nothing of it Doctor. it's water under the bridge." He paused for a moment, thinking on what he wanted to say next. "Doctor, I think you should approach this meeting with your father if you do indeed desire to see him again with an open mind a clean slate. No expectations. Go with an open mind and hear what he has to say. To make it simple...talk."

"I'd rather yell. It's easier," she grumbled, putting her bowl down. She pulled her flask out of her pocket and took a long swig. "The first time I met him, I was looking for a cure. He didn't have one, so I left. All I got was this," she said, holding up the flask and shaking it, the liquid sloshing around inside. "Doctor Jones improved the formula, so I've had no reason to go back."

Alec scowled at her. "Doctor, I disagree; you do have a reason. You have unfinished business with your father. Look, scream, yell, do what you feel like. The point is you're communicating with the man--Furthermore," he continued before she could say anything, "if you don't talk to him while you can, you're going to wake up one morning find he's gone and you'll never get a chance to say all the things you want and need to say and you'll regret it. Maybe not soon but you will," he assured her.

She was going to yell at him but her brain reminded her that it was she who brought it up in the first place. "I'll think about it," she said.

Alec nodded accepting what Nicole said after all he couldn't force her to talk to her father. It was something she had to do. "Fair enough." He answered.


JP

Alec Hunter
XO

Nicole Anderson
CMO

 

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