Questionable Morality - Chapter 17
Questionable Morality
Chapter Seventeen
The stench woke her. She couldn't place it. She didn't think
she wanted to. Various sounds filtered in to her consciousness, menacing
sounds, guttural sounds muttered in a language that made her shudder � Klingon!
Hoshi winced and grabbed her head, her memory fuzzy at best. That fucking
bitch! Cutler was going to die once Reed tracked her down. She swallowed the
lump in her throat that threatened to rise -- if he bothered to track her down.
--
She was a mere day away from Vega colony and she had gotten
away scot-free. The thrill of the kill and her reward thrummed through her
veins, that and the blood wine, which flowed so freely as she ate her meal. It
was an acquired taste, but it was potent and her mind was drunk on it. The crew
eyed her suspiciously and she tossed back another cup of the burning liquid.
One of the crew muttered something crude about human women, and a female Klingon
in the room laughed heartily and replied, "It's amazing humanity ever
crawled from their caves. Their females are so fragile. She would break if you
tried to mate with her � physically and mentally."
Liz grinned for she understood their language word for word.
She slammed her cup down and stood, walking up to the imposing Klingon who had
made the crude remark about her race and her gender. She punched him in the
nose as hard as she could.
Crass laughter filled the room and she watched as a small
trickle of blood dripped from the alien's nose. His tongue darted out tasting
his own fluid and he bared his sharp teeth at her, growling.
Hissing back, she took a nearby knife from the table and
swiped at him. He caught her wrist painfully and Liz could feel his restraint.
The bastard was going easy on her and she resented the double standard as she
tried to pull away from him. "I can fuck everybody here," she spat in
Klingon.
"We'll see," he replied. Holding her wrist to his
mouth he inhaled deeply and initiating their mating. He emitted a low growl,
warning the other males away as they sat by and watched. Wrestling the knife
from Cutler's hand, he turned it against her, carelessly ripping the clothing
from her body.
Cutler grabbed his arm and rubbed her face against his inner
arm, nipping at the leather and biting his glove.
The Klingon laughed and grabbed her tit. "Puny, just
like your race."
The other Klingons laughed with him until their friend cried
out.
Liz's teeth were sunk deeply into his hand, Klingon blood
oozing from the wound. Shaking his hand wildly, he tried to rid himself of the
blonde moppet whom he would break shortly. She would be dead before the night
ended, ripped to shreds by his girth and length. He finally shook her off his
hand and she landed with a thud onto the deck. Towering over her at his full
height of two and some odd meters, he started to disrobe.
Liz looked up at him through the curtain of her blonde hair
and licked the blood off her lips. It tasted of cooper, just like a human's
blood but was a deeper crimson. She watched with satisfaction as the massive Klingon
dropped his pants, sporting a huge erection and she shuddered in anticipation.
He was hung like a horse, his cock fully erect with a jutting edge to his head
that fanned out like a mushroom cap. It was curved and she considered that she
might have bitten off more than she could chew this time around.
Liz would have winced when he pulled her up by her hair, but
truth was she rather enjoyed the pain, and she shuddered as she was shoved
roughly onto a table with her legs spread wide. She could feel the tip of his
bulbous cock searching her drenched folds and she wanted to push back onto him,
but there were other hands holding her down now. She shouted out when he shoved
his entire length into her and he started to pump in and out of her to the
rhythmic taunts of his friends. She moaned at the sensation, his huge member
filling her and with each thrust striking her g-spot unmercifully.
She tossed her head back as her first orgasm washed over her
and didn't hear the taunt of the beast inside her. "She's already met her
release, and I've yet to start," he laughed and slammed into Cutler's
body. "And she thought she could fuck us all!"
"I'm not done, yet," Liz growled back.
--
"Captain's Log � January 4, 2152," Reed's voice
recorded roughly due to lack of sleep in the past seventy-two hours.
"Thanks to the impeccable timing of an old acquaintance, the Intrepid,
Grissom, and Kennedy only sustained minor damages, and the Klingons were driven
away. The Enterprise is another matter entirely. The blast killed seventeen and
almost succeeded in crippling the ship, but the fires have been contained and
everyone has been accounted for � except Captain Sato and Doctor Cutler.
The wounded have been evacuated to sickbays among the
remaining ships. On Enterprise, the blast destroyed sickbay and various crew
quarters among E, D, and F decks. Among the casualty list are the former CMO of
Enterprise, Dr. Phlox and two Celestial crewmembers, Spangler and Robinson.
"
He stopped the log and bowed his head as the thought of more
blood on his hands washed over him. Spangler and Robinson were dead and chances
are, Hoshi didn't even know it. With the unexpected arrival of Shran and the
Imperial Guard, Reed couldn't even contemplate his next move. Raw instinct
dictated pursuance of his duty, but his heart dictated another course of
action. He couldn't leave her for dead. He wouldn't make that mistake again.
However, he could not contain the sense of dread over the information Commander
Mayweather relayed to him. Internal sensor logs showed a phase blast and a
transporter signal near the explosion. Was she dead already? If she were, why
did they transport her aboard the Klingon ship?
His question went unanswered for several hours until
Mayweather came to him with a PADD. It was Cutler's and her treachery and
allegiances had been further confirmed by the information listed. Hoshi�s name
was at the top of the list, a special notation glaring beneath her name and
listing her as a protected hit. Reed wracked his mind trying to come up with
some semblance of meaning and he affirmed that he would track her down until he
found his answer.
�Commander Shran assures me that the convoy will be escorted
into Andorian space without incident and offered asylum for however long we are
in need. He has given us access to the Andorian communications array and
Commander Mayweather has been in contact with a reporter on Vega colony. He is
transmitting the evidence we have collected thus far, along with recorded
testimony of the Constitution's crew. He has omitted any reference to the
Celestial and Captain Sato due to present circumstances."
Reed paused the recording and muttered to himself.
"After all of their sacrifice�" He shook his head and the chime
sounded. "Enter," he called out.
Shran sauntered into Reed's
ill-illuminated quarters. "I just thought you would like to know
that we will be entering Andorian space within the hour. My crew is already
assisting in the necessary repairs aboard Enterprise and the convoy should be
able to resume its original heading in a week or so."
Reed remained silent, noting the braggart-type quality to
the alien's voice. Chewing on his cigar, he looked out the small portal of a
window in his quarters. "Why?" he asked simply, wanting to know why Shran
was here and helping them. It was too convenient and he didn't trust the Andorian.
"Why what?" replied Shran, his antennas frowning
along with his facial expression.
"What are you doing here, Shran?" Reed asked and
approached the other man. "Forgive me for being a bit paranoid, but your
timing is just too convenient for me. What's waiting for us? Who's waiting for
us?"
The Andorian's antennas furrowed further down onto his head
as the insult sank in, and he scoffed, "This is the thanks I get for
saving you, Pink Skin! Perhaps I should just leave you here and let the Klingons
pick you off one by one."
An uneasy silence fell between the two men.
Shran laughed, "You always do go directly to the
point." He walked over to Reed's supply of cigars and took one out, taking
his time in lighting it.� "I was in the Antarian system when I overheard
the order for the attack. They mentioned your name, and�"
"Out of the kindness of your heart, you came to assist
me?" Reed finished for Shran.
"I have no kindness in my heart for a coldhearted
bastard like you, Reed," Shran huffed and drew heavily on the cigar. He
puffed ringlets into the air before answering. "My government is looking
for � allies."
"For?" Reed questioned.
"When the enemy is all around, it never hurts to have
allies," Shran stared out the portal. "War with the Vulcans is
inevitable, and�"
"That still doesn't explain why you're here,"
interjected Reed. Was Shran actually crazy enough to think Earth would stand
with Andoria in a war against the Vulcans?
Shran smiled coldly, "�with the proper incentive, I'm
sure your government will render assistance when needed."
Reed laughed coolly. "What kind of incentive?"
The Andorian's antennas set at an odd angle, belaying his
seriousness. "You're government has been after our shielding technology
ever since first contact with my people."
Hull plating wasn't very effective against the hazards of
space. True, it worked against the important things, like asteroids and space
debris, but it was normally ineffective against weapons fire. He had even
studied the practical applications of shield mechanics, but had little time to
dabble in the field. "And?" Reed questioned further.
Shran chuckled, "That is a very generous offer."
He couldn't help but smile to himself for these pink skins were so similar to
his own people.
Reed pondered the offer and chewed the end of his cigar. The
Andorian was right. It was. "I need more," he murmured softly and
looked at the commander with steely resolve in his eyes.
Shran knew Reed and that look. It would do little good to
argue with the captain at this point so he simply nodded his head.
"I need your fastest ship," Reed started, unsure
as to where he was going, yet knowing he would be able to track her down given
the right tools and a faster ship.
Puzzled at the other man's request, Shran shrugged his
shoulders and agreed.
--
She collected her tattered clothes and sauntered out of the
mess hall, the feel and smell of sex about her. Cutler stopped by the cage,
which held her prisoner and tapped on bars, taunting the woman who sat inside
holding her knees to her chest.
Hoshi looked up and stared at the brazen naked woman before
her, various scratches marring her fair skin. Her eyes caught the metallic
shine of the syndicate and she lunged at the bars toward the blonde assassin.
"You fucking bitch!" she spat out.
Liz merely smiled coldly. "You should be grateful I
didn't leave you behind. Everybody else should be dead by now," she
laughed, looking at a mock watch on her naked arm.
Clawing through the bars at her nemesis again, Hoshi cursed,
"When I get loose, I'll kill you!"
The naked woman easily dodged Hoshi's attempts to claw at
her. "You're lucky you are under the protection of your old man, otherwise
I'd open your door and let the crew fuck your brains out," Liz sighed.
"Unfortunately, you're worth more to me alive then dead. Your daddy wants
to talk with you."
Hoshi shivered at the mention of her father and she prayed
for deliverance, yet a calm came over her that she hadn't felt in several
years. She always knew she would never be free of him for her mother learned
that the hard way. The scarring on her mother's back was left as a reminder of
his cruelty.
The realization of her father's involvement in the
disappearances of the ECS ships didn't surprise her. She had always known his
business dealings were illegal. Deep down, Hoshi knew she would never be free
of him, and she felt her time away from his tyrannical rule had come to an end.
It was time to end this once and for all.
--
Tucker thought he was crazy, that much was obvious. Reed had
resigned his commission temporarily to search for Hoshi. The convoy was safe
and Mayweather's reporter friend had filed a story that had the politicians on
Vega colony ducking for cover.
"You're sure about this?" Tucker questioned on the
view screen.
"Lieutenant Gomez is acting captain until I get
back," he assured Tucker, as he stood next to Shran on the bridge of the Andorian
ship. "She has my complete confidence."
"I'm sure she does," Trip rubbed his face wearily
and kept whispering. He didn't want to wake Lita. The last week had been hell
on everybody and her nausea had only gotten worse. He startled as a hand
touched his shoulder.
"Just bring her back safe, Captain Reed," Lita
yawned, gently pushing Trip out of the way. "And if she �" her voice
caught then she cleared her throat. "Just bring her back, okay?"
Reed nodded and called for the com to close. Bowing his
head, he said a quick prayer and hoped he wasn't too late. They had the
telemetry and the warp signature of the ship she was on.
Watching the exchange, Shran solemnly pondered why he had
agreed to Reed's request. "All of this over a woman?" he thought to
himself.
--
Liz stretched her sore and aching body and crawled out from
underneath her sweaty lovers. Naked, she strode over to the terminal and
accessed the Vega Colony news and waited for the download.
"�Resigned in light of the recent allegations brought
purporting to black market slavery dealings in the Nantellis system. Lieutenant
Governor Calhoun is being held under house arrest pending further
investigation. In related news, Lane Industries has closed its doors and its
board is calling for the resignation of its chairwoman, Wendy Ray." The
news anchor turned toward his co-anchor and shook his head woefully.
Somehow, Cutler resisted the urge to put her fist through
the monitor as she realized the convoy was alive and well and her benefactor on
Vega Colony was exposed. All that time and energy masquerading as a victim
alongside the Constitution's crew wasted! She hated deep cover! She hated the
code her order adhered to! She wanted to kill! Her mind whirled with
contingency plans and statistics. Sato was a protected hit. Only somebody in
the higher echelons could order such a courtesy. Luckily, she knew who her
buyer was and hadn't been left high and dry with useless cargo.
Calhoun was out of the loop, which was kind of fortunate
seeing as she could cut out the middleman and deal with Sato's old man
directly. She really could turn a tidy profit on this hit and the excitement
stirred her back to bed.
--
Somehow she had managed to fall into a restless sleep, the
sounds and smells filtering into Hoshi's scattered dreams, some of them
nightmarish while most of them were fitful attempts of trying to remain asleep.
Finally, the noise succeeded in stirring her from her exhausted stupor as the
deck plating shook beneath her.
A Klingon crewman ran by her and shouted a command, Hoshi's
mind was unable to process the language as she continued waking up. Shouting
ensued and the walls around her groaned and shuddered. She stood in her cell,
panic and alarm gripping her as Klingons ran past with weapons drawn. They were
under attack.
She clasped the bars only to be slammed backwards onto her
cell floor as the ship rocked violently. A female voice shouted in English and
she immediately recognized it as that of Cutler's.
The spy made her way through minimal debris to check on her
cargo, cursing.
A loud primal howl pierced the hallway and Hoshi could see a
large, skulking officer coming toward her with his weapon drawn.
"If they want you. They'll get you �dead!" the
officer exclaimed, opening Hoshi's cell door.
The ship rocked again, throwing the attacker off balance.
Hoshi saw her chance and claimed it, rushing at him. The menacing dagger
gleamed in the dim lighting, as though giving off a light of its own. A
high-pitched scream echoed and Hoshi saw a pair of hands grab for the dagger.
"I need her alive, you idiot!" screamed Cutler, as
she struggled with the Klingon.
Cursing and waving his arm around he growled, "The
deal's off, whore!"�
--
Faith wasn't a concept Reed adhered to easily, counting it
as an intangible luxury and investing no emotions in it whatsoever. However,
ever since he had met Hoshi he had found himself believing in things he didn't
think possible. Now, Reed placed his unsteady faith in the hands of his capable
ally as he watched another volley of phase cannons blast the underside hull
plating of the Klingon ship. Biting the inside of his cheek was the only way he
was keeping his mouth shut.
"Their shields are down eighty percent," the
tactical officer called then paused. "Two human bio signs detected!"
"Are you able to beam them aboard?" called Shran.
"Not until the shields are completely down, sir."
"Beam them directly to sickbay once you're able!"
The ship trembled as it took on fire.
--
She couldn't see, acidic smoke filling the corridor as
everything shook around her and a heavy weight pinned her to the floor. A sharp
pain ran through her chest and she felt a warm stickiness along with the pain.
A large blast jolted the ship and the warmth on her chest spread throughout her
body.
Suddenly, Hoshi could breathe, the smoke began to clear and
Cutler's weight lifted off of her. She opened her eyes and quickly shielded
them as a glaring light shone before her. Voices surrounded her and she clasped
the dagger in her hand and started swinging it wildly about her.
"Subdue her!"
Her eyes burning from the effects of the smoke, Hoshi wiped
at them with her sleeve. Survival instinct had taken over and she was wild.
Blood drummed in her ears deafening her to the conversation around her.
"Which one is she?"
"How should I know? All Pink Skins look alike!"
"Well, I can't treat the one who is injured until she
stops waving the knife around."
"Stun her!"
"Don't touch her!"
As the voices swirled around her, Hoshi swiped in the
direction of each, but the last voice caused her to pause.
"M-Malcolm?" she called, a sob catching in her voice.
He hardly recognized her, her hair matted, her face
blackened by smoke, and her shoulders trembling with fear and rage. Reed stared
at her blood-soaked clothing, a sense of urgency spurring him to approach her. "Yes,
Hoshi. It's me."
Hoshi coughed, pain and emotions warring within her. She
shook uncontrollably, yet somehow managed to drop the knife after realizing she
was safe again. "What took you so long?" She rubbed furiously at her
eyes, trying to remove the smoke and grime.
A single tear fell unnoticed from his cheek as Reed gently
pulled on her clothing. The smell of blood in the air sickened him and he
wasn't about to lose her now. "Where are you hurt, luv?"
Wincing as she moved, Hoshi finally realized that the warm
wetness on her was blood. Everything had happened so quickly, she was finally
able to ascertain what had happened. There are been a struggle for the dagger.
There was also a phase pistol. Cutler shot the Klingon, but lost her footing
and dropped the phase pistol. The assassin had lunged toward Hoshi and Hoshi
stabbed her. It was her blood that had soaked into the front of her uniform. It
was the assassin's body that fell on Hoshi and had pinned her to the floor.
The Andorian medical officer and his assistant watched the
exchange, and surmised the woman Captain Reed was attending to was Captain
Sato. He scanned her quickly to ascertain any life-threatening conditions, but
there were none. He scanned the other human and the scanner registered the last
signs of her life trickling away as more blood oozed onto the floor.
"Captain Reed," the doctor paused. "What do
you want us to do with her?"
Reed sighed and hugged Hoshi, looking over her shoulder.
"Do what you can for her."
*****
TBC