| SRR Morrahe`Vnu | Chapter One Hundred - Sixty-Nine:
I, Hawke | | |
[Somewhere....]
"It is the journey that calls us, not the destination. The path to balance is
wrought with all manner of obstacle, both good and evil. It is how we resolve
these challenges that shape our heart. The way determines the destination.
Once we liberate our mind from what lies at the end of the road shall our soul
be truly part of what was, what is, and what shall be at the beginning."
I Hawke
*=\/=*
Prologue...
Darkness... Once again I find myself alone in the void of space with only my
thoughts to keep me warm from the cold emptiness. Over and over again I find
myself pulled in a direction beyond my control. The images pass before my
eyes... Shadows of what was... Faces of friends and loved ones lost. Ships and
crews I've served with... All ghost of my past... And still I travel the never
ending voyage...
[Flash]
The panel exploded as Hawke continued to make his way through the plasma
field, three Romulan shuttles still pursued him, but it was better then the
5 he had started with when he stumbled upon the recon patrol. The shuttles
had more then likely came from the D'Deridex-class Warbird that had tracked
the Valiant's warp emissions. He knew that she hadn't left the area that was
why he had wanted to take the shuttle out as a decoy. The Romulan Commander
would know that a shuttle wouldn't be in space alone, but he would have no
idea what type of ship or ships he was dealing with or what their mission
might be in Romulan space. Capturing this shuttle may provide him that
insight, that line of reasoning was what Hawke was counting on.
Disrupter fire continued to pound the Armstrong's shields, it was only a
matter of time before he had none. The Romulan shuttles were hailing
him...No doubt wanting to ask for his surrender... A surrender that would
not be forthcoming. Just as he was thinking of what to put on his headstone
the Armstrong sensors picked up a large object within the plasma field...It
was some type of ship from what he could tell but the readings were like
nothing he had encountered before. Whatever it was it was coming right for
him. He quickly tapped his console to magnify the vessel his eyes grew wide
as it came into view..."A mast?" Hawke asked himself clumsily as another
blast from the Romulan shuttle slammed into the shuttle Armstrong. Sparks
flew up from the panel again as he tried to stabilize the ship, another
blast and Hawke was thrown back against the bulkhead, his last thoughts were
of the longship that had obviously come to take him to Valhalla.
[Flash]
"Damn!" Spat Hawke as he continued to maneuver his courier vessel through
the asteroid belt that surrounded the lifeless planet Keanou. The desert
world was used as a rendezvous point for smugglers and other unsavory types
in this sector of space known as Twilight's Peak. Obviously Hawke had picked
the wrong day to use it.
Commander Jules sat comfortably in the command chair of the USS Nelson. He
watched the view screen with great interest. The courier ship moved with
great effort through the asteroid belt that surrounded Keanou. The pilot was
obviously very good, but not good enough to escape him.
"Mister Dexter, open a channel to our friend."
Dexter nodded, "Channel open sir."
Jules leaned heavily on his left armrest before speaking to his prey.
Courier shuttle Raven, this is Commander Jules, Captain of the Federation
Starship Nelson; you are in violation of Federation code, 5.565, smuggling.
You're ordered to come to a full stop, lower your shields and prepare for
tractor beam."
Hawke only grimaced at the Commander's words. Maybe if he simply ignored them
they would go away.
"Courier Raven, I order you to cease and desist, this is your final
warning."
Hawke's frowned deepened, so much for wishful thinking. He quickly opened a
channel and placed his best sly smile, "Greetings USS Nelson, I'm so sorry,
I seemed to have missed part of your transmission. My communications array
is semi-functional at the moment. What can I do for you fine Starfleet folks
today?"
Jules frowned slightly; "You can stop your ship smuggler, and prepare to be
boarded. That is the only thing you can do for us."
"Hmm, I would love to Commander but I'm late for a business engagement.
Besides, shouldn't you be looking for a Borg Cube or something?"
"That's it," yelled Commander Jules, "I don't like funny guys. Mister Dexter
cut communications and ready tractor beam. Helm, bring us around."
"Oh boy," Hawke said to himself as he moved the small vessel deeper into the
asteroid belt. If Commander Jules wanted him, he was going to have to come
in after him. Before Hawke could finish the thought phaser fire rocked his
small courier, the phaser arrays of the Nelson lashed out with a continues
barrage of beams meant to disable the small craft. Try as he might Hawke
couldn't avoid them and the asteroids. Another blast from the Nelson struck
his Engine dead on. Hawke's control panel exploded and the cockpit filled
with gas from a conduit leak. The Raven was dead in space. Slowly the Nelson
moved over the still vessel, within moments the tractor beam had established
lock and pulled the craft from space and into the shuttlebay. All the while
Hawke sat pondering his fate.
[Flash]
Norvikk looked down upon the still form of Captain Hawke. A hard look, void
of all emotion. The dim light of the bridge reflecting off the silver plates
that adorned his tunic.
"So this is our catch? Not much to look at, but then again what could you
expect from the outer void."
His words brought a conservative amount of laughter from the gathered crew.
The Delflord allowed himself a slight smile before raising his hand
motioning Direlord Pharchilde to his side. Pharchilde was of slight build, a
frail almost sickly man but his dress was very rich and betrayed his vanity,
which was rivaled only by his greed for power. As the pale Dwellven moved to
Norvikk side he gave a lusty look toward Lady Faux before lowering his head
in a show of respect to the Delflord.
"My Lord?" he asked.
"Direlord, what is your assessment of our guest?"
Pharchilde paused before answering, allowing himself a moment of reflection
and also to show to the gathering that he had the ear of the Delflord. This
pause did not go unnoticed by Lady Faux who shook her head in disgust.
"My Lord, after examination of the strangers vessel and devices... I surmise a
level three technology based society. His garb seems to be a uniform, which
would suggest a military based structure within the society. To what extent
I can't be sure without further research. However, I'm sure nothing that the
Celestial Realm has to fear. He was being pursued before being brought
aboard, which could underline some conflict within the outer void. As for
his appearance, Lady Faux remarked earlier that he may be a member of some
splinter clan that was part of the Great Exodus. Again without further
research and testing we can't be sure."
Delflord Norvikk leaned back in his command chair, a solemn look upon his
face. "Very well, the assessment carries merit. The next step is more
difficult... What do we do with him?"
With these words Lady Faux took her cue. "Milord, might I humbly suggest
keeping the outsider alive so that we may do follow up studies and perhaps
glean more information about the outer void worlds?"
Norvikk looked at Faux with curiosity, "Why Lady Faux?"
She took a bold step forward after the simple question and replied with a
simple answer, "Knowledge Milord. For a Millennium we the Dwellven have
lived and thrived secure in our own power, but with each passing eon the
outer void has moved closer to our sphere. The time has come for us to find
out what threat they may pose to our way of life."
"Or what benefits they may provide," Direlord Pharchilde quickly added.
"There has been talk of expansion to the Outer Void. Many of the Delflords
wish to explore and expand. Who better to lead that expansion then the clan
of Silverdrake?"
Norvikk leaned forward and placed his hands together. "Talk of expansion has
been raised many times over. Ultimately the Highlords and the Overlord must
decide that course. However, if this outsider can benefit us in this
endeavor... Then so be it." Let us present this creature of technology to the
Overlord for favor. The better to press our case for a bold move into the
outer void."
Direlord Pharchilde nodded approvingly as did Lady Faux.
"One last thing, what about the Craft, is he touched?"
With those words faint movement from a dimly lit corner of the bridge began.
A whispery voice spoke out, "That is the question." The movement swiftly
manifested into a walking shadow, which slowly took the shape of a haunting
figured draped from head to toe in black, a shroud like cape hung from the
figure. As the form moved closer to Hawke it raised a hand. Tendrils of
azure sprung from its fingertips and moved toward the crumpled form, slowly
circling around the body. The assembled audience watched the event with a
mixture of fascination and fear. The body of Hawke raised slowly from the
ground carried by the azure like swirls of smoke and then as suddenly as it
had begun it ended. The body of Horatio Hawke lay upon the ground in the
same position as before as if untouched.
"To answer the question Delflord...Yes...and no," replied the shadowy figure.
Norvikk frowned, "What do you mean yes and no," he asked.
The figure smiled, but it was unseen by the group because of the hood that
hid it's face.
"Yes he is touched, but only in a specific way...For some specific purpose...
That purpose is yet unseen to my sight."
Norvikk frowned, "Nindrel, once again you speak but I have more mysteries
then I started with." The Delflord paused before leaning back deeply into
his chair.
"Do not press me Norvikk... I have given you all you need for now. Your next
decision will decide his fate." With those last words the dark figure
slipped back into the shadows.
[Flash]
Hawke glanced at his bridge officers, "Shields up," he told them. "Battle
stations."
The crew began to move in unison. Fingers flew over control panels. The bleep
of consoles being activated filled the bridge, monitors flashed with various
readings and information vital to the coming engagement.
Hawke turned to Edwards who was standing at the tactical station, "Power up
our weapons."
Edwards accessed his controls; "Weapons powered up and ready."
"Helm, move to within 1000 meters of the target."
"Aye sir," replied the helmsman.
The federation vessel edged closer to the Octagon shaped object. In seconds
the ship was within the desired range.
"Target phasers and fire," ordered Hawke.
Dual beams of orange energy flashed from the ships phaser arrays, ripping
through the alien object. Which instantly stopped the red bolts of energy
that
had been bombarding the colony on Tarsis 7.
Hawke was pleased with the accuracy of his tactical officer. He would have to
bye Ed a drink after this mission indexed.
Then something happened that took the young officer and his crew by complete
surprise. The ship rocked violently. There was an impact from the port side
that made the bulkheads shudder. Hawke spun his chair to face his Operations
officer.
"Report!"
"Shields down thirty-three percent, hull breach on deck seven and eight!"
As the OPS officer continued his report the Helmsman moved from the deck
where
he had been tossed moments before. Cherion quickly accessed his controls to
stabilize the ship when he picked up a sensor reading, "Sir, we have a second
bogey bearing 245 mark 25, it's a second satellite."
The ship rocked again, "Shields at forty-nine percent," announced the
operations officer.
"Damn it!" replied Hawke his mouth forming a vicious frown. "Where in the
hell
did that come from?" He asked.
Edwards checked his monitor's reading, "Sir it phased in, I'm not sure...but
I'm
picking chroniton particles."
As the Tactical officer finished his sentence, the ship rocked from another
direct hit to it's portside. Bridge panels exploded all around and the bodies
of crewmen were slammed about like rag dolls.
Hawke held on to the armrests of his command chair as if his life depended on
it. "Evasive!" he yelled.
As the Helmsman was about to carry out the order the ship took another direct
hit. The helm controls exploded and the helmsman was thrown back against the
deck a last dying scream escaping his body.
The bridge was a sea of confusion, screams of help from the wounded, fire and
smoke filled the cramped control center as crewmen raced about. Operations
continued to give damage reports from all decks. Engineering was reporting
impulse engines off line, weapons were also down and the shields were
failing.
Hawke tried to maintain his composure but the pressure was building.
The ship shook violently from another blast and almost simultaneously the
computer announced a warp core breach. Hawke knew the ship was finished. As
he
waited for the final blast the rear wall of the bridge hissed open.
"End program," spoke a voice from a lone figure standing in the opening.
Hawke turned his chair upon hearing the voice. He quickly came to his feet
when he heard the words attention on deck!
The figure moved closer. The graybeard and steel blue ice not to mention the
three closed pips identified the man as Vice-Admiral Tom Magdiarz, Academy
Commandant. Hawke could feel the blood leaving his vital organs and pooling
in
his feet.
The Vice-Admiral moved to the Cadet, his eyes penetrating Hawke's soul.
"Well, it would seem that you had a few difficulties with the scenario Mister
Hawke... Scratch one ship and crew."
Hawke nodded, "I... I don't know what happened sir; the mission seemed simple
enough... But...I...underestimated the situation sir."
Tom nodded, "That Cadet is an understatement if I ever heard one." Confidence
can be a good thing to have Hawke, but over confidence will get your crew
killed. Starfleet personnel are valuable. Starships are valuable...Starship
Captains must understand that, and are charged with the responsibility of
protecting those valuable resources and completion of the mission. Sometimes,
the situation is such where you may lose some of your people or damage your
vessel in the performance of your mission. That is a hazard that comes with
the duty. But it is unacceptable for such loss because of the carelessness of
one individual."
Hawke lowered his eyes and nodded. "Aye sir."
"Remember Mister Hawke, every situation, no matter how simple and clear cut
it
may seem has the potential for disaster. You must make yourself invincible."
The Commandant turned toward the exit, moving with pure purpose in every
stride, "Now try it again," he said before disappearing through the portal.
Hawke frowned and rubbed his chin, he had the feeling it was going to be a
long day.
[Flash]
Hawke listened to the footfalls as Spartan left the Brig. His mind
deconstructing the conversation he had just had. Martyr was never a good way
to be described. Dying for ones beliefs may have been noble to some... To
Hawke it meant a failure somewhere. The better scenario was to make the
other man die for his. Hawke had done plenty of that. Remorse was not one of
his strong suits, and his morals some times left much to be desired.
However, the fa�ade he had developed over the years was worn...Deep inside he
cared. He knew that he owed many throughout his life. For him however it was
easier to be cold and distant. Now he longed for closeness. He had imagined
his reunion with Spartan, played it over in his mind. Good friends together
with hands clasped and a strong embrace. Instead there was comfortable
silence. Distance and posturing. Perhaps the time had finally come for him
to move on. Perhaps he had lost too much...Given up too much of himself. There
was always another mission another hot spot. A dangerous situation...
Political maneuverings.
"Perhaps I'm just at the end of my time," he said to himself. "Maybe I've
done all I can for the Fleet...For the uniform."
Hawke frowned, opened his eyes and looked toward the guard standing from the
other side of the containment field. He looked at the uniform, the texture,
and the color...His mind wandered to the past..."Had it been so long ago?" He
asked himself. Once upon a time he had simply been a Security officer. Was
it ever that simple? He turned his head back toward the bulkhead and closed
his eyes once more. Whatever he was...Whatever he had been...Martyr was not a
word to describe him now or ever.
[Flash]
Hawke pulled the gold bejeweled circlet out of a drawer and laid it on the
table in front of him. "This is our only physical evidence that all of the
past events are not just myth or hallucination. We have been studying it and
have come to the conclusion it is some kind of communication device. We
suspect the wearer will be able to communicate direct with it's creators,
whomever they may be. We suspect, from what the Professor has uncovered, that
we're dealing with the original Gaultan travelers."
Jonathon eyed the circlet
curiously, wondering just where it had been all this time. Now he knew. He sat
quietly, pensive now, thumb and forefinger absently massaging his chin.
"Have
you verified this yet?" Suzanna asked.
"Not yet." He looked briefly at the
others, "No time like the present though, is there?" Again the sly smile as
Hawke picked up the circlet.
"Do you think that is wise Captain." Suzanna
asked, an eyebrow raised, this was risky at best, then again, her experience
had told her that Hawke had always been one to be bold in everything he did.
Jonathon and Ivy both lurched forward. "Horatio!!" and "Captain, don't be
foolish!"
"This ship was selected to receive the message and presented with
the circlet. I think it was intended we use it and logically it would fall to
the Captain to take the responsibility." With that said Hawke placed the
circlet on his head.
Most present looked expectant, Jonathon & Ivy looked
horrified. "Madam!" Jonathon demanded, standing, "You must not allow this. We
have no idea........" Suzanna heard the Professor, but her eyes were on Hawke.
It was too late, he had already done it and two of the jewels in the circlet
began to brighten in colour. Hawke closed his eyes and the jewels became
brighter and Hawke stood up with a start, not opening his eyes. Jonathon
reached across to grab the holograms arm. "Dammit all, Madam, do something!
This could kill him if he's not the anointed one.....this Hero"
Suzanna's
eyes had been fixed on Hawke and the circlet and she was startled when the
Professor grabbed her arm. Before she could react though, a bright red/orange
light started to fill the room, it was coming from outside the ship and
pouring though the wide view ports to space. Ivy turned as did the Professor,
the Subfleet Commander, and Lt. Cheng. Tyler stayed fixed on the Captain.
"Its
the Bird........ by all that's sacred, I don't believe what I see," it was the
Professor, amazement in his voice. A red/orange hue began to emanate from
Hawke's body. Suzanna noticed the hew from the corner of her eye and started
to turn towards Hawke again. The hue matched the color coming through the
windows. Hawke opened his eyes and at the same time reached out with his right
hand as if to grab something. Tyler noticed there were no eyes in Hawke's
sockets only red/orange fire. "Captain," Tyler fairly yelled, fearing for the
Captain, standing up and reaching for Hawke's arm. There was nothing to grab.
Hawke's body became nothing more than disjointed spots of red/orange flame and
was gone in an instant. Tyler felt the heat on his hand. The Professor, Cheng
and the Subfleet Commander had turned away from the window as Tyler yelled,
only to see Hawke disintegrate into motes of flame and vanish into nothing.
'What the.... ' Suzanna mumbled, surprise and shock flashing over her face
before regaining her neutral expression. An eyebrow raised. This was
impossible, he couldn't just be gone.... Her mind had difficulty believing
what her eyes had seen. "Look," Ivy yelled from the window, leaned forward
suddenly and passed out. The officers all looked toward the windows and there
on the side of the "Great Bird" energy form was the form of Hawke.
As they
watched, his form spread and was absorbed by the Bird entity and then it too
vanished. They stared out the windows in shock, no one saying a word. The
silence was broken by a low moan from Ivy as she began to regain her senses.
The circlet was around her head. Ivy sat up with the help of Lt. Cheng and
when she realized the circlet was on her she reached up, tearing it off,
flinging it across the room.
[Flash]
The smell of Incense fills the dimly lit chamber. The torches flicker
ever so softly casting shadows on the walls. The sound of movement, an almost
non-existent glide of feet as they come in contact with the cobblestone floor.
The body drifts into view...sweat glistening off the sinewy chest as the arms
slowly extend forward. The right leg steps out forward and shifts to the right
as the left remains flat on the ground. At the same time the hands slowly
separate. Muscles tighten as the right hand raises and the left lowers the
body continues to face the east.
Ihc Ia'T...the ancient Rihannsu Martial Art
giving to the Declared by S'Task the First. This ancient art concerns four
matters: The cultivation of inner power, softness in the midst of hardness,
internalizing the spirit and the consciousness. Hawke moves to the center of
the chamber, his eyes closed as the sweat forms beads dripping to the ground.
How long has he been here? Does it matter? He feels as one with all that is.
Greiirh carries his soul to the center of Vorta Vor and Hawke is in awe. Some
time later he finishes and bows to the East. His Mother would be proud. He
moves to the corner to retrieve his shirt. As he puts it on the fabric soaks
up the sweat that covers his torso. He exits the Holodeck and his thought s
coming rushing to him.
His mind quickly moves back to the events of the last
few hours. He felt so much anger earlier. About things that he could not
control. Eve for one...he was worried about. She had been to sickbay as a
patient. Of course no one had told him and that had pissed him off. What
wasn't to be expected was that he had heard that a new SEC was coming aboard?
It seemed he was being replaced. Well maybe someone would eventually tell him
what was going on...but somehow he doubted it and he wasn't about to ask. There
was still much to be done and a short time to do it in.
[Flash]
Suzanna stood up and turned round ready to head for the turbolift. She
cast a last glance at the sensor readings from her console before doing
so. She blinked and raised an eyebrow in surprise at what she saw, "Sir,
sensors indicate a massive energy buildup from the Romulan ship. This
could be an indication of a warp core overload"
"Energy build up confirmed, Sir", Mr. Ninjor added.
"They'd rather die than be boarded." Hawke said. "Well. If they don't
want us aboard their ship then let's invite them here. Mr. Lim, go and
greet our 'guests'."
Suzanna nodded in agreement; she tapped her comm badge, "transporter
room 1, lock on to the bridge crew of the Romulan ship and energize."
"Core breach in progress on the Romulan ship, Sir!" Ensign Ninjor called
out at that moment.
"SHIELDS UP!!! Disengage tractor beam." Hawke yelled.
"Helm get us out of here," Suzanna added simultaneously
The officers acknowledged their orders and fingers were flying over the
consoles but the scout ship exploded in a blinding blast at nearly the
same time.
Too close for comfort Suzanna thought, hoping that at least the shields
would be up again in time. The Valiant rocked severely in the shockwave
of the explosion. The inertial dampers and lights flickered and a
console nearby exploded. Those people standing were sent flying.
Suzanna lost her footing and was thrown to the deck, landing hard. She
was dazed and shook her head slightly, her arm hurt but she suppressed
the pain. It was good that she could actually feel her arm she reasoned,
it meant that the shields had been up just in time....
"Damage report." Hawke broke the eerie silence that had descended on the
bridge.
"... Shields down to 40%. Tractor beam off-line..." Tactical reported
"EM discharge in the EPS system. Impulse engines are off-line" Cdt
Davies reported.
Suzanna stumbled back on to her feet and looked around the bridge. There
were several wounded crew and the Ensign that had been working at the
console that had exploded was lying on the floor unconscious, with
severe burns to hands and face. Suzanna tapped her comm badge, "Blokpoel
to sickbay, we need medical assistance on the bridge immediately"
"Acknowledged. Medic is on the way" came the reply.
Suzanna looked at Hawke, and tapped her comm badge again. "Tranporter
room 1, report! Did you get anyone?"
"Sir, we have a representative of the Romulan Star Empire... And she's none to
pleased about it."
Hawke smiled grimly, very good chief, have security show her the proper
accommodations for one of her high stature."
"Aye Captain," the Transporter Chief replied. XO, take Mr. Lim and begin
debriefing our guest on the Federation's Laws of War."
"Aye sir," replied Blokpoel as she rubbed her arm and winced slightly.
Hawke looked at her as she started to move with Lim to the turbolift, "Ah,
and stop by sickbay on your way."
She looked back and nodded before continuing on to the TL.
Hawke looked around at the bridge, it was a mess. "Mr. Davies I need damage
and causality reports from all departments. Also, set the Valiant at silent
running. I want all non-essential systems taken off-line. Ninjor, initiate
cloaking system. Mister Dominko, continue on to our rendezvous point with the
6th Fleet... Warp Factor six... Let's try to get there without sustaining anymore
damage...
[Flash]
The Cmdr turned around, looked him in the face with a smile on and said...
"Mister Lexxington, it would be my pleasure." Hawke looked quickly at the
Cadet sizing up as much about him as he could. He noticed the Bo he carried
had been well worn, he could see the discoloration of the wood, various nicks
and the areas smoothed by gripping. "Computer...initiate program, Romulan Hawk-
Omega -Red." The computer chirped as it carried out the command. The doors
quickly slide open; Hawke extended a hand in the direction of the doors.
"After you Cadet," he said politely. Lexxington nodded and entered the
chamber. He was greeted by cool air, filled with the smell of incense and
burning candles. As he took in his surrounding he noticed that the walls were
made of rough cut stone; the ceiling was low and dome shaped; the floors were
made of cobblestone. "Very unique sir, Tholian design?"
No...Rihannsu. It is a
Dar'aki (training area). Hawke moved over to a corner and placed the scabbard
bearing the Katana on a stand. He quickly removed the black shirt of his body
suit and tossed it on the floor and began to stretch. Lexxington moved to an
opposite corner and began to do the same. "Lexxington, you are Trill correct?"
Hawke asked.
"Yes sir, I am."
A slight smile crossed Hawke's face. "I have
never had the pleasure of fighting one of the joined. How old is your
Symbite?"
"200 years and counting, sir."
Hawke jumped up quickly and grabbed
the Katana from the stand; he removed it from the scabbard and moved swiftly
to the center of chamber. Lexxington quickly mimic Hawke's actions. He took a
place directly across from Hawke and took up a fighting stance. Hawke looked
at the positioning of Lexxington's feet and smiled slyly. He leaned back and
moved the Katana above his head. The last thought that entered his mine was
how much he loved a good fight. Then without warning he moved forward with
lighting speed bringing the sword down with several hard blows. Lexxington
taken slightly aback by the bluntness of the attack just barely had time to
move the Bo above his head to block the strikes. He took several quick steps
in retreat, almost losing his balance before recovering as Hawke continued to
press.
[Flash]
The Erei'riov made his way swiftly down the debris laden corridor. He pauses
to gain a sense of direction. His mind races, "What shall you do Tu'ov... on an
enemy ship in the heat of battle with my brothers. Well if I am to die I shall
take as many of these FED dogs with me as I can." The Romulan spots an access
panel to a Jeffery's Tube that has been blown off. He begins to move to it
when he hears a noise from the end of the corridor he just left. He tightens
his grip around the Starfleet issue phaser, the warmth of its composite grip
his only comfort. He moves back into the shadows, "A perfect place for an
ambush," thinks the Erei'riov. He moves the selector level of the phaser to
kill and crouches behind a collapsed panel; his eyes gleam in anticipation of
the coming kill.
" I thought I told you to wait back there?"
"You did but I was bored, and
you might need some help."
Hawke frowns. "Fine. But don't do anything tricky."
"I won't. I'm glad you trust me enough to put me back on duty."
"I really
didn't have any choice. We were short men."
Hawke laughs. His smile quickly
fades as they move deeper into the darkness of the corridor. " Did you hear
that?" Hawke asks Joans. Hawke motions for Joans to stop. Joans stops and
looks at Hawke. Joans moves his hand to his temple and attempts to
concentrate, his mind reaching out. Hawke moves cautiously down the hallway,
his eyes alert for any movement. He spies a Jeffrey's tube with the access
panel missing. "Perhaps our guest is attempting to get a better look at our
fine vessel," he thinks sarcastically. He stands and walks to the opening and
peers inside.
The Romulan raises his phaser and points it at Hawke. "The Great Bird
Smiles on me at last." His finger tightens around the trigger...'CRACK'! Hawke
quickly spins and crouches, he prepares to fire. The sight of Joans holding
the slumped Romulan officer in his arms greets him. His right hand wrapped
around his necks. "Ops, I think I broke his neck." says Joans with a twisted
little smile.
[Flash]
Hawke sat at his desk, PADD in hand. The music of Hector Berlioz plays in
the back round, "Symphonie Fantastique". The story behind the music is that of
a young musician whom seeks to poison himself with opium. He does not die, but
instead has a series of extraordinary visions. Hawke calls it music to inspire
and plays it when he seeks inspiration. In the last few weeks Hawke has felt a
loss of focus, focus that he desperately seeks to regain. He has been laboring
late into the night on his planned Recon mission for his security teams in two
days time. Being a perfectionist thanks to his Romulan mother and a would-be
tactician thanks to his father. Hawke has spent the last five hours going over
the program's random variables. He wants to strive for realism and has
included a time sensitive randomizer that will influence the program.
Hawke
pauses and looks up at the chrono. "Damn," He says softly, "have to be up in
three hours." He places the PADD on his desk and moves to the replicator.
"Espresso, double." A second later a medium cup appears with a thick
dark-brownish substance. Hawke picks up the cup and moves back towards his
desk. His mind begins to drift back to the Academy, all the coffee and
espresso he had consumed late in the night. He thought that after graduation
he would actually get some sleep. In reality since coming to the Intrepid he
actually gets less. So much to do and no time to do it all. At first being the
SEC hadn't been so bad, but after the death of Chief Sharpe it began to weigh
heavily on him. After the Chief's death Hawke developed a Thesis for Starfleet
Security hopefully to save lives. Little did he know he would end up being
offered a position on the Academy's Staff? The honor was too great to pass up.
Than the situation with the Captain arose. Another distraction to his primary
job; although she did classify as more than a distraction. Still, Hawke felt
he had to get back to the business of ship's security. The time at McKinley
station had only made him feel more lost, all those TECHS and Engineers. Hawke
took a long sip from the hot beverage and sat it on the desk. He walked to the
bookcase and looked at the various books arranged haphazardly on the shelves.
From Sun Tzu to Shakespeare his eyes danced across the titles until it came
across one very worn, black bounded, diary. It was a list of passages that
Hawke had accumulated over the years, 'the Book of Wisdom' he liked to call
it. It contained the thoughts and insights of various military commanders from
various worlds. Primarily Earth. Humans had a seemingly endless supply of
military geniuses throughout their history. Lucky for the galaxy they
developed into such a peaceful society thought Hawke. He flipped the pages
till he came upon the one he was looking for. He walked over to the couch and
sat back, as he began to read. 'Something must be left to chance, nothing is
sure in a Sea Fight beyond all others. Shot will carry away the masts and
yards of friends as well as foes; but I look with confidence to a Victory
before the Van of the Enemy could succour their rear.... No captain can do very
wrong if he places his ship alongside that of an enemy.'-Lord Nelson.
Hawke
closes his eyes as his mind contemplates these words, as he drifts off to
sleep he sees the meaning. 'A commander must never fear closing with and
destroying an enemy.'
[Flash]
Hawke paced back in forth in the small confinement cell, the guards at the
door eyed him with distrust. It would seem that security wasn't taking any
chances. Hawke really didn't care; his mind was fixed on one thing...The
Infinite Loop.
Once again I find myself retracing the path of my life. Years ago as a
young man I found myself in this very Brig. Now I have returned. After the
'incident' with my Starfleet rescue team is it any wonder they would put the
mad man in confinement? Mad man would be a good term to describe me. Those
things that I refused to believe in as a young man are the things that I miss
most now. Duty, honor, and commitment... At the moment, none of which I have.
The Clans hunted me like an animal. To survive I allowed myself to become a
scoundrel, a thief, and a killer. I violated the Prime Directive. All just to
survive... To survive. There are some things more important than mere survival.
My farther told me that one-day, I would have to believe in something beside
myself. I failed my Farther during his life. I failed my wife, my commands... I
failed Mollee. The ghosts of my life haunt me; they shatter my world into a
thousand shards. I find myself in a familiar position again, trying to pick
up
those pieces. At this point the only thing I can ask the Great Bird to grant
me is peace of mind... I will never fail again.
Hawke moved to the bunk and laid back. He closed his eyes but sleep would
not come, only The Infinite Loop.
[Flash]
"Trennery," she yelled, watching the same luminscent glow consume the old man,
"Stop it!"
But it was too late.
The Great Bird had returned in all its exalted magnificence. As the blinding
white light which had shrouded the Great Bird grew in intensity, the true
splendor of the Entity could be seen. Energy in its most pure form. It was as
if the Great Bird possessed the life force of the Universe itself. Infinte and
without reason. Glorious chaos! Its out stretched wings flapped in unison as it
soared higher above the dome which continued to materialize. The buildings
within formed pinnacles of gleaming crystal. The base of the dome shielded
from view by a thick mist of silver-gray.
From high above the Great Bird stared down at scene below. Its flaming beak
opened wide, releasing a globe of plasma that streaks down at the gathering.
Then it slows... No its as if time itself has slowed. The orb of plasma begins
to shift and waver into the form of L. Horatio Hawke. His body still clothed
in the uniform of a Starfleet Captain. The same luminescent glow that
surrounded the still form of the Professor surrounded the former Starfleet
Captain. Hawke looked at the Professor and smiled slyly. Then he looked down
towards Ivy and Admiral Singh. He nodded ever so slightly as his smile faded.
He then turned to Darvan and stretched out his arms. His eyes burned deep into
Darvan's mind.
"So close..."
Hawke moves effortlessly towards the Professor and embraces him tightly, then
he fades into nothingness. As Hawke fades from view the Professor's eyes
spring open.
"Yes," he yells, "Of course! Its all so clear to me now!"
It was as if the secrets of the Universe had been unlocked for him. Too bad he
would not be able to share them. For he was now the new Herald of the Great
Bird. The glow that surrounded his body grew brighter as his form transmorphed
into a ball of pure energy that streaked within the breast of the Great Bird.
The Bird let out a silent squawk that shook the planet to its core. The
heavens opened above the Great Flaming Bird and released a concentrated pillar
of light which consumed the domed structure and the emitter ring. The shining
Isle was no more.
As the chaos ensued the Starfleet personnel scrambled into action. Singh
pulled Ivy to her feet and they both ran to Lekot. Darvan yelled and motioned
frantically for his crew to move back and prepare to beam off the planet.
However, it was not to be. One minute Darvan was tapping his com-badge, the
next minute there was a blinding white light and then darkness.
In space above the planet Gautan III the Great Bird of the Galaxy could be
seen fading from this plane of existence. Where it went, no one could say. The
Crazy Horse and Lagley were gone too. All that remained was a gold circlet
moving end over end ever so slowly. Through the cold, dark, void of space....
[Flash]
"Stars as far as the eye can see... I am one with the universe. Where am I?
The flame surrounds me but it doesn't burn. There! A ship... Is that my
destination? Why have you brought me here? A stranger on a strange ship from
the past and our futures must collide... His 'vision' is my 'vision'. His
sight is my sight... A priest... The fiery bird... The gleaming man... The
darkness is replaced by dim light. The silent void is replaced by a hum. My
eyes slowly adjust and I ask myself where am I? The hum is familiar to me... A
ship. Still a question remains... Who am I?"
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