Path: inforamp.net!news.nstn.ca!news.dal.ca!torn!csn!news-1.csn.net!magnus.acs.ohio-state.edu!math.ohio-state.edu!howland.reston.ans.net!news.cac.psu.edu!usenet From: "Todd A. Bobenrieth" Newsgroups: alt.startrek.creative Subject: REPOST:Dawn of the Next Generation (2/3) Date: 27 Mar 1996 22:06:08 GMT Organization: TAMBOFILMS Lines: 304 Message-ID: <4jce4g$obh@hearst.cac.psu.edu> NNTP-Posting-Host: nb8slip94.cac.psu.edu Mime-Version: 1.0 X-Mailer: Mozilla 1.22 (Windows; I; 16bit) Status: N The Shuttle craft docked in a port nearest the bridge. Once the connection was complete, the team prepared to enter the USS Russo. Riker signalled for everyone's attention. "Alright," he began, "Phasers have no effect on them. We have to look for weapons to use." "I believe I may have something," said Worf. The Klingon opened a case and removed it's contents, his family batlef. Riker attempted a smile. "I guess you'll take the lead, Worf." "It would be a honer, Commander." "And I don't have to remind you to go for the head," remarked Riker. Worf nodded in agreement and the airlock opened into the interior of the lifeless ship. Riker wondered how soon the first attack would come. They didn't have to wait long. A crew cabin's door open with a whoosh. From within the cabin came a sickening sight. A young ensign stepped clumsily out the door and fell to the floor. His left foot was missing and was replaced by a bloody stump. Raw meat hung loosely from the appendage. The Ensign's throat had been torn out, staining the burgundy shirt he wore. The creature looked up at the Away Team and moaned. It tried unsuccessfully to stand and begin to crawl toward them Worf snarled and ran over to the Ensign. He raised the batlef high above his head and plunged it into the creature's skull. Its struggling ceased. Worf curled his lip to bare his teeth as the cloud of blue smoke rose from the body. "Come on Worf, we've got to get to the bridge fast." "Captain Picard to the bridge." "On my way," replied the Captain. Picard made his way to the turbolift. He slumped against the wall and rubbed his eyes. He had been awake for thirty-two hours now and fatigue was beginning to show. Then the red alert claxons brought him back to awareness. The doors opened onto a chaotic scene. Officers were frantically running to their stations, call up defense systems. Picard sprinted down to confront Troi. "What the hell is happening!" Picard Demanded. "Sir, a Romulan Scout ship has come into range." "Can we get a look at it," the Captain asked? The viewer displayed the tell-tale crackling interference caused by the nebula. But amidst the streaks of color hung the silhouetted form of a Romulan vessel. Everyone squinted to try seeing more of the ship. "Open hailing frequencies," barked Picard. "Hailing frequencies open, Sir," the Ensign returned. "Romulan Scout Ship, you are in Federation territory. Explain your presence here." The viewer switched to a scene on the Romulan bridge. The Commander glanced behind him, then back to the screen. "I am Sub-Commander Shrawn. Do not interfere with our mission!" "What exactly is your mission, Shrawn?" Picard questioned. "Captain, you certainly don't believe we'll reveal the intentions of our operation." "If you want to leave this area alive . . . " Troi sensed the anger in the Captain rising. She also detected a change in the Romulan's attitude. He now felt uneasy about this encounter. He knew a Scout Ship wouldn't stand a chance against a Galaxy-class starship. Deanna knew he was planning several options. "Captain, WE are MERELY studying this Nebula." "Why," asked Picard, "do I find that unlikely?" "I assure you we mean no harm." Deanna suddenly winced in pain. The Captain swiftly approached her. "Councilor?! Ensign Ridley, cut communications!" The screen returned to the exterior view of the Romulan ship. "Sir, Wil is in trouble!" The Away Team's progress toward the bridge had come to an end. A wall of the undead converged on the group before they had a chance to prepare. Within the first minute of battle, two security officers had lost their lives. Lt. JG Wayne had been the first to die. A pair of zombies knocked him to the floor and began gnawing on his hands. Wayne screamed as one of the two bit into his chest. A dark visceral fountain exploded out of the gaping hole where his communicator once was. Ensign Turner went into shock immediately after a corpse bit into his back. He never made a sound as his spinal cord was ripped away. The zombie began chewing on the exposed flesh when Worf advanced on him. With one quick swoop, the corpse's head was separated from its body and rolled toward a horrified Ensign Weaver. Riker and Data began swinging the tools they brought from the Shuttle, trying to keep the things at bay. The Commander swung wildly, turning him around in time to see Weaver's arms being torn from her sides. There was no way they'd be able to win this one. "Worf! Let's go," he cried. The Klingon turned to try to pickup what Riker was saying. In that instant, the creatures were upon him. A group of three dragged him to the floor. Worf kicked at the two near his feet. The zombies grabbed him by his feet and bit into his heels. The normally controlled security officer began howling in pain as more came at him. "WORF!" Riker shouted. One of those things thrust its fingers into his eye sockets and began pulling upward. Bones cracked as the bloody pulp that was his skull came apart. The zombie tore Worf's ridged forehead away and sunk his teeth into the exposed gray matter. Riker and Data ran away from the grisly scene and toward the shuttle. Picard concentrated on the Romulan ship as best he could. His eyes were not focusing as exhaustion set in. Troi tapped his shoulder. "Yes, Councilor," he asked. "Commander Riker has returned to the shuttle." "You're certain?" "Yes, Sir. His emotions have levelled off." "Thank God," Picard said quietly. Data sat at the control panel and began entering the sequence for departure. His fingers moved rapidly over the keyboard. Even though he lacked emotion, he didn't want to stick around this hellish place. Riker was sitting in the back of the shuttle when something made a noise outside. He jumped up to his feet and rushed to the open hatchway. "Data, get this door closed!" Data looked back to the Commander just as a zombie grabbed him. Riker wrestled the creature, trying to keep its jaws away. The android approached the two and took the thing by the arm. Just before Data could pull it away, the zombie bit into Riker's forearm. Blood squirted from the wound as a rush of heat penetrated his face. Data separated the two and gaped at the thing as it ate the hunk of flesh it bit off Riker. He flung the creature back into the Russo's interior and went back into the cockpit to close the hatch. Riker grasped his arm as blood poured out over his fingers. The shuttle began to unlock from the Russo. The zombie lumbered over to the departing vessel and grabbed a hold of the ladder that ran to the top of the shuttle. The malfunctioning airlock door couldn't close, allowing the creature to slip out into space. Aboard the Romulan Scout Ship, Shrawn noticed. "There," he said to the bridge crew, "you see!" The crew affirmed his observation. Shrawn looked down at his tactical officer. "Is the sub-space field ready?" Shrawn beckoned. "Yes, Sub-Commander, holding bay one reports ready." "Good. Prepare to activate the trans-phase cloak." "Aye, Sir. Cloaking device ready." "Remember, helm. We must position ourselves perfectly so it is inside the field," reminded Shrawn. "We are prepared, Sub-Commander." "Excellent," said Shrawn, "Tactical target the creature, stun setting only!" "Aye, Sir." "As soon as it has broken free, activate the cloak." "Aye, Sir." Shrawn sat back and sighed. A smile crossed his face. "Of all things, a Federation vessel helps us to complete our mission." "Target acquired, Sir," called the tactical officer. "Fire," Shrawn said calmly. "Captain, the Romulan ship is firing on the shuttle craft." "What?!" The disruptors fired a low intensity beam at the form hanging on the back of the craft. The force made it release its grip on the small craft and floated away. "Engage cloak," cried Shrawn. The Scout Ship vanished and proceeded toward the body. The ship passed through it and came to a stop. "Where is she?" Picard shouted. "Sir, look at the screen," said Troi. Picard turned around to see the Romulan ship forming around the corpse. "Target and fire!" The Enterprise fired at the Romulan ship, but it was only grazed, as it was already leaving the area. "Helm, follow the Romulan vessel," said Picard. "Sir," Troi pleaded, "the Away Team!" Picard turned back to Deanna and frowned. "Belay that order, helm." "Aye, Sir." "Shuttle bay four, prepare to bring the Away Team aboard." The affirmation came and Picard made his way to greet them. Councilor Troi already felt Riker's sadness. She silently wept and buried her face in her hands. The Romulan ship broke out of the Nebula and began its course toward Romulus, its home world. Shrawn entered the holding bay and stood in front of the creature's cell. "It worked! It's still alive," he said. The zombie was beating its fists against the wall. Shrawn grinned and walked past the security chief. "Keep the field closely watched." "Yes, Sub-Commander." Data helped Commander Riker down the ramp and onto the Shuttle bay deck. "How is he, Data," asked Picard? "He needs immediate medical attention, Sir." "Medical team to Shuttle Bay Four, NOW!" Riker opened his eyes to see Dr. Crusher and Councilor Troi looking down at him. "Am I going to make it," he asked only half joking? "I patched up your arm, Wil, but you've lost so much blood." Riker knew what she was trying to get at. "How long until I become one of them?" "We're getting out of here. Once we're outside . . . " The ship lurched forward sending Crusher and Troi off balance. "Now what," snapped Riker. "I'll go check," answered Beverly. Doctor Crusher exited sick bay, leaving Troi and Riker alone. "It's a good thing you passed your Commander's Test." "Don't talk like that, Wil," she managed to say. "I have this funny feeling we're not leaving yet." When Beverly reentered the room, her expression confirmed his guess. "The engines are off line. Some problem in the reaction chamber." "How long does Geordie think it'll take to fix?" "At least eight hours," said Beverly. Troi bowed her head, suddenly sensing Riker's fear. She threw her arms around his neck as Dr. Crusher walked away. Geordie folded his arms as he and Barclay scanned the information coming up on the screen. Reg sighed and Geordie began pacing. "I see no way around it, there can't be so much as a fraction of difference in the matter/antimatter mix," explained LaForge. "But Commander Riker . . . " "I know, Reg. It's the only way." "Y-you're right, I'll begin realigning the engines," said Barclay. "Alright, let's get started." Deanna sat beside Riker's bed as he slept. Picard entered the room and placed his hand on her shoulder. She startled awake. "Deanna, you should try to get some rest," he suggested. "Sir, I'd like to stay with him." Picard breathed deeply and sat across from her. "Councilor, until Wil is able to resume his duty, I'm appointing you as the Enterprise's new First Officer." "Understood, Sir . . . " "Deanna," he began, "will you let me know when he awakens?" "Yes, Sir. Right away." Picard nodded and slowly walked out of the room. He had to get sleep. He knew Wil would be fine. Deanna watched the Captain leave and turned back to Riker, who was sitting up in bed. "Imzadi!!" She cried. Troi moved over to his bed and embraced him. She was too relieved to see him like this to notice that she wasn't sensing emotion from him. She found out too late he wasn't exactly trying to kiss her. As he tore her lips away with his teeth, the blood in her throat drowned out her wails. Geordie made his way to Sick Bay to visit Commander Riker. Barclay and the other engineers had the problem almost fixed, so he had time for a break. Beverly's shift was over and Nurse Ogawa had taken over. This would also be a good time to see how her child was. The doors opened to a strong, salty odor. "Whew, Ogawa must be in surgery . . . " Geordie's words trailed off as he saw the Nurse chewing on something small. "Oh my God!!!" Ogawa looked up at him as a partially eaten eye dropped from her mouth. LaForge back into the bulkhead, and the bulkhead grabbed him. He turned to see a dark shape, which he read to be Commander Riker. Riker took Geordie's VISOR off and dug his fingers into his pale white eyes. LaForge fell into a puddle of his own blood. Riker continued to eat. In Ten Forward, Guinan knew. Picard woke in a cold sweat. This had been the worst dream of them all. Riker and the rest of the crew were chasing him down a corridor which seemed to have no end. He continued to run until he collided with himself. Only his other self was missing part of his face. It opened its mouth and an ocean of blood poured out. He was glad to have dreamed no further. Picard glanced at his chronometer. 0900, it read. "Good, repairs should be complete. Picard to Engineering . . . Engineering, this is the Captain . . . Engineering report! Picard to Bridge! Ten Forward . . . " Picard stood and walked over to his replicator. "Tea, Earl Grey . . . hot!" The drink materialized in the replicator and the Captain began to sip. His mind started to fill with images of his friends and crew lying dead throughout the ship. His thoughts were interrupted by a loud thump at the door, causing him to spill the tea down the front of his uniform. The Captain scanned the room for something he could use as a weapon. In a storage area, Picard remembered, was an old walking stick he had acquired for old age. All male Picards inherited that one trait. He would have never imagined it would be needed this soon, or for this purpose. The Captain positioned himself beside the door and keyed in the opening sequence. As soon as it was fully open, Picard swung the cane hard. It connected with Barclay's head as he collapsed into a heap. "Mr. Barclay, oh no," Picard cried out. He dragged the unconscious lieutenant into his room and scanned the corridors for movement. Nothing was there so he ducked back into his room and security locked to door. All that remained was to wait for Barclay to wake up. After several hours, Reg sat up with a start. Picard had been dozing, but Barclay's awakening brought him back around. "Barclay, what is happening out there?" "Sir, e-everyone is gone. Geordie had gone to see Commander Riker, but it was too late, I guess. H-He came back to engineering a-and . . he, um . . . " "Crusher to Picard." The Captain startled, tapped his Comm Badge. "Beverly, where are you?" "I'm on holodeck five. There's several of them outside. I don't know how long the door will hold." "Beverly," the Captain began, "stay where you are . . . create a program that will allow you to stay hidden in case they break in. Mr. Barclay and I will get there as soon as we can." "Understood, sir. Crusher out." The channel was cut and Picard picked his cane up. He glanced at Barclay and frowned. "It's alright. I'm sure we'll find something I can use." Picard nodded and took a deep breath. The trip to holodeck five would be very difficult. It was several decks away and using the turbolifts would be unwise. The jeffries tubes were the only safe way to travel. Of course, that was implying that no engineers had been attacked in them. They exited the quarters and began their journey. "Computer, begin program Crusher Alpha," Beverly called out. Her surroundings changed from the bland grid pattern to that of a crowded city block. Computer-generated people freely walking around and conversing among themselves. Beverly swiftly ran down the street and into a building. The doors of the holodeck were forced open. "Captain, don't move. I hear something."