Pieces of the Puzzle
Chapter 12 of Starfighter! The
Iconoclast
By: Tom Sczepkowski
With editing and clean-up
by: Frederick P. Kopetz
Copyrights:
STAR TREK is © 2004 by Paramount Pictures, Inc. STAR BLAZERS is © 2004 by Voyager
International, and, STAR WARS is © 2004 by Lucasfilm, Ltd. GARGOYLES is © 2004
by Disney Entertainment. The Technomugar Empire is © 2004 by Frederick P.
Kopetz and is mentioned here by the author's permission. All original elements
of this tale are © 2004 by Tom Sczepkowski. All rights reserved, not to be
copied without the author's permission.
It would be Starsha’s last day on Earth for a while before
she returned to space. She had decided
to make the most of it. She began her usual workout before dawn by actual
sunrise she was completing her run around the
Starsha stood and listened to the conversation for a little bit. It was some old war story. Then, they shifted the topic and were talking about some bar on Argerlious It was then that Starsha cleared her throat.
“If I can assist you two gentlemen,” Starsha said politely.
“Ah... no thank you, lass,” the one with the Scottish brogue blurted out, just as she noticed that he bore a Starfleet insignia...although it was an older insignia, it let her know that the man bore the rank of a Captain. The insignia on the older man was that of an Admiral. It was then that Starsha snapped to attention, startling the two men slightly.
“I’m sorry sirs; I didn’t recognize your rank,” Starsha said.
“Easy, girl,” The older man snapped. “Goanna give us a heart attack. I’m Leonard McCoy, and that old geezer over there is Montgomery Scott.”
"I'm Lieutenant Corsair, Starfleet Marines,” Starsha replied.
“Oh boy,” Scott said “Lassie, can't you tone it down a little?”
“We’re retired,” McCoy said. “We’re friends of Spock and Creighton.”
Starsha let out a relieved sigh and stood down.
“Aye, that’s better,” Scott said in a friendly tone. “We're not going to bite ya.”
Starsha started to help McCoy as he got up while he protested gently.
“Damnit, I’m not an invalid yet!” he grumbled.
There was a happy shout from the rear entrance of the shuttlecraft that Starsha recognized as her grandfather. Both Scotty and McCoy seemed just as surprised as she was as Creighton hugged Scotty, and then McCoy. Then Creighton introduced Starsha as his granddaughter. They walked out of the shuttle and up to the house. They seemed to have been with the family for years as Melisande was the first to greet them at the house. Spock was the next to arrive. Starsha noticed he had a gleam in his eye, although he never smiled, not even when he saw the two old men. Even Demona smiled broadly for the first time Starsha could remember when she saw Scotty.
Starsha went about her business as the group occupied itself in small conversations, just as she was trained to do ever since she was a child. She found herself spending most of the afternoon with Selar. It was a long time since she had spoken with her aunt, which she regretted not doing.
As the afternoon turned to evening, the two women were
swimming in the pool while everyone else was on the top deck nearby discussing
old war stories from a century ago. Stories about their days on another ship
called
“I sometimes wonder if we will be telling stories like they are years from now ourselves,” Selar said.
“How much of this do you think is true?” Starsha said.
“Those were interesting times,” Selar said. “I think that’s why your father was so fascinated with that time period.”
“My father...” Starsha sighed. “Can I ask you something, Aunt Selar?”
“Of course,” Selar said
“Well...you are closer to my father than anyone else in the family,” Starsha asked
Selar raised an eyebrow not understanding where the conversation was going.
“Ironically, I don’t trust the Iscandarians,” Starsha said.
“Indeed,” Selar said, “Do you have a logical position on this claim?”
“No, that’s the problem.” Starsha said, “I’ve been doing
some reading and research. The
“That accusation has already been confirmed.” Selar said, “We know that Iscandar gave the plans to Creighton’s Cosmo-DNA device and the plans to the wave motion generator to a parallel version of Earth.”
“I know that,” Starsha said, while pulling herself out of the water and sitting on the edge of the pool.
“I think there is more, isn't there?” Starsha said.
“You think that they're using the Constitution Class Starship that arrived there from the Tholian Interspace?” Selar said.
“Yes...the Defiant.” Starsha said, “I think they are using it.”
“And you wish to do something about it.” Selar said.
Starsha looked around to make sure no one was listening. “I know my father was doing a lot of black ops work. I need to know what department he was working for and who his contact was.”
Selar shook her head “Starsha, your father would be very angry if he knew you contacted these people. You would also arouse Demona’s anger, which is also not advisable.”
“I can’t stand here and do nothing.” Starsha said “There’s something 8-ball around here and I have to find out what it is.”
“And if you are wrong?” Selar asked
“No, I’m not.” Starsha said
Upstairs on the deck Destine, Creighton, Melisande, Spock, McCoy, and Scott were reminiscing about old times.
“Anyone want dinner?” Destine asked as everyone agreed.
“Trying to bribe us, Dominique?” McCoy asked.
“What are you talking about, Bones?” Destine asked.
“Well I may be an old country doctor, but I didn’t fall off the turnip truck yesterday. We’ve been always good friends, but I can tell when you want something.”
Destine looked at Spock who raised an eyebrow as Scotty and Creighton chuckled.
“Believe me,” Creighton said. “I haven’t seen you guys in years...especially you, Scotty. It’s true that there is something in the works, but if you aren’t interested there’s no harm done.”
Scott and McCoy looked at each other than at Spock.
“I am in need of your assistance,” Spock said.
McCoy laughed out loud, “I’m 145 years old Spock. What kind of help could I be?”
“Well it’s not that I have anything that’s occupying my time,” Scott said “What’s it all about, Spock?”
Spock gestured to Creighton who smiled.
“Do you remember the Defiant, gentlemen?” Creighton said as Scott leaned back in his chair. Both he and McCoy knew exactly what he was talking about at once.
“Aye,” Scott said "We sure remember her..."
That night after dinner, Starsha sat on the deck as the
gathering moved inside discussing their further plans regarding Iscandar.
Alsarida and Necheav joined the group, but Starsha remained outside. She looked
across the
She could tell that the Scorpion was heavily damaged, probably in a fight with Jem Hadar battle cruisers. Still she felt a little patriotic pride knowing that the small escort held her own and was able to make it back to port, which many of the starships seemed to be able to do more and more now.
There was the sound of a glass sliding door being closed as Starsha turned around to see who it was. She immediately stood at attention when she saw that it was Admiral Necheav.
“At ease,” Necheav said as Starsha stood at a parade rest stance.
“I received your message,” Necheav said as she held a data pad in her hand. “Your father’s service has been worth two divisions to me. I know that you would serve as efficiently...however I don’t think that’s what he or your family would have wanted.”
“It’s not their decision, it is mine,” Starsha replied.
“Destine has been very clear to us regarding the fact that you were off limits,” Necheav said
“It is my concern, not theirs,” Starsha said.
“I said the same thing to your father to have him think about his choice. Likewise, I'd like you to think about your choice,” said Necheav.
Starsha stood silently for a moment than stood at attention. "Ma'am, you know my choice."
“So be it, then.” Necheav said as she handed her a data pad. “When you arrive on Iscandar you are to search the planet and find evidence of either the crash site or evidence of capture of the Constitution class Starship Defiant which had disappeared 100 years ago. Starfleet believes that the Iscandarian ruling family is using Federation technology to influence events in that universe.”
“If the investigation proves correct?” Starsha said
Necheav stood coldly and hesitated for a second. “You must destroy the technology and eliminate the royal family.”
“Understood,” Starsha said coldly.
Necheav nodded “Welcome to Section 31,” She said, then opened the door and walked back into the house.
Starsha studied the data pad as it showed a picture of Queen Starsha, who was, ironically, the person she'd been named for. She studied the picture for several minutes and tossed the data pad onto a couch.
“Just a shadow,” she said softly to herself as she felt a tear roll down her face. Then, as she then turned back to the view of the skyline, she sighed. She sunk into the chair as Belinda walked up to her. She was about to pet her when she made a low, deep, growl; the sort of growl that was normal for a timber wolf who sensed a strange presence. Starsha knew at once from her behavior that someone else was in the room. Then, a moment later, Starsha sensed a very distinct presence and petted Belinda gently to calm her. Starsha smiled at the presence, who had gotten closer and was upon her.
“Hullo, Master,” Starsha said dryly. She did not turn to see him. She did not have to turn. She knew. Her master, Nokkar, clad in his usual Jedi Robes smiled at her in greeting.
“I have been to many
worlds and seen many places,” Nokkar said. “Yet, there is no place that has
always taken my breath away like the
“General Martok would agree with you,” Starsha replied. “Every time the guy is here, he parks his ass in this chair with a barrel of blood wine singing Klingon opera with my grandmother.” Starsha said sharply.
Her back was still to him. As he walked over to her, he could tell that she had been crying. This took him aback as he had never seen Starsha crying before.
She shook her head and got up. “I’m taking Belinda for a walk,” she said, as she gestured him to come with her.
"I would be honored," said Nokkar. They left. They walked along the beach for a while. As Starsha threw the ball along the water, Belinda pursued it as if it were prey.
“You knew about all of this?” Starsha said
“No.” Nokkar said “I was as surprised as you were to learn what has happened.”
“What the hell good is the ability that we have then!?” Starsha asked as she again threw the ball while Belinda playfully chased after it.
“What we have is an added sense that gives us an edge among other people,” Nokkar said. “The Force doesn’t make us all powerful or clairvoyant. That is the same mistake my fellow Jedi made some time ago. I have made great strides to teach you differently. I wanted to give you a different perspective…. you must rely on Starsha Corsair to see you through, and not the Force.”
“Not to unlearn what we have learned but to add the knowledge of the Force and make adjustments,” Starsha said quoting Nokkar.
“Exactly,” Nokkar said. “Your father and I have spoken many times about your going to Iscandar. Your father wanted you to embrace your Iscandarian heritage as you do your Gargoyle heritage but you seem to be very reluctant to look upon that heritage. It is part of you, Starsha."
“I know,” she said as she threw the ball again “Is that where my father is ...Iscandar!?”
“No.” Nokkar said. “He is on a path of his own and he must face his own destiny. But, eventually his path will lead back to you.”
‘That’s just a nice way of saying you don’t want to tell me,” Starsha said. “Why? So that when I meet Queen Starsha and see the home where my mother grew up, it will change my opinion of her?”
Nokkar smiled as Belinda retrieved the ball and came back and dropped it at Nokkar’s feet. This time he picked up the ball and threw it.
“You will find out on your own soon enough.” Nokkar said.
“I hate her,” Starsha said.
“Then, why do you cry for her?” Nokkar said
“I wasn’t crying for her,” Starsha hissed in reply.
“This is a very old argument, Starsha. With your mother gone, what good will it do to still hold malice towards her?”
Starsha scoffed “Master, I am young but I have some perception of things. Astra used my father to get close to the family to influence the Federation Council to give Iscandar technology to influence the balance of power in that universe….and that’s where I came in. Astra and her sister used my father as a key….I’m just a by- product.”
“That was a matter between your father and Astra,” Nokkar said. “And your father intended it to be so.”
“Was it also his intention to give them access to a Constitution class starship a hundred years ago? Everyone thinks that they would know how my father would react. But then, he isn’t exactly here to resolve the matter himself, now, is he?” Starsha said angrily
“No.” Nokkar said.
“That’s right. It’s just me now, right?”
She stopped for a moment as the sun finally set behind the
hills of
“Is this all that I am...is there nothing more?” Starsha said aloud.
“What?!” Nokkar asked
“It was something my father said after the last time I saw Astra,” Starsha said. “I almost knocked her clear across a room.”
“Why!?” Nokkar asked
“She called my father a Galactic Murderer!” she shouted. “What the Hell was I supposed to do?! I wanted to kill her!!”
“What you were to do was learn your place, my very ill-mannered apprentice!” Nokkar scolded. “I would wager your father wasn’t pleased with your actions either.”
“No.” Starsha said. “In fact, he read both of us the riot act. I think that was the maddest I have ever seen him.”
Nokkar shook his head “Having your father lose his temper is not the healthiest of situations for those around him. He can be a very destructive force when angered. That is why your father follows a severe part of the Vulcan philosophy. For self-control. Perhaps..."
“No. I have to find my own way, Master! His way is not mine!”
“I know.” Nokkar said quietly
They said no more words to each other until they reached the
runabout that was taking Nokkar back to
“What the hell are you doing?!” Destine demanded.
“Walking,” Starsha replied with a tone of irritation in her voice. “ I am seeking counsel to find a way to beat your miserable ass.”
“Happy hunting, dear,” Destine said sarcastically as Nokkar chuckled.
Starsha helped him up into the runabout and then sat in the pilot's seat.
“What are you doing?!” Destine said.
“Just pre-flight. I’m going to take him home.”
“You have an early day tomorrow,” Destine said. “Hit the shower and go to bed! You can stay in your father's bedroom. Neri is going to take him back."
She looked at Nokkar as he nodded, “You need your rest, Starsha,” Nokkar said in a gentle tone of voice. “Go on.”
Starsha sighed and looked at her teacher as he smiled gently to her. She walked over to him and embraced him.
“May the Force be with you, master,” said Starsha in a soft voice.
“May the Force be with you, Starsha,” Nokkar replied.
Starsha turned and walked away mumbling under her breath. Nokkar guessed to himself that it was probably about Destine as he and Destine laughed.
“You didn’t tell her?” Destine asked.
“No, I didn't.” Nokkar said. “With her mother gone, and her father missing, my impending death will cause only more upset for her.”
“Does Vaught know?” Destine asked.
Nokkar nodded “He does. We spoke for a while before he left on his mission,” said Nokkar as he uncoupled his light saber from his belt and handed it to Destine.
“We also discussed that when the time comes,” Nokkar said, “Starsha should have this.”
Destine took the light saber. She nodded and sighed. “I see. But, bear in mind...I can't control her, Nokkar.”
“Perhaps she doesn’t need to be controlled,” Nokkar said.
“At some point Section 31 is going to contact her, and I know it in the depths of my heart,” Destine said.
“They already have Demona,” Nokkar said. “Starsha has received orders from Necheav to kill her aunt Starsha on Iscandar, if their people are in possession of Federation technology.”
“What!?” Destine said growling.
“Vaught has been Necheav’s right hand for years. But now, Starsha now takes his place as Necheav's pet killer."
“Did she tell you this?” Destine demanded.
“No. I did not need to have her tell me. I saw the image of her orders and the conversation she had with Necheav in her mind. It was causing her great turmoil.”
“I’ll slam Necheav so hard, that the bitch will bounce,” Destine seethed.
“That is one way to handle it; however you might consider an alternative,” Nokkar said.
Destine huffed, “What!?”
“Trust Starsha.” Nokkar said. “She is angry and frustrated right now. However, she can find her way as long as she has her family. You’re an intricate part of that family. You can aid her.”
“That's bullshit,” Destine scoffed “She has no use for me.”
Nokkar stood up and walked up to Destine and put his hands on her shoulders. “No, you’re dead wrong. She is fighting for your approval more so than her father's approval…so, have faith and patience with her, just as Thomas had faith in you those many years ago.”
Destine nodded as a cold shudder came over her.
“I still see him in my dreams Nokkar. It's been 400 years and I never got over him.”
“I miss him too despite the passage of time," Nokkar said “Thomas always felt that we should look forward.”
“Forward to what? Everyone I have ever cared about is either gone or going to be.”
“You have your family,” Nokkar replied. “They don’t have any malice for you. In fact, they need you, and you need them.”
Nokkar smiled and give her shoulders a tight squeeze then sat back down. As Alsarida walked into the runabout, Destine nodded and exited the small ship as the door closed behind her. She walked back into the mansion and sat behind her desk in her study. She pondered Nokkar's light saber for a few moments before placing it in her desk. She tapped a switch on a console on the huge desk. As music started to play, she poured herself a drink, then walked out onto the deck, watching the runabout take off and disappear into the night.
The only sound remained was the music coming from the study and the sound of the ocean waves breaking on the shore.
Starsha walked into the house as she saw Selar and Melisande standing in the main hallway. Selar was already wearing her Starfleet uniform.
“I have to report on board tonight,” Selar said. “I wanted to take my leave of you now.”
“Can I go with you?” Starsha asked, “I don’t want to be a part of the brass section, if you get my drift. I have all my stuff packed already.”
“Very well,” Selar said. “Captain Scott and Admiral McCoy are waiting in the Shuttlecraft... please be brief in taking your leave, Starsha."
Starsha began walking, when Melisande gently grabbed her arm.
“You know what’s expected of you,” Melisande said.
Starsha looked into her grandmother’s eyes. Without Melisande even saying a word, she knew that it was her that had approached Necheav. Starsha nodded once and walked upstairs to Destine's study. She walked in gently as she heard the music playing.
“Are you all right?” Starsha asked
Destine didn’t reply as Starsha simply sighed. “I’m going to
report on board the
Starsha started to leave when Demona called her name. Starsha turned and looked back toward her.
“I had a daughter once, myself.” Destine said.
“I didn’t know that,” Starsha said
“We spent our lives opposing one another,” Destine said, as her eyes met Starsha’s eyes. She returned the stare without blinking. Destine saw no fear in the young girl's eyes; on the contrary, she saw only coldness, determination and most of all anger.
“It would break my heart if the same fate would befall us,” Destine said, “I know I am hard on you.”
“I’d get worried if you weren’t,” Starsha said, “You’re my guru on the mountain.”
Destine smiled at her then looked back on the ocean, as if she was looking for someone to emerge from the waves. Destine closed her eyes and to Starsha’s astonishment, a tear rolled down her face as the old song played from the study…
Half time goes by
Suddenly you’re wise
Another blink of an eye
67 is gone
The sun is getting high
We're moving on...
I'm 99 for a moment
Dying for just another moment
And I'm just dreaming
Counting the ways to where you are
15 there's still time for you
Time to buy and time to choose
Hey 15, there's never a wish better than this
When you only got 100 years to live....
End Chapter Twelve
Next Chapter: "Destiny's Chuckle..."
To Return to the
Introduction to Starfighter: The
Iconoclasts, click here