Nova’s Choice
Chapter 18 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.
Nova Forrester
happened to be military personnel and in uniform, so she was allowed onto the
fighter base without being questioned as to what her business was. The guards
probably thought she was coming to work at the airbase clinic. Where she had to
go however would arouse suspicion and if she were caught she would be a great
deal of trouble, more trouble than what she could handle, as a matter of fact.
She remembered
that there was a jogging trail that passed very close to the secure hangars,
having jogged there recently with Derek at one point during his leave. However,
her current dress, namely a white nurses’ uniform/minidress with knee-high
high-heeled boots would be totally inappropriate for a jogging track. So here
first destination was the P/X where she bought shorts, sneakers, socks, an EDF
sweatshirt, and a hair tie to keep her hair from falling into her face. She
quickly changed in the women’s head, discarding her medical uniform in the
trash and then she began her run.
She ran across
the street past the tarmac where she passed two guards whom she waved to as
they too looked at her toned legs. As she ran by them, they smiled, assuming
she was out for a jog along the trail.
She ran
smoothly and steadily until she came upon the trail. When she knew no one was
watching she began to run harder. Then once she was in the thick of the trail,
she ran even harder. Her anger and frustration at Derek and Sane were in
control of her now. Nova growled and grunted at each breath as her feet slammed
on the ground as she jumped over small obstacles.
She slid to a
stop when the two abandoned hangars came into view stretching across the ground
like haunted houses. Nova panted hard as she looked to her left then to her
right. Then, she bolted across the open field, hoping no one would see her. She
slipped in a small mud patch as she slid to a stop when she crashed against the
side of the hangar.
“Smooth. Real
smooth!” she said in disgust. She looked down at herself, now covered in mud,
and also realized that she had just re-injured her ankle,
The buildings
themselves were in a state of disrepair. They were locked, but Nova found the
door leading inside was partially off its hinges and she was just able to slip
through.
She was still
breathing heavily as she limped her way through the hanger. Inside, she came
across a slop sink. She saw that it had water still running to it so she wiped
her face clean of mud and re-tied her hair. She walked slowly and carefully to
the main part of the hanger. Her eyes adjusted to what little light there was
in the hanger from outside lighting as she saw small pieces of metal, most of
which and been bagged and had tags on them.
Nova knew the
ship itself had been obliterated when it crashed on Mars almost two years ago
as she looked at the many pieces of the ship, scattered along the floor. She knew from what had been explained to her
that there was an escape pod of sorts that landed intact. She felt whatever
answers she would find would be there.
Nova looked
around the hangar and there, leaning against a wall, was the escape pod that
she was looking for. She walked to it slowly as she noticed that the main hatch
was off its hinges, almost as if it was ripped off from the outside.
She studied it
as she approached it than stood and looked at it for a few minutes. It was
totally alien in configuration like nothing she had ever seen. She heard from
her stories from Sandor that the pod was intact however they could never get
the systems to come on or work.
After conjuring
up enough nerve, Nova stuck her head into the pod and as soon as she did the
lights came on. This was followed by a small whirring sound. This caused Nova
to become startled as she let out a small yelp and fell on her bottom on the
hangar floor. As she did, the lights had shut off as quickly as they came on
and the capsule returned to its dormant state.
Nova slowly got
to her feet and cautiously approached the pod again and as before the pod came
to life. This time Nova did not jump back; instead, she entered the pod and sat
in the one small chair that was in its center.
Directly in
front of her was a small monitor along with a keypad built into the console. As
soon as Nova touched it, a monitor in the center of the escape pod came on.
“Authority
Recognized, Princess Astra Corsair”, said the computer in a
wobbly and malfunctioning voice.
Nova shook her
head and laughed to herself, since for two years
Earth’s best scientists couldn’t crack the computer’s password protection and
just like everyone else, this complex, secure advanced, and malfunctioning
device also mistook Nova for Princess Astra.
Nova climbed
inside and sat in the chair as the computer beeped and chirped slowly.
“What are you?”
Nova said.
A moment later,
the computer beeped and replied to her question. “This is the secondary computer core to Runabout
“Runabout
N
The voice added, “The Raritan is a
Nova leaned
forward and studied the picture, “
“Lets see.”
Nova said “I wonder…is this ship Iscandarian?’
“Negative;
ship’s construction was on Star Date 70403.6 Utopia Planita shipyards Earth
Division,
Nova cleared
her throat in surprise not knowing that the computer could hear her muttering
and decided to continue, “Uhhh…who is the owner of
this spacecraft?”
“This
spacecraft is registered to The United Federation of Planets, Starfleet
Command,
“Are there any
logs or flight recordings of previous flight?”
“Negative.
All Logs and flight recorders are not present in the on board database,” The computer replied.
“Meaning they
were removed or erased?” Nova asked.
“Unknown.”
“I’m getting
nowhere fast,” Nova muttered to herself. “It says it’s from Earth. Yet it was
on its way to Earth from Iscandar…Yet Astra is from Iscandar…Unless….”
“Hello?” Nova
asked.
“Working,” the computer replied.
“Do you have
any information on a Device called the Cosmo DNA?”
“Positive.
The Cosmo DNA is a device which attracts, filters, and removes radioactive
isotopes from contaminated atmosphere by using the affected planet’s magnetic
field.”
“Who built the
unit?”
“The unit
was designed and built by Admiral Doctor Creighton Dantes;
director Bureau of Starfleet Engineers,
“Oh come on!”
Nova shouted. “That’s ridiculous! Are you telling me that the Cosmo DNA was
built in
“Negative.” The computer replied.
Nova sighed
with relief when the computer beeped more information
“All
components to the Cosmo DNA were constructed and packaged in
“What? Oh, that’s…just too bizarre! May I see an image of it…..Please?”
The computer beeped then Nova shuddered when she saw the image appear
on the monitor. She recognized the device well, having almost died when she had
operated it during the Argo’s return to Earth from Iscandar when Desslok
had attacked the ship.
“Now what do I
do?” Nova said to herself “It’s the same thing…it couldn’t be built
here…Obviously. And Iscandar couldn’t get it to Earth….We had to go….there….so?
May I see all information on a Vaught Corsair, please?
The computer
beeped again, as Nova looked at the monitor with a comical look and sighed
heavily
Chance-Vought F4U Corsair
Vought F4U-1 & F4U-2 Corsair
Primary Role: Carrier borne
Fighter
Engine: F4U-One 18cyllinder Pratt&Whitney
Double Wasp R-2800-8 radial engine 2,000 HP
Wing Span: Length: Height: Wing Area F4U-
Wingspan 41 ft 12.50 m
Length33.3 ft 10.16 m
Height16 ft 4.90 m
Wing area 314 sq ft 29.17 sq m
“No…” Nova
shouted “Stop! I don’t wanna know about the old naval fighter! I want the person!”
“Please State your…comm…. commands.”
“Personnel
Files, United Federation of Planets,” Nova said as the computer beeped in
reply.
“Vaught
Rockwell Corsair.”
There was slow
beeping followed by a brief pause. Then, the screen filled with a blizzard of
data.
Most Secret
Corsair,
Vaught, Rockwell, DR.
Species:
Gargoyle
(3/4) Human (1/4)
Place Of Birth :
Earth, Bayonne , New Jersey
Current Residence:
Deneva, Horiato River
Past Residence:
Telezart
(Destroyed)
Betazed (Antares region)
Parents:
Father:
Admiral
Creighton Dantes (Gargoyle/Human “Cloned”)
Starfleet
Engineers
Mother:
Dr.
Melesande Corsair (Gargoyle/Human “Cloned”)
Director
United Federation of Planets Philharmonic Orchestra Lead Soprano Metropolitan
Opera
Siblings:
Trelaina
Corsair (Deceased)
Selar Corsair (Adopted) (Vulcan) (Starfleet Medical
Branch)
Grandparents of record
Father’s Side:
Admiral Dominique
Destine (Gargoyle)
Starfleet Chief of
operations
Blake Thomas Dantes
(Human, July
8, 1970-April 2, 2063)
Mother’s side:
Elisa
Mazza (Human)
August 19,1969
- September 11, 2001
Goliath
(Gargoyle DOB Unknown- September
11, 2001 )
Direct Family:
Spouse:
Astra
? No other information provided
Offspring:
(1
Daughter) Corsair, Starsha, Trelaina (Sergeant, Starfleet Marines Ranger
Division)
Military Record: Corsair, Vaught, Rockwell, DR.
Branch of Service: Starfleet Marines
Rank: Major
Service
Tag Number: 591NYY
Current Assignment:
Starfleet Marines:
Advisor to office of Admiral Anastasia Necheav
Assignments:
Chief of Staff to office of Admiral J.P. Hanson
Professor
of History and ancient and contemporary
military
battles
Cryptography
/ Linguist Division Starfleet Marines
Profiler/
Tactical profiling (Starfleet Marines)
Test
Pilot Starfleet Engineers
Education:
The Julliard
School New York NY
Jersey City
State College Earth, New Jersey
Vulcan
Academy
Bowdoin
College , Earth, Brunswick ,
Maine
Certifications:
Doctorate
Of Music.
Doctorate
of History
Doctorate
of Science
Doctorate
tactical Engineering:
Doctorate
Pre warp military engagements
Doctorate
Spatial engineering
Doctorate
Warp Engineering and Design.
Combat
Aggressor training
Alien
Starship aggressor training
Sniper
Training
Klingon Assassination
Combat Procedures
Commendations:
Gold
Star with Cluster
Battle
Federation Medal of
Valor
Starfleet
Medal of Honor
Vulcan
Infinite Diversity Cluster
Klingon order of Kathlas
Key Notes:
Was first officer of USS Melbourne
Under command of Admiral JP Hanson at the time of Wolf 359. Was only survivor from said vessel
Suspected Section 31 Operative Assassination Division Suspected in
over 237 political assassinations Of Off-world Political Figures and Military
Personnel. Protected under Federation Laws 44.6 and 32.7 of the Secret Service
Code. Rumored to have authority to disregard the Prime Directive without
permission of the Federation Council.
EXTREMELY DANGEROUS!!!!! DO NOT APPROACH WITHOUT FIRST
CONSULTING Starfleet Command or THE FEDERATION COUNCIL!!!!!!!!
Nova chuckled
softly to herself as she continued reading the file. A moment later, she
started to read about his daughter Starsha. As Nova looked at the picture, she
found her to be a mirror image to that of Starsha of Iscandar, but she was
indeed an entirely different person based on her features which were not soft
like that of Queen Starsha, but marked with far more sternness, or perhaps it
was because of the dress Marine uniform she had on with the hard eyes of Vaught
Corsair.
She read the
adjoining files about the rest of Vaught’s family and found them all to be
exceptional in the arts with the exception of Dominique “Demona”
Destine, whom she realized Vaught must be very close to. When she felt she had
read enough she shut off the monitor and walked gently out of the capsule where
she saw Vaught walking around at the other end of the Hangar by the wreckage.
He seemed to be wearing a black exo/flight suit of
some sort as he looked up at her and nodded.
“How did you
know I was here?” Nova said.
“I witnessed
your catlike grace in gaining access to the building.” “I was impressed in your
ability to enact simultaneously the entire cast of the Three Stooges; i.e.,
Curly, Moe, and Larry.”
“This is an
outrage! Iscandar never had the rights to offer the Cosmo DNA to us! The
technology was stolen!”
“Misappropriated
would be a safer term.” Vaught said.
“So you are
from Earth….it’s just not this one.”
Nova said “There is another Earth in another galaxy?”
“Another universe,”
Vaught said “It is what they call a parallel universe.”
Nova looked at
his face and tried to look at his eyes. She quickly and gently removed the dark
glasses from his face as he let her. She gasped in fear when he saw his wolf-like
eyes.
“Good God,”
Nova said. “So, that’s why you relate to Humans in the third party…”
Vaught nodded.
“On my Earth long ago, we had two dominant species. Unfortunately as history
has many times repeated itself the humans hunted my people to the brink of
extinction.”
“So your family
is….called Gargoyle,” Nova said.
“That is our
heritage we choose to embrace…yes,” Vaught said in a thoughtful voice.
“So, the Cosmo DNA and Wave Motion Engine….they’re
what?” Nova asked.
“All Starfleet
Designs, from that parallel universe. Perhaps in yet another parallel universe,
they were actually created by
Iscandar. Who knows?” Vaught said
“But here, they
are your father’s designs?” Nova said.
“Yes. My
father’s designs,” Vaught repeated.
“Is that why
you are here?” Nova asked silently.
“No.” Vaught
said “But I know that your benefactor on Iscandar will have some explaining to
do.”
“Then Sergeant Starsha Corsair .…..”
“Is Princess Astra’s and my Daughter.”
“Then Queen
Starsha is her aunt?” Nova said
Vaught sighed
heavily, and then nodded. “Yes. But I suppose I don’t know for how much
longer…”
“What does that
mean?” Nova said
“Like I said,
she has a lot to answer for.”
“Vaught, she’s
not what you think she is!”
“Right now, I
don’t know what to think of any of you.” Vaught scolded. “Are you aware of the
boneheaded stunt that your boyfriend Wildstar is going to attempt?”
“You encouraged
him to do it, based on information you gave
him!” Nova shouted back
“No. I advised
him to wait for Captain Gideon,” Vaught said.
“Oh please!”
Nova shouted “He and Gideon have been at each other’s throats since his days at
the Academy. Derek was sent to his assignment in the hinterlands of Mars
because of a huge blowup between the two.”
“Gideon would
have listened to me,” Vaught said.
“Whatever!”
Nova said in an exasperated, angry voice. “No one else seems to care what I
think anyway. Everyone seems to think I’m some damn incompetent little girl.
Well, I’m NOT!” Nova said as she started to walk out the door as Vaught quickly
walked over to her.
“Do not blame
me for how others perceive you,” Vaught said in a low tone “You know what the
consequences are if everyone is wrong and this turns out to be nothing?”
“I won’t
believe that, Vaught.” Nova said “You wouldn’t have given Derek that
information unless you were sure! And
Derek wouldn’t be doing what he was doing if he didn’t have confidence in what
you were telling him…How you could leave him to sink or swim on his own at a
time like this is beyond me! That is the most reprehensible thing I’ve ever
heard of!”
“As well as him
not taking you, right?” Vaught said
“That is a
personal matter that I’ll take up with him,” Nova said. “That’s when you and I
get up there.”
Vaught shook
his head “I can’t, Nova! If my
government finds out abut this I could spend the rest of my life on Ceti Alpha
V.”
“That doesn’t
sound like a nice place,” Nova said.
“It’s where I
solve a lot of their problems where I come from.” Vaught said
“Look, I know
that if we’re wrong we are doing a foolish thing but if were not and there is
danger, well, just I’ll take my chances of being a fool and let them send me to
prison…or shoot me.” Nova said.
“There’s
that term “We” again,” Vaught said. “Didn’t you hear what I said? I’m not
going.”
“What?” Nova
said with jaded sarcasm. “Yeah, right! You’re going to leave me in the Parking
lot like some little child because it’s ‘too scary and dangerous for the
dumb blonde?’ ”
Vaught growled
to himself as Nova took a step back , since she knew she said too much and went
too far with her temper.
“Okay, Vaught. If we agree to go to the Argo
…….”
“Again, my
partner?” Vaught asked “If you could get to the Argo you are taking a big step into a larger world ; a world that
you can’t come back from. Your career will be toast if you are caught. Your
life may be forfeit.”
“I don’t care.
My life has been changed since I switched on that machine a year ago,” Nova
said “I’d do it again in a heartbeat.”
“The Cosmo
DNA,” Vaught said “And you would trade your life for his so readily?”
“Well, it was
for the good of the Star Force,” Nova said.
Vaught
chuckled, “Your thoughts betray you Nova; even now your thoughts dwell on Derek
Wildstar. And you would do anything to stand by his side, yes, even face
death?”
“I love him,
Vaught, even though, at the moment, I am royally pissed at him,” Nova
said. “Surely you can understand that,
can’t you?”
Vaught made no
reply as he turned and started to walk away exiting the hangar.
Outside it was
now a deluge as a thunderstorm raged over head Nova followed after him outside
as she grabbed his arm and with all her strength turned him to face her.
“You don’t
understand do you?” Nova shouted “Do you even know what in God’s Name love is?”
Instantly they
were both drenched; save for the portions of Vaught’s body covered by the
exosuit. Vaught still made no answer to Nova’s question. He looked at her
patiently; Nova could tell that he could see his daughter in her as she nodded.
“Now your
thoughts betray you, Vaught,” Nova said. “You’re going to the Argo and I’m going with you!” she said
as thunder crackled overhead. “But it is not just for Derek! Understood?” she
cried.
Vaught stood
silent for a second as he wiped water from his eyes when he realized what she
was saying.
“Not for me!”
Vaught said “I forbid it.”
“You’re my
friend, damn you,” Nova said. “Like it or not. You are my friend. You can’t do
this alone.”
Vaught stood
silent for a moment then nodded his head.
“Then…so be it,” Vaught said. As he extended
his hand, Nova shook it.
Nova gripped
his hand tightly “See, I’m not afraid!” she shouted as another thunderbolt
crackled over head. Vaught cracked a sinister smile then gave a hauntingly loud
laugh. He leaned over and whispered in her ear. As his words pierced through
her harder than the rain, “You will be, Nova….You will be.”
Next Chapter: "Rebellion”
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Introduction to Starfighter: The Iconoclasts,
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