Sunday, March 11, 2007

Deanna & Riker Take Over (Part One)

Everything is running smoothly on the Enterprise right now, which is a sure sign that something nasty is about to happen.

"Incoming transmission, Captain." states Data.

"Who from?"

"I am unaware." he replies, "The signal from from a source that is encrypted. Shall we put it on the viewer?"

"Yes, Mr Data." I tell him, "What harm can it do?"

Sometimes I ought to remember these lines I write and never say them again. There is never an instance when 'what harm can it do?' applies.

A familiar figure appears.



Luther Sloan, leader of the subversive part of Starfleet named Section 31.

"Hello Captain Picard." he says, "It is good to see you again. I am especially pleased to see Commander Riker and Counselor Deanna Troi sitting with you."

I remember the two of them meeting him when they went undercover last December . Unfortunately Sloan escaped. I knew he'd turn up again, like a bad Credit.

"I'd like to read you a little poetry, If I may, Captain." Sloan continues, "I'm sure you won't mind."

All of the Bridge crew look puzzled. What is this? Poetry night? The only time we usually have poetry on the Enterprise is when Data has to read one of his awful compositions, like 'Ode To Spot.' which drags on for 132 stanzas.

"I hope it's not 'Ode To Spot'" whispers Riker to me. Beverly says the same thing in my other ear.

Sloan begins reading.....

Midway upon the journey of our life
I found myself within a forest dark,
For the straightforward pathway had been lost.

Ah me! how hard a thing it is to say
What was this forest savage, rough, and stern,
Which in the very thought renews the fear

I recognise it as the opening six lines of Dante's Divine Comedy, from the Longfellow Translation. What is going on here? He's not going to read the whole of Dante is he?

"I'll see you soon, Commander." says Sloan, and his image disappears from the screen.

I turn to Riker.

"What is Sloan doing, Number One?" I ask.

Suddenly I notice that his chair is empty; for a second I think he has gone to get some donuts for himself from Ten Forward. Then I turn to my left; Deanna has vanished as well.

Two seconds later, I notice that Data has been switched off by Deanna, and behind me Riker has stunned other members of the Bridge. I'm the only one still up.

"What are you doing, Number One?" I ask.

"Taking over the ship, Picard." Riker replies insolently, "Deanna and I are running things from now on. We are taking the Enterprise to a meeting point where members of our Section 31 group can use it from now on. Other members of this crew have been locked in ther quarters. We shall order the others to do so that are currently in the corridors."

It all becomes clear. Riker said when he got back from the undercover mission that he and Deanna were subjected to some flashing lights in December that Sloan called Truth Lights. I think it must have embedded a sleeper in their minds that would change them when the verse was uttered.

I wish Sloan had recited 'Ode To Spot' instead.

"Come on, Picard." Deanna tells me, "You can be imprisoned in the SickBay. I guess you'll like that; At least you'll be with Beverly while we start running things from now on."

Why is it I can't exactly thank them for that right now?

To be continued...

24 comments:

Anonymous said...

What a fun idea for a blog! My sister would LOVE this! She's a HUGE Star Trek fan. In fact, she knows every bit of trivia - including the layout of the Enterprise!

Enjoyed reading the latest saga. Full speed ahead!

Nic said...

Don't worry dear Captain, I'm sure you and Bev can put your heads together and...ahem...come up with something. ;)

Jaime said...

Oh, no! Brainwashed by Dante? And Longfellow's translation on top of it all?? Say it isn't so!!

Maybe "Ode to Spot" will bring them back around.

Professor Xavier said...

Can't say I'm surprisde. I had a funny feeling about those two. Riker was obviously just biding his time.

Anonymous said...

wow..cool. i found yr link on Bernard Chan's blog. cool!

Unknown said...

At least he wasn't reading Dante's Inferno.

Malnurtured Snay said...

BLOW UP THE DAMN SHIP JEAN-LUC!

Anonymous said...

Riker and Troi seem an unlikely Dante and Beatrice, thrust into a futuristic setting. I hope they are not setting up the Enterprise to go through the 9 gates of hell, or a dark hole just like that...

Empress Bee (of the high sea) said...

he captain! just popping in to visit a little and look around...

smiles, bee

The Mistress of the Dark said...

Oh drat! Captain you need to think fast...

Unknown said...

Yikes! Quick... switch Data on again!

Viamarie said...

Thanks for the visit. Hope you have a great week ahead of you.

The Curmudgeon said...

Mykol's suggestion is novel. Could Spot the Hero Cat be as annoying as Wesley the Hero Teen?

But you need to think of what verse will shut them down, I think, instead of waiting for the cat. If you're not too busy playing doctor with Beverly....

Jon the Intergalactic Gladiator said...

They've been hypnotized! Sloan's a no good dirty fink! Stun him with your phaser, Captain, then shoot him a couple more times to be sure.

Anonymous said...

I know everyone is in good hands with you, even if you imprisoned in the sick bay. Lucky Beverly.

Fanton said...

I'd have keel-hauled their treacherous hides for such betrayal.

But I like the cut of your jib, Captain.

Gyrobo said...

The suspense is gnawing at my brainstem like a thousand bees!

Jean-Luc Picard said...

It seems we are in dire straits right now. At least I'm stuck imn the Sickbay with Beverly.

Anonymous said...

I have faith in you captain you are a much better man than Riker!

A Army Of (Cl)One said...

Judo chop them! Find a hanyy pole to swing aobut and kick them with two feet! Make sure you shirt gets ripped!

No, wait a minute, that is the other guy. so just use your brain and out think them. I see a trap with a chocolate donut. It will attract both Riker and Trio. Yeah , that the ticket a chocolate donut .....Mmmmmmmm Donuts ....

Meow (aka Connie) said...

Hope your world is treating you well.
Have a wonderful week.
Take care, Meow

Jean-Luc Picard said...

A chocolate donut? Sounds like a good idea!

Florence Forrest said...

Oh No using Dante in such an underhanded way...which layer of hell should he be sent to Captain!

xx

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