Why Help Us?

Posted on Sat Sep 14th, 2024 @ 3:20am by Commander Patricia Cooke & Boso Gane & Oko Gane

929 words; about a 5 minute read

Mission: I-402
Location: Brig, Deck 7

Captain's log,

Following the successful recapture of the cradle, Commander Izumi has brought back with her something most unusual: The same Hebitian orphans whom were antagonistic towards us in System HW-35 are now claiming they want to help us.

It is a most curious contradiction that certainly requires further investigation:

End log



Patricia made her way down to the security complex. Though Lieutenant Kogami was still out of action, Security seemed to be getting by, if seeming a little like they were running on autopilot. Patricia was led down to the brig by the officer of the watch, where their two prisoners could do nothing but wait.

When their new visitor entered the brig, Boso looked up, recognizing Patricia as the away team leader they had encountered at Klawe's station:

"I-400 called you God's righteous woman..." He commented.

"And while I'm still flattered that I-400 called me that:" Patricia responded, taking a seat on the floor on the other side of the brig forcefield. "I can't help but find it awfully convenient that two of her associates willingly surrendered to Commander Izumi, and they now sit powerless on the other side of a brig forcefield being interrogated by God's righteous woman herself. So, tell me; Boso Gane: What is your end goal?"

"I believe you are asking the wrong question, Commander:" Boso responded. "I think you should be asking 'what is I-400's end goal?' because I have seen it, and if Starfleet keeps dragging their heels like this... Then the whole galaxy might pay the price."

"Might I remind you the crimes you stand accused of: Multiple counts of domestic sabotage and assaulting military officers, including my team at Klawe's station:" Patricia said apathetically. "You and your sister will be facing some serious jailtime, up to life in prison without the possibility of parole. So, why should I take the word of a known terrorist at face value:"

"Because even a life sentence won't be long if you lock us away and disappear up your own hubris!" Boso snapped. "I looked inside I-400's head, and I saw devastation: Devastation that I can't fully comprehend, and I doubt I'd be able to convey to you effectively:"

"Okay, shoot:" Patricia motioned for Boso to continue speaking. "I've got nothing but time:"

"You are familiar with the Great Barrier and the Galactic Barrier, yes?" Oko chimed in.

"Ah, yes: The unsurvivable energy fields at the center and the edge of the galaxy." Patricia said.

"I-400 has been building the largest warp drive in history:" Boso explained. "But also the largest warp bomb."

"Warp bomb?" Patricia pondered. "Where, exactly?"

"Ever heard of Planetoid Lazzaro, Commander?" Boso asked. "I doubt you Starfleet types would, it's one of many overlooked worlds in the Romulan Neutral Zone."

"The warp drive that I-400 is building is powerful enough to push a planetoid the size of Planetoid Lazzaro out of orbit." Oko explained. "And not just push it out of orbit, but fly it at a sustained warp speed just like your vessel."

"Okay, that's great and all, but how does this giant warp drive relate to the great and/or Galactic Barrier?" Patricia asked.

"I-400 was going on and on about some sort of chain reaction:" Boso said. "It wasn't until I looked inside her head that I saw what she meant:"

"Which would be?" Patricia pressed.

"Ever heard the phrase 'I am become death, destroyer of worlds,' Commander?" Boso asked. "Because that's what I-400 plans to become:"

"So, I-400 is looking to start some sort of chain reaction either at the Galactic Barrier or the Great Barrier?" Patricia said, trying to follow and connect the dots with what the Gane twins were saying. "So, if I-400 wants to destroy worlds, why does she need the Cradle?"

"It has something to do with the artifact." Oko said. "Well, before she shattered it and released whatever was inside: Whatever it is, it's powerful enough to recolor Dilithium. If you don't believe me, look in the Cradle, and know that what lies inside is composed of Dilithium."

"The cradle shall no longer be of concern to you:" Patricia said. "We are to rendezvous with Dr. Banner, who says he's going to make this right."

Oko's eyes widened at the mention of the doctor's name:

"No, he won't:" She responded.

"Excuse me?" Patricia asked.

"Anthony Banner is one of Daystrom's maddest scientists." Oko explained. "I wouldn't be surprised if it was him that created I-400 to begin with. Whatever he has planned, it won't work:"

"You don't know what you're talking about." Patricia responded.

"Banner is a man who will overcorrect his mistakes." Boso said. "He will do anything to make it right."

Patricia sighed before standing to leave.

"Well, I can see that this has been quite the informative conversation." She said.

"I-400 doesn't know the difference between saving the galaxy and destroying it!" Boso blurted out, finally laying things bare in front of Patricia. "Actually, now that I've said that, it would make sense who she gets it from."

"Destroying... The galaxy?" Patricia asked.

Boso merely clapped once and grinned smugly. Finally, someone in Starfleet was catching on to what he was on about...

Patricia only nodded and turned to leave. She would need verification of Boso's statements, ideally from Dr. Banner himself: Patricia tapped her combadge as she left the brig:

"Cooke to Ops - Send another message to Doctor Banner..." She instructed.

Posting by

Commander Patricia Cooke
Commanding Officer

Boso Gane
Prisoner

Oko Gane
Prisoner

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