The Cracked Image

Posted on Tue Aug 6th, 2019 @ 11:06am by Executive Officer Jake Ford

Mission: Mirror Mirror
Location: ISS Falchion - Bridge (MU)
421 words - 0.8 OF Standard Post Measure

The bridge of the ISS Falchion was dark. Jake liked it that way, the grim gloomy atmosphere matched his mood. For so many long months they had been waiting, watching for the enemies that had never returned. He questioned the logic of defending a destroyed world, one that had no strategic value to anyone any more. The admirals were insistent, so there they remained. Waiting.

He felt a presence behind him. His loyal Gorn first officer carried a sweaty reptilian stench that Jake had often found useful; at least he would know if the massive lizardlike alien was sneaking up behind him for the kill.

“You continue to watch thissss dead world?” The Gorn hissed at him. “Ssssentries of a tomb. Our purpose isss wasted.”

“It might be a dead world to you, Seth. To me, it is a daily reminder of my mission,” Jake replied. “Four years ago this planet was alive. And now it…she is dead.” He twirled his dagger in one hand, the tip scoring the armrest of his chair. “Serra never knew her killer. But I do.” His eyes traced the planet below, the once-pristine continents now barely recognisable.

The place they had married.

The city where their daughter had been born.

None of it remained other than the memories he carried like scars.

“Your lossss sickens.” Seth noted. Jake’s lip curled.

“Indeed it does. And I welcome it.” He glanced over. “I’ve not gotten to command a starship without being patient, Seth. You and I know that. Opportunity always strikes for the one that waits.”

“The ordersss you were waiting for.” Seth lifted a PADD. Jake smirked, sensing that his Gorn ally had been waiting for that moment himself. He took it and read the details. Orders had changed. The admirals had finally seen sense.

“The task force is being redeployed.” He felt a dark thrill rise as his eyes drifted back to the grey, torn world on the viewer in front of him. “We’re to assist the Fenrir in their mission.”

“Ssso you will encounter him again.”

“The Butcher of Betazed,” Jake nodded, raising the tip of his dagger and inspecting the blade. “Vengeance for Serra...by the blood of Reuben Gregnol.” His eyes glinted momentarily as he rose from his seat. “For the Empire!” he barked, his booming voice driven by the prospect of finally laying hands on the man responsible for taking everything away.





Commander Jake Ford
Commanding Officer
ISS Falchion