Richard Paolinelli's Blog, page 34
August 23, 2020
Superversive Sunday Spotlight: N.R. LaPoint
Welcome to this week’s Superversive Sunday Spotlight. Every week we will chat with a Superversive author that you really should be reading.
This week we welcome Superversive author, N.R. LaPoint:
[image error]How long have you been writing?
I’ve been writing for about eight years or so. Most of that time was really spent learning the craft. I have three or four novels from that time that will never see the light of day because they weren’t very good… But they gave me practice and taught me what works well and what to avoid.
Which writers inspire you?
Arthur Pontynen is a major inspiration. His book For the Love of Beauty was a life-changer. Philosophy was not something I grew up with and it gave me a lot of answers I needed. It pointed me toward Plato and Augustine and a love of Truth. In the world of fiction John C. Wright, Dostoevsky, and Dan Abnett are four of my biggest inspirations. There’s a wonderful examination of human nature in their works.
So, what have you written?
[image error]My first novel was a young adult fantasy called Lightsinger. A trio of high school students end up in a world connected to Earth through a magical nexus and try to get back home. The main character, Mina Violet, is a bit of a philosophy geek so she was fun to write.
I’ve also written a dark fantasy with elements of cosmic horror called Chalk. It’s about a Catholic schoolgirl who is being hunted by abominations and discovers she can make magical constructs by drawing them.
What draws you to Superversive writing?
Superversive writing by its very nature fights against the modernist/postmodernist paradigm. For this, I love it. I’ve grown weary of authors that give us characters that have no discernible virtue. Our culture suffers for it. When I read a story I want to be drawn into a character and universe that can actually inspire me to be better.
What are you working on at the minute?
I am working out ideas for a sequel to Chalk. I have also been working with my wife on a picture book about a young man who wants to become a knight. In addition to those projects I’ve also been dabbling in writing some music.
Do you read much and if so who are your favorite authors?
I read every chance I get. My favorite current authors are John C. Wright and Dan Abnett. I’m also partial to Fyodor Dostoevsky, Brandon Sanderson, Jim Butcher, J.R.R. Tolkien, C.S. Lewis, H.P. Lovecraft, and G.K. Chesterton. I am currently reading Brandon Sanderson’s The Way of Kings and am well into Dan Abnett’s Gaunt’s Ghosts series and am trying to catch up on L. Jagi Lamplighter’s Books of Unexpected Enlightenment series.
How can readers discover more about you and your work?
Blog: https://empyreanblade.wordpress.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NR-LaPoint-113503940433401
Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/author/nrlapoint
Thanks for sharing N.R. Be sure to check out N.R.’s books and be sure to check back next Sunday for our next chat with a Superversive author.
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August 22, 2020
THE CALLING: Part 2, Chapter 9
A Work Of Star Trek Fan Fiction By Richard Paolinelli
© 2020 RICHARD PAOLINELLI . ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. NO COPYING OR ANY OTHER REPRODUCTION OF THIS STORY IS PERMITTED WITHOUT WRITTEN PERMISSION. This is a work of fan fiction based in the universe of Star Trek, created by Gene Roddenberry. It is not intended to be sold, to be used to aid in any sale and is not to be copied or used in any other way by any other party.
CHAPTER NINE
“Well, Captain,” Kleine remarked as they exited the briefing room and walked down the corridor, “I think that went well. In a few days we can have a formal signing and relations between the Federation and Kallita can go back to normal.”
“Assuming we can trust the First Counsel to keep his word,” Kirk replied as he stepped into the turbolift. “Sick Bay. That might be a big assumption given his previous record.”
“I don’t think that will be an issue going forward,” Kleine dismissed as the doors slid shut and they began the brief journey. “Not after they got a taste of what life would be like without Federation protection. I must say, Bari really managed to put the fear of god into the First Counsel.”
“I’m surprised you approve of it, Ambassador.”
“Bari has always been the Federation and Starfleet’s greatest champion,” Kleine replied as the lift doors opened and they made their way toward Sick Bay. “He’d never do anything to harm either institution. He’s also loyal to a fault, which is why he didn’t do anything that would reflect poorly on his Captain. It wouldn’t surprise me that he had a resignation letter at the ready, taking full blame, had things turned out otherwise.
“No, Captain,” Kleine continued as they stepped inside Sick Bay, “Starfleet will be happy, the Federation will be happy, so I’ll be happy. Sometimes a little gunboat diplomacy has its place. Trust me, we have nothing to worry about.”
Kirk pulled up short as he spotted McCoy, seated at his desk, and staring at a filled glass of Saurian brandy. Another filled glass sat nearer the edge.
“Bones?”
“I lost her, Jim,” McCoy replied softly. “About an hour ago.”
“How?” Kleine exclaimed.
“There’s only so much damage a humanoid body can take, Ambassador,” McCoy’s tone bristled. “And only so much medical science can do to repair it. We’d fix one damaged organ and two more would begin to fail. We never could keep up…”
“You did your best, Bones.”
“Yeah, that’s what I keep telling myself. Maybe I’ll actually start believing it,” McCoy picked up the glass and downed it.
“Forelni?”
“He’s in there,” McCoy indicated a door to the treatment area with a nod of his head. “He’s just sitting next to her. He hasn’t said a word since she died. You want some advice from an old country doctor? If your business with the First Counsel is done, you get them off the ship and break orbit now. My mama always said to watch out when someone goes quiet like that.”
Before Kirk could reply the outer doors parted and Lieutenant Frank Luke, the ship’s Chaplain, entered with branches of some sort in his hands.
“Excuse me, Captain,” Luke said. “I was told there was a death connected to an Etalyian and I needed to collect these. Their culture calls for placing these in the hands of the deceased. It isn’t the same plant as found on Etalya but Hydroponics had these and they are pretty close. The Etalyan custom calls for those closest to the deceased to sit vigil over the body until it is laid to rest, never leaving it unguarded lest its spirit gets lost. They also place a specific coin over the eyes. I couldn’t find anything close to that though.”
“I’m sure Commander Forelni will appreciate the thought,” Kirk replied. “Right now he is with the deceased.”
“Of course. Doctor, if I may wait over here for now?”
The treatment room doors parted and Forelni stepped out into the room. He looked suddenly old and tired. It took him a moment to realize there were more people present than just McCoy.
“Commander, my condolences,” Kirk said simply and Kleine quickly followed suit. Forelni nodded and stepped over to the communications panel, pressing the button firmly.
“Sick Bay to Bridge, Science station.”
“Sciences,” Arex replied, manning the post while Spock had the conn.
“Lieutenant, please locate the nearest Etalyian-flagged vessel of any kind.”
“Aye, Sir. Stand by,” a long pause. “I have it, Sir. The Audace. A freighter commanded by…”
“Enzo Cocci,” Forelni finished. “An old friend. Thank you, Mr. Arex. Would you transfer me to Communications please?”
“Uhura here.”
“Lieutenant, would you please hail the Audace and connect me to her Captain? I’ll wait here in Sick Bay.”
“Aye, sir.”
“Captain,” Forelni cutoff the panel. “There are certain responsibilities I have regarding the death of an Etalyian official. May I request that I be placed on leave until I fulfill those duties? I anticipate no more than a week will be needed.”
“Of course, Commander,” Kirk replied. “Effective immediately?”
“Yes, Sir. Thank you,” Forelni nodded as Kirk borrowed McCoy’s computer access to enter the leave into the log and duty roster. The comm panel whistled as Uhura transferred the call to the Audace to Sick Bay.
“Enzo, my old friend,” Forelni greeted.
“My Prince, to what do I owe the honor?”
“Ill tidings, Enzo. I must impose upon you and your crew.”
“You have but to ask, you know that.”
“I am in need of your ship to carry the body of our Ambassador to Kallita back home, Enzo, so she may be laid to rest among her people. I cannot do so myself.”
“Consider it done, my Prince,” Cocci replied immediately. “How did she die?”
“Not well, Enzo, but that is a matter for my own concern. When you arrive back at Etalya, you and your crew will be my guests at my dimora. Your ship will be resupplied and restocked and any repairs will be taken care of while you are there.”
“My Prince, that is most generous, but not necessary. We would take our sister home without a credit of compensation being paid.”
“I know, Enzo, but please accept my generosity all the same. And one more thing, before you rendezvous with Enterprise…”
“My Prince?”
“Do not forget to bring the Vendicatore.”
“We will not forget that,” Cocci replied after a very long pause. “We will be there in three days.”
“Thank you, Enzo, Enterprise out,” Forelni toggled the switch again. “Uhura, I need to send a priority diplomatic message to the Royal Court of Etalya and to the attention of the Court Chamberlain.”
“Proceed, Commander.”
“Message begins: To his Honorable Chamberlain, our slain Ambassador to Kallita, Bryna, is being escorted back to Etalya by the Etalyian ship, Audace, which is en route to Kalitta with the Vendicatore. I will not be able to accompany her home. However, I formally request that she be laid to rest in the gardens of my dimora following her state funeral. I also formally request an official protest against the government of Kallita be filed with the Federation regarding her death at the hands of its First Counsel. In addition, the crew of the Audace are to be guests at my dimora, their ship to be given every consideration and fully loaded with cargo upon their departure from Etalya. All expenses to be drawn from my personal treasury. Message ends.”
“Message sent, Commander.”
“If you gentlemen will excuse me,” Forelni said, turning back toward the treatment room.
“Commander,” Luke stepped forward, offering the branches. “I thought you might need these and some company while you sit vigil.”
“I’d appreciate both,” Forelni replied, slipping two coins from his pocket as Luke followed him inside.
* * *
Three days passed quietly, with the final signing of the agreement taking place on board the ship. The Audace dropped out of warp only a few minutes later. Forelni had sent messages to the ship’s officers, inviting them to be at the somber ceremony when Audace docked with Enterprise and Bryna’s body was transferred aboard the freighter. That Ambassador Kleine was invited to represent the Federation was not a surprise. That the Kallitan contingent had also been invited was.
Attired in dress uniforms, the invitees had gathered in the bay near the docking ring as the Audace docked. Her crew stepped through once the port opened and quickly lined up against a near wall. A tall man, dressed all in black and wearing a mask, followed the Captain out and took up station next to the port.
On the other side of the bay, the door parted and an honor guard from security crisply marched in and lined up. Scotty, I dress kilt and carrying his beloved ‘pipes, marched in playing Amazing Grace. He was followed by the stasis tube bearing Bryna’s remains, floating on an anti-grav. The security team snapped to attention as the tube, steered by Forelni, passed by. He was not in his Starfleet uniform.
“Captain,” Spock whispered softly. “That is the official uniform worn by the Crown Prince during a time of war on Etalya.”
Forelni was attired in a flowing black robe with a blood-red stripe running the length of each side, a gold-trimmed, purple cloak adorned with many medals and a formidable-looking sword at the belt. Forelni looked every inch a Crown Prince in dress. His face was that of a god of war, Kirk thought to himself. He glanced over at the First Counsel, who looked bored, and was suddenly worried about why Forelni had invited him.
Scotty ended the tune as the procession reached the crew of the Audace and he stepped over to join his fellow officers. Cocci stepped forward, placing a hand on the tube.
“We will bear our sister home,” Cocci said. “Where she may rest in peace among her people.”
The Audace crew each stepped forward, surrounding the tube and guided it through the port and into the freighter with Forelni in tow. He stopped at the port and faced the man in black, holding his own gloved hand out. Kirk spotted a data chip in the palm of his officer’s hand just before the other man clasped it.
“Thank you, my brother,” Forelni said, before breaking the handshake and stepping back before executing a slight bow.
“It is I who thank you, my brother, for this honor,” the man replied, clenching his hand into a ball before returning the bow and wheeling around to disappear through the port. The hatch closed and the Audace immediately separated from the ship. Forelni walked over to the Enterprise’s officers.
“I was not aware you had a living brother, Commander,” Spock said.
“During such times, Mr. Spock, the Vendicatore is considered family, a brother in spirit if not in flesh, if you will,” Forelni replied. “Captain, on behalf of the Etalyian people, I thank you and your crew for your presence here. You do her, and us, a great honor.
“Mr. Ambassador,” Forelni continued, looking at Kleine. “Thank you for representing the Federation. We are honored.”
“My pleasure. I only wish it had been under more pleasant circumstances.”
“Indeed,” Forelni said then turned to face the Kallitan contingent. “Mr. Ambassador, for the record, the Etalyian government formally protests the murder of its Ambassador to Kallita and demands justice. Etalyian justice. And that justice will be done.”
“And how do you plan to do that?” the First Counsel sneered.
“With my hands around your throat, First Counsel,” the icy calm in which the threat had been delivered froze everyone in the bay. Forelni turned away and approached the security team, commanded by Officer Butler. “Mr. Butler, my compliments to you and your team, Sir. I believe our Kallitan guests have concluded their business aboard ship. See to it that nothing delays their immediate departure.”
Butler and his team hastily escorted the Kallitans to the transporter pads on the far side of the bay. Once all five had been beamed down, Forelni turned to face his Captain.
“Do you think it was wise to publically threaten to kill the First Counsel?” Kirk asked.
“Maybe not,” Forelni allowed. “But consider, how well do you think he’ll sleep trying to keep one eye open looking for me? Captain, my duties to Etalya have been completed. I request permission to be returned to active duty.”
“Are you sure?”
“Quite sure, Sir.”
“Very well, Commander. I will so note in the log.”
“Thank you, Sir. Mr. Butler,” Forelni called out as he slipped off the cloak and out of the robe. He was dressed in his red duty uniform underneath. He folded up both garments and handed them to Butler. “Run these over to the transporter and have them beamed over to the Audace with my thanks to her Captain for bringing them to me from Etalya.”
He turned back to a host of strange looks from the crew.
“You don’t think I pack that around with me everywhere I go, do you?” He allowed a ghost of a smile to form as he headed out of the bay. “I’ll see you on the bridge in two hours, Captain.”
“I just don’t know, Jim.”
“What is it, Bones?”
“I just can’t buy he did all that just to play head games.”
Kirk remained silent. But, he had to admit, McCoy might just have a point.
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August 21, 2020
Free Read Friday: August 21, 2020
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August 18, 2020
Mars Rising!
The 7th book of the epic 11-book Planetary Anthology Series by Tuscany Bay Books is available today!
https://scifiscribe.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/pas_mars.mp4
With stories by Kevin J. Anderson, Chuck Dixon, James Pyles, Louis Antonelli, Dana Bell, Bokerah Brumley, A M Freeman and a dozen other amazing authors!
https://www.amazon.com/Planetary-Anthology-Mar…/…/B085644DYV
While this is the second edition of Mars, it is a brand new Mars with two stories not in the first edition by Superversive Press (2018) – The Three Billion Year Love by James Pyles and Far Away The Pale Blue Dot by Lucca DeJardins. This is Lucca’s first published story and first stint as a fiction editor. I myself think he did a great job adding two brand-new stories that make this edition of Mars absolutely spectacular!
Get your e-book or print copy today! And it is available on Kindle Unlimited as well.
And check out the rest of the series here, where you can purchase Mars and the previous six books and pre-order the remaining four books today:
TUSCANY BAY BOOKS’ PLANETARY ANTHOLOGY SERIES
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August 17, 2020
The Grand Re-Launch
In case you hadn’t already noticed, this website has undergone a few changes over the weekend. So I decided that maybe now was a good time to go over what is new, what has changed and what hasn’t changed.
First, the over theme, header image and color scheme have changed. The hope is that it will make it easier on you to read. Also, both http://www.scifiscribe.com AND http://www.richardpaolinelli.com point to this site. Since I’m going to be writing a more even mix of SF/F and mystery/thrillers over the next three years I figured I needed to market both domains.
The big change is that there is now premium content and an option for you to become a premium member, one of Scribe’s Penmen, on this site. The cost is just $2 a month and the recurring charge can be set up through PayPal.
You can sign up right here.
Now, if you choose not to become a premium member don’t worry, there will still be plenty of good stuff for you to enjoy for free. And if you should be so inclined to want to tip the artist on the way out the door, there is a tip jar set up to do just that with a one-[image error]time payment via PayPal for any amount of your choosing. Just click on the image over there, or the one located at the bottom of the Premium Membership page and you’ll be taken to PayPal to complete the transaction.
So what’s free here and what’s Premium content now? Well, I’m glad you asked. Here’s the rundown:
FREE CONTENT
Some blog/Vlog posts
Star Trek Fan Fiction (Weekly posts every Saturday morning)
Superversive Sunday Spotlights (Weekly posts every Sunday morning)
The following pages will be free to read as well:
About, Awards, Appearances, Books, Helicon Society/Awards (find out more about the Society and the first two years of the awards), Reviews (of my books), Reviewers Wanted (yes, I’m building a street team and Uncle Scribe wants you to join), Star Trek Fan Fiction, Store (More about that later), Superversive Creators, Superversive Sunday Spotlights, and the Contact/Copyright page.
But only Premium Members, Scribe’s Penmen, will be able to access the following features:
PREMIUM CONTENT
Premium blog/Vlog posts
Videos and Interviews with other authors.
Free Read Fridays
My short stories (a minimum of two short stories will be posted every month)
Richard’s Reviews (my reviews of books, movies, TV shows, games, etc)
Free entry into contests and giveaways not available to non-members.
Some of the short stories to look for are: four of my five Sherlock Holmes pastiches (I’ll have to wait until the end of next year to post #5 here as it is about to be published this fall by MX Publishing), The case files of Jack Del Rio (Jack’s cases while a Deputy Sheriff as well as his early days in the FBI), Murder Impossible (a new detective arrives on the scene and must solve seemingly impossible to solve murders), The Good Man, and Memory Island (a man awakens on the beach of an uninhabited island with no memory of who he is or how he got there.) And my sci-fi peeps needn’t fret, I’ve got stories for you including some new offerings: The Cospri Files, The Medallion, and Esrevinu to go along with my weekly (Free) Star Trek Fan Fiction series that looks to run at least through the end of March 2021.
I’ll be adding some new features as we go along and will keep you updated as they go live. Speaking of things coming…
You will note on most of my pages for my books that we will be adding the ability for readers to purchase e-book copies directly from me. In addition to MOBI format e-reading devices, we will offer EPUB and PDF versions of each book for those who don’t have MOBI-only devices.
Those files should be up and running soon with purchase links (and cheaper than Amazon too.)
You might have also noticed a Store page in the menu. There will be site and book-related merchandise coming in the near future. I have examples of a patch and a challenge coin up there right now.
I’m looking at adding t-shirts, postcards, mugs, signed print copies of my books, etc. as we go along too.
And if that wasn’t keeping busy enough, I still have two dozen books planned out to write. So why don’t you go sign up for the premium membership and check out the goodies while I get back to writing.
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August 16, 2020
Vlog: Cha-cha-changes!
My first Vlog! This one is on the house, but from now on only Premium Members will get to view future Vlogs.
Sign up today and don’t miss out on this and other bonus content!
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Superversive Sunday Spotlight: Lori Janeski
Welcome to this week’s Superversive Sunday Spotlight. Every week we will chat with a Superversive author that you really should be reading.
This week we welcome Superversive author, Lori Janeski:
How long have you been writing?
Amateur only (fanfics, stuff that hasn’t seen the light of day and probably never will)? 15 years. Actual published stuff? About five years.
Which writers inspire you?
The first one who did was Mary Higgins Clark. I always wanted to write a mystery story that would make someone reading it say, “I have to stay up all night to finish this book, I can’t put it down,” the way I read her stuff back in fifth grade.
[image error]So, what have you written?
Short stories: “Much Madness Is Divinest Sense” https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08462M5W8
“Backwater” https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01NBAM5NG
“Saturday’s Children” https://libertyislandmag.com/?p=1&ln=saturdayschildren&c=1
“Memorial Day” https://libertyislandmag.com/creator/ljaneski/content.html?ln=memorialday
“Rangers vs. Aliens” https://libertyislandmag.com/?p=1&ln=rangersvsaliens&c=1
–Novel: The Carter Files: Phoenix (Book 1) https://www.amazon.com/Phoenix-Carter-Files-Book-1-ebook/dp/B086C2LTF7
What draws you to Superversive writing?
Stories can be good stories without having to check all of someone’s stupid little requirement boxes. With the world the way it is, I’m with Tolkien when he said to escape.
What are you working on at the minute?
Book Two of the Carter Files, also some entertaining Star Trek fanfic, for my own amusement.
Do you read much and if so who are your favorite authors?
Not as much as I used to, thanks to the Munchkin. Favorites are still David Weber, David Eddings, Jane Austen, Elizabeth Gaskell, Tom Clancy, lots more that would take too long to name.
How can readers discover more about you and your work?
https://littlesquirrelbooks.wordpress.com
Thanks for sharing Lori. Be sure to check out Lori’s books and be sure to check back next Sunday for our next chat with a Superversive author.
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August 15, 2020
The Calling, Part 2, Chapter 8
A Work Of Star Trek Fan Fiction By Richard Paolinelli
© 2020 RICHARD PAOLINELLI . ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. NO COPYING OR ANY OTHER REPRODUCTION OF THIS STORY IS PERMITTED WITHOUT WRITTEN PERMISSION. This is a work of fan fiction based in the universe of Star Trek, created by Gene Roddenberry. It is not intended to be sold, to be used to aid in any sale and is not to be copied or used in any other way by any other party.
CHAPTER EIGHT
“Captain,” Kleine broke the shocked silence of the bridge. “I will report this to the Federation Council. We’ll have a formal protest delivered to Kallita by the morning. Until then, prudence dictates we take no provactive action.”
“Thank you, Ambassador,” Kirk replied, not pointing out that a protest would do little good to help the young woman planetside. “Ensign Fabian, see that the Ambassador’s message is sent top priority.”
Kirk returned his attention to his Security Chief, who was far too quiet for his liking.
“Commander, if you’d prefer to be relieved for this watch I’m sure Mr. Arex will not mind taking the conn.”
“Thank you, Captain, but I’d rather stay on watch and keep the conn as scheduled,” Forelni answered quietly. Then he blew out an exasperated sign as he heard the unspoken words in Kirk’s offer.
“Mr. Arex,” he ordered Sulu’s relief at the helm. “Please move us to fifty thousand kilometers beyond maximum transporter range from Kallita.”
“Aye, Sir,” the Edosian responded as he complied.
“Bridge to Transporter Room,” Forelni toggled a switch on the command chair’s armrest. “Mr. Kyle, until further notice, no one is allowed to transport off of the ship without a direct order from the Captain. Please pass that order along to the Shuttle Deck.”
“Aye, Sir,” Kyle’s voice replied over the speaker.
“This ship will take no provocative action, nor will anyone from this ship take direct action against the planet during my watch, Captain,” Forelni reported, a wry smile taking any hint of insubordination out of his actions.
“You didn’t need to do all of that, Commander,” Kirk chided.
“I did since you would have stayed awake in your cabin all night if I hadn’t, Sir.”
“I see,” Kirk surrendered the point, since that was probably what he would have done. “In that case, a pleasant watch to you Commander, ladies and gentlemen.”
A chorus of “Good night, Sirs,” followed Kirk, Spock, McCoy and Kleine into the turbolift before the closing doors cut them off.
“You really think leaving him at the conn is a good idea, Jim?”
“He’s a Starfleet Officer, Bones, he knows his duty.”
“Captain, I can monitor the bridge from my quarters…”
“And admit I don’t trust one of my officers, Spock? No. We heard the orders he gave. I trust he’ll follow them as much as every other member of my crew will.”
* * *
Forelni waited a full five seconds after the turbolift doors closed.
“Mr. Lehman, I doubt the First Counsel would have severed relations with the Federation so easily without a replacement plan at the ready. Please scan for all vessels within two days’ journey at Warp 6 from Kallita and put the results onscreen please.”
William Lehman, Checkov’s relief at the helm, quickly complied. The main viewscreen switched to a relief map with Kallita in the center. Roughly two dozen ships were within range and their names were displayed underneath a white dot indicating their current position. Forelni studied the map silently.
“Lt. Bock, I’d like you to monitor the Kallitan shield. It must take a lot of energy to maintain. Now that we are outside transporter range they might decide to lower it to conserve energy.”
Brena Bock, Spock’s relief at the science station turned toward the conn.
“I want to offer the Captian the option to mount a rescue attempt should the Kallitan’s offer us the opportunity, Lieutenant, nothing more,” Forelni added, reading the question in her stance before she could phrase it.
“Aye, Sir,” she turned back to her station.
“Ensign Fabian, please open a channel to the freighter Specter, you’ll find her roughly one light day away at 287 Mark 4. I’ll want to speak with her Captain, L’ee S’king.”
“I have Captain S’king now, Sir,” Fabian reported a minute later. “On screen.”
“L’ee, it has been far too long, old friend.”
“Bari Forelni,” S’king replied. “Still as handsome as ever. And in command of Starfleet’s flagship now.”
“Third in command, L’ee, and I’m an old bridge troll compared to you.”
“So what do I owe the great honor of the Crown Prince’s communication?”
“Boredom actually. I’m sitting here near Kallita with nothing to do. The planet just withdrew from the Federation and unless they change their minds all I can do is just sit and watch. Even if a fleet, Romulans, Klingons, or say even an organized pirate fleet at that, were to come along and attack that’s all I could do. Can’t interfere in a non-Federation world’s issues. Anyway, I noticed you were in the area and I remembered that you never did deliver that case of Romulan Ale you owe me. You still have it, don’t you?”
“Oh, of course. Would you like me to bring it to you now?”
“As a matter of fact, I’d appreciate it if you did.”
“I think we can arrange that. We’ll see you soon.”
The screen went dark and Forelni sat back with a cold smile.
* * *
“Commander,” Lehman shouted. “Ten vessels just dropped out of warp and are on an attack run toward Kallita. It appears the Specter is the lead ship and the others match configurations for known or suspected Orion pirates ships.”
“I’d heard there was a rumor that L’ee had joined up with the Orions, but I never believed it was true,” Forelni remarked calmly.
“Shouldn’t we raise shields and go to Red Alert, Sir,” Arex inquired as the invading ships opened fire on the Kallitan shield.
“Are any of those ships targeting Enterprise or any other Federation vessel or world, Mr. Arex?”
“No, Sir.”
“Then this not a matter of concern to us, is it?”
“No, Sir.”
“Shouldn’t we at least raise shields?” Bock asked. “In case there is a stray shot.”
“A prudent precaution, Lieutenant. Mr. Lehman, raise shields please.”
“Sound General Quarters, sir?”
“Not yet, Ensign Fabian. I’ll report to the Captain first and see if he wishes us to go to GQ.”
Fabian’s board whistled for attention.
“Incoming communication from Kallita, Sir,” Fabian reported. “It’s the First Counsel.”
“I’m sure it is,” Forelni replied softly as he toggled the comm switch on his armrest. “Answer the hail and put him on hold until after I’ve reported to the Captain. Bridge to Captain Kirk.”
“Kirk here.” You weren’t resting at all, were you Captain, Forelni thought with a knowing smile.
“It appears a fleet of pirates, possibly Orion or Orion-backed, are attacking Kallita. I have raised shields but as none of them are targeting us or any Federation interest I have not yet gone to Yellow Alert.”
“I’m on my way up, Commander, order Yellow Alert.”
“Aye, Sir,” Forelni snapped off the comm and pressed the necessary tab on his armrest to trigger Yellow Alert. “All hands, Yellow Alert. I say again, all hands Yellow Alert, this is no drill.”
Forelni glanced over his shoulder.
“Put the First Counsel on screen,” he ordered as he rose out of the chair. An angry and frightened First Counsel quickly formed on the main viewscreen.
“Enterprise, we are under attack..you!” the First Counsel sputtered when he realized he was addressing Forelni. “Where’s the Captain?”
“Captain Kirk is off duty and I have the conn, First Counsel,” Forelni said calmly. “We have noticed the attack. It does seem like you have a problem, sir.”
“A problem,” the First Counsel roared. “Those ships are battering our shield down and once they get past that they will cause no end of death and destruction!”
“Indeed they will.”
“Well, are you just going to sit there?”
“Actually, that is exactly what this ship is going to do until it or any other Federation interest comes under attack. As Kallita is not a part of the Federation this ship is prohibited from interfering in any of its affairs. I’m sorry, but my hands are tied. I wish you good luck, First Counsel. Enterprise out…”
“Wait,” the man all but screamed the word before regaining his composure.
“Yes,” Forelni asked with maddening calm.
* * *
Kirk listened to the exchange between Forelni and the First Counsel on the way up inside the turolift. Spock, McCoy and Kleine had joined him.
“Technically, the Commander is correct,” Spock offered. “But I doubt Star Fleet Command would object to interfering during an attack by Orion pirates, Captain.”
“He knows that, Spock,” Kirk agreed. “But the First Counsel doesn’t.”
The doors parted as the four men exited. A security officer, Dan Butler, who’d come aboard when they’d picked up Ambassador Kleine, started to announce his Captain. Kirk placed a hand on the young man’s shoulder and waved him off. Holding up his other hand, he stopped the others from stepping out onto the bridge. He was ready to step in if needed, but Forelni had clearly set this up and he wanted to see what was next.
“We were too hasty when we withdrew from the Federation,” the First Counsel stammered. “I can see that now. We formally rescind our withdrawal from the Federation.”
“Only to reinstate it once the present danger has passed?”
“No, Commander, my solemn word. We will not withdraw again.”
“I see,” Forelni paused a beat. “Very well. Stand by to lower your shield and produce Ambassador Bryna for immediate bean-up. Put the First Counsel on hold, Ensign Fabian, inform the transporter room to stand by for a beam up and have a medical team sent to the transporter room. Have an armed security team report to the transporter room as well. Then get me the Captain of the Specter.
“Mr. Arex,” Forelni continued, “move us toward the attacking fleet and within transporter range of the Capital City, best possible speed.”
The screen split into two images, the now-muted First Counsel on the left and Captain S’king on the right.
“Commander invading fleet,” Forelni affected an overly-formal tone. “You are attacking a Federation planet. You will cease hostilities immediately and withdraw to a distance of one million kilometers from the planet and hold there for further instructions.”
“We were told this was no longer a Federation world,” S’king affected an air of outrage.
“You were misinformed,” Forelni replied. “Withdraw or we will destroy your fleet.”
“Of course we will withdraw. We would never knowingly attack a planet of the mighty Federation.”
Half of the screen went dark.
“The pirate fleet is breaking off their attack,” Lehman reported. “They are moving out to the specified distance, sir.”
“Put the First Counsel back on, Ensign,” Forelni waited a beat. “The invading fleet have broken off their attack and have moved out of firing range. Lower your shield and produce the Ambassador.”
Looking ashen, the First Counsel nodded his head at someone out of range of the pickup.
“Shield down, sir,” Lehman reported then audibly gasped as Bryna was carried into range of the pickup. He wasn’t the only person on the bridge to do so. It appeared she’d suffered even more abuse in the time since they’d last seen her on the screen.
Kirk readied himself to step in and countermand any order should Forelni decide to correct his earlier oversight regarding the First Counsel’s status as a living being, even as he fought down the urge to let Forelni do whatever he wanted to the monster capable of what they’d witnessed.
“Transporter Room,” Forelni’s voice was frighteningly calm. “Lock on to the woman on the main screen and beam her aboard now.”
“Locked on,” the tech reported. “Beaming up now. Transport confirmed, the medical team has her now.”
“Is the security team there?”
“Aye, Sir. They’re standing by.”
“Them beam everyone else in that room up now. Have them escorted to the Main Briefing room to await the pleasure of the Captain and Ambassador Kleine.”
The entire council of Kallita faded from the room below in a sparkle of transporter effect and Forelni waved for communications to be ended.
“They’re all aboard and being escorted as ordered.”
“Thank you, Bridge out.”
A hushed silence fell over the bridge, even the computers and control panels seemed to have gone quiet as everyone watched the center of the bridge as if waiting for a supernova to erupt.
“Dr. McCoy,” Forelni broke the silence without turning around. “I believe you have a patient in need of your services in Sick Bay.”
McCoy shot a look at Kirk before entering the turbolift.
“Mr. Butler,” Forelni still held his gaze on the viewscreen. “The Captain of this ship walked onto this bridge less than two minutes ago, did he not?”
“Aye, Sir.”
“And yet, I did not hear you announce him. I believe that is one of your duties when on the bridge, especially during an alert?” Forelni finally turned around and walked over to his security officer.
“I told him not to, Commander,” Kirk stepped in. Forelni narrowed his eyes.
“I see,” he favored Butler with a piercing gaze. “I suppose in that case we’ll let it slide. This time, Mr. Butler.”
“Aye, sir, thank you, sir.”
“Hmmm,” Forelni turned back to the screen. “Put Captain S’king back on, Ensign.”
“On screen, Sir.”
“Captain, I’m inclined to overlook this incident as are the Kallitans as no actual damage was done. However, I’m sure we would all feel much better if you and your ships were to go on your way. Immediately.”
“Of course, Commander. Most gracious of you. I understand there was a matter of a shipment of Romulan Ale…”
“What shipment of Romulan Ale would that be, Captain?” Forelni deadpanned.
“I seemed to be misinformed once again, Commander. Must be my day for it. Good day.”
The screen darkened and switched to the fleet turning away from Kallita and jumping back into warp.
“Well, Mr. Lehman, I think we can lower shields and call of Yellow Alert now. Wouldn’t you agree?”
“Aye, Sir. All hands, stand down from Yellow Alert.”
Forelni turned back to the Ambassador.
“I believe you now have a more receptive audience to negotiate with, Ambassador. Captain, would you like the conn back now?”
“I think Mr. Spock and I will join the Ambassador to make sure the First Counsel behaves himself, Commander. Have Mr. Arex relieve you of the conn. I don’t think we’ll have any more excitement tonight.”
“Sir?” Forelni asked.
“I assumed you’d rather be down in Sick Bay.”
“Aye, sir, I would. Thank you, sir. Mr. Arex, the conn is yours,” Forelni headed for the turbolift.
“Commander,” Kirk called out as Forelni stepped inside.
“Sir?”
“Well played.”
Forelni nodded, keeping a smile from his face, but not out of his eyes as the doors slid shut.
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August 14, 2020
Free Read Friday: August 14, 2020
The post Free Read Friday: August 14, 2020 appeared first on RICHARD PAOLINELLI - A Sci-Fi Scribe.
Free Read Friday: Free-Wrench by Joseph Lallo
It’s Friday and that means it is once again time for another installment of: FREE READ FRIDAY!!!!!
This week’s book you can download for free on Kindle without having to sign up for KU is:
FREE-WRENCH by Joseph Lallo
The islands of Caldera are a shining jewel in a rather bleak world. A terrible calamity in the past had blanketed much of the world with a toxic “fug.” Those who survived were forced to take to the mountains and the skies in wondrous airships. Life has since been a struggle, with only the most ruthless and crafty able to survive. To spare themselves the same fate, the Calderans erected a battery of guns to fend off the airships of the mainland. They isolated themselves from the madness of the world, choosing instead to focus on the pursuits of art and creativity. Few believe the technologically advanced but socially barbarous outsiders have anything to offer. Amanita Graus, though, is hoping that they do.
Nita’s mother has lost her livelihood and perhaps soon her life to a terrible disease. Already the black sheep of the family for embracing engineering rather than art, Nita resolves to leave the safety of her home and do whatever it takes to find a cure. For a price, the bizarre crew of an airship called The Wind Breaker are willing to grant her a meeting with their mysterious benefactors, and thus a chance to procure the one thing with a chance to save her mother.
Free-Wrench follows Nita’s adventures in a steampunk world of airships and lunatics. Helping her in her journey are an eccentric crew of smugglers; the gruff Cap’n Mack, the simple but enthusiastic Lil and Coop, the arrogant marksman Gunner, the surly surgeon Butch, and the irritable mascot Wink. To survive and find what she seeks she’ll need to earn their trust, follow their rules, and meet face to face with the people who pull the strings of their society.
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