Give him back
Posted on Saturday 21 May 2022 @ 16:56 by Captain Lukas Fredricks & Lieutenant JG Zirvell Khen
Mission:
First Contact
Location: Unknown
Timeline: 2375
1405 words - 2.8 OF Standard Post Measure
The Cardassian soldier watched from afar as the medics gave his son a thorough check-up. His expression was a mix of concern and rage. How dare the child defy him, how dare he fight him.
He turned his head as a younger officer flagged for his attention. "The Britannic is in pursuit," the young man reported.
"That was quick then." The older male grimaced. "Prepare to shake them off, and raise shields. They'll try to beam my son off, I won't allow it." He cast a single glance over his shoulder at the child who was now trying to fight the medics a fight his father knew wasn't one he would win. They had orders to do what it took to undo the federation brainwashing he had no doubt endured. "Keep an eye on the boy," he told one of the nurses, "he's not to leave this facility until I'm satisfied he's rid of all that nonsense. I'll be on the bridge."
"Cardassian vessel, stand down. You have committed a criminal act against a child under the protection of the Federation. Return him at once." Captain Fredricks demanded over the open comment channel.
"So it is a crime now to return to me that which you stole?" The Cardassian commander laughed bitterly. "My child belongs with me, and I'll do whatever it takes to undo your brainwashing. Now...back off or be fired upon!"
"You maybe the boys biological father but you aren't fit to have him in your car. Abandoning him when your home was crumbling to save yourself is awful. Zirvell has asked for Federation protection and he will have it. Return him and ill allow you and your ship to leave unharmed." Fredricks said, his tone stern.
As if the Cardassian cared for a stern tone. "You know nothing about my motivations," he snapped back before turning his head to his tactical officer. "Fire a warning shot," he ordered, "make sure it rattles them." He turned blazing eyes back on the Federation captain. "If you want him, you're going to have to come and take him." And he knew the boy was held in his quarters under heavy guard and for now even fairly heavy sedation in the hope of undoing him of his Federation desires, not even allowed to leave the room until he was certain the child wouldn't try to get away.
"Ill ask you again, stand down and hand over Zirvell. No one has to get hurt. We can discuss visitation rights for you to see your son. There doesn't need to be needless bloodshed."
"Fire," Khen senior ordered stiffly, "closer to their bow." He glared at the screen. "The next one will hit your ship captain. You will be crippled and left adrift, while I take my son home." He seemed rather adamant on taking the child away.
"Captain!" It was almost a shriek, but it was a familiar voice to the Human captain. A blur appeared on the peripheral edge of the screen, said blur being caught by one of the officers at the back of the bridge, refraining him from coming further into view. "Captain, I don't want to go with him. Please...." Though familiar, something was off about the voice, and even about the brief glance of the boy that could've been spared.
"He doesn't want to stay, hand him over to us and ill consider the matter closed. There is nowhere to run too. Starfleet, the Klingons, the Romulans, they all occupy Cardassian space at the moment. You can not elude them forever, make life easier for you and your crew by handing him back." Captain Fredricks said, keeping his voice neutral and even.
The boy fought the two men that held him, literally biting one with all the strength he could muster, before stumbling forward. Weakened, he fell to his knees as he turned his face towards the screen, His expression was ashen, his eyes wide and his movement sluggish. "Please," he begged, "they're doing something and I don't want it. I don't want to forget, please captain, take me home."
This visibly stung the elder Khen and he glared at the child. "Silence," he barked, "you'll only see them destroyed with your constant whining and crying. You're a Cardassian soldier, act like one!" He slapped the boy across his cheek, causing him to sprawl across the deck. "Get back to the infirmary." Glaring eyes turned back to the screen. "I can elude anyone I want," he snapped at the Human, "and I can destroy you if you don't back off."
"You can give it your best shot but i can assure you, you wont win and I wont be standing down. This is your final warning."
"Then we'll die trying," Khen bit back, not even looking down at his stricken child. How could he tolerate such a whining wretch, how could he have spawned such off spring which wasn't worthy of being a soldier, of bearing the family name? Finally, he did look down. "Get up," he snapped at the boy, "get to your feet, and stop bawling. You're staying here, so better get used to it." His eyes traveled to the tactical officer. "Fire again, this time, make it count."
Tears making tracks down his cheeks, the younger Khen crawled to his feet, though it was clear he could barely stand. His eyes were wide, and seemed unfocused as he tried to keep his balance. Clearly, the boy was exhausted, and not well. "Please," he whispered, "get me out of here, take me home."
Fredricks gave Khen senior a telling look before before the screen went blank. Suddenly, Britannic unleashed a barrage of weapons fire aimed at the Cardassian ships weapons, shields and engines.
"Weapons are offline," the Cardassian weapons officer reported as alarms started to blare from all directions. "Shields are failing..."
Khen senior gritted his teeth in unveiled anger, while junior looked on in terror. "He will not have my child," he scowled, then glared at the guards. "Take that wretch out of my sight, and get him back to the infirmary."
Frozen in fear, Zirvell realized too late he was hauled to his feet and dragged towards the turbolift. He was still staring at the blank screen, fearing that he was to be abandoned yet again. This time, by someone he had trusted.
Another barrage of weapons fire from Britannic struck the Cardassian ship causing power fluctuations across the ship. Moments later the Cardassian bridge was engulfed in a bright transporter beam light as a heavily armed Starfleet team beamed aboard.
Fury spread across the senior Cardassian's face as the Starfleet team coalesced on his bridge, weapons aimed at those of his staff. "How dare you," he snapped, motioning for his guards to continue.
Zirvell struggled intensely, and finally managed to break free. As fast as he could in his current condtion, he ran towards to security team, into the safety of Fredriks' arms. "Take me home," he begged as he buried his face against the man's shoulder.
Lukas wrapped his left arm around Zirvell, while keeping his phaser in his right hand trained on the boys father. "Don't come after him again, he is under Federation protection." Fredricks said looking into Khen's eyes.
"I'll find you," Khen senior threatened, "and I'll come for him. He's my child, my only family." The man glared at the Human captain, giving no sigh of defeat despite really having no choice but to give the boy up. For now. "I'll find you, and I'll come for you." The latter was directed at the boy, who was safely sheltered by the Human.
"If you come for him again, the meeting may not be as fortunate for you." Fredricks replied, his eyes narrowing. "Britannic, beam us back with one extra."
Zirvell clung to the man as they were transported and tears of relief and joy rolled down his cheeks once they were back on the Britannic. "Thank you," he whispered, "I knew you'd come for me..." Then he collapsed against the man as exhaustion, stress and fighting the drugs in his system became all too much to bear for the child.
"Always, Zirvell. I will always have your back. I promise." Lukas replied with a small smile.
Zirvell Khen
refugee child in 2375
Captain Lukas Fredricks
Commanding Officer
USS Britannic
