Hit and Run, SD 10303.30

[Samantha Riker 0]

Hit and Run

SD 10303.30

 

It was working, it was going to work, it had to work. Ziggy had laid in the course and setting, and they'd managed to clear the shuttlebay before the Arcadia had contacted them, demanding to know who was in the shuttle which had launched without authorization.

 

"Zeta Jones, this is the Arcadia. Acknowledge," the voice from the officer at Ops came briskly through the speaker. But when she responded, Samantha wasn't speaking to Ops. "Captain Moose. I'm sorry to leave so abruptly."

 

"Deanna! What are you doing? Tac! Get a tractor lock on that shuttle."

 

She smiled sadly at him, her fingers toying with a small gold medallion which hung around her neck. "Capta--Moose. I *am* sorry. I'm under orders from SI. There's a group of Federation citizens on that planet, and it's up to us to get--" Sam's words were still hanging in the air when the world exploded around them.

 

It wasn't until later that any of them could be certain of what had happened, and by that time the entire event was a fait accompli. The one person among them who had known what was meant to happen was relieved, but not surprised, that everything had gone just as planned.

 

Samantha Riker caught herself on the transporter pad before she fell backwards; she'd been sitting down when the beam-out had commenced. "Everyone here and accounted for?" she asked cheerfully, turning to count the prone figures of her companions.

 

"Welcome back, ma'am," a gruff voice came from the shadows, preceding the appearance of one of the largest men any of the Arcadians had ever seen. He wore a black uniform trimmed with grey, which fit snugly against his massively-built humanoid form. He offered Sam a stiff nod of his head. "The Captain wished me to tell you that we're on course, and that he would like to see you as soon as possible."

 

"Thank you, Rualfo. First things first, though--why don't we get our guests safely on their feet." Ziggy Stardust, Dana Quest, and Marlene Zukko lay still on the transporter padd around her, eyes open and blinking, but otherwise unable to move. "Anestezine diluted at 0.05% into the transporter beam," she explained to her Federation companions. "Keeps you conscious and aware, but virtually unable to move. Selectively inhibited so you can continue to blink your eyes; if you don't, they dry out, which is most uncomfortable," she added confidentially. "Now Rualfo and his friends will help you to your feet, and then to your knees, and then perhaps we can spare a few moments for conversation. Once you can move your lips again."

 

The mountain called Rualfo snapped his fingers, and five additional guards in similar uniforms stepped forward, efficiently binding Ziggy, Dana and Marlene hand and foot, the anestezine preventing them from struggling or moving away. When the bindings were secure, Rualfo signaled to the transporter chief; a field glowed around the three prisoners, and when it dissipated, they were able to move again.

 

"I knew it was a lie, a trick and a lie," Ziggy spat out, as soon as he felt the numbness wearing off his lips.

 

The woman with Samantha's face raised an eyebrow at Rualfo; the giant kicked at the back of Ziggy's legs and forced him painfully down onto his knees. Realizing that protesting would be futile, Dana and Marlene allowed themselves to be pushed to their knees with considerably less force.

 

"When exactly did you know it was 'a trick and a lie,' Ziggy? Was that before or after you said you love me and you wouldn't lose me again? Women don't like it when you take back the nice things you've said to them. Unless you learn to get away quicker, I suggest you begin to declare your love somewhat more selectively. I'm sure you recall that Samantha has proven herself to be much more forgiving in these situations than I am."

 

She raised her hand, as if to strike him backhanded across the face, but stopped short when he closed his eyes and turned his head, prepared to take the blow. "Oh, you're no fun anymore," she said playfully, settling for patting his cheek instead. She turned toward his companions then, smiling graciously. "Please forgive me for being so rude. Excitement about seeing an old... friend again, I hope you understand. Welcome aboard the Blue Note; I'm Rochelle Riker."

 

 

One Riker Girl playing Two

aboard the pirate ship Blue Note