Plot Teaser 1 – Memento Mori
[Hidden Neodyne Base, Romulan Star Empire]
"You told us that we would be able to operate without distractions!" Doctor Zemikes slammed a balled fist onto a console "and now we have a Federation ship near us. What will you do if they discover us and our work?! All will be lost!"
Terrh stared at the man wondering if he should take the argument seriously. Finally deciding to humor the good doctor he smirked, that blasted annoying Romulan look that hinted at their ever moving deviousness "what work? You have failed to produce any results since the abysmal performance of the test pathogen four years ago. The Federation?" Terrh laughed "should be the least of your worries." He picked up one of the thick vials and simulated dropping it, an action that caused the doctor to jump away in panic "do not worry doctor; I am not as foolish as you." Sliding the thing back into its place Terrh sighed "you worry about your work and I will worry about the Federation ship."
Zemikes studied Terrh wondering if the veiled threat was real or not, finally deciding that it was dangerous to ponder the question he looked through the large viewing glass at the test subject room. Hundreds of gurneys lined a long and narrow room where fully suited technicians made their way from bed to bed checking vitals and tossing the dead into large rolling dumpsters "I'm running out of test subjects you know."
"You would have plenty if you did not waste that entire city with your first test, but there are still some left on that planet. I'll see what scraps I can get you. In the meantime," Terrh smirked again "I brought you some special test subjects."
"Special?" Zemikes asked.
"Yes, special, very special, they are an assortment of Federation species; Humans, Andorians, and some others. They should be excellent tests. Starfleet Marines tend to be well vaccinated." Terrh pointed to the room where half conscious and bloodied people were being dragged in, chained, and bound. "They should work well."
"Ma…marines?!" Zemikes's jaw dropped "what if they discover this. How did you get them? Do you want the Federation to find out about our research? What if the Romulans find out about this!?"
Terrh sighed again and slid the vial out of its holder. He shook his head sympathetically at the doctor and then wrapped a hand around Zemikes neck until he started gasping and clawing at the hand choking him. "Good doctor I'm afraid my patience with you has run thin." With a wide smiled Terrh slid the vile into the doctor's open mouth and placed it carefully between his molars. Releasing his grip on the doctor's neck Terrh slammed his palm into the doctor's chin. A heavy crack accompanied it. Terrh released the doctor who fell to the floor spitting out blood, bits of teeth and glass. His eyes were wide with terror as he stared at Terrh "what…what have you done?! The virus…the cure isn't done!"
"Cure?" Terrh laughed derisively "there will be no cure silly doctor" He nodded to one of the other researchers "have Zemikes taken in to be with the other test subjects and sterilize this mess before you're all infected. Oh, and Doctor Chaya, you are now in charge of this project. My handlers do not tolerate failure- nor do I. If you wish to outlast Zemikes it will do you well to remember that." As Zemikes was dragged out of the main lab by the suited technicians Terrh studied a small holographic viewer he held in his palm. On it a diagram of a ship swirled. The highlighted black lettering on its hull read: U.S.S. Charon. "Jolan'tru." He said with a grin.
