The First Blog of the Year

I’m going to begin 2023 with a little confession for you. It’s something I’ve only told a couple of people, but given my history I probably should have told a few more people.

You see, I’m not really a big fan of December, particularly the first two weeks, and one day in particular. I always feel sad in the run-up to December 13^th, the anniversary of my mother’s passing. But this year for some reason it hit me really hard.

We're a Bloody Joke!

When I was growing up we Brits seemed to have a snooty kind of attitude as far as countries with weak political systems were concerned.

It's as if we constantly looked down on them. "Look at Johnny Foreigner over there!" we'd say with our noses in the air. "What a joke they are with their contstantly-changing leaderships!"

How many Prime Ministers have we had since the Brexit campaign in 2016? Now we're the bloody joke.

Rest In Peace Ma'am

I have to admit that I considered not writing this piece, because normally when a celebrity I’ve followed for years passes away I say it feels like a piece of my childhood has been taken away. It feels that way every time. But this time it feels completely different.

It’s been a week since Queen Elizabeth II passed away at the age of 96. Let’s not kid ourselves here though. We weren’t surprised, we’d been expecting it for some time, especially given her health problems over the last few months, problems that were more than evident during the recent Platinum Jubilee. But that didn’t shield us from the feelings of shock when we heard the news, and the feelings of grief we’ve felt over the past seven days.

38 Years Ago Yesterday

Yesterday marked the 38th anniversary of a great moment in my life, the beginning of my journey from boy to man when, just over two months from my 13th birthday, my Dad brought me my first pint.

Renegades - Civil War Chapter Fifty-Two

Along with his newfound friend Harry Kim, Tom Paris boarded the Voyager for the first time. As is usual with the boarding of a starship for the first time they reported to Sickbay. It was there they first met Voyager’s CMO, Doctor McCarthy. Although pleased to see Kim he was not to happy at seeing Paris.

“Welcome aboard Mister Kim.” McCarthy said, shaking the young Ensign by his hand. “And you must be Tom Paris…the observer.”

Paris could tell instantly that McCarthy had taken a dislike to him. McCarthy made no attempt to hide his dislike for Paris, and Paris made this aware to McCarthy.

“As a matter of fact.” he said, “I’m observing right here, now. Have me met before Doctor?”

“Not exactly Mister Paris. I was stationed on Calder Prime about the same time as you. I treated the wounded from the Calder II incident. One of them was a friend of mine.”

Kim could see something was going on here. He tried to interject himself into the situation.

“Perhaps we should go and see the Captain.”

“You do that Mister Kim. She’s been asking about you.”

“Maybe I should go along as well.” said Paris.

The two of them then left Sickbay. McCarthy was pleased about this. He had no wish to even be in the same room with someone with Paris’ reputation.

Renegades - Civil War Chapter Fifty-One

Dockachin, yardmaster of the Qualor shipyards, watched from a stationary position as two Federation tugs attached lines to the static form of the U.S.S. Valkyrie. It had come as a great shock to him with his orderly Zakdorn mind when the entire crew of the ship before him had been arrested. It also seemed a great waste to break up such a starship. The Valkyrie had been through a lot admittedly but even so she was still in good condition.

The tractor beams suddenly took hold of the ship on her stardrive section. This was a procedure Dockachin insisted upon. He always felt safer doing it this way. After all, many of the newer ships had been designed with detachable saucer sections. You couldn’t be too careful.

The tugs gingerly moved the great gleaming ship to what would be her last position before scrapping began. The actual date for the scrapping of the Valkyrie was some time off, Dockachin had several other ships due to be cut up before her, and he had no intention of altering his schedule, even for the President herself. At last, when the ship had been positioned to his satisfaction, he returned to his office.

To his surprise, and to some extent alarm, he discovered he had a visitor waiting for him. The man was clad in an old-fashioned dark suit, wore a cape and a broad brimmed hat. As Dockachin entered he removed his hat to reveal a young face, possibly about thirty to thirty-five human years. The Zakdorn breathed a sigh of relief. For one moment he thought the renegade Magus had decided to pay him a visit.

“Good day to you Mr. Dockachin. I have come to you on behalf of a wealthy client with a proposal.”

Renegades - Civil War Chapter Fifty

Admiral Calevicchi sat in his officer at Starfleet Command making the final travel arrangements for his journey to the Kabriegny Object. After making the final checks on his computer the Admiral turned to one of the many data pads that covered his desk. Then a loud buzzing nose emanated from his console.

“What the hell…?”

Suddenly the data on the console screen vanished. Then, moments later, more words appeared on the screen.

“For the attention of Admiral Albert Calevicchi, Starfleet Command, San Francisco, Earth – Urgent – Must gain passage to Nimbus III – Is vital you attend talks there – is vital you tell no one of this transmission – Transmission ends.”

The message stayed on his console screen for a couple of minutes until it was replaced by the previous data. The Admiral tried to operate his console in an attempt to get the message back but he could not. He could also find no trace of any transmission that may have been made to his office. His mind began to think. Why did someone want him on Nimbus III? And would it stop him from his important rendezvous?

Renegades - Civil War Chapter Forty-Nine

Across the hills of New Zealand’s North Island Kathryn Janeway walked, towards the main correctional holding facility on the island. Her main task was to see former Starfleet office Tom Paris, but first she had other matters on her mind, someone else to see, an old and very dear friend.

Arriving at the facility she was taken to a room. Upon entering she saw the old friend, someone she had known since her days at Starfleet Academy, James Watt.

Watt immediately got to his feet, and the two of them hugged. A tear formed in the corner of Janeway’s eye. Watt wiped it away with his handkerchief.

“Oh Jim! What have they done to you?”

“Only what the Cardassians, the Minbauri, the Monstrons and the Empire couldn’t do! Come, sit down. I know we don’t have much time, and that the hospitality isn’t that good, but at least we can talk.”

They seated themselves at the table. Janeway kept a tight hold of Watt’s hand.

“Have you heard the rumour?” she asked. “They say that Jeff and his crew have gone to the Pegasus, under the banner of the Free Federation.”

“Being in this place you don’t hear many rumours.”

Janeway let go of Watt’s hand and thumped the table.

“Damn it Jim! This isn’t right! Your record is exemplary! Why is Starfleet doing this?”

“The rumour in here is that it isn’t Starfleet. Someone higher up is involved in all of this!”

“I’ll promise you this Jim, when I get back I’ll get to the bottom of this!”

“Back? From where?”

“That’s the other reason I’m here. My chief of security, Tuvok, has gone missing. He was working undercover with the Maquis when his ship went missing in the Badlands. The Cardassians claimed to have destroyed it. I’m here to recruit an observer. You might know him – Tom Paris.”

A rye smile appeared on Watt’s face.

“We met young Mister Paris as soon as we arrived. He gave Sutek and I a warning, that someone in here could be looking for a prize scalp!”

Then a knock came at the door. It was a signal for Janeway.

“I’ve got to go Jim. They only allowed me a few minutes with you. But before I go remember my promise.”

Janeway then reached to her neck and took off a small necklace with the Starfleet emblem on it. She handed it to Watt, who smiled.

“This is the necklace I have to you after we graduated. I wonder if Jeff still has his.”

“I’m sure he does. He’s probably still wearing it now, on the Pegasus.”

Janeway stood up and placed a kiss on Watt’s cheek.

“Keep it, as my promise. I’ll be back as soon as I can.”

Janeway then walked towards the door, and the guard let her out. For the first time in a long while Watt felt some hope.

Renegades - Civil War Chapter Forty-Eight

The U.S.S. Defiant, accompanied by the U.S.S. Lexington, moved towards the star known as Wolf 359. Sisko was not happy that the rendezvous with the Romulans would take place here, the spot where his wife Jennifer had been killed in the battle with the Borg. But orders were orders, and if the Federation were to avoid war with the Dominion then he would have to follow them.

En-route Sisko took time out to rest in his quarters. Compared to a normal starship quarters aboard the Defiant were very cramped. Many of the luxuries Sisko had come to know during his Federation life were not on this ship. This ship was built for only one purpose – to fight.

Renegades - Civil War Chapter Forty-Seven

The Maquis ship was clearly being outclassed by the huge Cardassian warship. Phaser blast after phaser blast was being fired at Chakotay and his crew. Some it and caused damage. Some missed. However, on the bridge, Chakotay tried to remain calm.

“We have sustained damage to our port warp nacelle.” Tuvok reported. “We no longer have warp capability.”

“Can you do anything B’Elanna?” Chakotay asked.

“These engines are useless!”

“Try to be creative!” urged Chakotay.

“It’s hard to be creative with thirty-nine year old engines!”

The image of Gul Evek once again appeared on the view screen.

“This is Gul Evek! I order you to surrender at once!”

“Keep him quiet!”

Tuvok turned off the screen.

“I need enough power to get into the Badlands!” said Chakotay.

Torres studied her panel and her mind raced with possibilities. Some were quickly discarded until she came up with an idea that seemed good.

“Tuvok, take the weapons offline!”

The Vulcan stared at Torres.

“Under the circumstances that would not seem a rational plan of action.”

“I can transfer the power from the weapons to the impulse engines. It will give us the power we need to get to the Badlands!”

“Do as she says Tuvok.” Chakotay ordered.

The weapons taken offline, Torres began her work, transferring the power to the impulse engines. Straight away Chakotay steered the ship into the plasma storm infested area dubbed the Badlands. Thinking they were safe Tuvok’s sensor panel told them otherwise.

“The Cardassian vessel is following us in.”

“Gul Evek must be feeling daring today!” Chakotay replied.

The plasma storms were fierce. Chakotay just about managed to steep the ship around them. It’s smaller size made it more manoeuvrable than the Cardassian warship. Gul Evek ordered his pilot to follow the Maquis ship move for move, but he did not think of the plasma storms. A burst from one of these storms hit the Cardassian’s starboard warp nacelle, sending them spiralling away from the Maquis ship.

“Cardassian ship has broken off pursuit.” Tuvok reported. “It would seem we are safe.”

“Good.” said Chakotay, getting to his feet. “We can use the time to make some repairs.”

Then the alarm rang out throughout the ship.

“A cohesive tetrion beam of massive proportions is heading directly towards us.” Tuvok replied. “It will hit us in approximately thirty seconds.”

“Get us out of here!”

“I can’t!” Torres shouted. “We used all of our engine power getting us here! We can’t escape!”

Before they could do anything the beam hit them. It did no damage to them, but it did something that possibly nothing else could do. It made them vanish without a trace.

Renegades - Civil War Chapter Forty-Six

The prison shuttle craft neared the main landing pad of the New Zealand penal colony. Aboard were what some considered very important passengers, and what others considered common criminals. Captain Watt and Commander Sutek sat patiently as the shuttle landed. Restraints having been placed around their wrists they were soon led away to a holding cell. An hour passed as they were processed by the colony’s computer system. Then they were taken to the main living area and fitted with tracking devices around their ankles.

They had been given beds next to each other, and they now sat looking around, taking in their surroundings. In one corner sat a fearsome-looking Nausican, obviously there after having committed some violent crime, probably a bar room brawl, as is the Nausican way. Nearby was a Tarn, passing the time by using his telekinetic power to move a coffee cup. As Watt observed his fellow inmates he failed to notice a young human man approach them.

“Well well well! I never thought I’d see the day when one of Starfleet’s finest would be here in New Zealand!”

Watt looked up at the young man. He seemed strangely familiar to him.

“Do I know you?”

“The name is Paris, Tom Paris.”

“Tom Paris as in the Calder II incident?” Sutek asked.

“The one and only! Word has it that you two haven’t even had a trial yet!”

“That’s true!” said Watt. “And the way things have been going we probably won’t be!”

“Let me just tell you this.” Said Paris, leaning forward and looking Watt straight in the eye. “This place can be tough, and when some of the others hear that we’ve got Captain Watt and Commander Sutek in here they may want to try and make a name for themselves!”

“Are you one of those looking for a name?” Watt asked.

“I might be. I might not. On the other hand, I might just be trying to help you by giving you this warning!”

Standing back Paris winked at Watt and Sutek and then walked away.

“Mister Paris is right.” Said Sutek.

“But I have a feeling he wasn’t threatening us!”

Renegades - Civil War Chapter Forty-Five

The Narn colony in the disputed region of space knew nothing of the attack until it happened.

The Narn cruisers were the first to be hit by the strange shimmering vessel. This ship and race were clearly no match for the Narns.

The defence satellites orbiting the colony soon followed. No matter what tactic they tried they were nothing against this giant monster.

Then the colony and it’s population were attacked. Piece by piece the planet’s crust was carved up like a jigsaw. Earthquakes, tidal waves, volcanic eruptions followed as every form of life on the colony was destroyed. Over one million Narn citizens lost their lives. They never stood a chance. Less than ten minutes later it was all over, and the strange lurking vessel was gone again, vanishing without a trace.

Renegades - Civil War Chapter Forty-Four

It had been a long day for Londo Mollari. Once again in the Babylon 5 council chamber he had reached a deadlock with G’Kar regarding Centauri-Narn relations. Walking through the station’s arboretum he was suddenly startled to see his ‘contact’, Morgan, standing before him.

“What are you doing here?” Mollari asked.

“You have a problem Ambassador, and I am here to solve it for you.”

“What are you talking about?”

“The Narn colonies in your territory. Your government is trying to get the Narns off those planets, are they not?”

“They are.”

“That is something I can help you with.”

“You? How?”

“I helped you before, didn’t I? Just tell your government to send some ships to the colonies in forty-eight hours. Leave the rest to me.”

Morgan began to walk away.

“What else do I tell my government? I can’t just tell them to send some ships there!”

“Yes you can Ambassador. Good day to you.”

And with that Morgan was gone, leaving Mollari slightly confused, and hoping that his problem would be solved soon.

Renegades - Civil War Chapter Forty-Three

Sisko, Quark and Eris had made it to the surface. Several Jem’Hadar warriors were in hot pursuit but were soon beaten back by blaster fire. Then Sisko came to a sudden halt.

“This was the old beam out site.” he said.

Seconds later the three of them were enveloped by the transporter beam and were soon back aboard the runabout. Once aboard Sisko was greeted by Jake. Glad to see each other, they hugged.

“Glad to have you back Commander.” said O’Brien.

As Jake and Nog led Eris to the back of the runabout Sisko took up the seat next to O’Brien.

“So what’s going on?” he asked.

“The Pinafore came through with us. The Jem’Hadar ships seem to have the better of us at the moment!”

“Then let’s do something about it!”

Renegades - Civil War Chapter Forty-Two

The gateway between the Alpha and Gamma Quadrants opened, and the U.S.S. Pinafore, along with the DS9 runabouts, had arrived at the other side of the galaxy.

“Stay alert everyone.” Spalding ordered. “We could be attacked at any moment.”

Spalding was right. Before they knew it two Jem’Hadar ships were upon them, attacking them with everything they had. The Pinafore was the first to take a hit, but they were able to carry on. Then the Ganges, piloted by Dax, O’Brien and Odo took a hit. O’Brien was able to get off a phaser blast at the Jem’Hadar ship, damaging it’s engines. Another blast soon saw it blown into a thousand pieces.

“Chief, are you alright?” Spalding shouted into his communicator.

“My port nacelle sustained a hit. I don’t know if we’ll be any more good in this fight!”

There was another blast as Kira took care of the other Jem’Hadar ship.

“Very well.” said Spalding. “We’ve located Commander Sisko’s runabout. You rendezvous with that. We’ll try and hold them off as long as we can!”

The Ganges then broke off from the formation and headed in the direction of Sisko’s runabout.

On board Nog was getting impatient.

“How about flying this thing at warp now?”

“Are you kidding?” said Jake. “I’m having enough trouble flying this thing at standard orbit speed!”

Then a broad smile appeared on his face as his communicator sounded.

“Ganges to Sisko!”

The celebrations began. They had finally been rescued.

“Chief! It’s me! Jake Sisko! Am I glad you’re here!”

“It’s alright Jake! I’ll beam over!”

Handing the controls to Dax and Odo O’Brien beamed over where he was greeted by a grateful Jake. O’Brien then set about trying to repair the damage that had been done. Shortly afterwards he contacted the Pinafore.

“All the weapons are down Captain. This thing won’t be much good in a fight. I’m going on ahead to look for Commander Sisko and Quark.”

“Understood Chief. We’ll hold them off as long as possible.”

And as O’Brien steered the runabout in the direction of the planet three more Jem’Hadar warships appeared in the distance.

Renegades - Civil War Chapter Forty-One

    Kate Pulaski looked out of the observation port in the Ops Room of Pegasus as two ships, the U.S.S. Flying Scotsman and the much larger Liberator approached the station. She hoped that all aboard the Scotsman were safe and well. A short time later Plato joined her.
    “I have jus received a transmission from Captain Pendragon. Everyone is safe. It appears the Federation thinks both ships were destroyed.”
    Pulaski’s gaze was fixed on the alien Liberator vessel.
    “Will you look at the size of that thing!” she said. “The only thing that comes near to that size is a Galaxy-class ship.”
    “I have been told that an Imperial Star Destroyer is much larger than a Galaxy-class vessel.” Plato noted.
    Later Pulaski and Plato arrived at the airlock where Pendragon and Magus disembarked. Seconds later Blake, Avon and Jenna teleported over from the Liberator.
    “Please excuse our method of transportation.” Blake said. “There was no way the Liberator could have docked with your station.”
    After the introductions Magus laid out his plans.
    “I would like to call a meeting of all the senior staff here, including the ambassadors.”
    “What about the Council?” Pendragon asked.
    “Although this concerns them there is nothing they can do in this situation. Their interests can be represented by Bilbo.”
    And so it was. The crews of the Pegasus, the Liberator and the Flying Scotsman met in the main observation lounge of the station.

Renegades - Civil War Chapter Forty

    For what had seemed like hours Jake and Nog had wandered around the forest, trying to find the location of Sisko and Quark. Jake moved the tri-corder in front of him, trying to look as if he knew how to operate it. Nog, however, had his doubts.
    “Are you sure you know how to use that thing?” he asked.
    “I think so.” Jake replied. “But so far I haven’t managed to pick up anything!”
    Nog finally lost his cool.
    “This is useless!” he snapped. “We’ve been wandering about all night and we still haven’t found them! Let’s go back to the runabout!”
    Then a smile appeared on Jake’s face.
    “I think I’ve found something! Two hundred metres ahead of us!”
    Excited, the two of them moved forward until they came to the edge of a clearing. Jake had to hold Nog back when he saw movement.
    “What are they?” Nog whispered.
    “I don’t know, and I’m not going down there to ask! They’ve probably got Dad and Quark, which means there’s nothing we can do!”
    “Which means we’ve got to get back to the runabout!”
    For once Jake agreed with his Ferengi friend. Getting to their feet they moved backwards until they were out of earshot of the aliens. Jake then activated his communicator.
    “Computer, this is Jake Sisko. Two to beam up.”
    Seconds later they were back aboard the runabout. Now, so they thought, came the easy part. Jake seated himself in the seat normally occupied by the pilot. He looked around, trying to work out what button did what. It wasn’t as easy as it looked.
    “Don’t you know how to work this thing?” Nog asked impatiently.
    “Computer, set a course for the wormhole!”
    “Course laid in. Please enter the command codes.”
    The slight smiled that had appeared on Jake’s face vanished as quickly as it had appeared.
    “Wait a minute!” he said, the smile re-appearing. “The relays! Chief O’Brien showed me how to dismantle them! If we can disable the command codes we can fly the runabout manually!”
    Getting to his feet Jake walked over to the main relay box. He kneeled down and took off the box’s cover. Nog soon joined him and looked confused when he saw all of the relay chips.
    “Which one is it?” he asked.
    Jake reached forward, going to grab hold of one of the chips.
    “This one, I think!”
    Jake pulled the chip out, and suddenly the alarm sounded.
    “Warning! Warp core containment field failure! Collapse in ten seconds…”
    “Put it back!” Nog screamed. “Put it back!”
    Panic set in the younger Sisko until Nog grabbed the chip and put it back in it’s rightful place.
    “I thought you said you knew how to work these things!” Nog screamed.
    “I didn’t say that!” Jake replied. “But the chip to disable the command codes must be in here somewhere!”

Renegades - Civil War Chapter Thirty-Nine

    The Babylon 5 council had been called into meeting, once again to discuss the growing tensions between the Centauri Republic and the Narn Empire. This time the dispute was over colonies, most notably colonies along their border.
    “The Narn colonies fall into Centauri space, according to the treaty that was signed between our two governments!” Mollari argued.
    “That is not so!” G’Kar replied. “Any interstellar chart will show that the Narn colonies are on the Narn side of the border!”
    Sheridan had had enough. In his short time in command of this station Mollari and G’Kar had been at each other’s throats constantly.
    “Gentlemen! I will not stand by and watch you two engage in a shouting match!”
    “Nor I!” Delenn added. “Surely there is some way we can resolve this matter!”
    “Not while G’Kar stays as stubborn as ever!” said Mollari.
    “Stubborn? Me?” said G’Kar.
    G’Kar was about to insult his Centauri counterpart when his communicator sounded. He was not happy with this interruption.
    “This is G’Kar!” he said, taking his communicator in hand.
    “This is Na’Toth. I am sorry to disturb you Ambassador, but there is an urgent transmission for you from Homeworld.”
    “Can’t it wait?”
    “No Ambassador. It is General T’Llar.”
    G’Kar turned to Sheridan and was about to adjourn the meeting with Sheridan adjourned the meeting. Shortly afterwards G’Kar arrived in his quarters, and Na’Toth left as the image of Narn General T’Llar appeared on the screen. G’Kar bowed his head.
    “What can I do for you General?” he asked.
    “I have just received a report from the rim, where the cruiser was sent following your report on the strange vessel.”
    “And?”
    “The cruiser was destroyed, apparently by the same sort of vessel you encountered.”
    “But there were nearly two thousand crew on that ship! How could this happen?”
    “That we do not know. All we can tell is that it must have been a powerful vessel to have done this to a Narn war cruiser!”
    G’Kar’s head bowed low, the shock of the event hitting him.
    “Thank you General. I will contact you later.”
    The screen went blank. A few seconds later Na’Toth entered.
    “Captain Sheridan wants to know if you want the session to start again.”
    G’Kar paused for a moment before he gave his answer.
    “Tell Sheridan…tell him I wish to see no-one today.”
    Na’Toth could clearly see that G’Kar wanted to be left alone. She then made her exit and relayed G’Kar’s wish to Sheridan.

38 Years Ago Today

I was 12 years old when she passed away on this day in 1983. I'm 50 now, and even though it's been 38 years since she left us I've never stopped missing her.

The memories of that day and the days that followed are still quite vivid, as if they happened recently, and I've lost count of the number of times I've wondered about how my life would have been different if she'd lived.

Rest in peace Mum. x

Renegades - Civil War Chapter Thirty-Eight

    “Hello! Can anyone hear me?”
    The dulcet tones of Quark’s voice rang out through the cave he, Sisko and the alien woman had been taken. While the woman sat deep in thought Sisko watched as Quark continued to shout the roof down. Finally Sisko had had enough.
    “Quark! Will you stop that shouting?”
    “We can’t just sit here and do nothing!” the Ferengi replied. “We’ve got to do something!”
    “Well how about shutting up so I can hear myself think?” Sisko suggested.
    This time Quark did as he was told. It was then that Sisko leaned forward in an attempt to examine the force field that held the three of them prisoner.
    “This force field is very interesting. I’ve never seen anything like it before.”
    Sisko reached out and was about to touch the force field when suddenly the woman looked up.
    “I wouldn’t do that if I were you!”
    Sisko seemed surprised that the woman had broken her silence. Sisko pulled his hand away from the force field.
    “And why not?”
    “Because the force field will kill you. Everything the Jem’Hadar do is lethal!”
    “Finally she speaks!” said Quark.
    “Firstly.” said Sisko. “How about telling us your name?”
    “My name is Eris. I am from Kereal Prime.”
    “My name is Ben Sisko. He is Quark.”
    Sisko shook Eris by the hand. Quark declined to do this. Sisko then tried to get the information he needed.
    “Who, or what, are the Jem’Hadar?”
    “The Jem’Hadar are part of the Dominion. Whenever the Dominion have a problem they send in the Jem’Hadar. Kereal Prime was offered membership of the Dominion but refused, so they sent in the Jem’Hadar. We didn’t stand a chance. I only just managed to escape!”
    “The Ferengi have been negotiating with the Dominion for nearly a year now!” said Quark. “We’ve never heard of the Jem’Hadar!”
    “Then you have been lucky.” said Eris.
    “Can you tell us any more?” Sisko asked.
    “There isn’t much more to tell.” said Eris. “Except that we’ll be lucky to get out of here alive!”
    “Well that was encouraging!” said Quark.
    Sisko then looked annoyed as Quark once again started with his shouting.
    “Hello! Can anyone hear me?”