The Big Switcharoo - Chapter #113

Free Enterprise - The Big Switcharoo - Chapter #113



A group of 20 women watched Viceroy Anasazi and his entourage approach. They all had a bird's eye view from their window booth seats, in a Promenade restaurant named Stingray Jakk's.

“OMG! WHO is that?” Wilma, one of the ladies asked. They had newly arrived for the Hover Board Championships and had stopped to have dinner. They were in the midst of discussing which events they would be attending. Like thousands of die-hard fans, of the sport, they were either dressed in their favorite team's colors, or carried brightly colored team pennants.

“According to INN's Melissa Culpepper, he is the new Nietzschean Viceroy, Tyr Anasazi. The last son of Barbarossa Anasazi.” Sara answered.

“The last son! How many sons did the man have?” Jia Nian, a Trill queried.

“Fifteen.” Vanessa replied.

“Fif. . . . Fifteen?” Dorathy asked

“And he had like 12 daughters.” B'Tora a Klingon female replied.

“Yeah, I did see a report that Barbarossa died recently. Supposedly, he preselected Tyr to replace him on the throne. Tyr's also a Starfleet Rear Admiral, you know.” Chloe said.

“Ohhhhh! Put him on a plate and serve him up for dessert! I love chocolate!” Candice expressed.

“Girl! Don't you know nothing? The man is a NIETZSCHEAN! And he is an Alpha at that!” Evelyn countered.

“Something you can't handle, Candice.” Jessica replied.

“Nietzschean? What is a Nietzschean?” Candice queried. T'Shana, one of the two Vulcan females in the group launched into a short and detailed description.

“OMG! Multiple wives?” Sharon asked, when T'Shana finished.

“According to INN he already has eight wives, twin sons and four children on the way.” T'Shana replied.

“Sounds like e's tryin' ta catch up with 'is father.” Micheala said in her Kensington accent.

“Prophets alive! That sounds more like a harem.” one of the Bajoran women present stated.

“Unlike a harem, Nietzschean society is matriarchal, so the women have the upper hand. It is THEY who selected him, instead of vise versa.” T'Shana stated.

“Oh! You think he'd be interested in me?” Debbie asked, as she pantomimed fluffing her hair and smiled.

“You'd have to cue up for a try. High status Nietzschean males like Viceroy Anasazi, have hundreds of formal proposals waiting for him .” a lady named Dagny replied.

“I guess that means no girlfriends, eh?” Justine asked.

“Negative. Nietzscheans do not believe in dalliances.” T'Shana replied. “It is either all or nothing at all for them.” she continued.

Twelve women sighed as the watched the holo broadcast screen, that was showing snippets about Tyr. Most of the shots were from afar as his Ceremonial Guard had been given orders to keep the press at bay.

However, it was going to be a different story at the Reception and dinner.


* * * * * * * * * * * *


By the time Tyr arrived, things were in full swing. The event was being held in The Garden Terrace Suite. It was an entire half deck that was reserved for large diplomatic events such as these. It also had a commanding view of the starboard docking bay and The Insurrection. Tyr smiled to himself upon espying “his baby” in the huge, clear steel, panoramic, windows. He frowned immediately afterward as he remembered his mission.

He started searching for VuVu. The place had been decorated with many live plants and trees, which created the affect of being in an actual garden. Tyr had prearranged with VuVu that she would signal him, and he would acknowledge her in return.

In the meantime while Tyr searched, he was obligated to chat up and make nice with some of the dignitaries. The first to approach was the Andorian Ambassador Kavv.

“Greetings, Viceroy Anasazi. On the behalf of my people I offer heart felt condolences for your father.” Kavv said.

“Thank you.” Tyr replied. After all what else could he say? With a few trifling words and a heroic life was just dismissed. It made him sick.

“Tyr? Are you gonna be okay with this?” Tamara asked through their link.

“I will be okay. When I start shooting, that's when you will know I have a problem.” Tyr replied in kind.

“That's what I'm trying to avoid, Tyr, the last thing you need is for you wind up in the stockade.” Tamara replied. She never got a response as it seemed like all of the ambassadors took their cue from Kavv and lined up to speak with him.

A trail of them followed as Tyr perused the buffet table. He was hungry but didn't want to partake of a full meal until the business with VuVu was concluded. As it was he had not found her yet. The entire mission hinged upon on locating The Pickpocket Plant and setting events in motion.

Tyr opted for a small bowl of shelled pistachio nuts, and immediately popped a handful into his mouth. Unfortunately INN's Melissa Culpepper - who had been trailing him with a live feed - chose this inopportune time to have her holo-camera crew zero in on him,

“Crap! She would broadcast my face across the universe, while I'm chewing like a Holstein.” Tyr thought sourly, as he turned his head and broad back to her. Melissa swore to herself as Tyr's face was immediately replaced by Cornelius' stern visage.

There was a flurry of activity as Melissa signaled her camera crew back. The last thing she needed was to get blasted. After all, the Point Man of the Ceremonial Guard was armed to the teeth and for good reason.

As the Intergalactic News Network crew pulled back, Tyr saw VuVu. She shook herself like no plant would ever do. Tyr signaled back that he saw her, by scratching his nose, and marked her location. Now for the Romulan Ambassador.

It was not hard finding the man. He was standing in the corner with a group of Romulans and having an involved conversation. The second Tyr laid eyes on the man, he went on alert.

The man was dressed like an ambassador, but his stance was all wrong. He may have claimed to be a peaceful representative of his people, but his demeanor said he was a man of war. Being one himself, Tyr easily recognized all of the “tells”.

“What's the matter, Tyr?” Tamara mind whispered to him. She was decked out in her Class A's for the event, and sipped from a champagne flute of Altire Water.

“The so-called Romulan Ambassador is suspect.” Tyr thought back.

“Ambassador Racurr, suspect? Like spy suspect?” she asked.

“More like high level military suspect. He is here under the guise of Ambassador to spy out the land.” Tyr replied, as he slowly angled towards the man. Tyr was conscious of the INN camera and Ms. Culpepper following in his wake, and did a slow burn, Tamara disappeared for a minute then returned to his side.

“HaxHis also suspected and took precautions.” Tamara stated mentally.

“Tamara. In order to make the switch, I MUST get rid of that INN crew. Short of shooting them, I'll need a distraction.” Tyr mentally projected.

“One distraction coming right up.” Tamara replied, in kind, with a mental smile. Less than a minute later, the INN crew including it's award-winning reporter was overwhelmed by a pack of Dolgarians. Tyr couldn't spare a second to wonder how Tamara had marshaled the pack in such short notice.

Unimpeded, Tyr headed straight for Ambassador's Racurr's corner. They introduced themselves, exchanged pleasantries and continued their conversation as they walked towards VuVu's location.

In the meantime, Tyr assessed the elaborate robes the man was wearing. They were similar to a Vulcan's, but for the life of him, Tyr could not determine where the so-called Ambassador had the discs. According to the reports from Solon, they were supposed to be in his pockets. But, where WERE his pockets?

“I will trust VuVu to find them.” Tyr thought. “After all, she'd been a pickpocket for five years before she was liberated.” he mused.

” Speaking of Solon. . . . . .” Tyr thought as he gazed in the spice dealer cum spy's direction. What he saw made his blood boil.

Solon was closeted in a corner with a large group of Vulcans and having a rather strident whispered conversation.

“It is most fortuitous that I asked Seamus to place hidden multi-directional voice activated recorders in all of the dark corners. Now, all we have to do is wait until the event is over, remove said devise and we shall see who Solon really is.” Tyr thought fiercely.

In the meantime the Ambassador was in place. If Tyr wore a watch, he would've glanced at it. Or he would've anxiously glanced at the wall chrono. However, he just waited, chatted and waited.

”Amanda, please. I cannot continue this charade any longer. Tyr thought, impatiently.

“DADDY!” Alexander exclaimed, as he ran through the crowd, followed closely by Lysander, with Amanda bringing up the rear. Both boys cannon balled into their father, and Tyr bent and lifted one in each arm. All activity in the hall stopped as everyone exclaimed, ohhhed, ahhhed, and commented on their cuteness.And of course their remarkable resemblance to their Dad.

While this was going on, VuVu used the distraction to reach into the right pocket. She swiftly removed the discs and replaced them with the phoney ones, and was back sitting like a normal plant a second later.

Tyr held and turned both of his sons for everyone to see. Melissa Culpepper used that moment to restart her live feed and got wonderful shots of the new Nietzschean Viceroy, his twin sons, and his wives. Fortunately, Tyr was also wearing his heart melting smile at the time.

Pride And Prejudice - Chapter #112

Free Enterprise  -  Pride and Prejudice  -  Chapter #112



“. . . . . . . . . So, the Dolgarians wish me to sponsor them as a candidate race to enter The Federation.” Tyr stated to HaxHis.

“Obviously so.” Haxhis replied. Tyr noted both Khan and she had been rather tight lipped during the entire exchange between Stripe and him. Apparently the old tensions between the two races had not eased over the years.

After the Dolgarian delegation had made their request, they'd went one way. Then, Tyr, HaxHis, Khan and Amanda went another and ducked into one of Deep Space Ten's unused offices to hold a private meeting.

“Why me?” Tyr asked.

“Nearly twenty-five years ago a Dolgarian ship crashed on Pinnacle. It just so happened that Barbarossa was with out with his hunting party, and they all witnessed it. They found the crash site and rescued the survivors. The survivors were quietly nursed back to health and quietly returned to their home planet. The reason you did not know about it, is because as per the Dolgarians request, all records of the events were scrubbed from Nietzschean history. However, the Dolgarians kept it as part of theirs, and Barbarossa is a revered hero to them.” Khan said.

Tyr frowned. Barbarossa always made sure he was along on those hunting trips. They were his favorite Father and Son bonding activity.

”Nothing like killing hapless woodland creatures, cooking them over a wood fire, and consuming the resulting meal, to bring father and son together. . . . . . . Tyr thought. ” I would've been eight years old at the time, and. . . .. . . . he vividly recalled the incident.

The hunting party had seen what they thought was a shooting star in the Eastern sky. But, as it got closer, it was coming in at an impossible rate of speed. Obviously, it was a ship that was going to crash. After the impact, the Nietzschean Navy had scrambled ships to investigate, but Barbarossa and his party were closer and thanks to their horses, arrived there faster.

Unfortunately, one of the first orders Barbarossa snapped out, was for Tyr to return to the compound. So, he never saw the ship nor who was rescued from the wreckage. When Tyr asked his father about the events later on that evening, Barbarossa replied “One day, when you become a leader you will learn that not all things you see can be told. Not all things that you don't see, can be explained.” In other words, “Mind your business, Tyr.” The incident was never discussed again.

“Off the record, how do you know so much about the Dolgarians and this incident?” Amanda queried.

“We Katay have listening posts and spy networks.” HaxHis replied. “Though we signed a truce pact with the Dolgarians, we didn't trust them any further than we could toss them. We certainly did not trust them to stay within their own borders. So, we kept an eye on them. Just as we suspected, they blatantly crossed into our territory. That's why they wound up crashing on Pinnacle.” she continued.

”Something is not right here. . . . . .” Tyr thought, as he kept his face inscrutable.

“What was the cause of the crash? Were they fired upon?” Tyr asked.

“We have no clue how the crash happened. And I assure you. The Katay had nothing to do with it . . . . . . .” Haxhis said as she held up her handpaws.

“Are you sure there wasn't a cloaked Katay ship out there somewhere that gave it just a teeny-weeny shove?” Amanda asked. Tyr glanced briefly at her, as he was wondering the very same question.

“No, Madame.” Khan said, in deference to Amanda's new rank. Civilian Attache of Deep Space Ten.

“Who were the survivors?” Tyr asked.

“The Dolgarians have a monarchy ruling system. And the survivors were none other than The Crown Prince, his wife and their six pups.” HaxHis replied.

“Ewww! That doesn't sound good. . . .” Amanda chimed in.

“No, that does not.” Tyr stated. ”Were they out on a family shopping trip, or were they fleeing and seeking exile?” Tyr wondered.

“Was their original destination ever disclosed?” Amanda asked.

“Never. If it was, it was lost in translation.” HaxHis said. Code words meaning if it had been disclosed, it was scrubbed from the records.

“Tyr, were I you, I would not trust them.” HaxHis continued.

“In order to become one of The Federation member races, the Dolgarians MUST have something to bring to the Fedration table. Either advanced weaponry, or technology, advanced scientific knowledge, valuable medical techniques and or cures, ship design, something. We, the Katay have examined the Dolgarians and discovered that aside from the Packleds, they are the most useless race in the galaxy!” Khan stated. Tyr and Amanda both exchanged hard looks.

”That is an awfully strong assessment . . . . . It borders on, dear I say, prejudice?” Tyr thought.

“Surely they must be good for something, besides a good laugh.” Amanda countered.

“Oh, you've noticed that too, eh? That's because they all behave like a bunch of spoiled juvenile delinquents. If they didn't have strong pack leaders and a stable government, we'd be in a universe of trouble!” HaxHis replied.

“Also, be careful with your valuables around them, they are horrendous thieves. Count your fingers after shaking paws with them!” Khan piped up.

“They must have made some kind of advances in space travel if they made it as far as Pinnacle and Deep Space Ten.” Tyr said.

“Yes, they crashed on Pinnacle. . .” Khan started.

“. . . . . and the ship they arrived here in must be on it's last legs! Have you ever seen a Dolgarian ship?” HaxHis asked. Tyr knew she was just asking a rhetorical question.

“No, I have not.” he replied, anyway.

“Neither have I.” Amanda added also. In response,, Khan pulled out his handy-dandy padd, tabbed, referenced the page, and showed Tyr and Amanda the holo.

“You have got to be frelling kidding! Are you sure this wasn't HoloShopped?” Amanda asked, incredulously. Taking the words right out of Tyr's mouth, only he wanted to use much stronger words. In present company, he dared not. All he did was stare and tried mightily not to burst out laughing.

The holo presented something akin to something which came straight from an Old Earth car grave yard. The materials used to build The Dolgarians vessel resembled a collection of cars which had been smashed flat. There was no specific rhyme or reason where pieces were placed. As long as things stuck together, they stayed that way. The thing was a literal flying junk pile!

”No wonder the confounded thing crashed! I'm surprised it made it through the Dolgarian atmosphere!” Tyr thought.

“Have you ever been on one of them?” Amanda asked of both HaxHis and Khan. Both Katay stared back at her as if she had lost her mind.

“I would not be caught . . . . . .” HaxHis started.

“. . . . . . .dead on one of those things!” Khan finished.

“Now, I see why the Dolgarians chose me to sponsor them." Tyr declared as he crossed his arms. "I my selection for or against them would be totally unbiased.” he continued. Both HaxHis and Khan stared at the Nietzschean. That was the last thing they wanted to hear. Amanda silently cheered her consort on.

“But Barbarossa. . . . . .” Khan started.

“The phrase “like father like son” does not apply to Nietzscheans. We raise our children to be individuals, not miniature likenesses of ourselves. Therefore, although I am Barbarossa's son, I have been given a fresh canvass on which to paint. I will consider the Dolgarians appeal for sponsorship, after I've done some personal research on the matter. In the meantime I suggest that you get them a love offering.” Tyr stated.

“A love offering?” Khan asked.

“A symbol of truce. Something to let the Dolgarians know that you welcome them here. That the Katay are at least willing to talk to them, again.” Amanda suggested.

“What kind of offering? Flowers?” HaxHis asked.

“Blueberries.” Tyr replied. Both HaxHis and Khan looked at each other askance.

“BLUEBERRIES?” HaxHis asked, incredulously.

“Barbarossa kept hunting dogs and as a treat, he gave them fresh blueberries. Since Dolgarians ARE canines . . . . .” Tyr suggested. "Blueberries were not only a treat, but they are an excellent source of antioxidants for Canis Familiaris." Tyr thought.

“. . . . . . and invite them to the dinner. . . .” Amanda also suggested.

“Horrors! They might pee on people and things!” A dismayed HaxHis cried. Both Tyr and Amanda stared uncompromisingly at the two Katay. The combination of The Nietzschean Stare Down and the Promethean Gimlet Eye. . . . . . . . .

“Alright,alright, I will invite them.” HaxHis sighed and relented. “I will see if we have a large quantity of fresh blueberries available on the station. If not I will have a rush order sent up from Paradise.” she continued. HaxHis tapped her com badge and gave the orders to her secretary to set things in motion.

“Now, I believe we have a state dinner to attend and like The Rabbit in Alice in Wonderland: We are late to a very important date.” she continued, once finished.

HaxHis, Khan, Tyr and Amanda filed out out of the office, where they were swallowed up by their waiting entourage.

                                                         STRIPE

Honey I'm Home! - Chapter #111

Free Enterprise  -  Honey I'm Home! - Chapter #111



Tyr awakened early the next morning, after an “interesting night”. He met Gilgamesh in the gym and they had a team weight workout. Where they each spotted one another.

Afterwards Tyr cleaned up and went up to the bridge to find out the Insurrections progress. Khan was waiting for him in The Ready Room. The Katay handed Tyr his favorite mug filled with raktigino.

“I have both good news and bad news.” Khan said as Tyr took a grateful swallow of the hot liquid. Tyr raised an eyebrow and frowned at his Pride Brother.

“Out with it, Khan!” Tyr demanded.

“Oh my, aren't we in a snit.” Khan said. He was forever psychoanalyzing.

“Khan . . . . . .” Tyr growled.

“We will be arriving at 1500 instead of 1800 hours.” Khan replied.

“And that was the good news?” Tyr asked. The last thing he needed to hear was they would be arriving early. That meant he absolutely had to see Kori by this afternoon and borrow VuVu.

“What is the bad news?” He continued.

“Once you arrive on station, you will receive twos sets of visitors. One will be expected, and will bring bad news. The other one will merely be a surprise.” Khan replied. Tyr's reaction was instantaneous. He put his mug aside, stood and walked over to stare out of the Ready Room clear steel portal at the stars.

“This does not get easier, Khan, does it?” Tyr asked.

“No, Tyr it does not, and will not for a while.” Khan replied. Tyr turned to gaze at the Katay as every tiny hair on the back of his neck stood.

“What do you mean?” Tyr asked. His Pride Brother had fully gotten his attention now.

“There is a fire coming soon that you will have to walk through by yourself.” Khan replied. Tyr perked up at the mention. Among the Katay there was the term “Fire Walker”. It referred to those who walked through the fiery trials of life, led by The Divine alone. Which meant . . . . . .

“Where will you be, Khan?” Tyr asked.

“I do not know. However I am sure of the fact that I will not be at your side.” Khan replied. Tyr actually got the chills. Khan had been with him for most of his life, so, for them to be separated was unthinkable.

“Do not discount your wives, Tyr. They will be very instrumental.” Khan continued.

“I've got quite a few things to take care of before we arrive. I'll meet you at 1500 hours.” Tyr said, after several minutes of contemplative silence. He had long given up trying to figure out Khan's predictions. He'd found the best policy in dealing with them was to “Let come what may”.

Khan watched the Ready Room's doors close behind Tyr's back, and began to pray . . . . . .



* * * * * * * *

Ten minutes later, Tyr was back in The Anasazi Quad having breakfast with Alexander, Lysander and Xena. Once they finished breakfast, and the dishes were cleared away, both Alexander and Lysander competed for Tyr's attention. They each wanted to show Daddy who could read and do their sums the best.

Both did exceptionally well, so both got well-deserved play and rough house time with Tyr until it was time for their naps. Tyr helped Xena put both boys down, then got down to making serious plans for the evenings activities.


* * * * * * * * * *


”I will have need of VuVu's services. I will need to borrow VuVu. Will it be possible for me to borrow VuVu for a few hours? I promise she will be unharmed and she will be returned. I have a mission for VuVu. . . .” Tyr thought as he rode the lift down to Sickbay. He was trying desperately to come up with the appropriate way to convince Kori to let him borrow her pet.

Were it not for the combination of The Intergalactic Hover Board Championship, the Diplomatic Shindig, and the clandestine data disk exchange, Tyr would've been anywhere but on his way to Sickbay. The Nietzschean Admiral frowned to himself, as he suspected the events had occurred on purpose in order to drive him into one of Kori's biobeds, so to speak.

Tyr stepped into Sickbay and found it quiet and deserted. Which is partially why he came at this hour. However, he knew better. Sickbay was Kori's territory and she tended to lurk. . . . . .

“So! You finally decided to grace us with your presence!” Kori said, loud enough to wake the dead and make Tyr wince. “You know damned well crew physicals were supposed to be completed three weeks ago, and as usual, you were the final hold out.” she continued. “How long did you intend to keep up this farce?” she asked. Tyr didn't bother answering that it would've continued until they arrived at Deep Space Ten. Then he could've hidden himself among the stations inhabitants and staff.

”Alas, that is not to be. Perhaps next year.” Tyr thought to himself.

“Come hither, Admiral.” Kori said as she gestured to the nearest bed.

“First, I must make a request.” Tyr stated as he put up his right index finger to stop her. He gave her a brief outline of the plan in five minutes.

“I will let you borrow her, but, you must first comply with my terms.” Kori stated simply. Again Khan had hit the nail on the head. Kori was not going to let him use VuVu for anything less than him submitting to her for his annual Starfleet physical. “In other words, no tikki, no shirtie. . . .” she continued.

”Drama Queen!” Tyr thought as he followed her to the nearest bed and lay down. Literally five minutes later, the exam was complete and Kori pronounced Tyr fitter than a Brahma Bull.

“Come.” Kori said, as Tyr stepped down from the bed. He followed her into her inner sanctum and he automatically went on the alert looking for Darwin.

“Don't worry, he's down in Hydrophonics. Some project he and Lt. Torres is working on.” Kori said, dismissively. VuVu was sitting on the side of her desk. Tyr looked from the giant Philodendron/ Wandering Jew-like plant to Kori. Clueless.

“Talk to her, Tyr.” Kori said.

“Talk to her?”

“Yes talk to her. She can see and hear you. She can talk too, but you'd need the universal translator for that.” Kori replied.

Tyr pulled the nearest chair forward and sat, fascinated that Kori said VuVi could see.

”See? With what? Tyr wondered, then started when he noticed a pair of snail-like eye stalks peering back at him through the vines.

“Those were NOT there before!” Tyr accused.

“Of course not. She keeps them hidden.” Kori said as a matter-of-factly and shrugged. Tyr could just imagine some poor soul freaking out because they thought they saw VuVu "looking at them. . . . ."

“Go ahead and tell her your plan.” she encouraged. Tyr felt like ten kinds of fool talking to a plant. However, this plant was an excellent pickpocket, and he was in desperate need of one. . . . . .

Forty-five minutes later, Tyr had the man. . . . er plant. . . . . . . for the job.


* * * * * * * * * *

Three hours later: Tyr stood in front of his mirror and watched as all seven of his wives had each commandeered a spot around him. They were all dressed to the hilt, but being women, they all had to stop and check to see if the last hair was in place, or if the lipstick shade was right. Plus check their hemlines, collars, sleeves, mystery pieces of lint, etc.

Finally they all gave themselves a group check and proclaimed themselves ready. Of course, Tyr was ready! Dressed to the nines in his Nietzschean best, including his circlet and Drago's cape. The entire group filed out of the Anasazi Quad, formed up with Cornelius, the Ceremonial Guard, augmented by Xena and 10 of the Insurrection's best Security people, and Khan. They all headed for the nearest forward exit portal.


* * * * * * * * * * *


Seemingly as soon as Tyr set foot on Deep Space Ten proper, he was met by HaxHis and her staff.

“Greetings Viceroy Anasazi! Boy! I am I glad you are here early!” HaxiHis said. Tyr was instantly on alert. “The Dolgarians are here and have been asking for you.” HaxHis continued.

“The Dolgarians? Who are they?” Tyr asked, as the group followed her lead to the nearest lift. His hyper alert senses also noted that Deep Space Ten was a lot more crowded than it was before he had left.

“They are dogs!” Khan replied. Tyr frowned disapprovingly at his Pride Brother.

”Now, what would make Khan blurt out such a blatantly racist statement?” Tyr wondered. In response, Khan removed a pad from a side pocket of his tactical shorts, tabbed it on and showed Tyr the holo. It depicted the face of a German Shepard. Tyr tamped down the urge to laugh hysterically..

“Dolgarians are a Human sized race of intelligent dogs.” Khan said. “You've forgotten the law of opposites, Tyr. If there is hot, there must be cold, if there is left, there must be right, port, starboard, up, down. And, if there are a Human sized race of intelligent cats, there must be a Human sized race of intelligent dogs. . . . .” Khan continued.

“You don't sound too happy about that fact, Khan.” Tyr replied.

“Unfortunately, we have encountered them in the past and the results were rather unfortunate.” HaxHis replied.

“How so? Territorial disputes?” Tyr asked.

“More like war, for twenty standard years.” HaxHis replied. "The war ended with an uneasy truce. We decided henceforth to stay the heck away from each other. That was about twenty-seven years ago." she continued.

“So, why would they . . . . . . . .? What in Divine's name possessed them to come here and seek me of all people?” Tyr asked.

“You can ask them yourself, because here they come.” Khan verbalized in a rushed and hushed warning.

Seconds later the party was surrounded by hundreds of Dolgarians, all barking at once. It was too much for the stations Universal Translator to handle or make sense of, so it just spewed static.

”I wonder what would happen if I threw a stick and ordered them to fetch?” Tyr speculated.

”I heard that! Behave yourself, Tyr!” Tamara rebuked him mentally, even though she personally wondered the same thing.

Meanwhile the noise level had risen so much that Tyr put two fingers into his mouth and whistled. The resulting piercing blast not only shut the Dolgarians up, but silenced and stilled everyone within earshot.

“Who is your leader?” Tyr demanded. Realizing too late that he'd just quoted the words from countless Old Earth Grade B Science Fiction movies. The now quieted pack stepped aside and allowed one Dolgarian step forward. It was a light brown and white Corgi with a white stripe on the nose.

“I am Stripe and the leader of this pack.” her feminine voice said. The Universal Translator had obviously gotten it's act together. “It is an honor to finally meet you Viceroy Tyr Anasazi.” she continued.

“Hail and well-met, Stripe.. . . . . .” Tyr started and was cut off.

“It smells like CATS here.” a Chinese Crested growled. In response, Khan hissed. A nasty sound coming from a six-foot-four, two hundred plus pound, bipedal Katay.

" Oh sh. . . . . . .!” Tyr thought, as he, his Ceremonial Guard and Security dropped their hands to their weapons.

“Shut it!” Stripe ordered without turning her head. It was obvious she knew who spoke.

“Well, it does. . . . “ was the response from a Boxer..

“Soldier! Founder! Shut your muzzles, NOW!” Stripe bellowed. Both Dolgarians whined and shut their traps.

“Please forgive me, Viceroy. HaxHis, Khan. Some of my pack are still pups and thus still have a few discipline problems.” Stripe explained, as she turned and glowered at the miscreants. They in turn shied away.

“I understand. I am on my way to a diplomatic function. I hear that you wished to see me about an important matter. If you don't mind walking with me. . . . .'' Tyr said, as he continued walking. Stripe fell in on his left side. Khan and HaxHis behind, and the rest of Tyr's entourage followed.




NOTE TO READERS What is NO TIKKE, NO SHIRTIE? Translated: "No ticket, no shirt. . . . . . ." Without the heavy Chinese accent. . . . . . .

Making The Rounds - Chapter #110

Free Enterprise  -  Making The Rounds  - Chapter  #110



Hours later, after Amanda finally dozed off, Tyr kissed her on her forehead and eased away so he wouldn't disturb her.

“Computer. Restore normal  Promethean gravity level.” He ordered as he prepared to leave her quarters.

“Acknowledged. Initiating in 30, 29, 28, . . . .” the Insurrection's female computer voice replied and began counting down. Tyr was out of the door long before she finished.


* * * * * * * * * * * *


When Tyr entered Desi's quarters and found that she too was busy packing. However, unlike Amanda who had been packing for a six week trip, Desi was packing for six months. Desi like Amanda, not only did she have to mindful of her pregnancy but that she would be returning with a newborn.

“I'm trying to finish my packing so I can help Tamara.” Desi explained, as she dropped a pile of folded clothing into a travel case. She too was old school and preferred to carry her own clothing instead of replicating what she needed.

“I will give you both access my personal expense account in case you need something.” Tyr stated.

He thanked The Divine that Bajor was not a backwards, backwater world, so they would be able to purchase items dirtside. Plus they were both entitled to buy a little something special for themselves. Being raised with older sisters. Tyr was well acquainted with them and their shopping trips.

“Thank you, Tyr.” Desi said as she gave him a hug and kiss.

“I don't want you two to go. I also don't relish the fact that I will not witness the birth of our child.” Tyr said into her hair.

“Nor do I, Tyr. I promise I wont make a habit of it.” Desi said, as she smiled up at him.

“As my consorts you both are supposed to have an armed escort. . . . .” Tyr started.

“Tyr, we are both more than capable of holding our own.” Desi protested, as she placed her hands on her hips and rolled her eyes.

“I understand, Desdemona. But, I've asked for a contingent of Ceremonial guard to meet you upon your arrival on Bajor, anyway.” Tyr stated.

He knew both women would not hesitate to protect themselves and each other. But, he was also mindful that Tamara had bee kidnapped once. The mere fact she was his First would make her a very tempting target to be kidnapped again, or worse. And no telling what might happen to Desi and her unborn child. . . . . .

“. . . . . . . Also, you know that we will be arriving at Deep Space Ten at approximately 1800 hours tomorrow.” Tyr continued.

“So soon? Why?” Desi asked.

“New Helmsman. . . . . .” Tyr replied.

“Ohhhhh! I've heard about her. Graduated her class with top honors in the Klingon Space Academy.” Desi said. Proving that the Insurrection's Moccasin Telegraph was alive and well.

“I've read her service records and she was equally proficient in Starfleet Academy.” Tyr replied.

“So, what's on the agenda when we arrive?” Desi asked.

”Big diplomatic confab, dinner and dance, which coincides with the Intergalactic Hover Bard Championships.” Tyr replied, with obvious distaste.

“Hummmm. So, which hat will you be wearing Tyr Anasazi? Starfleet Rear Admiral, or Nietzschean Viceroy?” Desi asked, sagely.

“Nietzschean Viceroy. That is why I will need all of my wives to be present.” Tyr replied.

“I would not miss it for the universe.” Desi replied, and smiled.

For she knew this was to be Tyr's official coming out as The Nietzschean Viceroy. By now, the whole quadrant and beyond, knew that Barbarossa was dead, and had passed his crown to one of his sons. Most knew of Tyr's name but didn't know WHO hie actually was. After all, Barbarossa had had 15 sons!

So, the upcoming events were guaranteed to be overrun with intergalactic newshounds of every stripe and color. Something the Intergalactic News Services couldn't do back on Pinnacle. Why? There was a strict media lock down in order to respect the families privacy.

“If it helps, Tyr. Cochise hates these events too.” Desi said. Tyr smiled in response and turned to leave.

“Oh, bye the way, the twins want to see you.” Desi said as Tyr reached the door. Tyr froze in place and turned back to look at Desi. Questing expression on his face.

“I have no clue.” Desi replied with an innocent smile and shrug.

“Women.” Tyr thought and huffed, as he exited her quarters.


* * * * * * * * *


Before proceeding to the Twins quarters, Tyr went to his quarters, got cleaned up, then went to see what the Ping Sisters wanted.

For the last wives on the Tyr Anasazi family totem pole, they were awfully demanding. Not content to wait until Tyr made “his rounds”, they often demanded his presence. Tyr wasn't adverse to obliging but, what would happen once his Starfleet duties resumed in earnest? He made a mental note to apprise them of that fact tonight.


* * * * * * * * * * *


Tyr was both in agony and bliss. He was laying face down on the deck in the Ping Sisters living room, while Hoy Li walked on his back. Li Hoy accompanied her by playing an Andorian mini harp, and singing. Tyr has no idea that she could play so well. The problem was, she couldn't hold a tune in a bucket! Tyr winced as Li belted out something out in Chinese.

“You have to tell her.” Tyr briefly thought to himself, then immediately clamped down on the thought.

Both women were telepathic and were more than capable of picking up his random thoughts. So far, learning and practicing the Mental Katas from Tamara had helped to keep them out of his head. But, for how long?

The evening had started out with a seven course dinner. Then this.

”This might be a long night." Tyr thought. Since he was facing the deck, He did not see the Ping sisters look at and smile at each other.

That was exactly what they were hoping for.




Author's Note: "Are we there yet?" you wonder. "Soon come!" I reply ( Quoting my Old-School West-Indian Mom when ever I asked her that question ). "Soon Come!"

Photo Hat Tip:  "TG"

Chicken Soup For The Promethian Soul - Chapter #109

Free Enterprise  -  Chicken Soup For The Promethean Soul - #109


Amanda returned to her quarters with the full intent to take the rest of the evening off to pack, then chill. Her mind was so wrapped up in what she had to do that she nearly tripped over her prone consort laying just within the doors of her quarters.

Amanda simply put her hands on her hips, sighed and shook her head. She had warned Tyr repeatedly not to enter her quarters without telling her first. Why? Because she, a Promethean, from a heavy gravity world, preferred to relax in a high- grav environment when off duty.

Though Nietzscheans were powerful beings, unless they were properly acclimated to Promethean gravity which was approximately twice Earths normal gravity they were incapable of standing up in it. In other words they would all wind up kissing the deck like Tyr.

Prometheans had learned a healthy respect for gravity, that invisible but crushing force, from day one. That's why she'd warned Tyr so many times.

“But, like a child, he just had to test and see for himself.” she thought.

“Computer. Reduce gravity to Earth normal.” she ordered verbally, as she proceeded into her quarters. Leaving Tyr where he lay.

“Acknowledged.” the female voice replied, and complied.

Amanda hummed as she brought out a packing case and set it on her sofa. She went back into her bedroom and returned with an armful of folded clothing, which she began to separate on the sofa.

At this day and age one could literally travel without packing one stitch. All one had to do was replicate what one wanted to wear. However, Amanda Anasazi was old school. She liked her own clothing, not rearranged atoms and photons.

Amanda also had to consider the fact she was pregnant and would be putting a on little extra weight.

“Oh, hello!” she said brightly, as she watched Tyr roll up into a sitting position. He fluidly stood once he recognized that the gravity was back to normal.

“You are by far the most stubborn male creature I've ever met! I thought my Da was stubborn!” Amanda stated crossly, as she crossed her arms and glared at Tyr.
“What the hell was that? Some kind of security measure?” Tyr asked. He was merely being just as irritating in return.

“It is my own personal gravity well. I use it when I am alone and don't expect any visitors to drop in and fall across the threshold of my door, or to be hiding and waiting in my empty quarters. That's why I warned you NOT to come in here without first telling me.” Amanda said as she threw her hands up in frustration. “It may as well be a security devise because all who are not Prometheans will end up kissing the deck plates the way you did.” she continued, as she tossed a couple of clothing items into the travel case.

“Amanda, when are you leaving?” Tyr asked.

“As soon as we arrive at Deep Space Ten.” she replied as she looked at him, and frowned.

“We will be arriving two days early. . . . . According to Ensign Kesha, about 1800 hours tomorrow.” Tyr started

“That's no problem. I can arrange to take an earlier starliner out. . . .” she responded.

“I was hoping you would stay and attend the reception with us. You can always take the later flight out the way you had originally planned.” Tyr said.

Amanda's face blanched, as she swayed a bit. Tyr reached out and steadied her.

“Are you alright, Amanda?” he asked, face mirroring concern.

“Eh, it's a combination of things. The abrupt change of gravity, adjusting to the little one, and the fact that . . . . . Ugh, wait one. . . . “ she said as she dashed away to the fresher. Tyr heard the distinct sounds of gagging she “cast up accounts”.

Afterward, she made sure she'd cleaned herself up, and found Tyr waiting, just behind the door. Amanda squeezed past her consort and headed straight for the replicator.

“Ginger Beer, room temperature.” she ordered. Seconds later a glass of the brew materialized. She'd barely taken two sips when Tyr removed the glass from her hand.

“Tyr!” Amanda protested “That's the only thing that will settle my stomach!” she protested. “haven't you heard? You're not supposed to take food and drink away from pregnant women!” she continued.

“Carbonated water, high fructose corn syrup . . . . .” Tyr rattled the list of the brews ingredients off by heart. “. . . . . . . . Is that what you intend to feed our child?” he continued.

Amanda had forgotten that Nietzscheans were so anal when it came to food. Everything had to be fresh and organic, and replicated foods were verboten.

Nietzschean and Starfleet ships, which had Nietzschean crews had hydroponics bays to grow fresh fruits, vegetables, edible flowers, medicinal herbs and spices.

As a rule, Nietzscheans would only eat replicated foods if there was a dire emergency, and there was nothing else to eat. After which, Amanda supposed they would take a colonic. . . . . . .

“Girl. It's a girl.” Amanda replied. In response, Tyr blinked, because she had momentarily stunned and thrown him off.

“How do you know?” he asked.

Dr. Kori probably already sexed the baby and told her. Tyr thought, answering himself.

“When a woman is pregnant with a boy, the belly pushes straight out. With a girl, she lays across so the woman's hips spread. I'm starting to get a bit hippy, so. . . our baby is a little girl, Tyr.” Amanda replied. “It's supposed to be an Old Earth, Old Wives Tale, but I've personally found it to be true. After all this will be my Second Family and I've had both sons and daughters.” she continued and smiled.

“All the more reason for you not to drink this garbage. It is full of sugar and I don't want our . . . . daughter to suffer from childhood diabetes.” Tyr stated, as he tossed both glass and it's contents down the recycler. He took her by the arm and led her to the breakfast nook where he seated her in one of the chairs.

“I will be right back with something for you two.” Tyr said and then he was gone.

Amanda leaned her right elbow on the table and propped her head up in the cupped palm of her right hand. And waited.

She had to have fallen asleep because the smell of something good to eat woke her up. Amanda opened her eyes to see Tyr sitting directly across from her. A covered bowl sat in front of her, to the side sat a thermos bottle.

“Ginger tea.” Tyr replied to Amanda's questioning gaze.

“Okay Tyr, what do you want?” Amanda asked. She'd recognized the “ply the pregnant woman with food” ploy.

“I will need a little distraction during the reception.” Tyr replied, as he leaned in conspiratorially.

Amanda listened with increasing interest while she dusted off a bowl of home made chunky chicken soup, ate three slices of nut bread, and sipped ginger tea.

By the time Amanda finished eating, there was A Plan in place.




Note To Readers: The words: “To Cast Up Accounts” simply mean “To Vomit”. I've been reading waaaay too much Classics. . . . . . . .

Light Finger Louie - Chapter #108

Free Enterprise  -  Light Finger Louie  -  Chapter #108



Early the next morning, while Tamara still slept, Tyr eased out of bed and headed for the gym. There he did his usual brutal workout, got cleaned up and went to the Bridge to check things out.

Upon arrival, he found Commander Gilgamesh had the con. Tyr stood quietly beside his cousin as he was given a verbal rundown of the affairs of the day.

“We will be arriving at Deep Space Ten at approximately 1812 hours,tomorrow afternoon.” Gilgamesh intoned. Tyr frowned. He had been originally informed that the trip would take ten days at warp 9.

“How we manage to shave a whole two days off the trip without flying the Insurrection apart?” Tyr wondered.

He gazed over at the helm and instantly knew why. Their newest Ensign, a Klingon female named Kesha was a former test pilot for the Klingon Space Force. She broken with her families tradition ( a long line of pilots in her house ) and entered Starfleet Academy in order to expand her talents even further. Reportedly, she could fly anything as long as it was space capable, and, she always flew ships like she'd stolen them!

Tyr had heard about her, but had not been able to meet and welcome her on board, due to circumstances. . . . .

“Ensign?” Tyr asked.

“Ensign Kesha, Sir.” she replied, stood and nearly saluted. A Klingon salute, Tyr noted. You could always tell the ex-military Ensigns from the brand new wet-nosed Ensigns. They were ready made soldiers and were old hands at this.

“Welcome aboard the Insurrection.” Tyr said. He mightily resisted saying: “The best ship in Starfleet.” Khan warned him against saying that. Why? Because EVERY captain thought his or her ship was the best, so those would be considered fighting words by some who'd transferred from other ships.

“Thank you, Sir.” she replied.

“As you were.” Tyr ordered. Kesha returned to her seat. Tyr was glad because he did not relish the fact that his ship was flying at warp 9 on auto pilot. . . .

“I will be in my Ready Room.” Tyr informed Commander Gilgamesh, as he headed to his Inner Sanctum.

Of course, Khan was already there and waiting.

“Good Morning to you too, Tyr.” Khan said pleasantly. To which Tyr just grunted.

“I thought you were anxious to get back to Deep Space Ten.” Khan continued.

Tyr sighed and told him about Tamara, Desi, and Amanda. He also expressed his concerns about the huge diplomatic confab and reception which required his presence the moment the Insurrection docked at the station. Khan listened with an expression like he already KNEW these things were going to occur. Of course, he did. . . . .

“Amanda will leave. Tamara and Desi will not.” Khan replied sagely, after several minutes of companionable silence.

Tyr grew concerned. In truth, he didn't want any of his wives to leave, so hearing that Tamara and Desi were not going brought some relief. Especially since Desi was with child.

“Why is Amanda going and not Tamara and Desi?” Tyr frowned asked. After all of their years as brothers, he knew Khan wouldn't answer him, but he had to inquire anyway.

“To quote an old James Bond movie 'If I told you, I'd have to kill you.'” Khan replied as he gazed at his Pride Brother and pulled his whiskers half way back.

To Tyr these were unmistable signs that some deep kimshee was about to hit the fan. That along with the small hairs on the back of his neck standing on end. He'd even gotten the chills.

“You'd better call HaxHis and let her know you're arriving early.” Khan said, purposely distracting his brother.

Tyr sat behind his desk and called up HaxHis. After their initial greetings, her expressing surprise that they would be there tomorrow, they got down to real business.

“It's just as well that you will arrive early, because there was some kind of mix up with the dates and both events started early. I'd swear it was some kind of conspiracy to throw us off so that we couldn't get our operatives in place in time.” HaxHis fussed. “I hate to ask this of you Tyr but when you arrive you're going to have to come in hot.” she continued.

Tyr nodded. He knew the term “Coming In Hot” meant coming in with weapons armed and ready for battle. That translated into Harper and Monique being ready for the Hoverboard competition, and likewise he had to be up to diplomatic snuff. He sat still and listened as HaxHis outlined the plans.

“Oh, bye the way, do you have anyone among your crew who is an expert pickpocket?” HaxHis asked.

Tyr gazed at HaxHis' leonine face in the communications console. No doubt she felt that gaze hundreds of light years away. And returned it with equal ferocity.

“No, not YOU, Tyr.” HaxHis stated, as she rolled her eyes. Being a pickpocket was just one of Tyr's little known talents in the Academy.

“It would be highly unseemly for you, a Starfleet Admiral and the Nietzschean Viceroy to be a pickpocket. You'll need to find someone else and have them ready by the time you arrive tomorrow.” she continued.

“Why is there a need for a pickpocket in the first place?” Tyr asked.

“Because we've received word that Racurr, the Romulan Ambassador will be carrying the data chip on his person during the reception.” HaxHis replied. Tyr nodded as he saw why it would be a horrible diplomatic misstep for HIM to pickpocket the man. There was perhaps another ten minutes of conversation before the communication finally ended.

Tyr sat back in his chair to puzzle out who else on his ship knew how to pickpocket. After a minute of silence, Khan cleared his throat.

“Dr. Kori left a message. I don't think it bears repeating.” Khan said.

Tyr rocked back in his chair and gazed up and to the right at the Katay standing next to him.

“You have been avoiding Dr. Kori of late, and she has exactly what you need.” Khan continued.

“What? My annual Star Fleet Physical?” Tyr groused.

“That too. But, she has something even more important.”

“Oh?  What pray tell is that, Khan?” Tyr asked.

“VuVu.” Khan replied.

“VuVu? Why VuVu?” Tyr asked. Suddenly, he recalled VuVu deftly snatching a Nietzschean Sovereign out of his hand. He abruptly sat up pointed and shook his finger at at Khan. There were so many things Tyr wanted to say, but found he had been rendered speechless.

“VuVu is a Pickpocket Plant, and thus has the perfect cover. After all, who would expect a ficus to be a pickpocket?” Khan replied, as he pulled his whiskers back with mirth. “Dr. Kori will let you use her, but you'll have to have your physical first, Tyr.” he continued.

“Bribery.” Tyr rumbled, as he rolled his eyes, and shook his dread locked head.

“As long as it not unethical, it helps to get things done.” Khan replied.

“Well, she will have to wait. Looks like I've got a very busy 24 hours ahead of me. In fact, we all do.” Tyr said, as stood and headed for the Ready Rooms doors.

“Don't forget to eat a decent breakfast.” Khan tossed out at Tyr, as the doors closed behind him.

“Crap! I did forget.” Tyr thought as the turbo lift sped down to engineering.

After having a private meeting with Seamus and Monique about the bogus chip and the Hover Board Championship, Tyr left assured that everything was in place and ready. His next stop was to have lunch with Xena and his sons.

As they ate, Tyr frowned at his two sons. They both looked alike ( and were the splitting image of him by the way ), but both clearly had very different personalities.

Despite the fact that Tyr had asked Xena not to dress the two alike, she'd done so anyway. The outfits were the same, but different colors. Even so they were mirror images of one another, except when it came to the hair.

Lysander was sporting a head full of neatly twisted baby dread locks, and looked very much like Tyr did when he was a mere babe in Victoria's arms. However, that resemblance stopped when it came Alexander. Where his brothers hair was neat, Alexander's was matted and tangled.

Tyr frowned deeply as he gazed at his son.

“Xena. Why does Alexander's hair look like a rodent's nest?” he asked.

“Because he refuses to let me do anything with it.” Xena replied.

“Refuses? He is not yet a year old and yet he REFUSES?” Tyr asked, incredulously. He knew full well Nietzschean children were stubborn and headstrong. One needed a firm hand to deal with Nietzschean children, even if it meant a swat or two to get the point across. After all, HE was the same way.

“Tyr, he fights, and now that his teeth are coming in, he bites.” she replied as she showed him a bruise on her right arm. Tyr rolled his eyes inwardly. Xena Anasazi, The Chief of Security for The Insurrection, would gladly take down a 400 pound marauding alien or two, but couldn't deal with her own son.

“Perhaps she does not wish to strike the child.” Tyr thought.

“Leave him with me and I will take care of it.” Tyr said. Xena stared in wide-eyed horror at her consort.

“No, I will not hurt him. However, he will learn never to bite anything unless it is food, or to defend himself against a mortal enemy.” Tyr assured.

Without another word, Xena scooped Lysander up and quietly left before Alexander got wind of it and started to cry. As it was, he didn't even notice his mother and brother were gone. He was so busy putting his puzzle together.

“Alexander.” Tyr called as he stood.

Alexander looked up, all of a sudden noticed he was alone with his father. He screwed up his face with the full intent to let out an air raid siren of a cry. Only he got a good close up look at his fathers face and quickly decided against it. The tears which already started rolling down his cheeks seemed to reverse course back into his tear ducts.

“Now, pick up your toys and come with me.” Tyr said, as he got up and slowly walked to the living area. Alexander put his toys into his toy caddy and pattered after his dad.

Tyr sat on the sofa and beckoned the child to come up and sit with him. Alexander obediently scrambled up. Tyr picked him up and put him in his lap. Without warning he ran his hand through Alexander's mop.

The reaction was instantaneous. His little arms flew up, tiny hands fought to push his hand away, tiny nails tried to scratch. Just as Xena warned, he tried to bite Tyr. Tyr grabbed Alexanders left hand and gave it a stiff “tap” with his right index finger.

Large hazel eyes stared up at Tyr as if to say: “You HIT me?!?!”

“Yes, I did, and I will do it again and again until you learn not to fight or bite when someone combs your hair.” Tyr replied.

Little Alexander screwed up his little face, the tears flowed and he started crying, again.

“Alexander. Stop the crying. I am not slaughtering you. I trying to help you.” Tyr said. “But, I will not allow you to fight and bite me. I will also not tolorate you biting your mother, or my other wives. Do you understand?” Tyr stated.

Little Alexander may have not been able to speak coherently yet, but there was nothing wrong with his comprehension. Tyr removed a wash rag from Alexander's kit bag and washed his little face, and made him blow and cleaned his little nose. From there on Alexander allowed his father to clip, wash and twist his hair into neat baby dreads.

By the time Xena returned three and a half hours later. Alexander was sitting in Tyr's lap and turning the pages of an old fashioned children s story book, as his dad read to him. Xena smiled as she realized the book had to be one of Tyr's own childhood books which he preserved and saved for this very occasion. To read to his own legacy.

“Victoria saved my books for me.” Tyr said, as he reverently closed the book, carefully put it aside and stood with his son.

”She gave them back to me after my father's burial ceremony. Her way of letting me know, it's time I start adding to Pride Kodiak.” he continued with a smile.

He handed Alexander back to Xena, and she watched as he held tiny arms out to hug Tyr before he surrendered to her.

“Oh my, what did you do? Bribe him with cookies?” Xena asked as she clutched Alexander to herself.

“No. I just showed him who the Alpha is in the family.” Tyr replied.

“You didnt hit him did you?” Xena asked.

“A couple of well-placed taps. . . . It did not kill him.” Tyr replied.

“What does not kill one, makes one stronger.” Xena quoted from Nietzsche.

“Agreed.” Tyr replied and smiled.

Dream Chaser - Chapter #107

Free Enterprise  -   Dream Chaser  -  Chapter  #107


”Tamara, why did you inhale your food so? Did you not eat today?” Tyr asked mentally. When together they would automatically fall into the comfortable habit of conversing telepathically, instead of verbally.

“I was starving, Babe!” Tamara replied. They had completed their meal. The dishes had been placed into the recycler and now they were sitting snuggled together on the sofa.

“Tamara. What have I told you about missing meals?” Tyr asked. His First was a typical Vulcan workaholic who would work tirelessly all day and even work out and forget to eat.

“At times I really get caught up in my work. Plus the food was delicious. All the more reason to snarf it up!” Tamara replied with a grin. Before meeting Tamara, it was impossible for Tyr to envision ANY Vulcan snarfing ANYTHING. . . . . . . . .

“It was only lasagne.” Tyr thought in reply.

“It's by far the very best lasagne I've ever tasted. Even the best Vulcan lasagnes don't compare to yours! What other dishes can you cook?” She asked. In response, Tyr ticked off an impressive list.

“Have you ever thought of being a professional cook and or opening your own business?” she asked.

“I had briefly toyed with the idea, but as Barbarossa used to say: 'That was not what I was born for.” Tyr replied.

“OMG! Such talent going to waste!” Tamara despaired.

“Not really. Being able to cook means I can provide healthy and properly prepared sustenance for my family without sickening or poisoning them.” Tyr replied.

Though they both knew that Nietzscheans were capable of ingesting most poisons without suffering the most common side affect known to man. Death.


* * * * * * * * *


Hours later after "cuddling", Tamara suddenly burst into tears. Since he had been forewarned by Khan about this, Tyr simply enfolded her in his arms and allowed her to cry herself dry.

She then quietly excused herself, went to the fresher to wash and dry her face, and returned to the comfort of her consorts arms.

“Tamara, what brought that on?” Tyr asked verbally as if he didn't already know.

“I can't help but think that we have been engaging in fruitless activity.” Tamara whispered in reply.

“Fruitless activity? How?” Tyr asked. He knew where this was going and was trying stop the train wreck.

“I'm perfectly aware of the fact that Nietzschean males only mate in order to produce a legacy. Due to circumstances beyond my control, I have been rendered incapable of producing said legacy, so why persist to. . . . .” Tamara started.

“Tamara. Have we not discussed and put this subject to rest nearly a year ago when we first. . . .?” Tyr started, interrupting his First.

“Yes we have. However, I cannot help but ponder my true value as a wife if I am unable to produce offspring.” Tamara replied. Tyr knew when Tamara was stressed, nervous or upset, she reverted to speaking Proper Vulcan Standard without consonants.

”Women are very insecure creatures and need to be reminded that they are loved and appreciated constantly. A gentle word here or there, an action, can go a very long way with them.” Khan once told him.

“Tamara, I. . . .” was as far as Tyr got.

“I'm officially requesting permission for medical leave.” Tamara stated firmly, as she sat up. The romantic mood totally destroyed, Tyr sat up also.

“For how long?” Tyr queried.

“Perhaps six months.” she replied.

"Six months? What the. . . . . ." Tyr frowned and thought behind his thought shield

“Reason?” Tyr asked, verbally.

Tamara pondered for a bit. Technically she did not have to tell him. But, she was between a rock and a hard place. Not only was Tyr her consort, but he was also her Commanding Officer. When a Captain of a Starship asked for six months medical leave, it was a serious issue. After all, who would be qualified to take her place while she was gone? Starship Captains were not baked up like muffins in a muffin pan . . . .

“The last time I saw Doctor S'lbin, the most respected reproductive specialist on Vulcan, he 1. Declared there was nothing he could do for me. 2. Referred me to a specialist on Bajor. “ Tamara replied.

"Tamara, wasn't it nearly three years ago when you last saw Dr. S'lbin?" Tyr asked.

"Exactly, three years, two months, 17 hours. It has taken me this long to finally slay the dragons and  demons." Tamara replied, as a tear rolled down out of her left eye. Tyr used his hand to tender wipe it away then drew her close.

"Why Bajor?” he asked, after she had calmed down.

“Due to the Cardassian Occupation, many Bajoran women were abused in the same manner as I. Some worse. A Doctor Falin Tarva devoted her life and pioneered new techniques to repair the damage. She also spearheaded the Life Force Team. Life Force is a team of doctors, personally trained by her to repair such damage, not only in Bajoran women but all humaniod women.” Tamara replied.

“What is their track record?” Tyr asked.

“So far, they have a 90% success rate.” Tamara replied. "Yes, Tyr. I realize in life there is always a 10% failure rate." she continued.

“Yet, you are still willing to take the risk?” Tyr asked.

“Yes, Tyr.” she replied.

“When will you be leaving?” Tyr asked.

“Five days after we arrive at the station.” Tamara replied.

Tyr mentally tabulated what this meant. Two of his wives were going to be off station. Tamara was going to Bajor and would be out of the mix for approximately six months. Give or take how long it took for her to recover. As soon as The Insurrection arrived at Deep Space Ten Amanda was heading to Prometheus to pick up her Starfleet Academy bound, grand daughters. Thus she would be off station for approximately six weeks.

“The Life Force representative also explained, if at all possible I should bring a loved one or friend to stay with me. . . . It would help encourage and speed my recovery. I'd love for YOU to come and stay with me, but, I realize because of your rank and duties you can't. So I asked Desi to come with me. She has the advantage of not being a Starfleet officer, and thus does not need to take medical leave like me.” Tamara stated.

“Tamara, . . . . . she is with child . . . . .” Tyr replied, hesitantly. He automatically knew due to the Nietzschean's accelerated growth pattern. Two women and an unborn child would be leaving, and two women and a newborn would return.

“We're both aware of that fact, but she agreed to go, anyway. It just means when it's time she will have the baby on Bajor. There'll be nothing to worry about, Babe. After all, Life Force has a fully staffed reproductive specialty facility, so they'll have no problems delivering a wee one.” Tamara said.

Tyr mentally added Desi and her yet unborn baby to the list. He also wondered if Barbarossa had to make these kinds of decisions concerning his wives.

"Just think, Desi's child would be the first Nietzschean citizen of Bajor." she added.

Tyr was both amazed and proud that Tamara had carefully researched and thought through all of the details before approaching him. Though he loathed to see Tamara and Desi go, he had no choice but to let them. It would've been an insult not to.

“Please file the request as soon possible and I will likewise approve and sign it.” Tyr replied. “Also Tam. If the procedure does not work, please promise me that you will not waste any more precious time chasing a dream all over the Alpha Quadrant.” he continued.

“I promise.” Tamara said, as she smiled for the first time since the conversation started.

“Computer. Play Billy Joel, Cut 74." Tyr ordered. The Insurrection's computer immediately complied.

More "cuddling" ensued, as Billy Joel crooned in the background:


Don't go changing, to try and please me
You never let me down before
Don't imagine you're too familiar
And I don't see you anymore
I wouldn't leave you in times of trouble
We never could have come this far
I took the good times, I'll take the bad times
I'll take you just the way you are . . . . .

Don't go trying some new fashion
Don't change the color of your hair
You always have my unspoken passion
Although I might not seem to care

I don't want clever conversation
I never want to work that hard
I just want someone that I can talk to
I want you just the way you are.

I need to know that you will always be
The same old someone that I knew
What will it take till you believe in me
The way that I believe in you.

I said I love you and that's forever
And this I promise from the heart
I could not love you any better
I love you just the way you are.




Note To Readers: The name of the song is, "I Love You Just The Way You Are by Billy Joel. I thought it was most appropriate. Yeah, I know, "romantic sap" I be. . . . . . . .

Interesting Times - Chapter #106

There is an Old Chinese Proverb and/or Curse which says the following: "May you have Interesting Times" As if being a Nietzschean is NOT interesting enough. . . . . . . .



Free Enterprise  -   Interesting Times  -  Chapter #106


”Remember Tyr, don't let on to Desi, Hoy Li, and Li Hoy that you know they are pregnant. Let them come to you and tell you. And if you know what's good for you, you'd better act surprised.” Khan had warned.


You'll also have to give Tamara a lot of special attention. She's putting on a brave face, but she's really hurting inside. She has never truly got over the fact that she cannot have her own children.” The Katay continued sagely. Personally Tyr thought they'd both crossed that bridge and burned it with the death of The Orion Syndicates Leader, at his hand eight months ago.

“Please convey to The Captain, if she would like someone to talk to, I have an open door policy. So does my wife, if she prefers to have a female presence.” Khan reminded. Interrupting Tyr's thoughts.

“I will be sure to tell her that.” Tyr replied.

“And you, Tyr, you know you always have access to my ear if you need it.” Khan stated.

“Thank you for being there, Khan.” Tyr said, as he gazed back into the Katay's intense amber eyes.

“After all, what are Pride Brothers for?” Khan asked.

“Indeed.” Tyr replied and frowned as he got a sudden chill.

“If you only knew what was on the horizon for you my brother. As the Human Bible says: I have many things to tell you, but you cannot bare them. . .” Khan thought.

Tyr recognized the inkling in Khan's eyes and knew better than to press. The Katay were honor bound not to forth-tell if the future was especially bad. They could only divulge bits and pieces as they guided their charge(s) through the lumps, bumps and bruises.

The Katay have learned in the distant past that to tell all at once would drive some mad, cause the needless death of some, or cause others to commit suicide. Khan had no idea what this would do to his Pride Brother. So he decided to keep as much of the information close to the vest as possible. From here on he would beseech The Divine for guidance in handling Tyr.

Though he was not a praying man, Tyr also, offered a silent prayer to the Divine. He was not really sure what he was praying for, but he wanted to touch base with The Higher Power just in case.

”You are definitely going to need it.” Khan thought sagely, after seeing the fleeting expression on Tyr's face.


* * * * * * *


Much later that evening Tyr replayed the conversation in his mind, while he cleaned his tiny kitchen. A tray of Lasagne was nearly finished cooking, and he had just prepared a nice salad and garlic bread to go with it. Now all he needed was Tamara.

He gazed at the wall chrono and smiled. She was fifteen minutes late even though she lived in the same quad and one door away. He'd put the question to Amanda earlier and her answer was:

“Boo. Even though Tamara is a Vulcan, she's a woman, and all women need time to get all prettied up for a dinner date or to go out, or a special event. It's a woman thing, Tyr. We've got to look just right. Thank goodness it's not a traditional Promethean wedding Ceremony! You'd wait like a half a day or more for your bride and and her entourage to show up!”

“A half a day?” Tyr queried.

“Yep. But remember, nearly everything in Promethean society is a test. If the Groom is willing to wait for The Bride, he is worth marrying. If he gives up and walks out, he'd better not cross her path again, because by law, she now has the right to kill him.” Amanda replied.

”Damn! I thought Nietzscheans were bad! Tyr thought.

He immediately remembered that crazy song Khan used to sing: “Hit The Road Jack.” Now, it seemed most apropos.

“What does the groom do in the meantime while he is waiting.” Tyr asked. He'd witnessed several Human ceremonies and watched as the grooms fidgeted nervously at the alter, while waiting for their bride to arrive.

“Oh there is a big get together with the groom's male family members and friends. It's all sedate and stuff, and no drinking. Coffee, tea, cookies, cold cuts and cheese, stuff like that.

Now when the bride shows up, her friends and relatives bring food, drink and music. While they set up everything, the parson takes the couple off a private room, marries them in a short ceremony, and presents them back to the crowd. Then there is a big reception like-feast.” Amanda replied. “The reason it takes so long to get ready is because women being women have to prepare enough food to feed a battalion plus get 'all gussied up' like my Mam used to say.” she continued.

In essence, they had been preparing for the event for months, and now they were down to the wire,"Mr. Murphy" would move in and take over. The brides train would be lost, the salad forks disappeared, the flower girl would get sick, food spoiled, someone's dress was ripped or had a stain, etc. Causing utter chaos. . . . . .

“I would like to witness one of those ceremonies.” Tyr replied.

“You just might, and soon. I have twin grand daughters Jasmine and Justine. The young men have pining after them lately. The only reason they have not challenged a potential mate, is they are both dead set on joining Starfleet Academy.” Amanda replied. “In fact, when we return to Deep Space Ten, I'll have to ship out to Prometh to pick them up. They will be starting with the next class and I want to get them here early, so they will be nice and acclimated.” Amanda replied.

Tyr recalled expressing concern for her and his yet unborn child.

“Don't worry, Boo. I should be back within four to six weeks. Besides, you have plenty of wives to look after, with three of them being pregnant and all.” she replied.

“Did they tell you?” Tyr asked, aghast.

“No Boo, they didn't have to tell me. Remember, I've been there, and done that. So, I can recognize the signs, that's all.” she replied.

“Don't forget to take care of Tamara. I know she;s dealt with the demons, but she still has issues. Spend some more time with her and treat her special, so she won't feel left out.” Amanda admonished, before she left.

The door's buzzer rudely cut through Tyr's wool gathering and snatched him back to the present. Tyr checked the oven, turned it off, slipped the apron over his head hung it on a peg, and went to answer the door.



Note: “Hit the Road Jack” was written by Percy Mayfield and sung by Ray Charles.

A Brief History:

Technically, this isn’t a song about driving, but rather, being driven out of somebody’s life: “Old woman, old woman, oh you treat me so mean, you’re the meanest old woman that I ever have seen.” But the song, released in 1961, has many usages for the modern motorist.

Say you’re in a car full of friends and you want to yell at somebody who just cut you off: “Hit the road, Jack! And don’t cha come back no more, no more, no more, no more.”

Or a menacing truck driver is being arrested by the state police: “Hit, the road, Jack! …” etc. This was actually written by Ray’s friend Percy Mayfield, a singer who cut back his touring after being involved in a bad car accident. So while you’re screaming, “Hit the road, Jack!” make sure to obey the speed limit and keep your eyes on the road.


Mr. Murphy and/or Murphy's Law: is an adage or epigram that is typically stated as: "Anything that can go wrong will go wrong".

Note on weddings: I've been to several weddings and been a bridesmaid and or wedding photographer numerous times, and have personally witnessed the chaos first hand. Not pretty. . . . . . . .

Three In One - Chapter #105

Free Enterprise  -  Three In One  -  Chapter #105


After a long workout and a leisurely breakfast with his friend Captain Hunt, Tyr headed for the bridge.

The moment The Rear Admiral stepped of the lift, Tamara stood and offered him the command chair. However, Tyr refused, and headed for the Ready Room. He found Khan already standing at the the giant clear steel portal, and watching the stars.

“Good day to hunt, isn't it Pride Brother?” Tyr yowled in Katay.

“It all depends on what you are hunting, Pride Brother.” Khan responded in kind. “If you are hunting a poor, hapless, herbivore, it is a good day. However, if it someone or thing that is just as cunning as we are. . . . .” Khan continued, as he pulled his whiskers back with mirth. Tyr nodded his understanding.

“Did you sleep well, Khan?” he asked.

“As well as I could with two kits curled up with us. In fact my wife requisitioned a new sleeping basket for each from the quartermaster and we will try them out tonight. Most likely they will still sleep with each other in one basket until they are old enough to separate.” Khan said.

Referring to the fact that Katay kits slept together like a basket full of kittens. It was a warmth, comfort and companionship thing. They often quit during their prepubescent years, which meant in a year or two they would be hunting for a mate. Once in a while, like everything else, you would either find “clingers” or extreme “individualists”.

“That is good to hear.” Tyr replied.

“And how are Alexander and Lysander?” Khan asked.

“It would seem that all they do is cry, sleep, eat and void.” Tyr replied. Which caused Khan to go into a fit of chuffing.

“Tyr, that is the lot of and the very reason they are called babies. They are utterly helpless and that is all they have the capacity to do until they grow up and are progressively taught better. It is truly a pity you were not exposed to the task of caring for younger siblings when you were younger. My personal advise to all potential fathers is to either take care of younger siblings, relatives, or friends children. That way they would get a personal taste of what it's like to have children of their own. You see, those children, you can always give back to their parents. But, you are stuck with and responsible for your own.” Khan replied.

“It has definitely been a learning experience for me.” Tyr replied.

“Good, because you have more on the way.” Khan replied.

“More? Amanda?” Tyr frowned and asked, while the tiny hairs stood on the back of his neck.

”Damn! I hate when he does that!” he thought.

“Meaning no disrespect to the Retired Admiral, but that is old news.” Khan replied.

“Then whom . . . . .?” Tyr hazarded to start.

“Who were the latest three wives to take you as their consort?”

”Desi, Hoy Li and Li Hoy. . . . . .” Tyr thought.

“All three?” Tyr asked.

“After all, you have bragged to me hundreds of times that all Nietzschean arrows fly true. . . . . . Apparently it is . . . . true.” Khan replied as he pulled his whiskers back with mirth.

“All three?” Tyr asked.

“Yes, Tyr. All three.”

On the Bridge, fourteen heads looked up from their duties and electronic displays, to gaze and wonder at the Ready Room door. Only Tamara knew what Tyr's victory shout was all about. She smiled though she ached inside.

What's In A Name? - Chapter #105

A Day In The Life. . . . . . - Chapter #104

Free Enterprise  -  A Day In The life. . . . -  Chapter  #104


Tyr and Harper lost track of time in the holodeck. By the time they did stop and take a break, Seamus fell asleep where he sat. Tyr was used to his little brother doing that, he usually went pedal to the metal to the point where his body involuntarily shut him down.

Tyr was also used to carrying his little brother back and putting him to bed. So, the Nietzschean easily lifted Harper, carried him back down to Engineering. Monique was clearly expecting him, she directed Tyr to Seamus' crash pad, where they stripped him and put him to bed like a babe.

“Thanks, Tyr.” she whispered mentally, as she gave her-brother-in law a kiss on his forehead.

“De Nada.” Tyr replied in kind as he dismissed himself.

Tyr looked in on the bridge, then returned to the family Quad. A few minutes later he was safely embraced in the arms of Morpheus.

About a ninety minutes later, one of Tyr's eyes opened because he sensed a presence beside him. None other than his Vulcan Dessert Flower, Tamara.

“You gonna sleep the whole day away?” she asked mentally.

“No. I'm merely practicing one of Drago's tenants. Sleep when you can. Eat when you can because you know not what the next hour will bring.” Tyr thought.

“Oh, I've read that one, and if I recall correctly, you neglected to mention a part.” Tamara replied, and frowned.

“I was planning to demonstrate.” Tyr thought. as he enfolded her in his arms and kissed her ardently.

“Oh! Show and tell?.” Tamara thought, as she returned his kiss with equal ardor.

“No. All show. No tell.” Tyr thought lovingly in return.


* * * * * * * * * *


Perhaps six hours later Tyr was awakened to the insistent beeping of the console communicator on his night table. Without opening his eyes, Tyr stretched out with his left arm and tapped the console tab with his hand.

“One message for Admiral Anazai from Chief Medical Officer Kori.” the female computer voice intoned.

“Wonderful.” Tyr thought, as he rolled his eyes.

“Good Day Admiral. Since it is all clear on the Western Front, I've decided to start performing Semi-Annual Crew Physicals, which means you are first up. Please see me at your earliest convenience. Don't let me have to hunt you down, Sir.” Kori's voice said.

In response Tyr thought of the word "Bovine Excrement" in five different languages. Of course they were all swear words. . . .

According to Starfleet protocol the highest ranking flag member of ships crew had their physical first. Then each successive rank there after until the whole crew was examined.

Now, if the highest ranking officer balked, the ship's CMO had an option to either skip them, examine the rest of the crew, then get back to him or her. Or, like Kori threatened “hunt him down” with security to back her up if need be. Such was the power that Starfleet vested in it's Chief Medical Officers.

It was the same game every time, twice a year. With the exception of a two times in the past twelve years, Kori always had to hunt Tyr down. He saw no reason for this time to be any different.

“Come and get me, Daughter of Mogleth.” he thought to himself as he stood, stretched, and headed to the fresher. His mind immediately contemplated plans. None of which included going anywhere NEAR Sickbay. . . . . .




Note To Readers: This is actually two notes. First Note: I had forgotten ( DUH! ) to mention in a previous post, the meaning of the word "PetaQ".

It's actually: PetaQ-Po - which is a ubiquitous Klingon swear word. Rest be assured if you call a Klingon this, be ready to die. . . . .

Number Two: Drago's Quote is purely MY INVENTION and NOT Andromeda Cannon. I deduced that this was something Drago would have said from what I've read from "Ancestors Breath".

This is the entire quote:

“Sleep when you can, eat when you can, make love and make babies when you can, because you know not what the next hour will bring.” A sort of Nietzschean version or Carpe Dieum!

In deference to the fact that Tamara is incapable of having children, Tyr left out the "baby-making" part.

What's In A Name? - Chapter #103

Free Enterprise   - What's In A Name?  -  Chapter  #103



The rest of the day Tyr sent with his wives and sons in the holodeck park. Both Alexander and Lysander were both ecstatic to spend quality time with their dad. Both sons not only played and horsed around with Daddy, but dutifully drooled, and spit up on him.

Both sons also tied to yank Tyr's dreads out by the roots, until Amanda tied them back.

“I thought you said Agamemnon warned you about that.” Xena said, as she lay Alexander on his back and removed his soiled napkin.

“He did, but with all of the recent goings on. . . .” Tyr started, as he bent over to tickle him. Alexander hated to be changed and needed to be distracted a bit. . . .

That's when he peed in Tyr's eye, and giggled.

As the rest of the wives hooted and laughed. Amanda announced, cheerfully. “Now you have been officially baptized into fatherhood!”

Xena handed Tyr a towel to wipe his eye with one hand and a fresh napkin with the other. “You might as well learn how to change him while you're at it.” she said.

Tyr took the “fixins” and cleaned, frank, beans and buns and had the fresh “nappy” on in minutes. Minutes later Alexander was snuggled in Desi's arms and fast asleep.

“Yeah, you did enough damage for the day.” Desi said.

“This seems to be the only time he keeps his napkins on. When he's awake, he always manages to wiggle out of it, or have it halfway hanging off.” Xena said.

“Heaven help us, we have another Nudie in the family.” Amanda said. The Ping twins looked at each other and shrugged. Desi smiled.

“Don't say that too loud. He will get ideas.” Tyr replied.

“Nope, it's an inherited family tradition. There has to be at least one streaker child in every Anasazi clan. However, in this case, there may be two. . . . .” Desi said, as she gazed pointedly at Lysander, who was intent upon stealing food from his father's plate. He was trying desperately to make short work of a broccoli stalk, but since he had no teeth. . . . . .

“Lysander, you cannot eat that because you have no teeth to chew with.” Tyr said to him. He gazed up at Tyr pitifully. Tyr was well aware that due the Nietzscheans accelerated growth, Lysander would start teething in a few short weeks. Then he would be able to eat practically anything. But for now. . . . . .

“Give me that.” Amanda said. “I'll do what my GrandMam used to do. Mash it, or chop it up fine so you can spoon it to him. Obviously he's ready to eat real food, even without teeth.” she continued. She took the broccoli and left the holodeck. A few minutes later she was back with a tiny bowl with a tiny spoon. Both she handed to Tyr.

She had obviously put the broccoli through a food processor. Not only was it pureed, but it was also warm. “I put a tiny bit of organic butter in it. He should love that.” Amanda added.

Lysander was overjoyed to be eating the same thing his Daddy was eating, that he squealed with joy with every spoonful.

“Easily delighted by little things. . . . .” Tamara thought and smiled. That's what she loved about children the most.


* * * * * * * *


Much later after his wives and children had returned to the quad, to bed down for the night, Tyr was still awake. Even though it was 0003 hours, he was too keyed up to sleep. So he headed down to engineering, where he knew someone would still be up.

He arrived in the middle of the tour change. Gamma shift was leaving as Alpha shift double timed in. All scurried to their posts once they noticed who was in their midst. Though Tyr was dressed in jeans, t-shirt, and moccasins, he still cut an authorative and imposing figure.

He smiled and nodded at those at their posts and nodded at Lt. Commander Monique Harper who was in charge. She nodded and returned the acknowledgment. However, he was looking for her husband.

Tyr entered Seamus' inner sanctum and was surprised, shocked, that it no longer resembled an old fashioned scrap yard. Obviously, Monique had gotten on Seamus' case about keeping his office and work space clean and organized. Tyr found his little brother with his back turned to him, and totally engrossed in a current project.

“Hey, Big Guy!” Seamus called out brightly. His time spent with Tyr had given him a sixth sense like sensitivity to when his Big Nietzschean Brother was looming over him. It was like the electrical current changed in the room or something. . . . .

“Good Morning, Little Brother. How are you?” Tyr asked, as he smiled.

“Bored.” Seamus replied as he tossed aside the piece of tech he had been tackling.

“Bored? How could YOU be bored with technology?” Tyr asked. Seamus was a genius and electronic whiz, so he loved all things technical. The problem was, some technical things did not love him back, and gave him the dickens.

“I've been trying to puzzle that stupid thing out since yesterday and it's not gelling yet. I need to take a rest from it.” Seamus sighed and replied.

“With another project?” Tyr asked. Seamus often had projects lined up. If he got tired of one, there was another he could tackle, and so on. . . . .

“Well, sorta. I'm thinking something totally low tech, though. I need to brush up on my hover boarding, care to join me?” Seamus asked.

“I don't see why not.” Tyr replied.


* * * * * * * * *


“When and how did you learn to hover board?” Tyr asked. They were back in the holodeck, dressed in hover board gear, and carrying their boards.

“I already knew how to water surf. In fact I practically lived on the beach and surfed away most of my teenaged years. I won all kinds of awards and stuff, because I was surfing on the circuit instead of attending school. When I entered Starfleet, I missed it so much, because you can't water surf if you don't have an ocean. So a fellow cadet taught me how to hover board. Since I already knew how to surf, I took to hover boarding like a fish in water.” Seamus replied.

“I find it to be an enjoyable activity.” Tyr said.

“If you think hover boarding is awesome, you should try. . . . . . . Hey! I can teach you how to water surf! I taught Monique how to surf while we were on Pinnacle. . . . .” Seamus started. Tyr had briefly taken notice their absence, and now knew why Seamus' was so tan.

“What was your handle while you were on the circuit, Seamus?” Tyr asked.

“Wave Rider.” Seamus answered proudly. “I use it on the hover board circuit too. We're gonna have to find a name for you, Tyr.”

“Seamus, you know very well as the Nietzschean Viceroy, I could never compete publicly . . . . . . .” Tyr started.

“That's alright. It can be something just between us.” Seamus replied.

“It would have to be a worthy Nietzschean handle.” Tyr replied, as he fired up, hopped on his board and followed Seamus on a course through the park.




NOTE TO READERS A worthy Nietzschean handle. I guess that means the name “Snooky” is out. . . . . . Any suggestions?

Mr. Teddy Tum-Tum - Chapter #102

 

Free Enterprise  -   Mr. Teddy Tum-Tum  -  Chapter  #102


Tyr woke up a few hours later and found both sisters were still with him and still asleep. He smiled and chuckled to himself because he now knew exactly who was whom, now.

Even though Hoy Li was the more aggressive and outspoken twin, Li Hoy was the more expressive of the two. She didn't say much, but her expressive face and eyes told all.

Tyr knew he wasn't supposed to favor one wife over another, but he liked Li Hoy more than her yakkity sister. Hoy Li seemed to keep up a running commentary from the moment she awakened till the instant she fell asleep. Tyr had to chide her several times to hush and let her sister speak.

Meanwhile, Li Hoy simply sat back and allowed her sister to take the helm, even though she tended to crash a lot. She would only wrest control from her sister after the shipwreck, always with the care and expertise of a seasoned sailor.

Then there was the fact of the scents. Each woman had a different personal scent. Hoy Li had a tinge of lavender rose scent, and Li Hoy smelled faintly of black pepper. They may have been able to mimic each others behavior, but there was no way they could ever mask that. . . . .

“That is probably why Khan insisted I learn who was who without relying upon outward appearances.” Tyr thought as he dozed off.

When Tyr awakened later, both women were gone, so he went on auto pilot. First the gym, where he worked out with Gilgamesh spotting on the weght bench. Next was breakfast, then a trip up to the bridge to see how things were going. Once assured that the Insurrection was indeed on course and was going to arrive on time, he then took a tour of his beloved ship with Khan at his side.

“An Intimidation Tour.” Khan laughingly called it. For crew members tended to scurry and scamper hither and yon upon seeing the Uber Alpha Nietzschean. Especially the new recruits.

Tyr saved the last part of his tour for Sickbay. Dr. Kori looked up and rolled her eyes at his approach.

“If you keep rolling your eyes like that they are going to stay like that one day.” Victoria used to warn Tyr. He was just wondering if he should say the same to Kori when.

“Don't tell me. You're here for a stuffed animal too.” she said.

“A stuffed animal. . . . . . . I don't. . . . . . .” a totally flummoxed Tyr responded.

“Oh, please don't tell me you didn't have a stuffed toy when you were a kid.” Kori countered.

Tyr's face hardened and he raised his right eyebrow in a Spock-like manner. In fact, he did have a teddy bear. But, it had been so long ago, plus, he had no clue what Victoria had done with the thing. It had simply disappeared one day and he was too ashamed to ask for it back. After all, he was too old to have an attachment to such things. So, he had put it out of his mind, until now . . . . .

“And pray tell, what was it's name?” Kori asked. Tyr gazed at Khan who seemed to be crowding him. The Katay put up his hand paws and backed up. His expression clearly said: “My name is Emit, and I'm not in it!”

“Mr. Teddy Tum Tum.” Tyr replied. He felt as if a pound of flesh had been peeled off of his backside in order to reveal that. Previously, absolutely no one but his mother knew the secret name for his teddy bear.

Tyr glanced over at Khan and the Katay firmly had his “I will not laugh.” face in place.

“Mine was PetaQ.” Kori replied. Both Khan and Tyr frowned. Both men were well versed in Klingon, so they knew what the word meant.

“You named your toy. . . .?” Tyr started.

“. . . . . . PetaQ?” Khan continued.

“Yes. I had great fun watching peoples reaction when I told them my stuffed targ's name. Of course, either Mom or Dad, whomever was closest at the time, would give me a whack or two, but it was well worth it.” Kori replied as she chuckled, then laughed outright.

“Yet Star fleet licensed her to handle sharp objects, surgical lasers, and dispense potentially poisonous substances. . . . .” Tyr thought.

“I feel bad. My stuffed mouse was only named Binky.” Khan said.

“Binky?” Kori asked and laughed.

“A stuffed MOUSE?” Tyr asked, and chuckled.

“It was either a mouse, a bird or a fish.” Khan replied.

"Tyr, you've forgotten that your Pride Brother is a Human-sized Cat, and what do cats like most, besides string?" Kori asked. They all guffawed like children, until they got it out of their systems.



* * * * * * * * *


Later in the turbo lift.

“If you ever tell anyone the secret name of my Teddy Bear, I will personally shave ALL of your fur off.” Tyr threatened, as he shook his finger at Khan.

“Don't worry, Tyr. His name is safe with me. Patient Doctor confidentiality applies to me also.” Khan replied, as he pulled his whiskers back with mirth.

He remembered his brethren who'd unfortunately caught The Mange and HAD to be shaved down. Until their fur grew back, and to protect themselves against the elements, they were forced to dress in Humanoid clothing.

To Khan, his modified version of Star Fleet's uniform, which was a pair of black, multi-pocketed, tactical shorts and a matching vest, was quite enough. Thank you.

“Tyr, your secret is definitely safe with me. . . . “ Khan thought.



NOTE TO READERS: #1 Sorry this is such a short chapter. As you know, one short one means the next one will be long. I think . . . . . . .

NOTE TO READERS: #2 Although it is a cute concept, I don't believe Nietzschean Teddy Bears are Andromeda cannon. But, if they are not, just what do the wee ones play with? I know, me and my questions. . . . . . . . .