Enigma Variations

Posted on Tue Mar 25th, 2025 @ 5:46pm by Lieutenant Commander Rylen Lyo

628 words; about a 3 minute read

Mission: Frozen Acquisition
Location: Deep Space Nine

The sleek, birdlike craft dropped out of warp just outside of the massive Cardassian-built station’s defensive perimeter. Immediately, the FTL propulsion tucked itself handily underneath the dynametric fins on the craft’s wings. The ‘wings’ themselves also repositioned themselves, sweeping more toward the forward section of the craft.

“Kriosian Shuttle Dexan, this is DS9 control. Dexan, respond.”

From the luxuriously appointed cabin of his personal shuttle, Lieutenant Commander Rylen Lyo keyed a control to open a channel. From atop his self-styled throne, made of the finest Axanar velvet with trim of gold-pressed Latinum, the incoming Operations Chief for the USS Horizon spoke.

“This is the shuttlecraft Dexan, registered with the Sovereign Dynasty of Krios,” began Rylen, speaking in a slightly lilting and almost melodic accent reminiscent of South Africa. “Requesting landing clearance.”

“Standby, Dexan,” said a pleasant, feminine voice in the DS9 Ops Center. A series of computerized chirps followed, a sure sign that the speaker was indeed accessing the computer. “Clearance granted. Landing Pad Two, Bay Seven.”

“Acknowledged,” said Lyo, brushing the control panel with the barest touch to close the channel. The landing pad retracted and the small craft touched down with an audible thump; automated magnetic tracks placed the vessel in the registered berth in a matter of moments.

With a dramatic flourish, Lyo exited the cockpit area and headed to the aft compartment. Laying on the soft, plush pillows of the bed was a Starfleet uniform, trimmed in Operations yellow. Wordlessly, Rylen removed his purple velvet tunic and matching pants and donned the uniform. He secured his rank pips to his collar on the right hand side, two full and one half to denote his rank of Lieutenant Commander. Satisfied with his appearance, he made his way to the small craft's exit hatch.

“Computer,” began Lyo. “Secure this vessel for long-term storage. Authorization Lyo Silver Seven Five.”

“Acknowledged. All antimatter and deuterium supplies are being drained. Power cut to minimum levels.”

The hatch opened with an audible pneumatic hiss, and Lyo stepped out onto the landing pad. He was immediately greeted by a Bajoran crew member.

"Mister Lyo?" the Bajoran queried.

"Yes, that is me..." Lyo paused to look at the young man's rank insignia. "...Ensign."

"Welcome to Deep Space Nine, Sir. The manifest says you are berthing the shuttle here long-term...?"

"That is correct, Ensign. Your government should have my account information on file, via the Kriosian Embassy."

The younger Bajoran flipped through files on his Starfleet-issued PADD, the portable device making gentle chirps. "I'm sorry, Sir. It appears the Embassy never contacted the Commerce Ministry. If you plan to keep this berthing, we will require a minimum deposit of 1,000 bars of gold-pressed Latinum."

Lyo reached into the left hand pocket of his uniform pants and retrieved a blue isolinear chip, which he passed to the Ensign."Pull it directly from my Bank of Krios account. And keep my account details on file for any future expenses."

The Ensign took the chip and inserted it into a slot on the side of the PADD. After a few seconds, he removed the chip and returned it to Lyo. "Everything seems to be in order, Commander."

"Thank you, Ensign. Please have your crew be careful when offloading the cargo pods. Have them sent to the Horizon please."

"Of course, Sir."

Lyo's empathic abilities tingled. He felt that the Bajoran was insulted by being asked to be careful with the cargo, because his crew was always careful. However, Lyo decided against addressing that issue with the Bajoran. Instead, he chose to give a simple nod of his head and head toward the exit.

Next stop, USS Horizon.

 

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