Escalation

Posted on Sat Apr 7th, 2012 @ 11:06am by Commodore Samantha York & Master Chief Petty Officer Apu Barnum

898 words; about a 4 minute read

Mission: Subjugation
Location: Apu's tent

ON

Samantha knew exactly where to go. Sector 6, back corner, behind a trio of stalactites. A small, nondescript tent flap made of olive drab canvas. It reminded her of old earth war movies. Then again, so did its sole occupant.

Sam slipped inside and looked around for Apu. The room had several piles of clothes for "sale," but Sam knew most of his supplies were kept in the back, out of sight. After nearly a month he'd managed to accumulate a fair amount of stuff for sale and trade. If rumors were true, he had a way of finding out who died almost the moment it happened. He was the first person to get to the deceased's living space and quietly make off with them.

Now, just like back on the Calypso, he was the go to person for clothing blankets and weapons.

"Apu," she said quietly. "I need some new clothes."

A thin brown-skinned man slipped from out of nowhere. "Cap... Sam," he said, smiling broadly. "It is good to see you alive." He looked her up and down. "I have just the thing. Black pants and another top. Military-chic, you'll like them. Almos9t new, too. Perfect for your new position as leader of Sector 5."

He pulled out a pair of black cargo pants that looked to be in fairly good condition. Sam didn't ask where they came from, she simply slipped behind a rock and changed into the "new" clothes. They fit perfectly.

Apu smiled. "Good. Now, try this." He handed her a black vest that matched the pants. That, too, fit her snugly but well. "What do I owe you?" she asked.

"For you? Nothing," he said, smiling again.

"Are you sure? I have a chronometer. It's worth a fair amount in trade."

Apu shook his head. "I will collect when we get back to the Calypso."

She appreciated his confidence, even if she was beginning to have her doubts. 27 days and she still hadn't found Damon or the rest of her crew. How could she hope to get out of the mine if she couldn't get everyone together? "Deal. Do you have anything else you think I'll need?"

Apu raised an eyebrow and nodded. "Just one." He pulled out a small, lethal-looking blade. "Magok is talking again. He wants another crack at you. He swears this time he will be victorious. You may need it."

Sam wanted to protest. She wanted to assure him she was in no danger, but she'd barely won the first match with the other gang leader. This time, she feared she might not be so lucky. She took the blade and slipped it into its sheath and strapped it onto her calf. "Let's hope my luck holds, shall we?"

Apu looked at her soberly. "Don't wait for luck. Kill him first."

"I'm still a Starfleet officer. I only kill in self defense."

"Magok is not so honorable. He will not give you a chance to strike back. Mark my words, if you don't give him what he wants, he'll kill you."

Sam felt the presence of the man they were discussing and turned towards the tent flap to face her rival. "This isn't your sector, Magok."

"Nor is it yours, Samantha," he said sibilantly. He walked over to Sam and smiled appreciatively at her new clothes. "They suit you." He ran a finger down her arm. "Just as you suit me."

She stepped back out of his reach. "Perhaps I'm looking to expand my territory," she responded.

He smiled meaningfully at her. "As am I. But I'm looking for a ... merger." He looked her over slowly, his smile growing more menacing. "Join me, Samantha and together we will bring the other leaders under our control."

"There is no our," she said coldly. "We'll never see eye to eye on how to treat those under our care. Nor will I form any sort of merger with you."

He stepped closer, pressing her back against the rock. "Then I will take you by force. Either way I win."

His breath smelled of rotting meat. Sam's knife was out of reach so she grabbed him in a sensitive area and twisted as hard as she could. He yelled in pain and backed off. "Next time, I'll cut them off," she threatened.

"I'll kill you first," he hissed. "After I teach you proper ... respect." He glanced at Apu for a moment. He wasn't careful about hiding his thoughts from Sam, unaware she was Betazoid.

Apu, get out or he'll kill you next, Sam warned telepathically.

Apu smiled. "I hear the Orion has taken notice of you, Magok. Something about your recent activities to foment insurrection. I would stay out of trouble if I were you. At least for now." He nodded towards Sam. "The Orion likes her. He would not take kindly to her coming to harm. At least not while she's in favor."

Magok growled angrily before turning and storming out of the shop.

"Thank you, Apu. I owe you one," Sam said when Magok was gone.

"You owe me several." He smiled brightly. "Just don't forget me when you make your escape."

"Are you so sure I'll succeed?"

"Of course. It's only a matter of time," he assured her.

OFF

Captain Samantha York
Commanding Officer

Master Chief Petty Officer Apu Barnum
Quartermaster

Magok
Leader of Sector 6

 

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