Paramount Global owns the Star Trek franchise. This is a piece of fan fiction based on Star Trek the Next Generation
The bodies
Captain Dom appeared at Picard’s door, “come” Picard motioned the captain in, offering him a handshake. “Did you find what you were looking for?”
“Sadly yes, it was our ship. Your officer was very helpful. I find your crew most obedient.”
“I am very proud of my crew. Sit please.” Picard motioned him to a chair.
“I have questions Captain. How was the attack started?”
“We have been unable to determine that. We know that the Jormungand was stolen from port. It will defend itself against all attackers. Come.” The two Captain’s walked to a nearby turbo lift. Picard tapped his communicator. “Data join me in cargo bay 4.”
“Yes sir.” Came his reply.
Data was waiting in cargo bay 4 when the Captain’s arrived. He was standing next to 5 body bags. “We are sure the Jormungand was stolen because we found these creatures aboard, dead. We have been unable to determine if the Jormungand fired on your ship by force or willingly.”
“How do you know the ship was stolen?”
“What is the atmosphere on your planet?” Data asked.
“Much like here. Only here, it is a little thin. It’s hard to breathe at times.”
“When we found the Jormungand the atmosphere in the ship was methane.” Picard answered.
“Oh, I see.”
Data uncovered the bodies.
“HaBlich.” Captain Dom announced. “A race we have been enemies with for hundreds of years. It wouldn’t surprise me if they didn’t fire upon the Addo.”
“Why have you been enemies?” Data asked.
“The Emperor of the HaBlich chose a female of our race to marry. It was totally political. An attempt to smooth over the bitter feud between our peoples. The lady he chose was to bear an heir to further ease the tension between us. However, the elders refused to allow him to father an offspring with her. His other wise bore children in numbers but never my distant relative. That left a bitter taste in the Sheno mouth. What do we have here?” Dom leaned over the bodies. “The HaBlich society is a hierarchy. The more holes you have in your ear, the more power you have.”
“Why holes?” Data asked.
“It is a tribute to the amount of pain you can withstand. This male was a common member of society. There are no holes in his ears. A servant perhaps. It may have been he that stole the ship in the first place trying to prove to the others that he was worthy of his first hole. This one has three holes.” He turned the head so Picard and Data could see the holes. “A soldier.” He examined the next body. “As is this one.” At the next body he explained, “This one is a Duke. He has 5 holes.” When he got to the last body he paused, “I want to take this one with me. I want to try to attempt an explanation for my people about the destruction that has happened here.”
Picard looked at Data, “I don’t see that it will create a problem.” Data nodded in agreement.
“Who is that one?” Picard asked.
“A prince. There is room in his ear for one more hole. Only the Emperor has all of his ear covered.”
“What if you are an off-worlder, such as your relative?”
They have a special ornament that is to be worn around the ear. It has jewels in it to show your status.”
“Very well. Data you will see to the arrangements.”
“Yes sir.”
Captain Picard left.
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