[JP] Cmdre Kalianna Nicholotti & CloQ - The Final Act
Genkos Adea
((CloQ’s Timeship))
Kali blinked. Her eyes felt dry all of the sudden, as if she had been staring at something for a long time, but as she turned she noticed the Q remained. It was strange though, as it seemed that they had changed into another equally obnoxious outfit that probably made them feel more pompous than ever. Still, the raven-haired commodore simply shook her head and turned again to the view.
The images of her crew, her family, and her love had faded to be replaced by the empty starfield outside. Though she would much rather have seen the crew and how they were getting along, she wasn’t going to ask. Instead she kept her mind calm and reminded herself of everything those officers had overcome.
Nicholotti: When we get through this, what do we win?
Since it was a game to the being, Kali kind of assumed there would be some kind of winnings, though her hope was that they would simply find them boring so that they could be left alone.
CloQ moved towards her, their piercing eyes boring into hers.
CloQ: What do you mean?
Nicholotti: All games have prizes, after all.
CloQ drew themselves up to their full height, which was considerably taller than Kalianna. Looming over her, they placed a gentle hand on her shoulder.
CloQ: Have you been playing? Do you think this is a game?
Kali most certainly did not, but the being who now had a hand on her shoulder had been treating them all as playthings since they met, too long ago.
Nicholotti: It isn't like you gave us much of a choice.
CloQ grinned sardonically.
CloQ: I thought I was the callous one, but if you want to call all those deaths and the loss of your ship a game, far be it for me to correct you.
One of her dark eyebrows rose upwards.
Nicholotti: None of which would be the case if you hadn't wanted to run whatever grand experiment you are running. Why Genkos? Why my ship? You said you'd give your blessing if they made it back but what does that mean?
oO Could it just mean never seeing or hearing from the Q again. Oo
CloQ turned to her, placing their other hand on her free shoulder, and staring deeply into her eyes. A playful energy danced across their eyes but there was something else in there - it wasn’t affection, at least not in the mortal sense, but it was the closest one such as a Q might feel.
CloQ: It’s a test - how long have you and I known each other? I needed to make sure that your boyfriend was worthy of you.
It was twisted; they’d known her just as long as they’d known Genkos, and a poor excuse for everything they’d done.
Nicholotti: Right. How about you snap your fingers and make everything the way it was?
Kali had remained so emotionless for so long, making a point not to react. Now, though, after enduring this for who knows how long, she was losing the patience and will to continue being so.
CloQ wagged a slender forefinger at her.
CloQ: Where’s the fun in that? I can’t have the test forgotten; it would be completely pointless.
Nicholotti: Somehow I don't think any of us will forget this anytime soon.
Locking her crystalline blues to the eyes that stared down at her from above, Kali tried to read just what their current look was. It didn't feel quite as malicious as before and she honestly wasn't sure what it meant. And so, she met it with a look of determination. The crew would make it. They would survive and return to this time. Genkos would come back for her.
CloQ: I’ll be watching you both, Kalianna, with great interest.
That didn't make her feel any better.
Nicholotti: Not exactly what I was hoping to hear.
CloQ affected an expression of genuine concern, although it was of course completely insincere.
CloQ: Oh, I’m sorry. Afraid I might be responsible for more death and destruction?
This time she sighed and shook her head.
Nicholotti: Death I am not afraid of. He and I dance on a regular basis. But you…you manage to dig up what fears I do have and set them on display.
CloQ released her and their eyes twinkled as they took a step backwards, pretending to look scolded.
CloQ: You’ll miss me when I’m gone, Kalianna.
Nicholotti: Believe me when I say I hope I never see you again.
Her gaze moved from their eyes to the starfield outside. Hope kindled within that maybe soon the Bounty would appear. CloQ looked down at their watch, and opened the watchface.
CloQ: They should be here any moment.
A glimmer of hope flashed through her eyes but she avoided looking over at the entity.
Nicholotti: I hope I can trust that.
CloQ smirked as the Bounty materialised into view, having slingshot its way around the sun. CloQ nodded once, and gave Kalianna a congratulating shrug.
CloQ: Well, there you go.
Immediately she felt ten times lighter than she had just moments before as she saw the Klingon ship appear in the blank starfield. A smile appeared on her lips as she breathed a sigh of relief.
Nicholotti: Thank the gods.
CloQ bowed deeply.
CloQ: Until next time.
And they pressed the crown of their watch. The timeship disappeared, whilst Kalianna found herself in the function room of Deep Space 224 where CloQ had once hijacked an awards ceremony.
Blinking, Kali suddenly lost the starfield only to have it replaced by a somewhat familiar room on what she assumed was a station. She didn’t have time to get her bearings before multiple flashes momentarily blinded her.
A moment later, the Bounty disappeared from view, and reappeared back at the Starfleet Museum, right where they’d stolen it from. The crew of the Eagle, however, appeared in the function room as well, all looking worse for wear, but safe at last. With a smirk, CloQ had even left Braya’s ship adrift in the orbit of Deep Space 224.
Genkos’ eyes found Kalianna almost immediately, and he ran to her, flinging his arms around her with quite some force.
Adea: Kalianna!
The voice cut through everything else and a smile broke out on her face just before she was ambushed by affection. Falling into the embrace, she wrapped her arms around him in return.
Nicholotti: I thought I’d lost you.
Her voice was soft, almost a whisper so that only he could hear her. The truth was vulnerable, and it made her feel as if something might break if she spoke it too loud. Yet he had become that safe space, the place where all could be told and nothing would be weaponized. Settling into the embrace she almost forgot about the rest of everyone in the room.
Genkos only had eyes for her, and he ignored the buzzing and happy reconciliations around him as the crew realised they were back in their own time, and on a familiar station.
Adea: And I you, but what -
He trailed off. Leaning back ever so slightly, she looked up at him.
Nicholotti: There will be time to tell all later. For now, let’s make sure everyone is alright.
About that time a flurry of officers came into the room, mostly in medical blues, but not all. One command red stood out and Kali stepped back looking over towards the captain with a supportive smile, leaving him with one last whisper.
Nicholotti: Welcome to command…
Adea: Oh gods… The PADDwork on this one…
–
Commodore Kalianna Nicholotti
Fleet Commander - 13th Recon Fleet
As simmed by:
Lieutenant Commander Cayden Adyr
Executive Officer
USS Eagle
R238605KN0
And
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CloQ
Time-Obsessed Member of the Continuum
(they/them)
as simmed by...
Commander Genkos Adea MD
Commanding Officer
USS Eagle
G239502GS0
Time, he's waiting in the wings
He speaks of senseless things
David Bowie