MSNPC Ch'zila: The Hive's Ultimatum
Meris/Brian
((Bridge, USS Invicta, Holosuite 4, Deck 5, USS Thor))
As the turbolift carried Ch'zila toward the bridge, the Insectoid reflected on how quickly the Federation crew had begun to organize their defense. Even from scattered reports and the sound of distant phaser fire echoing through the decks, it was clear the Invicta would not be surrendered without resistance. The crew were arming themselves, sealing compartments, and preparing to fight for their ship.
Ch'zila felt a flicker of grim satisfaction.
oO Worthy prey makes the conquest more meaningful. Oo
The two turbolifts arrived simultaneously, one on each side of the bridge, and the five-member assault team poured out, led by Ch'zila. Almost immediately the Insectoid noted that this space had not been chilled like all the others throughout the vessel. The warmth they felt spreading through their weakened limbs pleased them. But they had expected fighting. Immediate resistance. And the blood of dead Starfleet officers to coat their armor. Instead the Starfleet crew greeted them in a most unexpected way.
Their Captain rose from their chair while the female officer remained at her station. The one in blue leveled a weapon at them, and the five Insectoids held their plasma rifles at the ready awaiting Ch'zila's order. The odds were more or less even given the size of the bridge crew.
Tito: Surrender now or we will defend ourselves.
Ch'zila's multi-faceted eyes took in the human male.
Naledi: Crick Snap Pop Hiss… Don’t think we will not destroy the ship to prevent you from taking it. Pew Snap... It does not negotiate with Terrorists.
Ch'zila: Snap Crack Pop Hiss... Turn over this vessel to us and we will let you live.
Tito: Response
Before anyone else could speak the computer made an announcement.
Computer: Incoming transmission.
Naledi: Pew Crick Snap Pop... Onscreen.
Ch'zila turned slightly toward the viewscreen as it activated.
The image resolved into Main Engineering. Several Xindi-Insectoid bodies were scattered across the deck plating among consoles and bulkheads. Some lay motionless while others shifted faintly as the effects of Starfleet phasers slowly faded.
Ch'zila's mandibles tightened.
Tito: Response.
oO Not dead... stunned. Efficient hunters. Oo
A Bolian engineer stepped into view.
Chief Engineer: Main engineering is secure Captain, Emergency bulkheads have been sealed. No more Xindi are going to be getting in here.
Naledi: Pew Crack Snap... Thank you, Lieutenant.
The screen faded to black.
Ch'zila slowly turned back toward the bridge crew. The loss of their mutineers had not gone unnoticed. The mandibles along their face flexed sharply and a harsh chitter of anguish escaped them.
Naledi: Crick Snap Pop Hiss Chirp… It assumes that you needed Main engineering. Sorry to hear about your ruined plans.
DeVeau: You don’t have to do this.
The insectoid leveled their plasma rifle at Naledi once again, their rage barely contained as evidenced by their slightly quivering forelimbs.
Ch'zila: You will relinquish this vessel to us or we will execute your crew one-by-one while you watch.
Their compound eyes swept across the bridge crew finally settling on a human female in operations yellow.
Ch'zila: Starting with this female.
They motioned for two mutineers to seize Ensign Cleo Hathaway.
The warriors moved instantly, grasping the ensign's arms in their palps. Hathaway let out a startled shriek but forced herself to stand rigid.
At the helm station a short, broad-shouldered Zakdorn officer stepped forward instinctively.
Horsk's jaw tightened as they stared at the armed insects gripping their crewmate. For a brief moment it looked as if the Zakdorn might charge. But Horsk stopped themselves, their eyes flicking to Naledi.
Naledi/Tito: Response.
Ch'zila watched as the Betazoid officer spoke again.
DeVeau: What do you want from us and our ship?
Ch'zila’s mandibles flexed slowly as their compound eyes settled on DeVeau. For a moment the bridge fell quiet except for the distant groan of the ship and the hiss of environmental systems forcing cold air through the decks.
The Insectoid leader stepped forward a half pace, the barrel of their plasma rifle lowering slightly but never leaving the command group.
Ch'zila: I could simply murder you all and take what I want. Yours would not be the first murders I've committed this day.
Naledi/Tito: Response
Outside the ship the Badlands continued their violent dance. Plasma storms rolled through golden clouds while gravitational eddies shoved the Invicta through turbulent currents. The hull creaked softly beneath the strain.
DeVeau: If you tell us what you need, maybe we can help you.
Ch'zila: Snap Crack... What we want is survival. The Shra'Tik was dying and its captain chose extinction - release the brood and meet the void. I rejected that fate as did those who supported me.
Their forelimb lifted and gestured broadly toward the ship around them.
Ch'zila: Pop Hiss... The brood is our future and your vessel has everything they require - power, atmosphere, protection, and space enough for a swarm to grow. Your kind protects life instinctively and that makes you predictable.
Their gaze settled once more on DeVeau.
Ch'zila: Crack Snap... The Invicta will become their hive. Stand down and you will live. Refuse, and the brood will inherit this ship from your corpses.
Naledi/Tito: Response.
Ch'zila: Snap... Crack... Yes. Our peoples are allies. Pop Hiss... But alliances do not outweigh extinction. When the choice is between honor and survival, the swarm will choose survival every time.
Naledi/Tito/DeVeau: Response.
Ch'zila studied the bridge crew carefully.
The human male with the weapon.
The Betazoid negotiator.
The Xindi officer who smelled faintly of familiarity.
And the others... tense, waiting.
oO They stall. Good. Fear sharpens prey. Oo
Ch'zila's rifle slowly came around toward the captive officer held between two of their soldiers.
Ch'zila: Pop Crack... Now then, access the command console and transfer this vessel to my control or this human female dies.
Naledi/Tito/DeVeau: Response.
Ch'zila tilted their head slightly, listening to something only they seemed to hear.
oO The brood sleeps... but not for long. Soon the young will awaken. Oo
Their mandibles clicked softly - almost, happily.
Ch'zila: Pop Hiss... You forget, our young are already inside your vessel. Soon they will awaken and they will be very hungry... Even now, I can hear their shells beginning to crack. Can you not hear it?
Naledi/Tito/DeVeau: Response.
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Lieutenant JG Meris
Helmsperson
USS Thor
A240207M14