Star Trek: Erin

Part 12: Well, This is Awkward

     I stared at the growing puddle of green blood, unable to understand what had just happened. Alternate-Me took out a little cloth and began cleaning the blade with a satisfied smile. My face felt very cold and very burning at the same time.

     "Well, this is awkward."

     "No kidding," I said reflexively, but my heart was racing. This isn't right. Why would I do that? "I need—we need to get out of here." I pulled Nowak back into shelter but didn't take my hand from his shoulder. I forced myself to look him in the eye. "I am so sorry. Whatever fucked-up reality we've been thrown into, that wasn't me."

     "I know." He gently tugged on my arm. "Let's—"

     "—kick my alternate ass? Great idea." I drew my phaser. He opened his mouth to protest but I held up a hand. "There are strategic reasons. We get an outfit exactly my size, and no one will be all, 'ah, Cobos, I just saw you two minutes ago in the kitchen, how could you be here?' and I don't have to say, 'I have legs, idiot.' So we good?"

     Nowak was nodding slowly. "I think—KNIFE!"

     I flinched in the correct direction and narrowly missed a knife to the abdomen. Alternate-Me had half a second to be surprised before Nowak grabbed her neck and she went down like an angry bag of bricks.

     I stared at the unconscious Me on the floor. "I thought you didn't know the magic neck grab."

     "It is called the Vulcan Nerve Pinch." He considered his hand with an expression that resembled perplexation. "And I always do it wrong. It was just... the first thing I could think to do."

     "Well, thanks anyway. For saving my life."

     He nodded absently. I dragged Me back to the last room we'd passed and deposited her after taking her tunic. Just as I finished disguising myself, Nowak arrived with Alternate-Nowak's body. He gave me a quick nod. We followed the trail of green splatters back to the elevator junction and boarded one without incident.

     I could practically poke the silence. What do you say to someone when you witness yourself killing them? I drew a deep breath. "I have a bad feeling that was normal."

     "Yes."

     I played with the hem of my borrowed tunic.

     "You do not need to feel guilty, Cobos. Whatever events have shaped us in this reality, I know it is not who you are."

     I tried to smile. "Thanks, Nowak."

     The half-Vulcan nodded. "My first name is Joseph."

     My smile became genuine. "I'm Erin," I said.

     We stepped out of the elevator. And pulled up short. Two people we engaged in hushed conversation. One looked over and froze. I blinked to make sure I wasn't imagining him. "Glasgow?" The other person glanced at us. I took a stunned step back. "Lieutenant Tetra?" I looked at Nowak. "What?"