Star Trek: Erin

Part 13: The Un-disappearance of Lieutenant Tetra

     Nowak already had his phaser drawn and pointed at Glasgow, but the Section 31 operative just raised his hands. "Look, before you shoot me, I would like to express that I'm in exactly same situation as you."

     I laughed. "Your own people turned on you? Wow, Section 31 really is a big happy family."

     His hands fell to his sides. "Something went wrong when we tried to detonate the weapon, and everyone exempt from the time-lock was sent here. Section 31 is working on it as we speak."

     Tetra stepped forward and offered a hand. "Lieutenant Tetra. Glasgow tells me I'm dead in your reality."

     Well, she's straightforward. I shook her hand. "Ensign Cobos." This is my chance. "I'm sorry. I tried to stop the guy who killed you. We didn't really know each other in my reality, but it seemed like you thought you were doing the right thing." That was about the nicest thing I could honestly say, but she smiled warmly anyway.

     "We've met here but you're like many of the ensigns, trying to kill your officers to take their positions. I'm glad for the chance to start over."

     Glasgow waved a hand to get our attention. "In exchange for helping us escape this dimension, I have invited the lieutenant to replace the deceased version of herself in ours."

     I took a second to process all the information. Is that why...? I didn't check Alternate-Nowak's uniform, but maybe he was a higher officer. Was that a fucked-up power grab we saw? Nowak caught my eye and nodded. I tried to stamp down the bile welling in my throat.

    Glasgow perked up. "Oh, you witnessed some of this dimension's charming succession protocol?"

     "Shut up," I said. Wait, can we bring Tetra with us without imploding our dimension? I'd seen enough sci-fi movies to know moving things or people between dimensions is usually very bad. Although, nothing noticeable happened when we arrived, and we're not from this dimension. We even touched our alternate selves without getting attacked by demons. I snapped back to reality. "Alright. We should gather everyone from our dimension in the same place." I pointed a finger at Glasgow. "We're working with you for now, but all alliances are off the second we're back in our dimension."

     He raised his chin. "Suits me."

     I turned to Tetra. "Lieutenant, are you with Section 31 in this dimension?"

     "I didn't know it existed until Glasgow."

     I exchanged a look with Nowak. He gave a minuscule shrug. Alright, we'll believe her. "Look, we can teach you about stuff in our dimension, but you have to understand: our dimension is peaceful. Starfleet isn't all murder like it is here."

     Tetra clasped her hands and I realized with a jolt that we were all treating each other as equals. It was kinda beautiful. "Ensign Cobos, believe me when I say that I have never felt at home in this dimension. Give me a chance to be better and I'll take it."

     "Fabulous." I turned to Glasgow. "Who else is here?"

     "Four other Section 31 operatives, and your yellowshirt. The operatives are converging on Munitions." Glasgow eyed us. "If you intend to find your yellowshirt, meet us at the depot."

     "So you assholes can take off without us? Not a chance." I folded my arms. "You and Tetra come with us to find Sprite, and then we'll all go to the depot." I don't trust you, Glasgow. Remember that.

     He met my gaze. "Fine by me."

     "Why are you alive?"

     As one, our group whirled. Two normal phasers, one cool-looking phaser, and a bowie knife (Mirror-Tetra) pointed into Sprite's face. I would've felt relieved to see him if he didn't have his gun levelled at Tetra. "Oh, for god's sake." I stepped between them. "Sprite, put away your phaser before I use it to break your teeth. Tetra, this is the asshole who killed other-you."