Star Trek: Erin

Part 38: Return to the Sucky Dimension

     I ran my eyes over the evil dimension officers and the expressions gradually transitioning from confusion to hostility. We can't bluff. They know our outfits are wrong. Not to mention that last time we were here, Alternate-Nowak was murdered. Maybe even Alternate-Me is dead by now. A weird part of me hoped not. I side-eyed Nowak. "Run for it?"

     He was already edging towards the door. "That seems prudent."

     "I'll deal with... this," said a familiar voice. "Styme, Kiki, on me." Three redshirts rose after a brief pause, led by none other than Michael wearing the Starfleet-issue sucky dimension bikini adorned as a lieutenant. She was distractingly ripped, but I was a bit more concerned with getting immediately taken into custody. I exchanged a look with Nowak. I bet he's thinking the same thing. Maybe we can overpower them in the hall, but not here. Not in front of so many other officers. I let Michael escort me from the room, the other two taking Nowak in front of us.

     Alternate-Styme and Kiki were eyeing each other and Michael weirdly. The latter seemed oblivious.

     I watched Nowak's back, waiting for a signal that he was ready to kick ass.

     A nearly imperceptible shimmy.

     Let's go.

     I lashed out with a boot, striking Kiki in the back of the legs while bringing up my free elbow to jab Michael. She released me. Styme was on the ground and as I glanced over, Nowak tried—and failed—to use the neck grab on Kiki. Without missing a beat, he switched to a headlock. Alternate-Kiki was unconscious in five seconds. I drew my phaser and whirled back on Michael.

     She shielded her face with her hands. "Wait! It's me!"

     I paused, tensed just in case this was a trick. "What?"

     Michael peeked between her fingers. "I'm from the Enterprise. Well, another Enterprise, I guess. Like your uniform. I was listening to the Halkan transcript and—" She made a poof gesture. "Here we are. Is this the other dimension crewmen used to talk about?"

     If she came because she was listening to the transcript too... Dammit. Marple's here. And any other officers listening in. Pretty sure most don't listen to transcripts live though. A thought occurred to me. Could the landing party be here too? I helped Michael to her feet. "Thanks for getting us out of there. You adapted fast."

     She gave me a quick smile. "That's what I do."

     I squinted at her clothes. "Hold on, if you came here the same way we did, how come you got a proper outfit?" Although 'proper' is debateable.

     "No clue. I'm just super glad it got us out of there. Although I almost like it. More breathable. "

     I glanced at Nowak. He'd dragged the unconscious bodies into the nearest room and changed into Kiki's uniform while we were talking, which he at least matched in terms of height. Just like last time, he looked good. Nowak caught my eye. "Most will have learned of my death, but if I am not paid attention, this will be passable."

     "Fair," I said. I should change into Styme's clothes. I'll probably rip a seam, but it'll do. "Have you thought about getting back? Glasgow isn't here this time." Damn me, I should've thought something like this would happen.

     "I will let you know if I have any ideas."

     Michael silently listened to our exchange, expressionless.

     I went to the nearby room to get changed. Nowak and Michael joined me, since loitering in the hallway seemed suspicious. This time, I noticed a piece from the uniform. "What do you think this is?" I took a metal piece with a big red button off my belt. "Weapon, maybe? We have knives and our phasers, but these people are big on violence, so more wouldn't surprise me."