From rob4654@webtv.net Fri Mar 26 08:24:31 1999
Premise : It's 'A Piece Of The Action', and yet another party has 'put
the bag on Koik'. Ah, but is this individual only pretending to be an
Iotian Mobster?
The Buzz About Town
by Rob Morris
The masked individual released an angry James T. Kirk, while his
companion, all in black, released Spock from a special hold that felt
like it could shatter neutronium.
"Just sit tight, Captain, and you won't be harmed. I promise."
The masked mobster's second turned to Spock, and spoke very
matter-of-factly.
"You are quite powerful, Mister Spock. But some of these holds I use
predate your philosopher, Surak. I know many others, besides the one I
used."
In an glimpse that required no words, Spock and Kirk confirmed to each
other that these particular Iotians were not quite as grammar-challenged
as Oxmyx, et al.
"Very well, but if we're not to be harmed, then-why are we here? We're
not providing you with Federation weaponry anymore than Oxmyx."
The man smiled.
"I don't want your weaponry, Captain. The fact is, as you've seen,
Sigma Iotia Two has more than enough weaponry - thanks to my stupidity."
Spock looked at the seated masked mobster, called a 'Loose Cannon' by
Oxmyx and the others.
"Sir, the state of this world is not your fault. If anyone is at
fault, it is the crew of the Horizon, 100 years ago, and they could not
know your culture's imitative nature."
Spock's confident captor looked at him.
"Ah, but what if we were from The Horizon, Spock? I am First Officer
Ikano, and this is my Captain, Britt Reid. We ejected in cryo-stasis
tubes when the Horizon was lost."
The man known as Britt Reid unmasked with his friend, and continued.
"We awoke to find the damage we had inadvertently done, and resolved to
keep it from destroying this society. We found that the factions had no
independent newspaper, so we filled that hole. That-- and another one.
Kirk nodded.
"I recognized the uniform, Captain Reid, but thought it just another
example of cultural contamination."
"Not at all, Captain. This uniform--and the one worn by my XO have
been in our families for several generations. Its an old trick--we
pretend to be players within the mob wars, but actually work against it
all."
Spock raised an eyebrow.
"Fascinating. Jim, it is the cultural equivalent of 'fighting fire with
fire'."
"Indeed, Spock. Captain Reid and Mister Ikano direct the others'
efforts without having to lift a finger. We'll take you both with us, of
course, as soon as we can contact the Enterprise."
"Thank you, Captain. But this society needs a cauterizing event to
stanch the blood we unintentionally drew. That's where you two come in."
Later, newspaper publisher Reid and his city editor sat, and waited.
They didn't need to wait long. Bela Oxymyx and
a few of the other leaders burst in, armed and accompanied by their
'boys'. Bela held a gun to Reid's throat.
"Awright, Mister Fancy-Dan Publisher! I know now. You're the loose
cannon, the independent player. Well, jerk, I'm sending you on to Cloud
9!"
Despite being completely surrounded, Reid and Ikano remained completely
calm. Then, through the right and left windows smashed two masked,
dashing figures. One in green--James T. Kirk. One in black, his ears
hidden, Mister Spock. Outside, some Enterprise phaser fire on heavy stun
took out the gunsels who lay in wait. Between the four of them, Reid,
Ikano---under the guise of self-defense-and the masked, costumed,
voice-disguised Enterprise Officers took out everyone inside. Kirk
picked up Oxmyx, and threw him against the wall.
"Very unwise, Bela. Thinking I was a printer-boy? Now, as you can see,
I've made my own deal with Kirk. Just like you're going to make your own
deal with me."
"Awright, ya got me. Just name the deal."
"You'll like it, Bela. I stay in the shadows-and you run everything."
Back aboard the Enterprise, there was good news. Kirk turned to Reid.
"No charges for either you or Mr. Ikano, Captain. Different time,
different rules. Plus, your efforts to reunite that society has
Starfleet asking if you're interested in re-training, maybe even a new
ship. What do you say, gentlemen?"
Reid scratched his head. He looked at his friend and First Officer.
"What do you think?"
"I think, Mister Britt Reid, that this sounds very much like another
challenge for the Green Hornet."
"Well said, Mister Ikano Kato."
(
geocities.com/televisioncity/network) (
geocities.com/televisioncity)