Jeremy received a message from Benjamin Sisko informing him that the Federation had finally decided to allow the Dominion through. Some merchants had been complaining about delays in their deliveries.
“According to my sources, at warp factor 5, it will take the Dominion 14 days to reach Equestria,” Sisko said.
Jeremy thanked him for the update. Turning to Celestia, he said, “I have both bad news and good news.”
Celestia raised an eyebrow. “What’s the bad news?”
“Well,” Jeremy replied, “they’ve had to let the Dominion through after all the complaints Starfleet received about delayed shipments.”
“And the good news?” Celestia asked, leaning in with interest.
“The good news is… they won’t be here for another 14 days.”
Celestia sighed, a mix of relief and frustration in her expression. “I’m glad for the time we have, but I just want this to be over. The waiting is driving me crazy.”
Jeremy nodded sympathetically. “I understand. It’s what we on Earth call a ‘hurry-up-and-wait’ situation.”
As they began to shed their armor, Jeremy felt the heat building. “Man, I should have put a fan in this armor,” he muttered, wiping sweat from his brow.
“Sir, there is a fan in this armor,” Epocrates chimed in.
“Then why didn’t you turn it on?” Jeremy shot back, exasperated.
“You never mentioned any complaints,” Epocrates replied innocently.
“I shouldn’t have to! You know I can get sick if I get too hot.”
“Oh yeah… sorry! That totally slipped my mind,” Epocrates said, slightly embarrassed.
Jeremy groaned, “God, I smell rank!”
Celestia waved her hoof dismissively. “Oh, come now, you don’t smell—” But as she said this, Jeremy raised his arms, and the pungent stench from his armpits assaulted her senses. “Never mind. What is that smell?”
“Armpit stench,” Jeremy replied nonchalantly.
Celestia grimaced. “Yeah, you do rank. Ugh.”
Rose chuckled. “We could bottle up Jeremy’s armpit stink and use it as a biological weapon!”
Jeremy laughed. “Ha ha, very funny. I just need to do the three S's.”
“Three S's?” Celestia asked, confused.
“Shit, shower, and shave,” Jeremy explained with a grin.
Celestia sighed, a mix of relief and frustration in her expression. “I’m glad for the time we have, but I just want this to be over. The waiting is driving me crazy.”
Jeremy nodded sympathetically. “I understand. It’s what we on Earth call a ‘hurry-up-and-wait’ situation.”
As they began to shed their armor, Jeremy felt the heat building. “Man, I should have put a fan in this armor,” he muttered, wiping sweat from his brow.
“Sir, there is a fan in this armor,” Epocrates chimed in.
“Then why didn’t you turn it on?” Jeremy shot back, exasperated.
“You never mentioned any complaints,” Epocrates replied innocently.
“I shouldn’t have to! You know I can get sick if I get too hot.”
“Oh yeah… sorry! That totally slipped my mind,” Epocrates said, slightly embarrassed.
Jeremy groaned, “God, I smell rank!”
Celestia waved her hoof dismissively. “Oh, come now, you don’t smell—” But as she said this, Jeremy raised his arms, and the pungent stench from his armpits assaulted her senses. “Never mind. What is that smell?”
“Armpit stench,” Jeremy replied nonchalantly.
Celestia grimaced. “Yeah, you do rank. Ugh.”
Rose chuckled. “We could bottle up Jeremy’s armpit stink and use it as a biological weapon!”
Jeremy laughed. “Ha ha, very funny. I just need to do the three S's.”
“Three S's?” Celestia asked, confused.
“Shit, shower, and shave,” Jeremy explained with a grin.
Celestia sighed, a mix of relief and frustration in her expression. “I’m glad for the time we have, but I just want this to be over. The waiting is driving me crazy.”
Jeremy nodded sympathetically. “I understand. It’s what we on Earth call a ‘hurry-up-and-wait’ situation.”
As they began to shed their armor, Jeremy felt the heat building. “Man, I should have put a fan in this armor,” he muttered, wiping sweat from his brow.
“Sir, there is a fan in this armor,” Epocrates chimed in.
“Then why didn’t you turn it on?” Jeremy shot back, exasperated.
“You never mentioned any complaints,” Epocrates replied innocently.
“I shouldn’t have to! You know I can get sick if I get too hot.”
“Oh yeah… sorry! That totally slipped my mind,” Epocrates said, slightly embarrassed.
Jeremy groaned, “God, I smell rank!”
Celestia waved her hoof dismissively. “Oh, come now, you don’t smell—” But as she said this, Jeremy raised his arms, and the pungent stench from his armpits assaulted her senses. “Never mind. What is that smell?”
“Armpit stench,” Jeremy replied nonchalantly.
Celestia grimaced. “Yeah, you do rank. Ugh.”
Rose chuckled. “We could bottle up Jeremy’s armpit stink and use it as a biological weapon!”
Jeremy laughed. “Ha ha, very funny. I just need to do the three S's.”
“Three S's?” Celestia asked, confused.
“Shit, shower, and shave,” Jeremy explained with a grin.29Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1RNELWtow7
29Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqTY1LulYCd
ver the last 36 hours in his suit. Afterward, he dried off and put on a crisp suit.
Celestia caught a whiff of his shampoo and tilted her head. “What kind of shampoo are you using? It smells amazing!”
“Burst Bees Very Volumizing Sugar Beet Scented Shampoo,” Jeremy replied with a grin. “I alternate between that and this.” He held up a bottle of tea tree shampoo.
Luna leaned closer, intrigued. “That tea tree one smells good!”
With a satisfied smile, Jeremy said, “We have some time, so I’m going to play a bit of Minecraft.” He logged into the game and navigated to DemocracyCraft.
Luna looked over his shoulder, curious. “What are you playing?”
“It’s Minecraft, and the server is called DemocracyCraft. I’m a judge on this server,” he explained. Then he remembered, “Actually, you both have that laptop I gave you.”
Celestia's eyes lit up. “You’re right! I forgot all about that.”
“Did you check your email? You should have a Minecraft account now, and I sent you a link to access it. Your password is Pegassai2024,” Jeremy said, offering an encouraging smile.
Jeremy smiled as he pulled a small, red-and-white ball from his bandolier. “Ever wondered what these are?” he asked, holding up the Pokéball for Celestia to see.
Celestia nodded. “I’ve been curious since I first saw them. What are they?”
Jeremy pressed the button on the Pokéball. “Quackboom, come on out!” With a flash of light, a yellow duck with a confused look appeared, clutching its head.
“Psyduck!” it exclaimed.
“This is Quackboom,” Jeremy explained. “He’s a Psyduck. Psyducks always have a headache, and the only way they can relieve it is by using their psychic powers to attack.”
Celestia tilted her head in fascination. “Interesting. And what about the green, black, and red balls? What do they hold?”
Jeremy held each one up in turn. “These are my legendaries. In the green ball is Zygarde, a mythical Pokémon. The red one holds Eternatus, a powerful creature with destructive energy. And the black one… that’s my Houndoom, a fierce fire and dark-type Pokémon.”
Celestia nodded, impressed. “It’s incredible how much power you carry with you.”
Jeremy chuckled. “Yep, and I’m always ready for anything with these guys.”
Jeremy tossed a Pokéball toward Celestia, who effortlessly caught it using her magic. "That's a Cleffa," he said with a grin. "Go ahead, have it use Double Slap on Quackboom, and I'll show you why I call him 'Quackboom.' Its moves are Double Slap, Metronome, Draining Kiss, and Play Nice."
Celestia, intrigued, called out, "Cleffa, come on out!" A small, pink Cleffa appeared, looking cheerful and ready for action. "Cleffa, use Double Slap!" Celestia commanded.
Cleffa slapped Quackboom a total of six times, and Psyduck’s migraine started to build.
"Quackboom, use Water Gun!" Jeremy called out. Quackboom shot a stream of water, but Cleffa swiftly dodged it.
"Good job, Cleffa!" Celestia said proudly. "Now, use Metronome!" Cleffa waved its tiny hands back and forth like a metronome, randomly using Fire Punch. The flames fizzled against Psyduck, barely making an impact since it was a water type.
Jeremy noticed Quackboom clutching its head. "Quackboom, use Confusion!" But the attack missed, and right then, Cleffa evolved into Clefairy in a burst of light.
Clefairy wasted no time and slapped Psyduck again with Double Slap. Psyduck retaliated, throwing Clefairy into one of the gate pillars with its psychic energy, but Clefairy remained determined to fight.
As Clefairy rushed toward Psyduck for another attack, it became confused and accidentally hit itself.
"Quackboom, finish it with Psyshock!" Jeremy shouted.
The powerful psychic attack landed, and Clefairy staggered before finally fainting, ending the friendly battle.29Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXIINXj8fgh
Jeremy grinned, pulling out several small bags and jars from his bag and setting them next to the cooking pot. "Alright, Celestia, I’ve got options here for Lancelot’s favorite dish, but I’ll let you decide which one we’ll make today." He held up each ingredient, explaining them with a touch of flair. "We can make seven different kinds of curry, and each has its own unique flavor. Here are the options."
He laid out each type of curry ingredient in front of her. "We’ve got Sausage Curry, Coconut Milk Curry, Lots of Potato Curry, Fried Food Curry, Leek Curry—which happens to be his favorite—Herbal Curry, and Pasta Curry. What do you think? You choose, and I’ll show you how to make it."
Celestia looked at the ingredients with a thoughtful expression. She was clearly intrigued by the different possibilities. "Hmm," she mused, eyeing the leeks but also curious about the other flavors. "I like the sound of Leek Curry since it’s his favorite, but I’m also tempted by Coconut Milk Curry. That sounds delicious too!"
Jeremy chuckled, enjoying her enthusiasm. "Both are great choices! The Coconut Milk Curry will be a bit richer and creamier, while the Leek Curry is more savory and earthy. It’s up to you."
Celestia thought for a moment longer before making her decision. "Let’s go with the Coconut Milk Curry. I want to try something new, and I think the creamy flavor will be a nice surprise for Lancelot."
"Good choice!" Jeremy nodded, grabbing the coconut milk and the other ingredients they’d need. "Alright, first we’ll start by chopping up some vegetables. Grab that knife again, and we’ll need to finely chop those leeks and a few potatoes."
Celestia used her magic to float the knife and quickly got to work, expertly chopping the leeks and potatoes. Jeremy, meanwhile, measured out the right amount of coconut milk, spices, and herbs.
Once everything was ready, Jeremy set the pot over the fire and added a bit of oil. He tossed in the leeks and potatoes first, sautéing them until they started to soften and release their aroma. "Now we add the coconut milk," he said, carefully pouring it into the pot and giving it a good stir.
The creamy mixture bubbled gently as the ingredients began to cook down, filling the air with a rich, mouthwatering scent. "The key here is to let it simmer just right so the coconut flavor infuses everything," Jeremy explained, keeping an eye on the fire. "Fan the flames a little, will you?"
Celestia took the fan in her magic and waved it gently, watching as the fire adjusted perfectly. "This is really exciting! I’ve never cooked with coconut milk before."
"It’s one of my favorite ingredients," Jeremy said with a smile. "Adds a lot of flavor, but without being too heavy. Now we just need to let this simmer for a bit."
They waited, fanning the flames now and then to keep the heat even. After a few minutes, the curry thickened to the perfect consistency, its aroma even stronger now. "We’re almost there," Jeremy said, stirring the pot one last time. "Just a few more minutes, and it’ll be ready to serve."
Celestia’s stomach growled a little, and she blushed. "I didn’t realize how hungry I was until now."
Jeremy chuckled. "That’s the effect of cooking curry. It always makes you hungry."
Jeremy chuckled as he watched Lancelot gulp down the curry at an alarming rate. "Lancelot, seriously, you’re going to choke if you keep eating like that!" he called out, but the Sirfetch’d didn’t seem to hear, too engrossed in his meal. Jeremy shook his head and turned back to the others.
Celestia gave a delicate bite of her matza and curry, her expression lighting up. "I must say, this Coconut Milk Curry is delightful. The richness of the coconut complements the savory flavors so well."
Jeremy grinned. "I knew you’d like it. Lancelot is a big fan of it too, clearly."
Luna, sitting next to her sister, nodded in agreement. "It’s quite different from anything I’ve had before. The combination of spices is...intriguing."
Zack wiped his mouth and leaned back with a satisfied sigh. "Yeah, this one’s a banger, Jeremy. I don’t think I’ve had a curry this good in a while. You should make this more often."
Rose, who had been quiet as she savored each bite, finally spoke up. "It’s my first time trying curry, and I like it. It’s got a nice balance of flavors, even if it’s a bit spicy for me."
Jeremy shrugged as he chewed a piece of matza. "I think it’s good enough, though I’ll be honest, curry’s not usually my go-to. But hey, I’ll eat it."
The group shared a laugh as they enjoyed their meal, the sounds of clinking bowls and satisfied chewing filling the air. Lancelot, still wolfing down his food, barely paused to take a breath.
"Lancelot, slow down," Jeremy said, his tone amused but concerned. "No one’s going to steal your food, buddy."
The Sirfetch’d finally paused, looking up sheepishly as if realizing he’d been eating too quickly. He let out a quiet quack, then resumed eating at a slightly more controlled pace.
Celestia glanced at Lancelot with a soft smile. "He’s quite the character, isn’t he?"
Jeremy laughed. "Yeah, he’s a good one. Always eager to protect, but equally as eager when it comes to food."
Luna leaned in slightly, her eyes twinkling. "I must say, watching him eat is quite entertaining. It’s as if he thinks the food will vanish if he doesn’t eat it fast enough."
The group continued their conversation, swapping stories and enjoying the peaceful atmosphere. The campfire crackled softly beside them, adding a warm glow to the cool evening air.
Once everyone had finished their meals, Jeremy stood up and began collecting the empty bowls. "Well, I’m glad everyone enjoyed it. Next time, I’ll make sure to have some proper naan bread on hand."
Celestia smiled, helping to clean up. "The matza worked just fine. Thank you for the meal, Jeremy. It was wonderful."
As they packed up, Jeremy looked over at Lancelot, who was now lying contentedly by the fire, his belly full. "Alright, big guy, looks like you’re in for a nice nap after all that curry."
The Sirfetch’d let out a satisfied quack before closing his eyes, clearly pleased with the evening's events.
J
Jeremy raised an eyebrow as he watched Cozy Glow and Chrysalis stumble toward the camp, their laughter echoing through the quiet night. Both of them were clearly intoxicated, their usually composed demeanors replaced by a tipsy, carefree swagger.
"And where have you two been?" Jeremy asked, crossing his arms as he stood by the microwave he’d just plugged into the Starfleet power supply.
Cozy Glow, her cheeks flushed and her eyes slightly unfocused, giggled and slurred, "We met some Federation officers! They let us try some Romulan ale and... hic! Sorian brandy!" She wobbled slightly, steadying herself on a nearby chair. "That Romulan ale tasted like... hic! Like total garbage, but that Sorian brandy... oh my gosh!" She paused, her wings fluttering lazily. "It was amazing."
Chrysalis, just as drunk but trying to maintain some semblance of her usual regal demeanor, snorted and grinned. "Girl, I am blitzed out of my skull right now," she said, her voice louder than usual. "That ale was terrible, but the brandy... mmm, perfection!"
Jeremy sighed, shaking his head as he placed the Tupperware containers filled with curry into the microwave. "Romulan ale and Sorian brandy? Really? And what else did you try?"
Cozy leaned against Chrysalis, giggling uncontrollably. "Oh, oh! They even let us try something called... hic! Gonja... It made my head feel so light!" She collapsed into laughter, nearly falling over.
Chrysalis, her horn flickering with a weak glow as she tried to focus, added, "I’m not entirely sure what it was, but I’m pretty sure we’re still feeling the effects."
Jeremy sighed again, a mix of amusement and exasperation crossing his face. "You two are a mess. What did I tell you about trying unknown substances from strange officers?"
Cozy waved a hoof dismissively, swaying slightly. "Relax, Jeremy! We’re fine! Totally fine." She hiccuped again, almost tipping over before Chrysalis caught her.
"Uh-huh, sure," Jeremy said, rolling his eyes. "Well, since you two are clearly in no state to make anything, I’ve got some curry for you." He glanced at the microwave as it beeped, signaling the food was ready.
Chrysalis perked up at the mention of food, her drunken state momentarily forgotten. "Ooh, curry! That sounds amazing right now."
Jeremy handed them the Tupperware containers. "Here. It's coconut milk curry, and I even packed some matza bread with it. Hopefully, it'll help soak up all that brandy and ale you drank."
Cozy grabbed her container, staring at it with wide, slightly dazed eyes. "You’re the best, Jeremy," she said, before taking a huge bite of the curry, almost forgetting the spoon entirely. "Mmmph... so good..."
Chrysalis, maintaining a bit more composure, began eating too, though her enthusiasm was clear as she savored each bite. "I’m still blitzed, but this... this is helping," she said with a contented sigh.
Jeremy chuckled and shook his head, watching them devour the curry. "Yeah, well, next time, maybe don’t go overboard with alien drinks and... whatever else you tried."
Both Cozy and Chrysalis just laughed, too absorbed in their food to respond.
Jeremy's mind raced as he pieced together the situation. Standing in the hall with William T. Riker, the gravity of the incident weighed heavily on him. Starfleet had a strict code of conduct, and tampering with drinks—especially something as dangerous as lacing alcohol with desomorphine—was not just reckless, it was criminal.
"Will," Jeremy said, holding back his anger, "some of Celestia’s people were given tainted Sorian brandy, mixed with desomorphine."
Riker’s eyes widened, his face growing serious. "What? That’s—Jeremy, this is beyond unacceptable. If we can find out who did it, I swear I’ll make sure they’re court-martialed and drummed out of Starfleet."
Just then, Chrysalis emerged from behind them, looking more focused than before. She had spent time reviewing the surveillance logs from the event where Cozy Glow and she had been given the spiked drinks. "We’ve got him," she said, her voice hard. "Or at least we think we do. There are two that look almost identical. But something’s not adding up."
Jeremy frowned, his brow furrowing in thought. "Two that look alike? What do you mean?"
Chrysalis brought up the digital directory on the nearby console. "Look here." She tapped the screen, bringing up the profiles of two officers. "Both of these men were around when we were given the Sorian brandy, but they’re nearly identical. Only one could have done it."
Jeremy’s heart sank as he recognized one of the faces. It was Thomas Riker—the transporter-created duplicate of William T. Riker. The accident that had split Riker into two had left them as separate, distinct individuals. While Will had stayed on the path of duty, Thomas had taken a more rebellious road in the past. Could he have fallen this low?
"It wasn’t Will," Jeremy said firmly, glancing at Riker beside him. "He would never pull something like this. But Thomas... he’s always been unpredictable. It might’ve been him."
Will sighed heavily, rubbing his temples in frustration. "Damn it, Thomas," he muttered under his breath. "He’s been given so many second chances."
Jeremy brought up additional security footage. As they watched, sure enough, Thomas Riker could be seen in the background, mingling with a few fresh cadets from the academy. They were laughing and drinking—far too much, it seemed, given their behavior. And then there it was: Thomas handing off a bottle to Cozy Glow and Chrysalis. The way he had smiled—a smug, knowing smirk—made Jeremy’s stomach churn.
"It’s him," Jeremy said, his voice cold. "And he wasn’t acting alone. Those new recruits are in on it too. Looks like he’s been leading them down a dangerous path."
Will clenched his fists, anger simmering beneath the surface. "I’m going to deal with this personally, Jeremy. He’s my responsibility, and I won’t let this slide."
Chrysalis nodded. "I want them held accountable. They put me and Cozy at serious risk. If it wasn’t for Jeremy, things could’ve gone much worse."
Jeremy placed a hand on her shoulder, his tone softening. "We caught it in time. That’s what matters now. But we’re not going to let them get away with it."
Will straightened up, already activating his combadge. "Riker to security. I need an immediate lockdown on all personnel, focusing on Thomas Riker and the cadets from the last academy intake. Suspected criminal activity involving tampered substances."
Jeremy watched as Will took control of the situation, the air thick with tension. The truth was out, and there would be consequences—severe ones.
"You’re doing the right thing, Will," Jeremy said, standing beside his friend. "Starfleet doesn’t tolerate this kind of betrayal."
Will nodded grimly. "I just wish it wasn’t Thomas. But he’ll face what’s coming, just like anyone else."
Jeremy texted Rose to inform her that Cozy and Chrysalis would be okay. Rose’s response was swift: “That’s wonderful!” She immediately shared the good news with Celestia, who sighed in relief. “Thank goodness. I hope this teaches them never to take drinks from strangers.”
Meanwhile, in the brig, William Riker stood over Thomas and his cronies, frustration etched on his face. “Why did you give a bottle of Sorian brandy tainted with desomorphine to those equestrians?” he demanded. Thomas flashed a cold, calculating smile. “Aww, are the ponies gonna die? Too bad!”
Riker’s patience snapped, and he slapped his clone. “No, they won’t! They were saved thanks to Admiral Dillahay. But you, my fine-feathered friend, are cruising for a bruising.”
Jeremy is the one who will sentence you, not me,” William said. “He gets to choose the penalties, and he said your goal was death. Since you lead this band of miscreants, he’s leaning toward the death penalty. And he’s put into law some really inventive death penalty methods—all using the holodeck with the safety measures taken off.”
Thomas laughed, the sound chilling as it echoed through the brig. “You really think you can scare me with that? Death is just a part of life, and honestly, I don’t care what happens to those ponies. They’re just pets to you, right?”
William’s expression darkened, his jaw tightening. “You clearly don’t understand the gravity of your actions. It’s not just about the ponies; it’s about the safety and trust within Starfleet. Your reckless behavior puts everyone at risk.”
“Trust?” Thomas sneered. “Trust is just a word people use to control each other. I’ve seen it all before. You think you’re better than us, but you’re just as corrupt.”
Riker stepped closer, his demeanor imposing. “You have no idea what you’re dealing with. Jeremy may be lenient, but don’t mistake his kindness for weakness. He cares about those he protects, and that’s more than I can say for you.”
“Yeah, well, you’ll see,” Thomas said, a glint of defiance in his eyes. “You think you’re going to scare me with your little holodeck games? I’m not afraid.”
“Good,” William said, his voice low and serious. “You should be. Because Jeremy is going to make an example out of you. You’ve made it personal, and he won’t take that lightly.”
Back in sickbay, Jeremy received an alert on his communicator. “Admiral Dillahay here,” he responded, his tone steady despite the earlier chaos of the night.
“Admiral, it’s Riker,” came the familiar voice. “We have Thomas and his crew in the brig. You need to see this.”
Feeling a surge of resolve, Jeremy replied, “I’m on my way.” He left sickbay, his mind racing with the implications of what had happened. As he walked down the corridors of the Enterprise, he couldn’t shake the anger towards Thomas and the risk he had posed to his friends.
When Jeremy arrived at the brig, he found Riker standing outside the holding cell, arms crossed and a deep disapproval etched on his face. Inside, Thomas was pacing like a caged animal, his cronies sulking in the corners.
“Let’s get this over with,” Jeremy said, stepping forward. “What do you have to say for yourself?”
Thomas stopped and turned, his expression smug. “I didn’t do anything wrong. They were just drinks, and if they can’t handle their liquor, that’s not my problem.”
“Not your problem?” Jeremy echoed, incredulity rising within him. “You intentionally gave them a drug-laced beverage. You wanted them to suffer, and it’s only by chance that they didn’t. They could have died!”
“And if they had?” Thomas shrugged, feigning indifference. “What’s a couple of equestrians compared to the bigger picture? I’m just pushing the limits. You should thank me for the lesson.”
Riker stepped in, clearly losing his patience. “Your actions endanger the entire ship and crew. You’re lucky they survived. But there are consequences for what you’ve done, and you will face them.”
Taking a deep breath to calm himself, Jeremy said, “I’ve seen the depths of your depravity, Thomas. You think this is a game, but you’re playing with lives. The penalties for your actions will be severe.”
Thomas raised an eyebrow, a sly grin creeping onto his face. “You think you’re going to scare me with a punishment? I’m not afraid of death. Bring it on.”
“Good,” Jeremy replied, a steely edge in his voice. “Because the laws I’m considering implementing for someone like you are far from merciful. Imagine the worst fates imaginable, all within the safety of a holodeck.”
“You wouldn’t,” Thomas shot back, but his bravado wavered slightly. “That’s inhumane!”
“Exactly,” Jeremy said, stepping closer. “But so are your actions. You made a choice, and now it’s time to face the consequences. You’ll experience your own nightmare scenarios, fully aware that there’s no way out.”
Thomas’s expression shifted, uncertainty creeping into his eyes. “You’re bluffing.”
“Am I?” Jeremy challenged, his voice low and intense. “You think you can intimidate me? I’m not some naive officer who will just let this slide. You’ll pay for what you’ve done, and I’ll make sure everyone knows what happens when you mess with my friends.”
Riker added, “You’ve put the entire ship at risk, and that’s something we won’t tolerate. You will face a tribunal, and I assure you, the outcome won’t be in your favor.”
“Yeah, right,” Thomas said, trying to mask his growing fear. “You think you’re invincible, but this isn’t over. I have friends too.”
Jeremy shook his head, unfazed. “You think those friends will stand by you when they see the kind of monster you truly are? You’re isolated now, and it’s only going to get worse from here.”
The atmosphere in the brig shifted, tension crackling in the air as Jeremy turned to leave. “I’ll be back. Prepare yourself, because the clock is ticking, and you’re running out of time.”
As Jeremy exited the brig, he felt a weight lifting off his shoulders. He knew he was doing the right thing. The safety of his crew and friends mattered more than any fleeting sense of compassion he might feel for Thomas. Justice needed to be served.
Back in sickbay, Cozy and Chrysalis were resting peacefully, unaware of the brewing storm outside their hospital room. Jeremy stopped by to check on them one more time, grateful to see them stable and recovering.
“Hey,” he said softly, careful not to wake them. “You two are going to be just fine. I promise.”
With that reassurance, Jeremy stepped outside, determination fueling his next actions. He would make sure that Thomas Riker and his cronies were brought to justice, not only for the sake of Cozy and Chrysalis but for anyone else who might be victimized by their recklessness in the future.
The morning sun filtered softly through the sickbay windows as Cozy and Chrysalis stirred awake, blinking against the light. Jeremy stood nearby, a determined expression on his face. “Good morning, you two.”
Chrysalis stretched, yawning. “Uh, I slept like a rock.”
“I need your assistance,” Jeremy said, his tone serious.
“Yours too, Cozy,” he added, catching the attention of the little unicorn.
Cozy rubbed her eyes, confusion knitting her brow. “What? What do you need us for?”
“I want you to testify about what happened,” Jeremy explained, a sense of urgency in his voice.
Just then, Dr. Crusher entered the room, her face lit up with a warm smile. “Looks like you guys won’t need a care plan after all. You’re both good to go!”
“Yay!” Cozy cheered, bouncing on the bed. “That’s the best news I’ve heard all night!”
“Thank you, Dr. Crusher,” Chrysalis added, her voice sincere. “You saved our lives.”
With a nod of acknowledgment, Dr. Crusher replied, “Just doing my job.” She exited the room, leaving the three of them alone.
Jeremy led Cozy and Chrysalis out of sickbay and toward the tribunal room. The atmosphere was tense, and Jeremy felt the weight of what was to come. He contacted the Klingon High Council, his mind racing with thoughts of how to ensure justice for Cozy and Chrysalis.
“Who is Thomas Riker friends with who may try to bail him out?” he asked.
“Martok here,” came the response. “It is the Duras family. The Duras sisters and their brother have had their ships impounded, and they are being denied passage off the planet.”
“Why?” Jeremy inquired, his interest piqued.
“Their ships are grounded due to their involvement in illegal activities,” Martok explained. “We would not want Thomas to be rescued.”
“Good,” Jeremy replied, a satisfied smirk forming on his lips. He turned to Cozy and Chrysalis, who were waiting just outside the tribunal room. “Stay out here.”
“Why can’t we go in with you?” Cozy protested, her voice tinged with disappointment.
“Because he doesn’t want to give our hand away,” Chrysalis interjected, her tone matter-of-fact. “Jeremy’s showing his poker face.”
With a final nod, Jeremy stepped into the tribunal chamber, where the atmosphere was thick with anticipation. He took his place at the front, and to his right sat Celestia, regal and composed. To his left was Captain Picard, his expression serious as he surveyed the room.
At the opposite end of the chamber, Thomas Riker was brought in, chains clanking as he walked, his face a mixture of fury and disbelief. Jeremy couldn’t help but relish the sight of his nemesis finally facing justice.
“Hey, Thomas,” Jeremy began, a smirk playing on his lips. “Your friends aren’t coming. Their ships have been impounded, and they’ve been denied off-planet access.”
“No!” Thomas screamed, his face contorting with rage. “You can’t do this!”
“Yes!” Jeremy shot back, laughing derisively. “You will know what it is like to be gotten. Now is the winter of your discontent.”
The room fell silent, the judges exchanging glances as Jeremy laid out the case against Thomas. “You’ve poisoned innocent lives, Thomas. Your reckless actions nearly led to the deaths of Cozy and Chrysalis, and for what? A sick game?”
Thomas sneered, “They were just ponies! You think they matter? You’re wasting your time!”
Celestia’s voice rang out, firm and unwavering. “Every life matters, Thomas. You have shown a complete disregard for the lives of others, and this tribunal cannot overlook that.”
Picard nodded, his gaze steady. “Your actions have endangered not only those two but also the integrity of Starfleet itself. The consequences must reflect the severity of your crimes.”
The tribunal’s attention shifted back to Jeremy, who stepped forward again, his voice filled with conviction. “I believe that justice must be served, and I am advocating for the maximum punishment. Thomas Riker should face death by cave spider.”
A murmur rippled through the chamber, the weight of Jeremy’s words sinking in. The cave spider, a fearsome creature known for its slow, agonizing venom, was a punishment that would ensure Thomas experienced the terror he inflicted on others.
Thomas’s expression shifted from anger to fear, his bravado crumbling. “You wouldn’t dare!” he protested, desperation creeping into his voice. “That’s inhumane!”
“Is it more inhumane than what you did to Cozy and Chrysalis?” Jeremy countered, his voice rising with intensity. “You wanted them to suffer. You wanted them to die. Now you’ll face the consequences of your actions in a way that mirrors your cruelty.”
Picard spoke again, his voice calm yet resolute. “The tribunal must deliberate on the punishment. However, the evidence presented clearly shows a pattern of malice and intent to harm.”
Celestia added, “Justice is not about revenge; it’s about ensuring that those who threaten the safety of others are held accountable. Your actions demand a severe response.”
The three judges exchanged solemn glances before turning their attention back to Thomas. The atmosphere was electric with tension as Jeremy stood tall, resolute in his pursuit of justice.
After a brief deliberation, Celestia announced, “The tribunal has reached a verdict. Thomas Riker, for your heinous crimes against the lives of innocent beings and your blatant disregard for the safety of Starfleet, you are hereby sentenced to death by cave spider.”
The chamber erupted in a mix of gasps and murmurs, but Thomas’s reaction was one of sheer horror. “No! You can’t do this! I didn’t mean it!” he cried, his voice cracking.
“Your pleas fall on deaf ears,” Jeremy stated coldly, his heart pounding with a mixture of satisfaction and righteousness. “You chose your path, Thomas. Now you will walk it to its bitter end.”
As Thomas was led away, Jeremy felt a surge of relief wash over him. Justice had been served, and while it wasn’t a decision made lightly, he knew it was the right one. He turned to Celestia and Picard, gratitude evident in his eyes.
“Thank you for standing with me,” he said earnestly. “We had to protect those we care about.”
Celestia nodded, her expression a mixture of compassion and resolve. “It’s never easy to make such decisions, but sometimes they are necessary for the greater good.”
Picard added, “You’ve done well, Admiral. Ensuring the safety of your crew and friends is the mark of true leadership.”
Jeremy took a deep breath, feeling the weight of the moment settle over him. As he exited the tribunal chamber, he was ready to reunite with Cozy and Chrysalis, knowing that he had done everything in his power to protect them from further harm. The battle was won, but the fight for justice would always continue.
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