Return Switcheroo
Posted on Tue May 14th, 2024 @ 7:16am by Lieutenant Commander Asahi Kita
Mission:
Shakedown Shake-Up
Location: The USS Not Named After a Tea
Timeline: 31rst Century
740 words - 1.5 OF Standard Post Measure
"We're sure it's the right universe? I don't wanna sound egotistical, but I mean, if there's two of me, surely there's more than that too, right?"
Piak rolled his eyes as he tapped away at the holographic console screen. Readings and charts scrolled by, but the Cardassian was nonplussed by everything but the man in the seat. "I do know of another universe where you stole a ship and became Emperor of the Planets."
Asahi perked up in his seat, which earned him a glare from Piak. Regardless, his eyes widened. "Really?"
"Sadly, yes."
"Sadly? I'd rule the fuck out of the planets - wait, which planets?" At Piak's long silence, Asahi cleared his throat. "Sir, pardon. Ex-squeeze me."
The Cardassian's glare bored holes into Asahi's skull. Or it would have, if Piak had that power. "Mr. Kita-"
"Rude."
"If my work is interrupted for long enough, I will be sending you to another unintended reality."
"Fiiiiiiiiii-NUH!" Asahi slouched back in the seat. "You didn't answer my question. How do you know if this is the right reality that you're about to send me back to?"
"I guessed." Piak stated, letting it hang in the air. Just when it felt like Asahi was going to respond, the scientist continued. "Until I found one that had a reading like yours and at least one other reading that came from the period in time that we overshot this reality's Asahi Kita in."
"... I guess that makes sense." To Asahi, it did not. The time-zonk nature of this whole situation was still a little out of his league, even now. Understanding the nature of how he had crossed wires not only in time, but in space? That made the situation difficult and (he would never admit to it) worrisome. He had things he wanted to say, people he wanted to bother. Would he have even been returned to the right time? "What year did you set this all to?"
"2397, as you vehemently requested." There came a sigh from the scientist, and Piak gave Asahi an oddly understanding look. "We are not here to disrupt you any longer than you have been. The calculations that were made on returning our Asahi Kita to his own 24th century were, oddly, sabotaged. Why that is, we are still trying to discern that, but we can right it now."
"Tsk." That made more sense. It was a 31rst century problem all the same, as far as Asahi was concerned. As long as he got back home. "Alright fine, I'll come off it." While he said it with an air of nonchalance, he could not help but feel the concern bubbling. What if I never get back home?
"You should be concerned of the disaster area your alternate reality compatriot may leave behind. He was quite careless when he served on the Clepsydra. Nearly got the crew killed. Not on purpose, of course. But it was what had him asking to be sent home."
Running away from issues. Asahi felt for the guy. But it was also very typical of him - it seemed any him - to forget he had issues to begin with and bury a head in the sand. "It should be fine. Pretty sure Doc Sorenson would sedate him if anything happened." And hopefully they're smart enough to know that's not a me-me.
"Let's hope, for your sake and his, you're right." Piak's eyes darted back to the screen. "I have confirmation from the Admiral - we are free to send you back when you are ready."
"Boy howdy am I ever ready," Asahi confirmed, hopping on the teleporter platform they intended to utilize for this transfer. "Hey, if Doc sedated him, maybe-just maybe-you'll have a moment of peace."
Piak breathed a sigh through his nose, ignoring the shimmering that surrounded Asahi. "It'll all be over soon, I'll make sure of that," he concluded, looking up only to wave goodbye to the disappearing form of Asahi Kita. Another moment later, and a larger glob shimmered into existence. The Cardassian scientist narrowed his eyes as he tried to make out who - or what - else was coming along with the other Asahi.
Only when the duo of Asahi and what appeared to be a large feathered reptile was easier to make out did Piak speak. "... I don't have enough coffee for this."
