VSF Blessings: A Star Trek Fan Production
Episode 4: Temptation
April 13, 2024
SCENE 1: GOD’S SPLENDOR
SOUND: Doors woosh open. Bridge noises.
JEREMIAH 1
Oh, hello, Sisters. May I help you?
SISTER FRANCES 2
We were hoping you wouldn’t mind us watching the ship jump to warp from your command center, Father Jeremiah.
JEREMIAH 3
Not at all, Sister Frances. It will be a moment. Brother Patrick had asked for some time after we left the planet’s atmosphere to run a quick diagnostic on our inertial dampners. He wants to ensure a smooth ride for both you and your cargo.
SISTER FRANCES 4
Thank you, Father. We were hoping we wouldn’t be too late. We love seeing God’s splendor through science.
JEREMIAH 5
Indeed, I feel the same way, Sister.
SISTER FRANCES 6
Captaining a starship and being a Priest, you would practically have to. It’s likely a prerequisite.
JEREMIAH 7
Hahaha! Perhaps it’s an unwritten rule.
SISTER FRANCES 8
A Catholic tradition.
JEREMIAH 9
Most definitely. So, is the cargo stowed away to your liking?
SISTER FRANCES 10
Yes, absolutely. The cargo containers are specifically designed to protect their contents, but attention to details beyond them is always welcomed and respected. Brothers Ethan and Patrick have been most helpful.
JEREMIAH 11
Glad to hear that. They studied your requirements carefully.
SISTER FRANCES 12
Oh, forgive my rudeness, Father. My companions here are Sisters Beatrice and Dolores.
JEREMIAH 13
Nice to meet you, Sisters. I am Father Jeremiah Hollis, Captain of the VSF Blessings. We’re happy to assist with your journey. If you need anything, please don’t hesitate to ask. And please be sure to join us in the Chapel for the Liturgy of Hours, Mass, and contemplation. You’ll find our schedule posted outside the door or just ask the computer.
SISTER BEATRICE 14
Thank you, Father.
SISTER DOLORES 15
Thank you, Father.
SOUND: Confirmation beeps.
MATTHIAS 16
Captain, Brother Patrick has completed his diagnostic. We are free to proceed.
JEREMIAH 17
Perfect timing. Set course, bring the ship around, and go to warp.
MATTHIAS 18
Aye, Sir.
SOUND: Computer sounds, impulse drives, and warp sound and louder engine sound.
SISTER FRANCES 19
Absolutely splendid, Captain!
SISTER BEATRICE 20
It’s breathtaking!
SISTER DOLORES 21
And you get the privilege of seeing this so frequently.
JEREMIAH 22
You have appropriately reminded me that yes, I do.
SOUND: None other than the engines humming (turn them up a bit).
SISTER FRANCES 23
Alrighty then. Thank you, Father and Brother Matthias, for letting us join your Heavenly bliss for a moment. The Sisters and I will get out of your way now.
JEREMIAH 24
We were glad to have your company.
SOUND: Footsteps and door wooshing open and closed
MATTHIAS 25
I like how they described that.
JEREMIAH 26
Me, too. It’s so easy to take life for granted, especially God’s creation. I’m glad we had that little reminder to pay attention.
MATTHIAS 27
I wonder what their cargo is. The freight manifest just says “Confidential.”
JEREMIAH 28
I’ve been curious about that, too.
MATTHIAS 29
You don’t suppose they’re using us for another “Hope Diamond” run, do you?
JEREMIAH 30
If we are, I have zero clue about it.
MATTHIAS 31
And could you tell me if you did?
JEREMIAH 32
Hahaha! I suppose not, but I truly am as much in the dark about this as you. But, we have a job to do, and we’ll do it to the best of our abilities like we always do.
MATTHIAS 33
We have a good crew, Sir.
JEREMIAH 34
That we do.
SOUNDS: Intro music.
SCENE 2: BIRTHDAY
SOUND: Engine hum. Doors woosh open.
EVERYONE 35
SURPRISE! HAPPY BIRTHDAY, FATHER/CAPTAIN!
JEREMIAH 36
WHAT! For me? You shouldn’t have. Thank you so much. How did you know?
SISTER BEATRICE (as Jeremiah is talking) 36a
It’s so EXCITING!
PATRICK 37
We heard it through the grapevine.
JEREMIAH 38
My Dad.
THOMAS 39
He was on the other end of that grapevine.
MATTHIAS 40
Do you have any words of wisdom for reaching another year of life?
JEREMIAH 41
Hmmm…words of wisdom. You’ve put me on the spot here.
ETHAN 42
We know, Captain.
JEREMIAH 43
But I do have something to share. Not to sound like a broken record, but when I was assimilated by the Borg, I thought life as I knew it was over. I almost even thought that God had abandoned me. The only things left of me were wisps of my mind, but I didn’t know how long those would last either. I fought so hard but was only losing ground. In that darkest hour, I was saved. Sadly, others were not, but I was. That was not and is not lost upon me. God has a plan for me. God has a plan for you. We may not always know what it is, but it is there, nonetheless. My wisdom for reaching yet another year is to keep your eyes, mind, and heart open to be the good, do what’s right, and be the light.
PATRICK 44
HERE HERE!
SISTER FRANCES 45
Beautifully stated, Father.
THOMAS 46
Well said.
MATTHIAS 47
Thank you, Sir. As you can see, we have cake and balloons.
SOUND: Balloon popping
ETHAN 48
One less balloon now.
SOUND: Laughter
MATTHIAS 49
And we got together to get you a little present. Not an easy task for a group of people who have taken a vow of poverty and travel lightly, but we listen to you, Sir.
JEREMIAH 50
I may have to start watching what I say.
MATTHIAS 51
Haha! We also noticed you haven’t personalized the food replicator…at all.
PATRICK 52
So we added something new for you called Jeremiah 1.
THOMAS 53
Go on! Give it a try, Father!, Ask for Jeremiah 1.
DOLORES 54
This is fun!
JEREMIAH 55
Ok, I’ll play along. I dare not guess what it is. Computer, make me a Jeremiah 1, please.
SOUND: Replicator
JEREMAIH 56
HAHA! Is that what I think it is?
MATTHIAS 57
It is! Your Dad had a hand in this, too!
JEREMIAH 58
I bet he did! Hadorn’s glazed donuts and a glass of milk! You did listen!
SISTER FRANCES 59
Hadorn’s?
MATTHIAS 60
Yes, it’s a bakery from the town where Father Jeremiah grew up. He talks about their donuts a LOT.
JEREMIAH 61
Mmmmm! Delicious! Just as I remember!
Sister, in all my travels around the galaxy, no one, I mean NO ONE makes a glazed donut like Hadorn’s Bakery in the midwestern town of Bardstown on planet Earth! What a GREAT surprise! Thank you, everyone!
ETHAN 62
You’re welcome.
THOMAS 63
Enjoy them. On your next medical checkup, we’ll find out how much!
JEREMIAH 64
Hahaha! This is a birthday to remember!
MATTHIAS 65
I almost forgot the cake! We need to sing first…
SOUND: Segue music.
SCENE 3: FOUND
MATTHIAS 66
Captain, sensors have picked up an escape pod.
JEREMIAH 67
Way out here in the middle of nowhere? Any lifesigns?
MATTHIAS 68
Inconclusive, Sir. Maybe.
JEREMIAH 69
Is the pod operational?
MATTHIAS 70
It has power, but it’s fluctuating.
JEREMIAH 71
It’s just so far out here with any habitable environment far beyond its range. Are there signs of other starships around?
MATTHIAS 72
None on sensors, Sir.
JEREMIAH 73
Could this be a trap, Brother Matthias?
MATTHIAS 74
That’s always a possibility, but I’m not seeing anything suspicious, though. The escape pod’s power is beginning to fluctuate more, Sir.
JEREMIAH 75
Hail the pod.
SOUND: Opening channel
(Pause.)
MATTHIAS 76
Hail is unanswered.
JEREMIAH 77
Send out a general broadcast.
MATTHIAS 78
Channel open, Sir.
JEREMIAH 79
I am Captain Jeremiah Hollis of the VSF Blessings. We offer our assistance to the occupant of the escape pod. You’re a long way out here. Your power is fluctuating. Do you need our help?
(Pause.)
MATTHIAS 80
No reply, Captain.
JEREMIAH 81
Then we assume they cannot reply and need assistance. Raise defensive shields and change heading to intercept the escape pod. When we’re within transporter range, have Brother Patrick transport the escape pod and its occupant to the cargo hold.
SOUND: Communicator chirp
JEREMIAH 82
Hollis to Brother Thomas. We’re going to have to call upon your Med Tech abilities again. We have an escape pod that will soon be beamed to the cargo hold. Meet me there, please, in case the occupant needs medical assistance.
THOMAS (Telephony) 83
Yes, Sir. I’ll grab my med kit and be on the way!
JEREMIAH 84
Brother Matthias, keep an eye out for incoming ships or anything out of the ordinary. We’ll have to drop our shields to use the transporter. I don’t want any surprises.
MATTHIAS 85
I believe the escape pod knows we’re here, Captain. It is attempting evasive maneuvers.
JEREMIAH 86
That seems futile…wait, wrong choice of words. That seems like a fruitless endeavor to try to run from a starship in open space with nowhere to hide. This just gets curiouser and curiouser.
MATTHIAS 87
We’ll soon be within transporter range.
JEREMIAH 88
I’ll head down to the cargo hold now. You have the bridge. Keep your eyes open, Matthias.
MATTHIAS 89
Will do, Captain.
SOUND: Segue music
SCENE 4: ORION
SOUND: Transporter followed by tricorder sound.
THOMAS 90
Whoever is in there does not want to be scanned. There’s an interference field inside the pod.
SOUND: Buttons..
PATRICK 91
We’ll find out who’s in there very soon. All power just shut down, including life support.
SOUND: Escape pod opens.
SELVINA 92
Hello, boys.
ETHAN 93
It’s an Orion female!
JEREMIAH 94
Computer, set up a Level 1 Bioisolation Field around our guest and her escape pod, now!
SOUND: Field rising.
SELVINA 95
Afraid of little ole me, Captain?
JEREMIAH 96
Just taking a necessary precaution. Orion women are known to have an “effect” upon human males, as I’m sure you know.
THOMAS 97
And scans show there are pheromones aplenty on the other side of that field.
SELVINA 98
Hmm…looks like a few got out. You really know how to make a girl feel welcome.
JEREMIAH 99
Brother Thomas, can you please administer pheromonal suppressants to the crew? We don’t need any distractions from our new guest.
THOMAS 100
Aye, Sir. I’ll need to go back to Sickbay to synthesize it.
JEREMIAH 101
Before you do that, how is our guest? We did just save her from a failing escape pod.
SOUND: Medical Tricorder
THOMAS 102
Fit as a fiddle, Captain, from what I can tell from here. A model of Orion good health.
SELVINA 103
Your words of flattery will get you everywhere. Come see me later, Thomas.
THOMAS 104
I…umm…have to get to Sickbay.
SOUND: Doors whoosh open and closed.
JEREMIAH 105
Sorry for the less than stellar welcoming. I am Captain Hollis and this ship is the VSF Blessings. We ran across your failing escape pod and thought we would lend a hand. How are you doing?
SELVINA 106
MUCH better now, Captain.
JEREMIAH 107
Why did you try to evade us out there? There was no place to hide in this void.
SELVINA 108
Because I was afraid you were them.
JEREMIAH 109
Who’s “them?”
SELVINA 110
The Orion Syndicate.
PATRICK 111
They operate out here?
SELVINA 112
They pass through here sometimes.
JEREMIAH 113
We scanned this sector and saw no signs of a ship. Why would they be looking for you?
SELVINA 114
Because I escaped. Lucky you found me.
JEREMIAH 115
We can take you to the nearest starbase. That’s the best I can offer you other than food and drink, I’m afraid.
SELVINA 116
Still afraid of lil ole me, I see.
JEREMIAH 117
It’s just a figure of speech.,,, I told you my name earlier. May I ask what is yours?
SELVINA 118
Is that your pickup line, Captain?
JEREMIAH 119
It is common courtesy.
SELVINA 120
I’m anything but common. It’s Selvina. My name is Selvina.
JEREMIAH 121
Hello, Selvina. It’s a pleasure to meet you.
SELVINA 122
I’m sure the pleasure is all yours. Although, you look fit for your species. Maybe the pleasure’s a little mine, too…Captain.
SOUND: Segue music.
SCENE 5: INOCULATION
JEREMIAH 123
Captain’s Log, Stardate 44593.15. Our unexpected Orion guest, Selvina, has been isolated to the guest quarters, and the crew inoculated with a pheromone inhibitor as a precautionary measure. Molecular air scrubbers are set on high.
We are currently enroute to the nearest Starbase to drop off Selvina. They have been contacted to give them a heads up about her arrival. No signs of an Orion Syndicate ship in the area so far, but Brother Matthias is staying alert. Once our excursion is complete, we will continue our journey back to Earth with Sister Frances, her colleagues, and her cargo. End log.
SOUND: End log sound. Walk to ready room door. Door open and close.
JEREMIAH 124
Status, Brother Matthias.
MATTHIAS 125
Nothing to report, Sir. We’re right on schedule to the starbase. All systems operating within normal parameters. Nothing unusual showing up on scans. Ship traffic is picking up, but it’s mostly freight haulers at a distance. There’s one medical ship. I see nothing with an Orion signature.
JEREMIAH 126
Good. Maybe we’ll get a break this time around.
SOUND: Door opening and close woosh.
THOMAS 127
Captain, may I speak with you in your ready room, please?
JEREMIAH 128
Of course, Brother Thomas. Lead the way.
SOUND: Walking to ready room. Doors open and close.
JEREMIAH 129
What is it you want to see me about?
THOMAS 130
I’ve inoculated the entire crew with the pheromone inhibitor.
JEREMIAH 131
Yes, I know. You reported that to me earlier.
THOMAS 132
Except you. You have not been inoculated yet.
JEREMIAH 133
Yes, I know that, too.
THOMAS 134
I have a hypospray right here. I could inoculate you now.
JEREMIAH 135
I see that.
THOMAS 136
And?
JEREMIAH 137
Not right now. Not yet.
THOMAS 138
You’ve avoided me each time I tried. Now you have outright refused. As resident med tech, I need to know why. What are you trying to prove, Captain?
JEREMIAH 139
Prove?
THOMAS 140
Yes, prove. You are the captain of a Vatican Space Fleet starship. You are a Priest. We have an evocative Orion woman onboard spewing out pheromones like Mount Vesuvius. Such a thing can cloud a man’s mind. Make him forget his allegiances. Perhaps even his vows.
JEREMIAH 141
That won’t happen. I know my mind.
THOMAS 142
Aha. I should have guessed.
JEREMIAH 143
Guessed what?
THOMAS 144
You are trying to prove you are stronger now…after the Borg. That you have control over yourself. That YOU dictate your actions and not some foreign agent, such as a cybernetic, hive mind with their nanites nor a controlling, oversexed Orion siren with her pheromones. If I may be so bold, you’re playing with fire, Captain.
(Pause.)
JEREMIAH 145
Huh. You’re not wrong, Thomas. I just hadn’t put it into words yet, but that is my challenge.
THOMAS 146
Even if it endangers this crew and ship?
JEREMIAH 147
No, definitely not if it endangers anyone or anything.
THOMAS 148
Then let me use this hypospray on you.
JEREMIAH 149
No, not yet.
THOMAS 150
Captain. It is your duty to protect and lead us. How can you do that with a muddied mind? Come on, you took a vow of celibacy, as well. What if the temptation is too great? What if you could have easily prevented something but didn’t because of stubbornness?
JEREMIAH 151
I understand where you're coming from, Brother. I do. You are correct to question me, but not yet. How about you meet me in the middle? If you see me having a hard time and you question my judgment, you have my permission to administer the hypospray. Until that point, you let me be. Agreed?
THOMAS 152
If my gut even goes to yellow alert, I’m not even going to give you a warning.
JEREMIAH 153
Understood. I trust your judgment, Thomas.
THOMAS 154
Agreed, then. I’ll have my eye on you.
JEREMIAH 155
I’m counting on no less.
THOMAS 156
Thank you, Captain.
JEREMIAH 157
And thank you. I need this.
THOMAS 158
I know.
SOUND: Segue music
SCENE 6: CONFRONTATION
SOUND: Cargo bay doors open and close.
SISTER FRANCES 159
May I help you?
SELVINA 160
Yes, you can get out of my way.
SISTER FRANCES 161
I must assure you in no uncertain terms that is not going to happen.
SELVINA 162
We shall see about that. One nun against me. Hardly worth my effort.
SISTER BEATRICE 163
Make that two nuns.
SISTER DOLORES 164
Make that three.
SELVINA 165
Like I said, hardly worth my effort.
SOUND: Telescopic bo staffs extending.
SELVINA 166
Isn’t that cute?! Telescopic bo staffs. (Whispering.) Your coordination was a little showy.
SISTER FRANCES 167
This is your moment to leave. We highly recommend you take it.
SELVINA 168
Not when things were about to get fun.
SOUND: Blades being drawn.
SELVINA 169
You’re not the only ones with toys, girls. My saber blades were easy to replicate, especially when you bypass the safeties. Those men were too busy looking at ME to consider where I might hide a few little tools of the trade. Add a little ingenuity, and mayhem is assured.
Now, I’ll have those Scrolls of the Callibree.
SISTER FRANCES 170
As I have clearly stated, that’s not going to happen.
SELVINA 171
Hahaha! Time to prey upon those who pray.
SOUND: Fighting sounds and grunts.
SELVINA 172
Ooh.
SELVINA 173
Do you call that a parry?
SELVINA 174
This shouldn’t take long.
SELVINA 175
You’re quite nimble in those habits of yours. Who would have thought? It won’t be enough though.
SOUND: Fighting sounds and grunts.
SELVINA 176
You nuns don’t talk much. That’s…just..fine. Gives me…more time to tell…you how badly…you’re going to lose…this fight.
SOUND: Cargo bay doors open.
JEREMIAH 177
What on earth?! Sister! Selvina! What’s happening here?!
SISTER FRANCES 178
She’s after…the scrolls…Father!
JEREMIAH 179
What scrolls?
SISTER DOLORES 180
Scrolls of the Callibree!
SOUND: Communicator beep
MATTHIAS (telephony) 181
Captain! Sensors have picked up an Orion Interceptor heading straight towards us! It came out of nowhere, sir.
JEREMIAH 182
How much time do we have…uhm…Matthias?
MATTHIAS (telephony) 183
Mere minutes! You’re needed on the bridge, Captain!
SISTER FRANCES 184
We have this…under control…Captain.
JEREMIAH 185
What…I…Selvina…
SISTER FRANCES 186
It’s the pheromones, Captain! Go to the bridge!
JEREMIAH 187
Bridge…yes.
SOUND: Cargo bay doors open…
SELVINA 188
What? Leaving so soon, Captain?
JEREMIAH 189
Going to the…bridge.
SOUND: Segue music.
SCENE 7: BATTLE
SOUND: Turbolift doors open.
JEREMIAH 190
Brother Matthias, report!
MATTHIAS 191
Forty seconds to intercept, sir!
JEREMIAH 192
Raise shields! Red Alert!
SOUND: Red Alert. Communicator badge chirp.
JEREMIAH 193
Hollis to Brother Patrick. We're going to need every trick the Blessings can give us. We have an Orion Interceptor that will be here in mere seconds. I hope these shields are everything you say they are. I need you to keep an eye on the situation to help keep us in one piece!
PATRICK (Telephony) 194
Understood, Captain. I’m here and ready!
JEREMIAH 195
Computer, keep this line open!
SOUND: Explosion. Coming out of warp.
MATTHIAS 196
They just knocked us out of warp!
JEREMIAH 197
Computer, silence the alert klaxon! Open a channel to that ship!
SOUND: Red Alert Klaxon stops. Open communication sound.
MATTHIAS 198
Open!
JEREMIAH 199
Why have you fired upon my ship?! Stand down!
(Pause.)
MATTHIAS 200
No reply.
SOUND: Explosion.
JEREMIAH 201
Evasive maneuvers! Computer, send out a distress call!
SOUND: Open communications.
COMPUTER 202
Unsuccessful.
JEREMIAH 203
Why?
COMPUTER 204
Communications are being blocked by the Orion ship.
SOUND: Explosion.
JEREMIAH 205
Status!
MATTHIAS 206
Shields are holding! They are targeting the shield emitters, though.
JEREMIAH 207
Of course they are! They can’t destroy us until they get Selvina and their prize.
MATTHIAS 208
What prize, sir?
JEREMIAH 209
The Scrolls of the…the Callibree, I believe.
PATRICK (telephony) 210
What are those?
JEREMIAH 211
I don’t know, but what counts is the Orions know, and they want them badly.
SOUND: Explosion.
PATRICK (telephony) 212
Relays have blown out on deck 2. Rerouting.
MATTHIAS 213
We can’t shake them, Captain!
JEREMIAH 214
Turn off external sensors, and let’s do the Blitz again, Matthias, to blind their sensors temporarily! It worked on the last Orion ship we encountered!
MATTHIAS 215
Aye, sir! Sensors off. Blitz initiating!
SOUND: Blitz sound.
JEREMIAH 216
Now turn sensors back on and report!
PATRICK (telephony) 217
Sensors coming back on line.
MATTHIAS 218
The Orion ship is continuing forward even as I’ve turned! It worked!
JEREMIAH 219
Jump to warp, now!
MATTHIAS 220
Aye, sir!
SOUND: Jumping to warp
MATTHIAS 221
It won’t be long before they catch up to us again.
JEREMIAH 222
Hopefully, long enough. They shouldn’t be able to block our communications now. Send out a distress call that we’re under attack.
MATTHIAS 223
Aye, sir.
SOUND: Communication going out.
JEREMIAH 223a
We are fortunate the Blitz worked on the Orions again.
PATRICK 223b
Yes, but they weren’t as close as the last time. The intensity of the shield system’s multi-spectrum corona discharge drops logarithmically with distance.
MATTHIAS 223c
We gave their sensors enough of a blind spot for us to escape, though, thank Heavens.
JEREMIAH 223d
That we sure did. Good job, brothers.
SOUND: Returning beep.
MATTHIAS 224
The Vulcan cruiser, T’Jahm, has replied and is en route. They are 30 minutes away, though, sir.
JEREMIAH 225
At least that’s something. When the Orions notice the cruiser is on the way, that may shorten the time we need to hold them at bay as well.
SOUND: Explosion. Dropping out of warp.
MATTHIAS 226
They’re back, Captain, and we’ve dropped out of warp again!
JEREMIAH 227
Evasive maneuvers!
PATRICK (telephony) 228
Captain. Brother Matthias. I need you to do something for me. I need you to bump that ship’s shields with our own.
MATTHIAS 229
What? Get even closer to what’s shooting at us?
PATRICK (telephony) 230
Yes! Quickly! Trust me!
MATTHIAS 231
Captain?
JEREMIAH 232
Do it! Now!
MATTHIAS 233
Ok, here goes.
SOUND: Ship’s engine straining.
MATTHIAS 233a
Bringing the ship around…
SOUND: Explosion.
MATTHIAS 233b
Increasing impulse speed…
SOUND: Bumping of shields.
MATTHIAS 234
Done! They veered off at the last minute, thinking we were going to ram them, I guess. I almost missed.
JEREMIAH 235
Good job, Matthias. Now put as much distance as you can between us and them. It’ll take them longer to turn around to chase us. At least we’re more nimble, even if we’re not faster.
PATRICK (telephony) 236
Perfect! Now give me a moment. If this works, they won’t be chasing us for much longer.
SOUND: Telephony computer beeps.
JEREMIAH 237
How long is this plan of yours going to take, Patrick?
PATRICK (telephony) 238
Almost got it.
SOUND: Telephony computer beeps. Explosion.
MATTHIAS 239
I’m being as evasive as this ship can be, Captain!
JEREMIAH 240
Patrick?
PATRICK (telephony) 241
Now listen very carefully. We may only get one chance to do this. I need another close fly by. Skim their lower shields with ours from bow to stern. Target and fire phasers at their weapons and impulse engines, in that order. I’m re-tuning systems now. They’ll be ready when you are.
MATTHIAS 242
That’ll take us right below their particle cannon!
SOUND: Explosion
MATTHIAS 243
Damage reports are building up all over the ship. Can we take much more?
PATRICK (telephony) 244
We’ll make it! We just need this one opportunity. Make it count!
JEREMIAH 245
Let’s have faith in Brother Patrick’s abilities yet again. May God continue to protect us from those who wish to do us harm. I’ll take over weapons. You just worry about flying us, Matthias! Do it, now!
MATTHIAS 246
Aye sir!
SOUND: Ship straining.
MATTHIAS 246a
Bringing us around again…hang on, this is a tight turn!
SOUND: Explosion.
MATTHIAS 246b
Anticipating their attempt to veer to the side…adjusting impulse and yaw…it’s going to be bumpy!
SOUND: Bumping shields.
MATTHIAS 246BB
Now, Sir!
JEREMIAH 246c
Firing phasers!
SOUNDS: Phasers firing. Explosions.
MATTHIAS 247 246d
Direct hits, sir! Both their weapons and impulse engines are offline!
JEREMIAH 248a
Thank you, Lord, for helping deliver us from the lion’s den once again. Brother Matthias, scan their ship for lifesigns. Any signs of distress?
Sounds: Computer beeps.
MATTHIAS 248b
Number of lifesigns are unchanged, and they appear to be strong. I believe the only one suffering is their ship.
JEREMIAH 248c
Thank you, God. Take us to warp at maximum speed. Let’s get to that space station. Tell the Vulcan cruiser the status and location of the Orion ship, please.
MATTHIAS 249
Will do, Sir. How did we just do what we just did?
JEREMIAH 250
Brother Patrick will have to answer that one.
PATRICK (telephony) 251
On a wing and a prayer with a dash of inspiration. Let me get the damage under control first, and I’ll be glad to regale you with the story AFTER we get to the starbase.
SOUND: Computer beeps and ship going to warp. Segue music.
SCENE 8: DEFEAT
SOUND: Sickbay background sounds.
THOMAS 252
Captain, I suspect you’re here to visit our “guest.”
JEREMIAH 253
You guessed correctly.
THOMAS 254
After she disabled the isolation fields in the cargo bay, restraining her in Sickbay was the next best option.
JEREMIAH 255
Too bad we don’t have a brig. I never suspected we would need one.
SELVINA 256
Come to gloat, Captain, or just have a look?
JEREMIAH 257
Neither, of course, but you did just have your butt kicked by three nuns.
SELVINA 258
I’m flattered you noticed that part of my anatomy. Those weren’t your average, run-of-the-mill religious nuns.
SOUND: Doors open/close.
JEREMIAH 259
Speaking of nuns.
SISTER FRANCES 260
Captain, is everything settled with our pursuers?
JEREMIAH 261
You could say that. Their ship is disabled, and the Vulcan cruiser T’Jahm is on their way to their location.
SISTER FRANCES 262
Impressive, Captain! How did you do it?
JEREMIAH 263
With some tricks Brother Patrick had up his sleeve. He’s yet to fully explain it all to us.
SISTER FRANCES 264
Thank the Lord we had such talent at our time of need.
SELVINA 265
Wait, YOU are telling ME that you disabled an Orion INTERCEPTOR?! Impossible!
SISTER FRANCES 266
With God, nothing is impossible.
JEREMIAH 267
I am certain it is quite possible because we just did it.
SELVINA 268
Then it’s a miracle, then. They were my ticket off this infuriating ship.
SISTER FRANCES 269
With the religious relics in hand.
SELVINA 270
Something like that.
THOMAS 271
May I have a quick word with you, Sir?
JEREMIAH 272
Of course.
SOUND: Walking.
THOMAS 273
How are you doing?
JEREMIAH 274
I know what you mean. I’m doing well. You must have the air scrubbers working overtime in here, because I barely notice any effects from her pheromones.
THOMAS 275
I also sprayed a pheromonal inhibitor into the air.
JEREMIAH 276
Thank you. I got a little fuzzy headed in the cargo bay earlier.
THOMAS 277
I would imagine so. The heat of the battle would have had her sweating and releasing all sorts of pheromones. It was probably thick as soup in there!
JEREMIAH 278
With Selvina restrained and your countermeasures, it should not be a worry for you anymore. We’ll be at the starbase soon. In the meantime, Sister Frances and her colleagues will be keeping guard, by their request, until we get there.
THOMAS 279
This will all be in my report.
JEREMIAH 280
As it should be. Thank you for your honesty, as always, Brother Thomas.
SOUND: Segue music.
SCENE 9: SAFE HARBOR
MATTHIAS 281
Captain, the Starbase Commander is wanting to talk with you directly.
JEREMIAH 282
With me? This isn’t normal starbase protocol.
MATTHIAS 283
He’s insistent, Captain.
JEREMIAH 284
Ok, put him through.
SOUNDS: Comm link established.
JEREMIAH 285
This is Captain Hollis of the VSF Blessings. How may I help you?
COMMANDER HARDIN 286 (Telephony)
Captain, this is Commander Hardin. Are the reports I’m getting about your Aerie Class starship disabling an Orion Syndicate Interceptor true? I just can’t imagine…
JEREMIAH 287
Oh, that. (Chuckles.) Yes, they’re true. We have an Orion female subdued onboard as well.
COMMANDER HARDIN 288 (Telephony)
So we’ve been told. But how, Captain? I mean the typical Aerie Class starship wouldn’t stand a chance against an Interceptor, and Orions are fierce fighters!
JEREMIAH 289
Well, this Aerie Class is not your typical starship. There’s more to the VSF Blessings than meets the eye. That includes her crew and our current guests as well.
COMMANDER HARDIN 290 (Telephony)
I should say so. Wow. Proceed to Docking Port 4. We’ll have security waiting at the airlock, as requested. The Vulcan cruiser T’Jahm reports they have arrived at the Orion ship.
JEREMIAH 291
Were there any casualties due to our regretfully necessary actions?
COMMANDER HARDIN 292 (Telephony)
Only minor injuries. This crew apparently has multiple warrants out for their arrests in this sector. The T’Jahm beamed them all straight to their brig for further processing. Your actions likely saved more than yourselves today.
JEREMIAH 293
I’m glad to hear that, Commander. We don’t take such conflict lightly.
COMMANDER HARDIN 294 (Telephony)
I would imagine not, Father.
SOUND: Segue music.
SCENE 10: DINNER
SISTER FRANCES 295
Thank you for inviting us to dinner, Captain.
JEREMIAH 296
You’re welcome. I thought we could all catch up on the events we just went through combined with a little respite.
SISTER FRANCES 297
Good plan.
ETHAN 298
So how exactly did you defeat Selvina, Sisters?
SISTER FRANCES 299
I have the same question about the Orion ship, but let’s start with Selvina, shall we.
JEREMIAH 300
Sorry for the upfront question, Sister.
SISTER FRANCES 301
It’s not a problem at all. In reality, Selvina defeated herself.
PATRICK 302
What do you mean by she defeated herself?
SISTER FRANCES 303
Selvina’s thoughts and actions were divided into three parts: attack, defense, and what she thought was her witty banter to distract us. Our thoughts and actions were merely focused upon defense until the very end when we needed to subdue her. By then, she was exhausted and put up little resistance.
MATTHIAS 304
So you wore her out.
SISTER DOLORES 305
Basically, yes. We wore her out.
JEREMIAH 306
I had no idea you had such defensive skills. When I walked into the cargo bay and found you four in mid fight, it was a shocking but impressive display.
SISTER FRANCES 307
It is a minor part of our calling as we protect and transport religious relics and artifacts.
JEREMIAH 308
Speaking of relics and artifacts, what are the Scrolls of the Callibree?
SISTER FRANCES 309
They come from a war-torn planet outside of Federation space. One side, the Yent, is trying to commit genocide against the other called the Callibree. They are destroying all traces of their culture and religion in their wake. The Scrolls of the Callibree are roughly equivalent to our Dead Seas Scrolls, in that they are early text of their prime religious codex. The difference is the Callibree tradition holds that these are first texts written by the hand of one of their original apostles himself.
PATRICK 310
Original apostles?
SISTER FRANCES 311
Yes, the Vatican has been investigating whether the Callibree are in full communion with the universal Church. While the sudden outbreak of this war has put a hold on most dialog, the forthcoming conclusion will very likely be that they are.
ETHAN 312
We have a relic like that in our cargo bay?
THOMAS 313
Which explains why Selvina and the Orions wanted to get their hands on it.
SISTER FRANCES 314
Yes, it does. Although, I am unsure if they wanted it to sell it or if the Yent hired them to bring it back so they could destroy it. We have that relic and many lesser ones in the cargo containers down there. It’s the only way to ensure their survival. The poor Callibree are desperate to save their heritage. The Vatican is doing all it can to assist.
JEREMIAH 315
And what about the war? What is the Federation doing?
SISTER BEATRICE 316
Nothing. It’s outside of Federation space, and the Prime Directive restricts them from intervening.
SISTER FRANCES 317
It doesn’t restrict the Vatican, as you well know. While we cannot fight their war, we can help evacuate those who wish to leave and help preserve what we can at their request.
JEREMIAH 318
It never ceases to amaze me both how universal the Church truly is and how despicable sentient beings can be to each other.
SISTER FRANCES 319
I’m equally as amazed, Father.
SISTER DOLORES 320
Now it’s our turn. Please don’t let me offend you, but how did THIS ship take out an Orion Syndicate ship?
JEREMIAH 321
Haha! I’ll let Brother Patrick answer that. He deserves full credit.
PATRICK 322
Well, not full credit. Brother Matthias was at the helm heading straight at an attacking ship, and Father Jeremiah had his finger on the trigger. I simply gave us a means to get the job done.
SISTER FRANCES 323
And that means was?
PATRICK 324
Our shields are unique. They are tough as nails because of that uniqueness. I know, because I helped establish the base equations and algorithms during my education at the university. I was surprised to see them in real life here on the VSF Blessings.
SISTER DOLORES 325
What’s so unique about them?
PATRICK 326
Standard shields operate at a single frequency. These shields operate at a dual frequency. This was once thought to be impossible because the frequencies would destabilize each other, but we found a harmony that allowed it to work. The benefit is that it’s like having two shields in one. Better than two in one actually. If one frequency fails or takes the brunt of the blow, the other is there to back it up.
SISTER FRANCES 327
That would certainly help protect us from the Orion ship, but how did that help disable them?
PATRICK 328
I had a theory that not only could the harmony between the dual frequencies harden our shields, but they could help us determine the frequency of another ship’s shields. Because of our dual frequency, we could triangulate, if you will, their shield frequency rather precisely.
SISTER FRANCES 329
You had a theory.
PATRICK 330
That was all we had. I was all out of tricks to help the Captain in this struggle.
SISTER FRANCES 331
And it worked.
PATRICK 332
Yes! It worked! Once I knew their shield frequency, on our next charge at them, I was able to fuse one of our shield frequencies with theirs. As we skimmed their shields with ours from bow to stern, we opened up their shields completely to our weapons as we still remained protected. We were close range as we fired our phasers at them. It only took one shot on each system to disable them.
SISTER DOLORES 333
That is amazingly resourceful.
JEREMIAH 334
I thought so, myself.
SISTER FRANCES 335
With the grace of God, we all exceeded the expectations of others today.
JEREMIAH 336
I couldn’t have said it better myself, Sister. Now, before we eat, let us give thanks to the Lord above.
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Lord God, Heavenly Father, bless us and these Thy gifts which we receive from Thy bountiful goodness, through Jesus Christ, our Lord.
SOUND: Segue Music
SCENE 11: REPRIMAND
SOUND: Doors closing.
ARCHBISHOP MORGAN 337
Hello, Jeremiah. Good to see you, my boy. It’s been a little while.
JEREMIAH 338
Yes, it has, Archbishop. VSF Command has been keeping us busy.
ARCHBISHOP MORGAN 339
Please, call me John. I’ve read your report about your last mission. It was quite interesting to say the least.
JEREMIAH 340
Interesting may be an understatement.
ARCHBISHOP MORGAN 341
Rare, priceless relics. Being under attack by a warship. An Orion female. You had your hands full.
JEREMIAH 342
We did.
ARCHBISHOP MORGAN 343
While not a universal ability amongst Orion females, I see that this particular one was trying to use her pheromones for all they were worth on you and your crew.
JEREMIAH 344
Yes, she was, but we nullified the effects rather quickly.
ARCHBISHOP MORGAN 345
I read that. You ordered pheromone inhibitors for the entire crew.
JEREMIAH 346
It was important that they be able to think clearly with no biological distractions.
ARCHBISHOP MORGAN 347
Yet you didn’t see the need to take the inhibitor yourself to ensure you would think clearly and free from such distractions.
JEREMIAH 348
I wondered if this was where you were going with this line of questioning.
ARCHBISHOP MORGAN 349
You guessed correctly. Now answer the accusation, Jeremiah.
JEREMIAH 350
I felt I didn’t need it after what I had been through previously.
ARCHBISHOP MORGAN 351
You mean with the Borg. I read Brother Thomas’s medical report as well. You felt you had something to prove.
JEREMIAH 352
That’s how Brother Thomas described it.
ARCHBISHOP MORGAN 353
That is how I would describe it, too, Jeremiah.
When you came upon the sisters defending the relics from the Orion female…what was her name…Selvina, your reaction was of confusion and delay. Her pheromones had saturated the room, and you weren’t thinking so clearly at the moment, were you?
JEREMIAH 354
No.
ARCHBISHOP MORGAN 355
Jeremiah. I’m going to say this once and only once. You have nothing to prove to anyone when it comes to your mental strength and abilities. Yes, the Borg assimilated you. Yes, the Borg nearly eliminated you completely to the point of no return. Yes, it was terrible in ways I cannot even begin to imagine. But you survived. And you have made vows to God. And you have been given the responsibility of commanding a starship with a crew that depends upon you. Not a single one of them doubts your strength as a person, leader, nor Priest. You should not either. You once told me that if you had had a phase-adapted phaser in hand, you would have used it against the Borg. I expect you to use ALL tools at your disposal to tackle the challenge at hand. The pheromone inhibitor was one such tool. It was selfish of you not to use it. It could have put your ship and crew in danger. Under the right circumstances, it could have put your vows in danger. Your decision served your own vanity, not God. Have I made myself clear?
JEREMIAH 356
Perfectly.
ARCHBISHOP MORGAN 357
And what do you have to say about that?
JEREMIAH 358
You are right. It was self serving and misguided of me. I accept that. I promise to learn from this and do better.
ARCHBISHOP MORGAN 359
I have absolutely no doubt that you will.
JEREMIAH 360
John?
ARCHBISHOP MORGAN 361
Yes, my son?
JEREMIAH 362
Will you hear my confession?
ARCHBISHOP MORGAN 363
Always, my boy. Always.
SOUND: Segue music
SCENE 12: END CREDITS
NARRATOR
You have been listening to VSF Blessings, a Star Trek fan production. Episode 4, “Temptation.”
Created, written, produced, directed, and audio engineered by James McDonald. Story consultation provided by Noah McDonald. All character voices were generated using ElevenLabs AI voice generator. Sound effects from Pixabay.com under free-use content licenses and Trekcore.com.
Star Trek and all related marks, logos, and characters are solely owned by CBS Studios Inc. This fan production is not endorsed by, sponsored by, nor affiliated with CBS, Paramount Pictures, or any other Star Trek franchise, and is a non-commercial fan-made production intended for recreational use. No commercial exhibition or distribution is permitted. No alleged independent rights will be asserted against CBS or Paramount Pictures.
Until next time, be the good, do what’s right, and be the light.
SOUND: End Music