VSF Blessings: A Star Trek Fan Production
Episode 7: Lesser
July 7, 2024
SCENE 1: REROUTED
SOUNDS: Bridge sounds. Incoming message
MATTHIAS 1
Incoming message, Sir. It’s from Archbishop John Morgan.
JEREMIAH 2
The Archbishop? On screen.
SOUNDS: On screen
JEREMIAH 3
Hello, Archbishop Morgan.
ARCHBISHOP JOHN MORGAN 4
Jeremiah, I have no time for pleasantries. Your helmsman is receiving new coordinates as we speak.
SOUNDS: Incoming data.
JOHN 5
I need you to alter course immediately traveling at top speed.
JEREMIAH 6
Matthias.
MATTHIAS 7
Coordinates received.
SOUNDS: Computer beeps.
MATTHIAS 8
Flight path laid in and going to warp.
SOUNDS: Computer beeps and warp sound.
JEREMIAH 9
We’re on our way, Archbishop.
JOHN 10
Good. You will be contacted when you arrive at the destination. You are our closest capable ship. I cannot say more other than prepare your cargo bay for guests. May God be with you. Morgan out.
SOUNDS: End communication.
MATTHIAS 11
That was short and to the point.
JEREMIAH 12
It was, which says a lot. He seemed both rushed and focused. He even referred to me as simply Jeremiah, rather than Captain Hollis or Father Jeremiah. It is atypical of him to break protocol in such an official capacity. Something about this is personal for him. We need to get ready for whatever lies ahead.
SOUNDS: Comm badge.
JEREMIAH 13
Jeremiah to Brothers Ethan, Thomas, and Patrick, we have just been rerouted to a new destination at top speed by Archbishop Morgan himself. Brother Ethan, please prepare the cargo bay for guests.
ETHAN (Telephony) 14
How many guests, Captain?
JEREMIAH 15
The Archbishop did not say, but he mentioned the cargo bay which makes me believe maximum capacity.
ETHAN (Telephony) 16
Aye, Sir.
JEREMIAH 17
Brother Patrick, I have no idea what we’re flying into, but please make sure we’re ready.
PATRICK (Telephony) 18
Understood, Captain. I’ll do my best.
JEREMIAH 19
That’s all I can ask for.
MATTHIAS 20
I have a bit of information that may help, Captain.
JEREMIAH 21
You do? What’s that?
MATTHIAS 22
Our destination lies just beyond the Federation-Cardassian Demilitarized Zone.
JEREMIAH 23
In Cardassian space?
MATTHIAS 24
Yes, but barely.
JEREMIAH 25
You heard that, Brother Patrick.
PATRICK (Telephony) 26
I wish I hadn’t, but I did.
JEREMIAH 27
Brother Thomas, please be ready to tend to our guests. We have no idea what shape they’ll be in.
THOMAS (Telephony) 28
Do we know which race?
JEREMIAH 29
No, but start with Cardassian. Read up on their biology. If we’re wrong, we’re wrong, but it will give us an advantage if we’re right.
THOMAS (Telephony) 30
Yes, Captain.
JEREMIAH 31
Let me know if you need anything and any status updates. Hollis out.
SOUNDS: Comm badge.
MATTHIAS 32
Have you ever been to Cardassian space before, Captain?
JEREMIAH 33
No, I have not.
MATTHIAS 34
What’s the current relationship between the Vatican and the Cardassians?
JEREMIAH 35
Tenuous at best. They don’t trust us since we work so closely with the Federation. They do accept our humanitarian aid at times of great need. Even then, it’s a stressed situation.
MATTHIAS 36
So they won’t be welcoming us into their territory with open arms, then?
JEREMIAH 37
No. As we get closer to our destination, please be on the lookout for any starship activities. I want to be ready for whatever comes our way.
MATTHIAS 38
Aye, Sir.
SOUNDS: Intro
SCENE 2: LESSER
SOUNDS: Coming out of warp. Bridge noises.
MATTHIAS 39
We have arrived at the coordinates, Captain.
JEREMIAH 40
Do you see anything?
MATTHIAS 41
No, I do not aside from the solar system itself with its planets and star.
JEREMIAH 42
Why did the Archbishop send us here?
SOUNDS: Computer sound.
MATTHIAS 43
Captain, there is a ship coming out from the upper atmosphere of the nearby planet. It’s a freighter. Cardassian in design.
JEREMIAH 44
A freighter?
SOUNDS: Hailing
MATTHIAS 45
They are hailing us, Captain.
JEREMIAH 46
On screen.
SOUNDS: Beeps and onscreen.
JAMES 47 (Telephony)
Hello, Jeremiah.
JEREMIAH 48
Dad?
JAMES 49 (Telephony)
As soon as I saw that Aerie Class starship, I knew it was you. I’m glad you’re here.
JEREMIAH 50
But what are you doing here? You were on Earth the last I saw you, about to go off saving the galaxy…
JAMES 51 (Telephony)
…one person at a time. We don’t have much time to waste. There’s a Cardassian patrol ship that’s been trailing us. We managed to give it the slip, but not for long.
JEREMIAH 52
What do you need, Dad?
JAMES 53 (Telephony)
We need to evacuate our passengers to your ship and get out of here.
JEREMIAH 54
How many do you have?
JAMES 55 (Telephony)
There’s 93 plus Naloni, Dayvon, and me, which makes 96. Our transporter is nonfunctional. We’ll have to use yours.
JEREMIAH 56
Ninety six! We’re only rated for 50-60! Brothers Ethan and Patrick will have to get creative. Brother Matthias, get Brother Patrick to coordinate the transport. Inform both Brothers Ethan and Thomas of the number of guests heading their way.
MATTHIAS 57
Will do, sir.
JEREMIAH 58
Do you need me or anyone else to beam over to help out, Dad?
JAMES 59 (Telephony)
No, son. The sooner we get out of here the better.
JEREMIAH 60
Who are these guests we are bringing over?
NOLANI 61 (Telephony)
They are called the “kal-ol-lo” in my language, Captain. It means “Lesser Life.”
JEREMIAH 62
And who are you?
JAMES 63 (Telephony)
Don’t worry, son. Nolani is a sympathizer to our cause.
JEREMIAH 64
And your cause is?
JAMES 65 (Telephony)
The Lessers, as they are often derogatorily called, are part of the Cardassian population the government is trying to eliminate.
MATTHIAS 66
Eliminate? Why?
NOLANI 67 (Telephony)
They are different than the rest of us. Most Cardassians see them as worth less than life, any life. Even the tiniest of life. They feel they simply should not exist.
JEREMIAH 68
And you don’t feel this way?
NOLANI 69 (Telephony)
No, I do not.
JAMES 70 (Telephony)
They are born with an extra copy of a chromosome, much like Down’s syndrome with humans. If not managed properly, it can lead to severe developmental delays, intellectual disabilities, and, as you’ll see, characteristic physical features.
JEREMIAH 71
And so they kill them because they are different?
NOLANI 72 (Telephony)
They kill them because they are considered a contaminant to the Cardassian race.
JEREMIAH 73
Disgusting.
JAMES 74 (Telephony)
We agree. That’s why I had to help save them, Jeremiah. Nolani and Dayvon have been working underground for years to gather them up so someone could transport them safely to Federation space where they could live far happier lives.
NOLANI 75 (Telephony)
It has not been an easy task. As you can imagine, parents hide their Lesser children and safeguard their existence with extreme care. With the new push to eradicate them, there was a new level of desperation to find them a safe place to go.
JAMES 76 (Telephony)
We’ve been traveling through space jumping from one hiding place to another for over a week now. This freighter is on its last leg and cannot warp anymore. Its warp drive is dead. Dilithium crystals are spent. There are no more bandages to be applied.
MATTHIAS 77
Captain, Brother Patrick reports he’s already working with Dayvon and transporting. Brothers Ethan and Thomas are there coordinating getting them to the Cargo Bay.
JEREMIAH 78
Good job, Matthias.
NOLANI 79 (Telephony)
I need to help Dayvon with getting them ready for transport. Please excuse me.
JEREMIAH 80
Should we beam you over here to help on this end, Dad?
JAMES 81 (Telephony)
No, son. I need to help here. I’ll beam over last.
MATTHIAS 82
Brother Patrick reports a third are already on the VSF Blessings, Captain.
JAMES 83 (Telephony)
It shouldn’t take long with a ship like yours, Jeremiah. While I don’t like seeing you in hostile space, it’s good to see you.
JEREMIAH 84
Same here, Dad.
SOUNDS: Alert
MATTHIAS 85
Captain, sensors show a Cardassian ship heading our way.
JAMES 86 (Telephony)
Is it the patrol vessel?
MATTHIAS 87
Unfortunately, no, Sir. It is a Galor Class warship.
JEREMIAH 88
Galor Class warship?
JAMES 89 (Telephony)
That’s how serious they are about eradicating them. The patrol ship must have reported back.
JEREMIAH 90
How close, Brother Matthias?!
MATTHIAS 91
They’ll drop out of warp any minute!
JEREMIAH 92
How did we not detect them before now?!
MATTHIAS 93
I believe because they came at us from the other side of the sun, Sir.
JEREMIAH 94
So the sun got in our eyes?!
MATTHIAS 95
That’s the best I’ve got at the moment, sir.
JEREMIAH 96
Dad, we have to get you over here on the Blessings!
JAMES 97 (Telephony)
Once everyone else is over, son.
JEREMIAH 98
But, Dad!
JAMES 99 (Telephony)
We’ll make it, Son. Don’t worry.
SCENE 3: DO WHAT’S RIGHT
SOUNDS: Bridge noise
MATTHIAS 100
Brother Patrick reports the 93 are on board. That just leaves Nolani, Dayvon, and Mr. Hollis.
SOUNDS: Red Alert!
MATTHIAS 101
The Cardassian warship has dropped out of warp!
JEREMIAH 102
Dad, transport over now!
MATTHIAS 103
The shields just raised with the Red Alert, Captain. Beaming is impossible at the moment.
NOLANI 104 (Telephony)
Your Dad isn’t transporting anywhere, I’m afraid. I see my backup is finally here.
JAMES 105 (Telephony)
Nolani? What are you doing?! Where did you get that weapon?
JEREMIAH 106
What’s happening?
NOLANI 107 (Telephony)
My friends here will be taking those Lessers back.
JEREMIAH 108
That is not going to happen.
JAMES 109 (Telephony)
Nolani. How could you? Your own brother was one.
NOLANI 110 (Telephony)
I had no BROTHER! It was a handy story though. It worked with you and so many others. The Lessers do not deserve to exist because they pollute the Cardassian bloodline. They don’t even look like Cardassians, not really.
JEREMIAH 111
First, let’s stop calling them Lessers! No sentient, sapient life is less. Second, so it is better for these people to die than be given the chance to live a better life within the Federation?!
NOLANI 112 (Telephony)
Yes, it is. It feels good to be able to say that openly again.
JEREMIAH 113
But why?
NOLANI 114 (Telephony)
You’re not Cardassian. You could never understand the pride of my people.
JAMES 115 (Telephony)
But you spent all that time seeking out the families and individuals who needed your help. You promised a chance at a better life for their loved ones. That was all an act?
NOLANI 116 (Telephony)
Oh, yes. What better way to weed out the undesirables than to turn up the pressure and offer them secret hope. It made them easier to find and revealed the traitors, too.
JEREMIAH 117
You’ve really been playing the long game here.
GUL LANEL 118 (Telephony)
I’ve heard enough of your drivel. Time to hand the Lessers over.
MATTHIAS 119
The warship tapped into the freighter’s comms, Sir.
JEREMIAH 120
Not an option. With whom do I have the pleasure of talking?
GUL LANEL 121 (Telephony)
It’s Gul Lanel. You are in Cardassian space holding Cardassian citizens on your ship. It most certainly is an option…one way or another.
JAMES 122 (Telephony)
I thought the Lessers didn’t rank as citizens. According to your own laws, what’s on that ship over there is less than garbage. You’re here for garbage?
GUL LANEL 123 (Telephony)
We all have to take out a little garbage from time to time. I’m here for property. Fire!
SOUNDS: Blessings hit by phaser fire.
JEREMIAH 124
None of this is necessary. Why don’t you take Nolani, fly off, I’ll take our colleague, fly back into Federation space, and we’ll pretend this never happened.
GUL LANEL 125 (Telephony)
I never knew Priests had a sense of humor, Captain. Fire!
SOUNDS: Blessings hit by phaser fire.
JEREMIAH 126
You’ll find the VSF Blessings is tougher than you think.
GUL LANEL 127 (Telephony)
It matters little. I already have the upper hand. Give us the Lessers or I’ll have Nolani kill your father.
JEREMIAH 128
You wouldn’t dare.
GUL LANEL 129 (Telephony)
I fail to see a threat here.
JAMES 130 (Telephony)
Do what’s right, son.
NOLANI 131 (Telephony)
Yes, “son,” do what’s right. Save your dear Dad.
GUL LANEL 132
Fire!
SOUNDS: Blessings hit by phaser fire.
GUL LANEL 133 (Telephony)
Even your tough little ship cannot withstand the fire power of our ship forever. Fire!
SOUNDS: Blessings hit by phaser fire. Alarm
MATTHIAS 134
Captain…
JEREMIAH 135 (in low voice)
Thank you, I see it, Matthias.
JAMES 136 (Telephony)
Son, do what’s right.
JEREMIAH 137
It goes against everything within me, Dad.
JAMES 138 (Telephony)
I know. Do what’s right, son.
GUL LANEL 139 (Telephony)
Your Dad’s life is infinitely more valuable than the Cardassian property you have onboard. Fire!
SOUNDS: Blessings hit by phaser fire. Alarm. Communicator beep.
PATRICK 140 (Telephony)
Captain…
JEREMIAH 141
I know, Patrick.
NOLANI 142 (Telephony)
Family first, Captain.
GUL LANEL 143 (Telephony)
No reason for you all to die here. All for nothing. All for lessers. Save the worthy lives first. Save your crew. Save your father, Father. Fire!
SOUNDS: Blessings hit by phaser fire. Alarm.
JEREMIAH 144
Dad?
JAMES 145 (Telephony)
Do what’s right, son.
JEREMIAH 146
I love you, Dad.
JAMES 147 (Telephony)
I love you, too, son.
JEREMIAH 148
End communication.
SOUNDS: End communication
JEREMIAH 149a
Implement the Blitz plan, Matthias!
MATTHIAS 150a
Yes, sir! Turning off external sensors and implementing the Blitz coronal discharge, now!
SOUNDS: Buttons, and corona discharge sound.
MATTHIAS 151a
Now bringing sensors back online while dropping us by 200 meters in case they blindly fire at our last known location.
SOUNDS: Buttons
SOUNDS: Blessings hit by phaser fire. Alarm
JEREMIAH 153a
How did they find us so fast? Was that a lucky shot?
SOUNDS: Blessings hit by phaser fire. Alarm. Control panel fizzle
SOUNDS: Communicator chirp.
PATRICK (Telephony) 154
It didn’t work, Captain! The warship was unaffected by our Blitz maneuver!
JEREMIAH 155
That trick couldn’t work on everyone, I know! That was our last chance to drop our shields and get my Dad off that freighter! Any other options?!
SOUNDS: Blessings hit by phaser fire. Alarm. Panel explosion.
PATRICK (Telephony) 156
Sadly, no, Captain. We’re taking too much damage. Even with our dual harmonic shields. We’re being shaken apart with every hit from that warship. We simply cannot take any more of this!
JEREMIAH 157
Can’t we merge shields again like with the Orions?
PATRICK 158
No, even if we could get that close, the warship is too big and armored to make any difference.
MATTHIAS 159
The freighter is moving, Captain.
JEREMIAH 160
Moving?
MATTHIAS 161
It’s heading straight for the warship!
JEREMIAH 162
No, Dad!
PATRICK (Telephony) 163
It’ll never make it past the shields!
JEREMIAH 164
But it will be a distraction! Dad’s trying to buy us some time to get away!
SOUNDS: Incoming message.
MATTHIAS 165
Incoming message from the freighter.
JEREMIAH 166
Play it!
JAMES (Telephony) 167
Never forget how much I love both you and your Mother. Tell John he’s been the best friend a guy could ever have. I love you. Now run, son, run!
JEREMIAH 168
Do what’s right, you said. But it feels so wrong, Dad. May God forgive me.
Matthias, we have nearly a hundred lives counting on us. Get us out of here, maximum warp as Dad does what father’s do, protect their loved ones.
MATTHIAS 169
Aye, Sir!
SOUNDS: Beeps and warp sound.
SOUNDS: Segue music
SCENE 4: GALL
JEREMIAH, MATTHIAS, PATRICK (Telephony) 170
…and deliver us from evil. Amen.
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
JEREMIAH 171
Status of the warship, Brother Matthias.
MATTHIAS 172
It’s jumping to warp in pursuit.
JEREMIAH 173
And the freighter?
SOUNDS: Computer beeps.
MATTHIAS 174
Oh no…I’m so sorry, Sir. It’s been destroyed.
JEREMIAH (quietly) 175
No.
SOUNDS: Alert
MATTHIAS 176
We have officially crossed over into the demilitarized zone. According to the treaty, the warship should not follow.
JEREMIAH 177
Dad…
MATTHIAS 178
It is gaining on us quickly, Sir.
Sir?
JEREMIAH 179
I…
I…
Matthias…
MATTHIAS 180a
I’ve got this, Sir.
Patrick, did you hear me say the warship is gaining on us quickly? Anything more you can do to get us more speed? We need to reach Federation space.
PATRICK (Telephony) 180
I’m not sure that the Gul will stop at Federation space, and, no, I am stretching these warp engines as far as they can go and then some. If we keep this up, we’ll never make it back home without assistance.
JEREMIAH 181
We need a miracle. They haven’t been in full supply today.
God? Lord? We need to call upon your mercy yet again. Amen.
SOUNDS: Incoming hail
MATTTHIAS 182
Both the warship and the Blessings are being hailed.
JEREMIAH 183
By whom?
MATTHIAS 184
By the USS Endeavor in Federation space. It appears to be en route to the demilitarized zone.
JEREMIAH 185
On screen.
SOUNDS: On screen sound.
CAPTAIN xxxx (Telephony) 186
Hello there, gentlemen. I certainly hope that’s not a Cardassian warship I just saw entering the demilitarized zone. That’s going to cause me a lot of administrative work, and I hate administrative work.
GUL LANEL (Telephony) 187
That ship has Cardassian citizens on board. They have abducted them! We want them back.
CAPTAIN xxxx (Telephony) 188
I know EXACTLY what and whom that ship has onboard. I also know enough Cardassian law to know they are not Cardassian citizens. Not legally.
GUL LANEL (Telephony) 189
Then the kal-ol-lo are property which must be returned.
CAPTAIN xxxx (Telephony) 190
I have you there as well, my good sir. According to your very own laws, they have absolutely no value whatsoever. Some even consider them to have less than that.
Now tell me again WHY you have violated the treaty to breach the demilitarized zone. Am I and my ship going to have to come in there myself to meet you?
GUL LANEL (Telephony) 191
You humans are so galling. My patience is gone…
CAPTAIN xxxx (Telephony) 192
You’d better power those weapons down before we come in there with our own, Gul Lanel.
GUL LANEL (Telephony) 193
Have them then. May you find them as useless and a drain upon resources as we do.
I still won, Priest. Just ask your Father. Oh wait…you can’t. End communication.
SOUNDS: Gul ends comms
CAPTAIN xxxx (Telephony) 194
Keep on coming, VSF Blessings. We’ve got your back.
SOUNDS: Communication ended.
JEREMIAH 194a
I’ll be in my Ready Room.
SOUNDS: Footsteps and door swoosh open and closed.
SOUNDS: Segue music
SCENE 5: MY DEAR BOY
SOUND: Warp drive
ARCHBISHOP (Telephony) 195
Jeremiah, are you ok? What’s happened? What about your father? Your passengers? Your crew?
JEREMIAH 196
All accounted for except three…
ARCHBISHOP (Telephony) 197
Three?
JEREMIAH 198
Three. Nolani, who was a traitor. Dayvon, whom I never met and have no idea if he was legitimate. And…
ARCHBISHOP 199
And?
SOUNDS: Silence
JEREMIAH 200
You know.
ARCHBISHOP 201
Oh no. I think I do.
JEREMIAH 202
Yes.
ARCHBISHOP 203
I’m so sorry, Jeremiah.
JEREMIAH 204
And I’m so sorry for you, too, John. He was your best friend.
ARCHBISHOP 205
Oh, my dear boy.
SCENE 6: FRIENDSHIP
THOMAS 206
Gul Lanel actually said that to Captain Hollis?? You're telling me he gloated over killing his father!
MATTHIAS 207
Sadly, yes.
PATRICK 208
I heard it, too. My heart just ached for the Captain.
THOMAS 209
Mine would have, too, Brother Patrick, and does now. It was low and unnecessary. How vile can a man be?
ETHAN 210
Our poor Captain. I liked his dad.
MATTHIAS 211
Everyone did. He was a good man.
PATRICK 211a
That he was.
SOUNDS: Silence
THOMAS 212
Where are we ferrying our guests to, Brother Matthias?
MATTHIAS 213
VSF Command is still working to determine that. In the meantime, we are headed to Earth until we are diverted.
THOMAS 214
There are many good programs out there for people with similar genetic makeups. I’ve been doing some research.
PATRICK 215
These poor people have been so isolated by necessity for their entire lives to protect them from the Cardassian government. I would guess there will be psychological challenges on top of the genetic ones.
THOMAS 216
You are most certainly correct, Brother Patrick. They have a long road ahead of them, for sure, but they will come out on the other end much happier and capable.
MATTHIAS 217
Have you ever known anyone with Down’s syndrome?
ETHAN 218
I believe Professor Emery at seminary had the condition.
PATRICK 219
Professor Emery? I had him. He taught religious ethics!
THOMAS 220
It’s not the handicap it was in centuries past, thankfully. With correct and timely interventions, the factors contributing to the developmental delays and physiological problems can be counteracted and mitigated. No gene modifications required nor wanted.
MATTHIAS 221
I read they used to not only institutionalize such people, but parents would even kill them in utero to avoid the responsibilities of caring for them.
PATRICK 222
Barbaric times.
ETHAN 223
Thankfully, we live in a more enlightened time. All sentient life has value. The Catholic Church has always believed this, and the Federation has codified it into law.
THOMAS 224
While most of us choose our life paths, these people were literally born this way. It’s in their DNA, especially their extra bits.
Let’s start remembering all who came before in our daily prayers, too, Brothers.
MATTHIAS 225
I like that idea.
ETHAN 226
So do I.
PATRICK 227
Me too.
THOMAS 228
The accommodations in the Cargo Bay are more than adequate, Brother Ethan.
ETHAN 229
The extra supplies the USS Endeavor gave us helped.
MATTHIAS 230
I’ve noticed they pushed their cots up against each other’s in groups.
ETHAN 231
I think they felt safer that way. They were on that freighter together for a while. Some longer than others. They developed a kinship.
THOMAS 232
That will certainly be a help to their recovery process. Friendships can work wonders.
MATTHIAS 233
Not unlike ours. We’ve been through a lot together so far. The Captain…Father Jeremiah…will need our support more than ever.
PATRICK 234
And he’s got it.
SCENE 7: HOME
SOUNDS: Bridge sounds.
MATTHIAS 235
Docking complete, Sir.
JEREMIAH 236
Wonderful. Well done, Matthias. Well done in all we’ve been through lately. You rose to every challenge.
MATTHIAS 237
Thank you, Captain.
SOUNDS: Communicator badge
ETHAN 238 (Telephony)
Captain, Archbishop Morgan is on his way to the bridge. He’s asked me to gather Brothers Thomas and Patrick and come to the bridge, too.
JEREMIAH 239
I knew he wouldn’t wait long before visiting. Thanks for keeping me informed, Brother Ethan. We’ll see you soon.
SOUNDS: Communicator badge end.
JEREMIAH 240
Sounds like you and I are about to have guests, Brother Matthias.
MATTHIAS 241
It certainly does. Brother Patrick reports he has initiated the warp core shutdown sequence.
SOUNDS: Door whooshing open.
JEREMIAH 242
Welcome aboard, Archbishop Morgan.
JOHN 243
Thank you, Captain Hollis. Brother Matthias, good to see you again.
MATTHIAS 244
And you, your Grace.
JOHN 245
You didn’t seem surprised to see me, Captain.
JEREMIAH 246
I knew you would be here as quickly as your duties allowed.
JOHN 247
Faster than that, truth be told. The privilege of being an Archbishop is delegation at times. Probably not unlike being a Captain.
SOUNDS: Doors whoosh open and closed. Footsteps.
JOHN 248
Brothers Patrick, Ethan, and Thomas. I’m happy to see you. Thanks for coming.
PATRICK 249
Your Excellency.
THOMAS 250
Your Excellency.
ETHAN 251
Your Grace.
JEREMIAH 252
This is our full complement. We’re lean but efficient and effective.
JOHN 253
Fantastic. From the damage reports you forwarded, VSF Command estimates it will require at least a week here in space dock to repair. Once they get their hands on your ship, that estimate may change a little in one direction or another.
PATRICK 254
That sounds about right.
JOHN 255
I’m telling them to take two weeks.
JEREMIAH 256
Why two weeks?
JOHN 257
I’m putting you all on sabbatical. You’ve been through a lot. You have earned it.
JEREMIAH 258
Yes, they have. Thank you, Archbishop.
JOHN 259
And it starts right now.
JEREMIAH 260
Now? We have shutdown procedures to follow.
JOHN 261
The repair crew boarding as we speak has been instructed to do that for you. Grab what belongings you may have, set your destinations, and go. You will find all transporter queues are open for each of you. No need to wait. VSF Command will send out exact return instructions later, but you have two weeks.
MATTHIAS 262
Thank you, Your Excellency.
JEREMIAH 263
Yes, thank you.
PATRICK 264
Thank you.
ETHAN 265
Thanks, Your Grace.
THOMAS 266
Thank you, Your Excellency.
JEREMIAH 267
Crew, the Archbishop has spoken. Who am I to argue with such a gift? Enjoy your free time away. The VSF Blessings will be not only waiting but whole once again upon your return. If you need anything, please do not hesitate to let me know.
PATRICK 268
But will you be ok, Captain? We can’t just abandon you.
JEREMIAH 269
You’re not abandoning me, Patrick. You have each supported me on this journey back home in your own ways. I value that more than I can put into words. I think this next part the Archbishop and I need to take together.
PATRICK 270
Ok, but don’t hesitate to call us, either, if you need anything.
MATTHIAS 271
Yes, Captain.
ETHAN 272
Agreed.
THOMAS 273
Absolutely.
JEREMIAH 274
I won’t. I assure you. Now get going. See you all before we know it! Dismissed.
SOUNDS: Footsteps. Doors whoosh open and closed.
SOUNDS: Silence.
JEREMIAH 279
It suddenly got so quiet.
JOHN 280
It did indeed.
SOUNDS: Silence.
JEREMIAH 281
I’m going home, John.
JOHN 282
I guessed you would.
JEREMIAH 283
Are you coming with me? It’s been your second home all these years, too.
JOHN 284
Yes, it has. Do you need to gather your belongings first?
JEREMIAH 285
All I really need is my key to the front door, and that is already on me.
JOHN 286
You’ve never been one to be weighed down by possessions, Jeremiah. The austere life of the Priesthood suits you well.
SOUNDS: Communicator badge chirp.
JOHN 289
Two to beam down to the coordinates I have already provided.
TRANSPORTER CREWMAN 290 (Telephony)
Yes, Your Excellency.
SOUND: Beaming down. Rematerializing. A little wind and nature sounds?
JEREMIAH 291
We’re home, John.
JOHN 292
We are.
JEREMIAH 293
Though it feels less without Dad here to welcome us when we walk in.
JOHN 294
It does.
JEREMIAH 295
I can’t believe Dad never upgraded this lock to a biometric one. Keys are so easy to lose.
JOHN 296
He liked to keep home simple.
SOUNDS: Key unlocking door. Door swinging open.
JEREMIAH 297
Shall we go in?
JOHN 298
Let’s do.
SOUNDS: Segue music.
SCENE 8: RETURN
MATTHIAS 299
Your father’s memorial service was beautiful, Sir.
JEREMIAH 300
Thank you, Brother Matthias.
THOMAS 301
The sheer number of people in attendance was amazing.
ETHAN 302
And the stories some of them told about what your father meant to them was inspiring.
JEREMIAH 303
I’ll admit, it all took me by surprise, too. I’ve been so wrapped up in my own career, that I never fully appreciated what he was accomplishing at the same time. “Off saving the galaxy one person at a time.” He was just my Dad who was always there whenever I needed him.
PATRICK 304
How are you doing, Captain?
JEREMIAH 305
I have my ups and downs. Good days and not so good days. The time I spent with John…Archbishop Morgan…at the house remembering and thinking meant a lot.
MATTHIAS 306
I’m glad.
JEREMIAH 307
We did find out the Cardassians officially declared the freighter as destroyed along with everyone on board.
PATRICK 308
I’m sorry, Captain.
JEREMIAH 309
What the Archbishop and I find ironic is the fact that the poor, unfortunate Cardassians in our cargo hold had no legal value at all, which ended up providing the most value in the end. The Cardassians simply had no claim on which to continue pursuing us in the Demilitarized Zone.
ETHAN 310
Everyone has value.
JEREMIAH 311
Absolutely, they do. My Dad knew that to his core. While I’m positive he didn’t plan on dying when he started on his journey, he also went out on his own terms. He knew both he and I had a moral obligation to protect those within our charge. Everything he had ever taught me about doing what’s right culminated in that moment. I could no more sacrifice our Cardassian guests than he could not help save them. He told me to do what’s right. Unfortunately, what was right did not include saving my Dad. We were out of options. I took the only path before us, and I took it with the help of my Dad one last time.
THOMAS 312
You really did do some thinking, Captain.
JEREMIAH 313
Hahaha! I really did. I also cannot abide by wallowing in sorrow unnecessarily. My Borg experience showed me life is simply too short. I will always mourn my Dad, but he’d want me to keep moving forward saving the galaxy.
MATTHIAS 314
One person at a time.
PATRICK 315
I wonder how our Cardassian friends are doing?
JEREMIAH 316
Funny you should ask. Our next mission involves them.
ETHAN 317
Really? What is it?
JEREMIAH 318
After we transferred our guests to the Catholic Relief Services ship, they transported them to a rehabilitation facility specifically recommended for them. It’s only been a little over two weeks, of course, so the team and plans are still being developed. We are to pick up several specialists from Earth and Mars plus a Cardassian ex-patriot to help with the acclimation who’s currently located on Vulcan.
THOMAS 319
I’m really looking forward to seeing them again.
ETHAN 320
So am I.
JEREMIAH 321
Me, too, Brothers. Our first guests arrive in about an hour. Let’s get the VSF Blessings ready to disembark shortly after that. Dismissed.
END CREDITS
You have been listening to VSF Blessings, a Star Trek fan production. Episode 7, “Lesser.”
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