Curtain Call

Posted on Wed Oct 2nd, 2024 @ 5:39am by Commodore Jacob Kane

Mission: Into the Qniverse
Location: At the Party
Timeline: Mission End
463 words - 0.9 OF Standard Post Measure

The flash of light struck everyone virtually all at once. In a fell swoop, the Athena crew, the partygoers, and the staff all reappeared in the same courtyard they had been celebrating prior to the Q's snap.

It took Kane a moment to regain equilibrium; he was back in his casual clothing, a drink in hand, standing in front of the large buffet table-come-stage that the flamboyant Q was using to pose on.

"Q!!" he barked, fists already balled-up.

"Ah-ah, dear Commodore..." The Q grinned. "Mind your temper, unless you'd like those darling golden locks to be a permanent fixture?"

The caution drew Kane to a halt. He glanced around, quickly making sure everyone had been returned unharmed. Many seemed confused, annoyed or generally concerned. Internally, he recognised that he owed it to them to make sure this being wasn't further provoked.

"Since you've returned us here, I assume you've had your fun now?" he grumbled.

"Ha! Well, I've been entertained. I'm sure many of you have been too." The Q glanced with a sly smirk at Zora. "I am an omnipotent being of mischief, not a 'bully'." With a snap, the buffet table was returned to its former state, though the Q remained perched between plates.

"What was this, then? A game? Entertainment?"

"That's what I promised, isn't it? An evening's entertainment. Nobody got hurt - well, nobody of consequence. You all had some fun in your own ways." The Q grinned. "You're welcome!"

"Hmph...if you think I'm going to say thank you-"

"You don't need to thank me, Commodore Kane..." The Q flashed instantly from the table to the space in front of Kane, though perhaps slightly out of arm's reach. "I figured that with what's coming you might need the respite. A little bit of calm before the storm, so they say."

"What are you talking about? What storm?" Kane frowned.

"Ah! Spoilers..." The Q chuckled with a wave of his finger. He turned to Zora, dramatically bowing deep. "Adieu, N'Garzi Zora. I'm sure I've made it a memorable one. See you...next time..."

With a flash, the Q was gone, the music was playing, and the party was back into full swing; aside from those that had experienced the omnipotent being of mischief's desire for amusement, who almost all looked perturbed and uncertain.

Kane felt a tickle on his neck as the golden blonde wig reappeared on his head; a parting gift from the Q. With a scowl he snatched it off and threw it at an unsuspecting staff member. Looking down at the glass in his hand, he necked the entire contents.

"What the hell am I gonna tell Starfleet Command..." he grumbled quietly, setting down the empty glass and striding away without a word to anyone.