Paul Diamond/SIM Archive

Favorite Sims

USS Nemesis-B

Firing Squad

((Prison Cell))

Hearing movement and sounds coming from Diamond, Kays crawled over to him and checked him out.::

Kays: Paul, are you ok? Come on, can you hear me??

Diamond: Yeah, I can hear you just stop yelling. :: Rubbing head:: What happened?

Kays: He hit you in the back of the head. Are you ok?

Diamond: Yeah, I think so, just a huge headache,:: goes to stand up, and sits back down fast:: and a bit dizzy it seems too. I think I have a slight concussion. How about you, how's your arm?

Kays: I'll be fine. Lets figure out how to get out of here.

Diamond struggled to his feet and walked drunkenly to the door and checked it.:: It's locked, and probably guarded.:: Goes back over to Kays and plopped down next to her to check her arm.::

Kays:: Pulls her arm away,:: I told you I'll be fine!

Diamond: I'll be the judge of that if you don't mind.

Kays:: Glaring at him:: Fine, here, look to your hearts content. Fat lot you can do without your tools.

Diamond: You'll be surprised. Hold still. :: looking at her arm:: I don't like this, too much burned. ::Looking around the room, he tried to stand up and moved to the counter and started to go through the drawers. Finding a container, Diamond opens it and headed back to her, picking up a piece of rope that was used to tie her up with.:: This is going to sting, but it will help with the pain, and don't tell me it doesn't hurt, I can see that it does. :: Puts on the cream from the container despite the discomfort she showed, and covered it back up with the strip of shirt he used before.:: Now, to prevent you from moving it I’m going to use this rope as a sling to hold it still.

As Diamond immobilized her arm, Kays heard a noise outside the door.::

Kays: Hurry up, someone's coming.

As he finished, the door opened and someone was thrown in. The doors closed and Frink rolled on to his back. He realized he wasn't alone. ::

Frink: Diamond! Kays!!

Diamond: Frink, is that you?

Frink: How long have you two been here?

Kays: I'm not sure, as long as the Captain and Took. We were all picked up together.

Frink: I saw the Captain... she's... alright for the moment.

Diamond: What do you mean by that, what's happened?

Frink: ::sighing:: It all went wrong very quickly... Simmons didn't make it.

Diamond: What do you mean "didn't make it"? Is there anything I can do?

Frink: I'll explain later. They're probably listening to us now... even so, we have to be ready.

Kays: You have an idea on how to get out of here?? What is it?

Frink: You'll know when it happens.

Diamond: I have to tell you, we're not in the best of shape. Kays can hardly walk, and I'm still a little dizzy from our encounter with that InJerra, so I don't know what use we'll be.

Frink: I'm not any better shape then you two. It will be alright.

Kays:: Struggling to her feet, almost falling before Paul catches her,:: I'm up for anything, right dear??:: Looking into Diamonds eyes, pleading.::

Diamond: Right....... Count us in Frink. What do you want us to do? Frink: Nothing. Actually, just wait.

Kays:: Nods head, :: Understood, we'll be ready.

Diamond: I think we should rest, : Checked out Frink condition and helped him out as much as possible,:: especially you.

Frinks: ::smiles:: I think I've been in worse shape. ::grunts:: Maybe not.

Moving over to the other side of the room, Diamond slid down the wall and relaxed. Soon Kays slid down next to him and cuddled up to him::

Kays:: Quietly talking:: I'm sorry for yelling at you like that, just frustrated is all, nothing personal.

Diamond: I know I didn't take it personally. This must be murder for you not being able to do anything.

Kays: Worst. I feel like a failure for being caught and feeling useless isn't something I'm used to. I hate this.

Diamond: It's something no one likes or can get used to. I hate it when there is nothing I can do for a patient, especially one that I like. :: Looks at Kays::

Kays:: Rubbing her arm:: You did everything you could, and I'm sure it will be enough. Besides, if we get out of this, you can finish what you started on Nemesis.

Diamond: That’s a promise.

Kays slid closer to Diamond and started to shake, as if she was crying, and Diamond put his arm around her and held her to him. After an indeterminate amount of time, the door opened and three guards entered holding weapons.::

Guard #1: On your feet scum, lets move it.

Frink: Hold on... ::Frink struggled to his feet:: You know, we could all use adoctor.

Guard #2: No talking, move it. ::Shoved Frink towards the door. Waking Kays up, she wipds her eye's and tries to stand. Diamond helped but she waved him off.::

Kays: That’s ok, I can do it my self, :: Smiled at Diamond:: Thanks anyway.

Diamond: Ok, I'll be right behind you just in case.

Guard # 3: Less talk, more movement.

The guards lead them out of the room they were in and through different hallways. Too many twists and turns to keep track of where they were going, just easier to follow.::

Kays:: Leaning close to Diamond:: I'd appreciate if you don't mention any of this to anyone.

Diamond: Your secret is safe with me, dr./ patient confidentiality. :: Leans over and kisses her fore head.::

Guard #3: No talking.! :: Hits Kays with his weapon. Diamond turned around with fire in his eye's ready to attack and the guard brought his weapon to bear.:: Go ahead alien scum, give me a reason.

Frink: Diamond! ::shakes his head::

Kays: Paul, he's right, I'm ok, let it go. :: Leaning closer:: Thanks for the gesture, I appreciate it.

Diamond: I meant it he made me furious! I couldn't stand you being hurt, or roughly treated.

Kays just looked at him and smiled. After some time, they finally came to what looked like an air lock and was brought to a stop. What was to happen next? Were they going to be jettison into space? When were they brought into space? Or were they?::

Guard 2: When is Injeera supposed to get here?

Guard 1: Soon...

Guard 2: He's always late. I had this...

Frink: ::turned his head around:: I hate this too. Why don't we call the whole thing off?

Guard 1: Shut up and turn around!

Frink: ::smiles:: Ok. :: Frink stareed at the door. He was unable to tell if they're still on the planet or not. :: Injeera doesn't seem like a nice guy. I don't know how you put up with him.

Guard 1: I told you to be quiet!

Frink: ::looking over at Diamond:: Diamond, didn't we have a guy like InJeera back home? ::winks:: You know, the kind of guy that gives orders all the time but actually does nothing.

Diamond: Oh, you mean Mr. InDolent. That’s why he's in that great position and we're stuck here.

Frink: Right. And takes all the glory. ::sighs:: InJeera strikes me as that kind of person.

Guard 1: If you don't shut up I'll...

Frink: What? Kill us? Naw, you won't do that. You have to wait for InJeera, don't you?

Guard 2: Look, we've been given orders to kill you if give us trouble!

Frink: I'm sure... But you won't. You're too frightened of him. It's ok. I understand...

A voice came from the guards uniforms:: Attention all personnel; the witch and her concubine has escaped. Keep on the look-out for these criminals. They are considered VERY dangerous. If encountered, SHOOT TO KILL!:: All three guards looked at each other with a mixture of shock and fear as well as Frink, Diamond, and Kays.::

Frink: Maybe InJeera's not coming. Maybe the "witch" got him.

Diamond: Not necessarily, he could have let them go, against orders.

Guard #1: Shut up both of you, before I shoot you here and now.

Guard # 3: Maybe their right! Maybe something's happened to Captain InJerra. What do we do?

Kays: You know, this could be the time for one of you to step up and take over.

Frink: I agree. This whole thing could be one giant mistake.

Diamond: You could just let us go like InJerra did.

Guard #1: Shut up, all of you. :: Looking at the other two guards:: Don't listen to them, they are only trying to confuse us. We haven’t had our orders rescinded as of yet, so we're going forward with them! :: He turns back towards the keypad and started to key in the code. The guard finished putting in his codes and air hissed out as the door opened. When it finished, the guards pushed us into the new room.::

Guard #1: Move it, get in there.

Entering one at a time, Frink lead the way, then Kays, followed by Diamond. The room was bare, kind of sterile. Not knowing what was going on, Diamond began to get nervous. They were lead to the center of the room and left there.::

Guard # 1: Place them into position. :: The other two guards moved them next to each other, tied their hands behind their backs, and anchored them into hooks bolted to the floor. :: Move out of the way. :: To the prisoner's :: Now, let it be know that your deaths will mean something for my people; we will not be over ran by off worlders like you!

Frink: You don't have orders to do this...

Guard#1: SHUT UP, no one gave you permission to talk! :: To other guards :: Take your positions. Ready weapons;

All three raised their weapons.::

Frink; Diamond; and Kays all stood tall, accepting their fate like true Star Fleet Officers. At the last moment, Diamond and Kays stole a look at each other, and what passed between them couldn't be expressed in words.::

Guard#1: Aim.......

Wong: Fire??

Worse Than He Thought

(( Holodeck 4))

Standing in front of the doors to the holodeck, Diamond was relieved that he didn’t have to experience the stares from his fellow crew mates.::

Diamond: Computer, load the latest Mid-Evil Fair from Star Fleet Fair Grounds; Level 3; all participant in character only.

Computer: Enter when ready.

Diamond: Here we go Sheila. :: Walking towards the doors, they part and allow Diamond entry. Upon entering, he let Sheila go and she flew next to him. Looking around, his memory brought back all the details from the recreation this last spring. A popular baron's keep was under attack by a group of rogues, and he was that baron. Of course he will prevail, but there was some good sword fighting. From the sounds of things, the attack has begun. A large man ran up to him,::

Guard: My Lord, we are under attack. A band of men are approaching from the south.

Diamond: Quick, sound the alarm, and man your post. I’ll be on the rampart surveying the situation.

The guard ran off as Diamond headed up to the rampart. Halfway there, he heard the bells of the alarm. He knew his Captain would meet him when he arrived. Sure enough, the Captain of the Guards had beaten him to the south rampart and was assessing the situation.::

C.O.G.: My Lord, there seems to be at least thirty men. I suggest we let them be until they reach us, then attack. I do not fore see any trouble dealing with this ilk.

Diamond: Agreed, have you identified their leader yet?

C.O.G.: No sir, not yet.

Just then, Sheila flew up and tried to attract Diamond’s attention.::

Diamond: What is it Sheila? What’s wrong?

Sheila flew to the courtyard and Diamond followed. When he could finally see into the yard, a band of men fighting his own was what he saw. Calling for his captain, Diamond drew his sword and entered the fray. The choreography was the same as the fairs, so Diamond knew he wouldn’t be hurt, all he had to do was follow it. After dispatching three men, Diamond moved to block another’s sword

when his hand went numb. As the swords connected, Diamond could not hold onto his and it fell to the ground with a loud clang.::

Diamond: Computer en......

Pain flared from the back of his head to the front and his right leg went numb and buckled. The last thing he saw was the cobblestones of the court yard as he fell, then all went black.::

The Trial

((Star Fleet Medical))

The trip back to Earth was uneventful. Kays spent the whole time studying about the serum. She wasn’t an expert on it but she now knew more about the serum than most of the doctors in Star Fleet. She could now confidently argue for the serum, but the serum didn’t need protecting, Paul did. As soon as they arrived on Earth a security contingent met them and took Diamond into custody. Kays went with Lynn as she went to have her physical, both as a friend and lawyer. When they were finished Kays went to check on Diamond in his holding cell.::

Kays: Hi there stranger, how are you doing?

Diamond: Hanging in there.  ::looking around his cell:: Nice place huh? I can relax, they bring me meals, and I don’t have to do anything. Kind of like when we were on Injerra.  ::looking back at Kays pleading:: Get me out of here, please.

Kays: I will don’t worry. I just came from Lynn’s physical and it looked good for us.

Diamond: How is she?

Kays: Well, I’m not a doctor, but she looks fine to me.

Diamond: Good. I hate the thought of putting her through any more intrusions for me.

Kays: Don’t worry, she understands.

Just then the door to the cell opened and a Guard entered.::

Guard: Excuse me but they are ready to begin. Please follow me.

Kays: ::To Diamond:: You ready?

Diamond: ::standing up:: Let’s do it.

They followed the guard out of the room and through endless hallways and into a large chamber. At the front of the chamber was a large desk facing them with 5 high-back chairs behind it. In front of the chairs were nameplates reading Weber, Neumann, Muncie, McGee and Blatz. They were ushered to a table near the front and sat down. As Kays read the padd that was on the table Diamond looked around the chamber some more.

Somewhat center, in front of the large desk, stool a podium that Diamond figured was for testimony. Directly behind them was the gallery, which was quickly filling up. As he scanned the people coming in, he recognized some of his shipmates including Lee, Erin and Nurse Brown. He also saw MacKenzie, Frink and Quinn taking their seats as well. Then he caught the sight of his parents as they entered the room. They saw him, smiled and waved, and headed for the seats directly behind him.::

Diamond: Mom, Dad, it’s great to see you.

M. Diamond: It’s good to see you too. Are you ok?

Diamond: Yes mom, I’m fine.

D. Diamond: Wish it were under better circumstances.

M. Diamond: Daniel, stop that.  ::to Diamond:: Don’t mind him son, he just doesn’t think::

Diamond: Don’t worry about it. Come here I want you to meet someone. ::taps Kays on the shoulder:: Mom, dad, this is Himoana Kays, my good friend and lawyer. Himoana, these are my parents, Margret and Daniel Diamond.

All Three: Friend?!?

Kays: Nice to meet the two of you.

M. Diamond: The feelings mutual.

Guard: All rise, the tribunal is now in session, Admiral’s Weber, Neumann, Muncie, McGee and Blatz residing.

Everyone stood as 5 officers entered the room and went to the chairs in the front. Each took their place and then sat down. Admiral Blatz took charge of the proceeding.::

Blatz: Be seated. ::everyone sat down:: Dr. Paul Diamond, please stand.

Diamond and Kays stood:: You are charged with Endangering the well fare of a patient to advance your own. Do you understand this charge?

Diamond: Yes sir I do.

Blatz: And how do you plead?

Kays: He pleads Not Guilty

Blatz: ::To Kays:: And you are?

Kays: Ensign Himoana Kays, his lawyer.

Blatz: Very well, plea entered. You may be seated. ::Both sat. The admiral picked up a padd and read it.:: Ms. Kays, we received the depositions you sent to us and read them and they match the records we obtained from the Nemesis’s computer memory. ::looking up at Diamond:: We still have a couple of questions to clear up before we render our verdict. Captain Rice, if you please come forward?:: From the gallery an officer stood and walked to the podium.:: Captain, as a Star Fleet Officer, you have already sworn to tell the truth.

Rice: I understand.

Blatz: As a teacher here at SF Medical, you have examined Ensign Lynn?

Rice: I have.

Blatz: And what were your findings?

Rice: Ensign Lynn is in perfect health. I did a molecular scan, bone scan, and brain scan and found no abnormalities. There were no signs of foreign agents in her systems at all.

Kays: ::standing up:: Admiral, if I may?  :: Blatz nodded:: Doctor, have you read Dr. Diamond’s report on the serum he used?

Rice: I did.

Kays: And in your examination, did you find any long-term effects on the patient?

Rice: No I didn’t. Like I said, she is in perfect health.

Blatz: Thank you doctor, you may step down. :: Rice went back to her seat.:: Dr. Diamond, will you please come forward? ::Diamond went to the podium:: Dr., as a Star Fleet Officer, you have already sworn to tell the truth.

Diamond: I understand.

Blatz: Doctor, I have only one question for you. Why did you abandon standard medical practices and use your own concoction in your efforts to save Ensign Lynn?

Diamond: When Ensign Lynn arrived in Sick Bay her internal systems were already 95% assimilated. All other options were no longer going to work. I knew my serum was her last resort.

McGee: Didn’t Commander Frink give you an order NOT to save any assimilated crewmembers?

Diamond: His orders were for fully assimilated members, she still had some humanity left.

Neumann: I read in her deposition that she would rather die then become a drone, why didn’t you heed her wishes?

Diamond: I resent that question sir. Like all doctors present, I took an oath to protect and safeguard life, not take it. I knew of her wishes and I felt that I could save her.

Blatz: You still haven’t answered my question doctor, why didn’t you follow procedure?

Diamond: If I may speak candidly? ::Blatz nodded:: Admiral, as you know, in space we are faced with treating sick and wounded patients that we were not trained for at the Academy. At times we have to come up with different, sometimes unorthodox treatments to save these patients. Soon these treatments become standard for all of us. That’s how we grow as a medical profession. This was one of those times. I felt that I had to do everything in my power to save her, even if Star Fleet didn’t approve.

Blatz: Would you have let another doctor use the serum on you?

Diamond: In a heart beat.

Neumann: Would you do it again if faced with the same situation?

Diamond: If it would save a life, defiantly

Blatz: Very well then.  ::Looking at the other officers:: I believe we have all the information we need to decide. This tribunal is adjourned until we reach our verdict.

As they stood to leave, the gallery stood. Everyone filed out of the chamber murmuring to each other as they went their separate ways. Kays, Diamond and his family were shown into a room to talk privately. When the door was closed, Diamond’s mother hugged her son tightly.::

M. Diamond: I’m so proud of you son. I don’t care what those Admiral’s say, you saved that woman’s life and that’s the bottom line.

Lt. Diamond: Thanks mom, I appreciate the sentiment.

D. Diamond: If they find you guilty, what will happen then?

Kays: I looked into that. There are a number of avenues they can take. The best-case scenario is he will be thrown out of Star Fleet but keep his medical license. The worst-case, stripped of his degree, his rank, and thrown out of the service. There won’t be any prison because he didn’t harm anyone.

D. Diamond: If that happens, he still has his schooling and can still do research can’t he?

Lt. Diamond: Yes dad, but no one will want to touch me. Everyone would ask themselves if my research is for them, or me.

M. Diamond: Not everyone dear. I know of a place that would hire you in a heartbeat.

Lt. Diamond: You do? Who?

M. Diamond: My hospital. I’m the new head of administration and can hire and fire at my discretion. If you lose your license to practice medicine, you can run our research department. If you don’t, then you can head up the Emergency Department. Either way, you win. And if they decide to keep you, the offer still stands.

Lt. Diamond: ::surprised:: Wow, I don’t know what to say, except thanks.

M. Diamond: You could say that you’ll take it.

Kays: No disrespect, but, let’s wait until we hear their verdict.

D. Diamond: I agree with her, let’s not dig our graves before his career is dead.

M. Diamond: Daniel that was a rotten thing to say!

D. Diamond: You’re right dear, sorry son.

Lt. Diamond: That’s ok dad I knew what you meant.

Guard: ::Opened door:: They’re ready for you.

D. Diamond: Already? Is that good or bad?

Kays: I’m not sure. It only means that they probably had their minds made up before hand.

Lt. Diamond: ::standing up:: Let’s go in and get this over with.

They left the room for the court room and took their seats.

Everyone stood as the Admiral’s filed in and re-took their seats and then sat down.::

Blatz: Dr. Diamond, after considerable consideration we have come to a decision. Is there anything you would like to say before we render our verdict?

Diamond: ::standing up:: Yes sir, there is. :: Diamond walked over to the podium again and stood there collecting his thoughts.:: Sir’s, I understand that you have to look out for the welfare of all Star Fleet personnel under all of the doctor’s care that are serving out there, not just one. And I also know that the saving of that one does not give me a “Get out of jail free” card. But I wouldn’t be doing my job as Chief Medical Officer if I didn’t explore every avenue available to me, tried or experimental, to save a person’s life. If I didn’t and I played it safe, then I would be guilty of these charges. :: turning to the gallery:: Out here I see fellow crew member’s, officer’s that I’m proud to have served with and call friend’s, colleague’s, and family, and if I hadn’t done what I did, I would have let all of them down, not just Ensign Lynn. ::turning back to the front:: You asked me if I would do it again if I had to and once again I say yes. Not because I saved her life, but because it was the right thing to do.

Applause rang through the court room, lead by the crew of the

Nemesis. Admiral Blatz had to hit her gavel a few times to restore order.::

Blatz: Order, order. Any more out bursts like that and I’ll empty out the room. Dr. Diamond, a very nice speech. You’re right, it is our responsibilities to safe guard all personnel and if there is one rouge or ambitious doctor out there, everyone is in harm. But you are right on another point, as doctors we are obligated to travel all avenues to help our patients, sometimes down the dark and lonely ones. With that in mind, we have come to our decision. Dr. Diamond, this tribunal has decided that you did NOT endanger the welfare of your patient and you DID act having her best interests in mind. You are here by re-instated to full rank and will have all privileges restored immediately. Congratulations doctor.

Diamond: ::shocked:: Thank you sir.

Blatz: This tribunal is adjourned. Dismissed.

Kays ran up to Diamond and hugged him hard as applause erupted from the spectator’s, including the Admiral’s in front..::

Kays: You did it, you’re cleared, I knew it.

Diamond: I couldn’t have done it without you.

As he kissed her, he saw his parents and friends approached. His parents gave him a funny look but let it be. There was a celebration of sort’s with everyone. Looking around Diamond saw Quinn leave but not with out a smile and nod before he did. Diamond heard more footsteps approaching behind them. Turning around he saw the 5 Admiral’s heading straight for him.::

Blatz: Congratulations again Dr., and I truly mean it.

Diamond: Thank you sir, you don’t know my relief.

Blatz: We look forward to your lecture on your new procedure. It already has medical journals making room in their next issue.

Diamond: My lecture? What lecture?

Brownstone: Why the one we just scheduled for you tomorrow at 1000 hours right next door in the lecture hall. I am so looking forward to hearing how you use this new serum. The technical information that was forward is so interesting.

Diamond: I’m confused; I’m not good at lectures.

Weber: Don’t worry doctor; I’ll have everything ready for you tomorrow. Congratulations again. :: With that they all left except for Admiral Neumann.::

Neumann: ::pulling Diamond aside:: Mr. Diamond, before you go and celebrate, I need to talk to you.

Diamond: Of course sir, what is it?

Neumann: With a talent like yours, it’s being wasted out in space. I would like you to be here, at Star Fleet Medical, as Head of our Borg Medical Research Department. A promotion to full Lieutenant comes with it.

Diamond: I don’t know what to say.

Neumann: Don’t say anything right now, sleep on it and let me know tomorrow after your lecture. But for now, go and have fun with your friends and family.

Diamond: I will, and thank you sir.

Neumann smiled and walked away as Diamond was dragged off by his friends and family for a party that no one will soon forget.::

USS Constitution-B

Knight In Shining Armour

Diamond and Jefferson made their way down to the lowest level of the base, hiding every once in a while to avoid patrols. As soon as they hit the bottom, alarms went off and they could hear running and shouts moving away from them. They both smiled at each other knowing what just happened. They came out of their last hiding spot and walked towards what Diamond thought was the cell Cura was in. A lone individual dressed in a long black smock intercepted them. He saw the two officers and started to run.::

Jefferson: ::running over and grabbing him:: Hold it there, where do you think you’re going?

He held the man pinned to the wall by the throat. Diamond walked up and addressed him.::

Diamond: I need some information and you are going to give it to me. Where are you holding the Star Fleet Officer?

The man looked around for help and Jefferson tighten his grip. ::

Jefferson: Tell him or else.

Since the grip on his throat restricted his vocal cords, he nodded in the direction of the door at the end of the hall.::

Diamond: Thank you.

Diamond nodded to Jefferson who knocked the mans head against the wall. He let go of him and watched his body slide down into a pile on the floor. Together they walked towards the door. Diamond placed his ear next to it and heard faint voices while Jefferson kept watch. Out of the corner of his eye, Jefferson saw a flash of metal and then a beam. Acting from pure instinct, he pushed Diamond out of the way.::

Jefferson: Watch out doc.

Taking the blast instead of Diamond, Jefferson fell to the floor. Diamond looked at the spot where the shot came from and saw the informant on the floor with a phasor pointed at him. With out thinking, Diamond pulled his dagger out and threw it at him. Diamonds aim was better than the mans reflexes as the dagger imbedded itself in the man’s throat killing him instantly.::

Diamond crawled over to Jefferson and found him dead. After all the arguments they had about duty and orders, Jefferson’s last act was that of following a prior order, keep the doctor safe at all costs. Diamond stood and walked over to the dead body of Jefferson’s murderer and looked down on it with anger and frustration, grabbed his dagger and pulled it out. He walked back, bent down.::

Diamond: I swear to you, I will finish this and make your death mean something. You were a great strategist, and would have been a great leader.

Diamond stood up and walked over to the door that separated Diamond and his friend, and with his anger giving him strength, broke open the door to the cell and saw a Klingon holding Cura in his arms. She was barely clothed and the sight of him holding her like that made Diamonds blood boil even worse. He drew his rapier and yelled at him::

Diamond: Let her go, NOW!

Rushing across the room, Diamond hit the Klingon square in the back which made him drop Cura and stagger away from her. Being a Klingon, the warrior in him took over as his blood started to boil. He pulled a knife out of his clothing and took a defensive posture.::

K’Sek: I didn’t know that Star Fleet Officer’s were so eager to die. Diamond: Only when their fellow officers are in danger.

Diamond made a lunge at K’Sek which he easily deflected. Diamonds training as a duelist took over and he started to juggle his sword. K’Sek looked on in amusement.::

K’Sek: Changed your mind? Going to entertain me instead?

Diamond ignored the gibe’s as he went into his attack movement. He continued to spin and juggle his rapier around his body, faster and faster, moving closer and closer to K’Sek. He started to make moves as if to hit K’Sek, which K’Sek blocked, but they were coming faster and harder. Not expecting the ferocity of Diamonds attack, K’Sek retreated as he tried to deflect the blows, which caused him to loose his smile. In a flash, Diamond struck with multiple hits that K’Sek couldn’t block, not all of them at least, which backed him into a wall. With a final spin, Diamond stopped with the point of his rapier settled in the middle of K’Sek’s throat.::

Diamond: Drop the dagger.

A loud metallic sound echoed as the dagger hit the floor::

Diamond: Now, if you would, please make a move and give me a reason to finish my thrust.

K’Sek stretched his arms out to the side in defeat::

K’Sek: Not today, Lt.. Not to………

K’Sek never finished his sentence, he slumped over towards Diamond unconscious and Diamond moved his rapier quickly before it impaled him. Looking back, he saw Cura standing there with a phaser aimed where the Klingon was standing.::

Assanti: Shut up!

You Say Goodbye, I'll Say Hello

Volana turned to who she thought was Diamond, however as two

Klingon's strode up and grabbed her, she turned back to who she thought was Diamond and shook her head in disbelief::

Volana: You... You are Sniper! I've heard of you.

Sniper: ::smiling:: It's so nice to know that my reputation has preceded me. And you must be the troublesome Dr. Volana Mercury, the one that got away. You do know that for what you did I will have to kill you.

Volana rolled her head about and grinned as she faced that man

that would deliver her death.::

Volana: Klingon's would prefer to die with honor, Sniper. I'm sure your pals would tell you that the women are more into holding such traditions than the men. If you choose to kill me now, my soul will go on with Kahless the Unforgettable as I'd accomplished my task for my friends. In their eyes, I will have died with honor. You, you have failed your Regent. Your price will be heavy that you did not stop me before I destroyed the power generator.

Sniper: True, I was too late to stop you, but he always has an escape route planned out, as do I. But, enough of the pleasantries, time to do my job.

As Sniper raised the blaster to Volana's forehead, she did not

flinch or make motion to move from the blast.::

Sniper: Dr. Volana Mercury, you have been caught in the act of treason against the Regent and have been sentenced to death. Do you have any last words?

Volana: I have said my say. But I must add that your alternate was more a man than you will ever be, Sniper. That much I do know.

Sniper: Then why am I standing here and he's lying in an empty room dead? ::a smile crossed his face when he saw her reaction upon hearing of Diamonds death.:: Say hi to him for me when you see him, will you?

Sniper tensed his trigger finger as he pinpointed her left eye. That was all he could take and Diamond bolted for Sniper. He

tackled Sniper in the middle of the back as he fired his weapon causing the weapon to discharge off target. As soon as they hit the ground, Diamond snarled in Sniper's ear.::

Diamond: I'll say hello, you say goodbye.

Sniper: ::rolling out from under Diamond:: So, you aren't dead after all. I'm impressed doctor. I didn't give you enough credit. A mistake I won't make again.

While Sniper took aim at Diamond with the weapon he still held,

Diamond searched for something to protect himself. He found a shard of metal and threw it at Sniper like a knife to give him some time.::

Sniper: ::moving out of the way:: Ha, and I thought you were good. You missed.

Diamond: ::looking at him and smiled:: Look again.

Sniper looked where Diamond indicated and saw the shard sticking out of his weapon. The weapon started to spark and overload causing Sniper to throw it away from him. At the middle of its arc, the weapon exploded.::

Sniper: I keep doing that, under estimating you. That is becoming a very bad habit. Very well, enough of this. ::pulling two swords from his belt:: It is about time I put an end to you.

Sniper started to advance on Diamond, swinging both swords parallel to the ground hoping, to cleave the doctor in half. This is what Diamond had wanted, close quarter combat. With the name like Sniper, Diamond figured he was most deadly with ranged weapons. This way, maybe Diamond had a chance.::

Diamond retreated from Snipers attack looking for anything to

protect himself with. In his search, his eyes caught Volana fighting with her captors and it appeared she was winning. Diamond smiled to himself, first to see that she was still alive, and second he had come a crossed two 1 meter long metal pipes. He grabbed both of them, one each hand, and turned to meet Snipers next swing. When the two weapons met, sparks flew.::

Sniper: The doctor fights back? Good, this will be more interesting. Finally I will show everyone who is the better man.

Diamond: Thank you for the compliment. I will make sure they know when you lay on the ground defeated.

Sniper's face distorted with anger and he swung wildly at Diamond

which Diamond easily deflected. Sniper calmed down quickly and started to attack in a more precise manner. The two were evenly matched in skill, but Sniper held the edge because of the weapons he held. After a hard hit, Diamond back peddled and looked at his pipes. Both showed signs of wear, nicks and gouges were taken by Snipers swords.::

Sniper: You are no doubt wondering why your weapons are damaged and mine aren't. Well, these were specially made for me. Both are made out of Titanium, almost indestructible. And with one being a rapier and the other a lean sabre, both are light and very deadly.

To prove his point, Sniper swung at Diamonds head with the sabre.

Diamond ducked, held up one pipe to block the swing and felt the impact. He looked at the pipe again and it was noticeably shorter. Laughing, Sniper pressed his advantage and lunged with his rapier at Diamond's chest. Out of instinct, Diamond spun away and brought the other pipe straight down at the sword. The sound of bone cracking told Diamond his move worked.::

Sniper dropped the rapier on the ground and looked at his broken

hand. Never in all the years of fighting had anyone hurt him like that. He looked at his double, the one who was suppose to be the weaker of the two, standing there with a satisfied smile on his face.::

Sniper: oO How could one as weak as him hurt me like this? Oo

Now with anger driving him instead of intellect, Sniper attacked

Diamond in a fury. He swung the sabre that was in his good hand at Diamond, which Diamond was able to counter. Both combatants tried to achieve the upper hand but it was obvious that Sniper's aggression gave him the edge once again.::

It was now that Diamond's heart began to pump harder. He was in

the fight for his life. One wrong move, one miscalculation and Snipers sword would hit home and separate a part of his anatomy from his body. From somewhere deep inside, Diamond felt strength building giving him a lift in his abilities. Diamond started to fight back and Sniper started to give ground. Diamond swung his one remaining pipe at Sniper trying to knock him unconscious. Sniper was as good at defense as he was at offense and deflected the potential blows damaging the pipe further. Diamond staggered back from the last move and surveyed the damage to his weapon. Both men knew that it wouldn't last another blow like that and Sniper pressed his advantage again.::

Diamond looked for an alternate weapon as he retreated from

Sniper's attack. He almost gave up hope until he saw a flash of light from the ground, fire from the building reflected off the blade of the rapier Sniper had dropped. Diamond knew that with that weapon, he stood a much better chance. He made his way to the dropped weapon, dodging the attempted blows of his attacker, in a way not to clue Sniper in on his plan.::

Sniper: Come now doctor; don't run from your fate. Stand like a man and face your death head on.

Diamond hoped that Sniper's arrogance would blind him from

Diamonds motives and continued towards the rapier. As Sniper swung at Diamond once again, Diamond dove under the blade, grabbed the rapier by its hilt as he rolled past it, and stayed in a crouched position. He was in a small alcove made by three trees with nowhere left to go. He listened to the footsteps approaching behind and waited for his chance.::

Sniper: Time to end this charade. You were the best opponent I have faced, but not the better.

Sniper raised his sword and swung it at Diamond's neck. At the

last moment, Diamond turned, brought the pipe up to block Snipers sword, and thrust the rapier upwards into Sniper's chest. The look of shock on Sniper's face told the story. Diamond slowly pushed the blade into Sniper doing more damage as it went. The Star Fleet uniform Sniper wore gave him relatively no protection like the armour he normally wore did. When Diamond felt the hilt touching Snipers body, he grabbed him in a bear hug and whispered in his ear.::

Diamond: Looks like you were wrong, I am the better man. ::Diamond pushed Sniper away from him and stood there and watched the man that had killed so many.::

Sniper looked down at the weapon that was stuck into his chest.

The heat that he felt burning in his chest was growing and spreading through out his body. He knew this time would come, when he would die, but he never expected it to be like this. His knees started to buckle and he sank to the ground. He never tried to pull out the sword, why bother? He knew from past experiences being on the giving end that he was dying. He took in the scene around him. The burning building, his men either dead on the ground or captured, the one woman he failed in killing, and the one man that was able to kill him.::

The last vision he saw were figures in the distance, shadows

moving closer. The closer they came, the more details he was able to make out until he recognized them. They were all of his victims coming to exact their revenge on him. To his surprise, they stopped a few meters from him and watched. Watched as he took his last few breaths. He saw his mother looking disappointed, his father looking ashamed, and finally his one true love looking satisfied. With one final breath, Sniper fell to his side and laid there.::

Diamond walked over to the body of his alternate self and withdrew

the rapier from his chest. He wiped it on the ground, grabbed the other sword, and headed to where his crewmates were. Standing with them was Volana, bruised and battered, but alive. She ran and met him with a huge hug that lifted him off the ground.::

Volana: Paul!!!! ::laughing:: You came for me??!!!!

Diamond: ::wincing from the pain of his fight coupled by the strength of the hug:: Of course I came for you. I promised I wouldn't let anything happen to you and I am a man of my word. ::Diamond walked over to a smiling Commander Stone.:: Commander, area cleared of all alternates.

Stone: That would be my appraisal. Good job everyone.

Diamond: ::beginning to feel weak after the exertion:: Thank you sir, permission to collapse?

Stone: Permission... what?

Diamond smiled and fell to the ground as he lost consciousness.::