Become a Creator today!Start creating today - Share your story with the world!
Start for free
00:00:00
00:00:01
Episode 3 - The Reckoner
182 Plays9 months ago
Travel back in time to meet a former pirate turned Khanate captain. When a public mistake shatters her reputation, will the Reckoner find a way to restore her honor?
Recommended
Transcript
The Brown Rapture and Global Chaos
00:00:23
Speaker
201 years before the incident.
00:00:31
Speaker
This is NPR. May 1st, 2053 will go down in human history as an event many are calling the Brown Rapture. At 2.30 p.m. Greenwich Mean Time, using a so-called alien technological weapon called a transporter, Khan Noonyan Singh has dematerialized 10 million people and escaped the planet Earth on an unidentified spacecraft. The Iron Curtain has fallen once again. The halls of government of the Eastern Coalition are now empty. The great army of augmented supermen have vanished. As the nations of the West celebrate, there is worldwide panic in the streets as many people in Africa, Asia, Eastern Europe, the Caribbean, and South America have been kidnapped by the augmented tyrant. The entire
Khan's Broadcast and Starship Mission
00:01:13
Speaker
country of Cuba, now a desolate wasteland. Hear now the madman's final cryptic words, broadcast on all stations throughout the world.
00:01:23
Speaker
people of Earth. I believe that with this action, a great whore that would scar humanity for generations has been averted. The backward Western capitalist powers no longer need to worry about the Great Carnet of the East. Nay, we declare now and forevermore that no human, no sentient proletariat, will ever be an enemy of the Carnet. We go forth now to fight a foe that threatens all mankind.
00:02:08
Speaker
Like many, this reporter is relieved that the mutant threat on Earth is now gone. But one must wonder, is the war with the Superman truly over, or does it await us somewhere amongst the stars?
00:02:26
Speaker
Space, the Heartless Darkness. These are the records of the starship Hoodoo, its task to secure, contain, and protect against the entities and phenomena that pose a threat to the people of the United Socialist Khanate. Always resolved to boldly go where no one dares. We are Khan.
00:02:57
Speaker
Dark Trek, starring narrator, Hip Hallman, Captain Shaka Khan, Tabeka Hernandez-Rigmaiden, Commander Leela Desai, Vicky Sayal, Lieutenant Sochi Metzli, Michaela Hoops, Lieutenant Natima Hadar, Chloe Lewis, Lieutenant Amethyst Skye, Jennifer Nichols,
00:03:27
Speaker
Episode 3. The Reckoner.
Secret Reports and Paranormal Encounters
00:03:31
Speaker
Written by Razeek Brown and Ruth Hinkle.
00:03:41
Speaker
30 days after the incident. Encrypted message from Dr. Leo Chamminuca to Chairman Sisko. Chairman, I must thank you for this assignment. I've attached my first report for you to review. I think you'll agree that my discoveries have fascinating implications. Begin encrypted report. Classified research report. CRO 400 D00 Reckoner. Star date. Classified. Section 13, containment procedures.
00:04:16
Speaker
CRO-400-D00, codenamed The Reckoner, is to be continuously monitored for signs of psychological stress. Bi-weekly assessments are mandatory, conducted by myself and Commander Leah Desai. These assessments should focus on her mental health and the effects of her power-wraith experience. Her neural interface records her brain activity and transmits it real-time data to the medical bay. Any anomalies must be reported immediately. The following is Captain Khan's accounting of her power rate experience, as documented in her personal records.
00:04:56
Speaker
It's weird, you know. um That moment changed my life, but I don't remember a thing. They say I met a power wraith in that orb, and it was so terrifying, I refused to remember it. I just know when I came to my father told me I'd become the left hand of Cisco profits. That sounded so cool. After that, I could do the reckoning.
00:05:39
Speaker
Yeah, it's cool. Who wouldn't want a literal Spidey since they can turn on whenever they want?
00:05:49
Speaker
You've never read Spider-Man before? It's a classical Earth legend. Everyone knows Spider-Man.
00:06:04
Speaker
ah i have I have limited precognition. Do you know what it's like in the heat of battle, or at the edge of a crisis, being able to trust your instinct like that? i wouldn't I wouldn't trade it for anything.
00:06:27
Speaker
To explore her psychological state prior to the incident, I'm including an excerpt of my interview with the ship's counsellor, Lila Desai, on Captain Khan's psychological state. Are you asking me as her friend or as the ship's counsellor? This is a formal medical report, Commander Desai. I'm asking the Hoodoo's counselor to assess the captain's use of her reckonability. Very well, tactical science hologram shamanuka. Doctor is fine. You know, killing yourself also counts as breaking the Hippocratic Oath, Leo. I'm doing a report, Commander.
00:07:08
Speaker
As you know, each use of Reckoning imposes significant mental and physical strain on Captain Khan. And is she abusing the ability? Are you asking me if she's drinking too much? You know her history. You saw what she did on Mongol. She has it under control, Doctor. Don't you dare imply you know her better than me. I also know your history with this woman. She's not our daughter, Lita.
00:07:41
Speaker
commander desai
00:07:45
Speaker
I'm fascinated by how Captain Khan's orb experience merges spiritual and physical realms, providing a framework to integrate spirituality into digital consciousness. Her Reckoning Abilities prophetic insights offer invaluable data for developing advanced predictive models in AI. By studying these processes, I aim to enhance the emotional complexity and decision-making capabilities of digital souls. N. Encrypted Report It has been 200 years since Khan Nounian Singh and his augments formed the United Socialist Khanate. On the planet Mongol, once known as Romulus, the city of Neobator gleamed with prosperity.
00:08:36
Speaker
and a quiet high rise overlooking the city. Captain Chaka Khan watches disturbing footage with her husband.
00:08:47
Speaker
Hey everyone, welcome back to the channel. Today we're diving into one of the most talked about events in recent space history. The Veterans Day parade incident involving none other than Captain Chaka Khan. Buckle up because this story is a wild
Scandal and Crisis for Captain Khan
00:09:03
Speaker
ride. Ooh, scandalous! Okay, so picture this. It's a beautiful day, the parade is in full swing, and everyone's eyes are on the new flagship, the KSS Pioneer. The ship is the pride of the fleet, okay? It's massive, it's shiny, it's got all the latest tech. This bad boy can fit so many red shirts.
00:09:27
Speaker
Now enter Captain Chaka Khan, former pirate. Known for her Daredevil antics, she's commanding the KSS Osiris, which is flying overhead as part of the celebration. Everything's going great, right? But wait.
00:09:45
Speaker
Midway through the parade, something unbelievable happens. Allegedly, the Reckoner is a bit tipsy. Yep, you heard that right. Shwasted! Here's where it gets crazy. Apparently, the Pioneer's onboard AI starts malfunctioning. It heard Capcom's exploits liberating robots during the war and began sending but declarations of love to the Osiris.
00:10:12
Speaker
With the AI going haywire, Reckoner does what she does best, makes a split-second decision, and she blows the KSS pioneer out of the skies. Listen to this clip. There's no one in it, right? Man, shoot that ugly piece of shit out of the sky. Let it fall on that eyesore of a soccer stadium they're building. Hemissary, it's too early in the day for this shit. Pew, pew, pew.
00:10:46
Speaker
chaka my love why
00:10:53
Speaker
I swear, the AI in these new ships are all fucking useless. Wait, what do you mean I'm broadcasting right now? Fortunately, no one was hurt. But the KSS pioneer, the new pride of the Khanate,
00:11:11
Speaker
As you can imagine, the footage went viral. Views of Captain Wrecking Girl are up to seven billion, not just across the Khanate Quadrant, but even in the Confederate space. Khanate Command, not so amused. Captain Khan has been stripped of command and of the Osiris.
00:11:32
Speaker
So, what do you all think? Was Shaka the Reckoner's quick thinking a sign of her classic strategy of shoot right and you don't have to ask questions? Or is this just showing that Shaka the Drunk hasn't left her old pirate ways behind? Don't forget to comment, smash that like button and subscribe.
00:11:52
Speaker
stis francisco chaka this is literally playing everywhere i know how are you going to get a new posting what What do you want me to do, Silvio? Apologize for saving lives? That's what space captains do. I know, it's just... I'm not going back to the void. I'm not looking for trouble, Silvio. Trouble just has a way of finding me. I'm a woman of action and- wait, what do you mean? If you can't find a job in the coalition or on planet, then I'm keeping the girls and staying here.
00:12:27
Speaker
Come on, you loved the void. We met in the void. We conceived and birthed these three children in the void. What happened to the man who wore Vulcan ears around his neck? He likes breathing an unlimited supply of free air. Emissary, Silvio, just calm down. He likes fresh air. He likes not getting shot at. He likes that his girls can go to school and have friends. You gotten soft. And you haven't grown up despite having three kids and turning 40. It's the 25th century. The woman doesn't need to be defined by. I need to know is how are you going to get a fucking job now that the whole world saw you get shit canned for being shit faced? Wow. Look, I need to clear my head. I'm eating Leela at the iron boy saloon. Are you fucking kidding me right now? Captain Khan begins to outfit herself in a red iron maiden space suit and jet pack.
00:13:27
Speaker
I am not going to miss a date with the Liberator of Remus, just so I can worry about something I can't control right now. Just relax, Silvio. I'll think of something.
00:13:42
Speaker
Asshole. In the skies above Neobator, no one sees a single tear roll down Chaka Khan's face from behind her helmet. Prophets preserve me. Emissary, guide me. What the fuck am I gonna do?
00:14:08
Speaker
Leela. You're late, Shaka. I'm almost there. Saints, just give me a minute to stick the landing. Outside, the iron boys saloon. Eyes turned skyward as a lone figure descends rapidly. Her trajectory aimed directly at the makeshift landing zone. Adjusting for wind resistance, and now. Captain Khan rolls for Khan in control, using her reckoning, augmented ability to enhance her calculation precision, making the roll easier. A critical success is a one and a critical failure is a 20. Two and five. Success. Chaka Khan pirouettes gracefully in the sky, her iron maiden suit whirring as she prepares to land. She touches down softly, her thrusters kicking up a cloud of dust.
00:15:03
Speaker
the crowd of Tetsuchen pilots cheer.
00:15:14
Speaker
Never gets old watching you land, Captain. I mean, Chaka. I mean, Reckoner. I'm still fucking Captain. I just don't have a ship right now. Thank you very much.
00:15:45
Speaker
As Khan walks to the bar, she's greeted by a beautiful Romulan woman. They grip each other in a tight hug. Bartender, get this woman some Romulan ale. A robot bartender with big whirring eyes turns and nods. Yes, ma'am. You're not going to psychoanalyze me, are you? Khanate Command already made me see a shrink. No, no, of course not. I'm here to watch my greatest apprentice chase her younger glory years as a punk rock pirate to a bar full of horny tettigen pilots. I'm not pretending to be a rock star, Leela. Here you go, Reckoner. A few chairs away, an imposing figure sits with his face hidden by a cloak.
00:16:35
Speaker
Chaka and Leela, give me a role for insight and security to see if you notice him. You need a combined score below 12 to succeed. Eight and 10. Four and 12. Absorbed in their conversation in the hum of the crowded bar, neither Chaka nor Leela noticed the presence of the emissary. Chairman Benjamin Sisko. Talk to me, Khan. What's really going on? It's the commission, or lack thereof. They stripped me of it, because I was recklessly endangering lives. Their words, not mine. Those desk pilots wouldn't know real danger if it kissed them on the fucking- I know, I know. It's just, what do I do now? If I'm not a captain, what am I?
00:17:30
Speaker
You're Shaka Khan. You're the Reckoner. You've never let anyone define you before. Why start now? Silvio and I got into it. He's... He's not just worried about my career, Desai. He's worried about losing you to another wild chase across the stars, isn't he? If I have to work full-time in space, He won't follow me. He said he'll keep the girls. You turned a space warlord into a house husband. Are you surprised? Fuck. And he looks so much better in his sweater than he ever did in leather. I like the way he is now. And I like that my girls talk about marine biology and poetry. What am I going to do, Sinpai? You know.
00:18:21
Speaker
I could get you a post in Section 13. Section 13? No, fuck no. Silvio would kill me if I ended up getting eaten by classified space piranhas or some shit. Mmm, space piranhas have a bad rep. It's the space koalas you need to watch out for. Fucking horrible. Hmm. You know, I could get you a nice, comfy desk, John. No, don't you dare finish that sentence. Just kidding. I have to fix this, Leela. If I don't, I might lose everything I ever killed anyone for.
A New Mission and Destiny
00:19:00
Speaker
And if I lose them,
00:19:03
Speaker
Benjamin Sisko, chairman of the United Socialist Conte, reveals himself by removing his hood and turning to the captain in the seat next to her. Clad in an immaculately tailored uniform, his eyes gleam with a quiet intensity that belies a profound calm and collected charisma that fills the room. casting an almost palpable aura of authority and mystery. Captain Chaka Khan. The Reckoner cannot lose her faith now. Not when she has a galaxy to save at the behest of her emissary. Chairman? I've had my eye on you for a while, Captain. You're destined for something greater than entertaining washed-up pilots in a bar. Um, wow. I'm honored, sir. But are you sure you've got the right person? I'm sure the Khanate needs you.
00:19:54
Speaker
Respectfully, Chairman, I am the laughingstock of the whole galaxy right now. Which is why a Section 13 appointment would be great for you right now. Get you out of the spotlight. Section 13 again? Did Desai put you up to this? Uh, no, absolutely not. Regardless, Captain, I need you. Malevolent interests circle the Khanate, hungry and subtle, their form still hidden from my sight. I need a decisive and creative Captain I can trust. You know what, Shaka? I changed my mind. Don't work with me. Please ignore her. I have a job for you at the Rutherford Expanse. Rutherford Expanse? Rutherford Expanse? That's at the edge of the Neutral Zone. What does Section 13 even do out there?
00:20:42
Speaker
I don't even know. That's why I need you. Section 13 is largely run by cyborgs and Romulans left over from their Tal Shiar days. I want organic eyes I can trust. Oh, Romulans are organic. You are half human, Leela. Besides, you know what I mean. I'll pretend Benjamin. You're on a first name basis with the chairman? Are you two friends? I used to be his commanding officer during the First Orion War. I'll tell you the stories later. His commanding officer? Oh, shit. That's awesome. You're so cool, Leela. Why? Because of him? Are you paying attention to my overall vibe right now? Desai eyes the intricate Bajoran ring that Sisko wears on his left hand. It has alien script that she cannot decipher.
00:21:42
Speaker
It's easy to be cool if you've lived through most of Khanate history. Captain, this is a two year mission. By the time you return, Captain s Shaka, the Reckoner Khan will be an immortal legend. Two years? I... Your husband will come around. You've seen this. I have. The prophets, are they sending me on this mission? I am their emissary, their living will in the galaxy, and I'm giving you this mission. What do you think? When you put it that way. Let her! Get your ass out of here and sing! Give me your answer in the morning. Now go sing for your fans. It's your last chance to serendate them before you get back to work. Chairman. No. Emissary.
00:22:38
Speaker
Thank you. Knock him dead, kid.
00:22:45
Speaker
What are you going to do to my protege? I put a lot of time and effort into her. She's the closest thing I have to a daughter. And a best friend probably should get that checked out, counselor. Benjamin. Don't worry. You'll be watching over her. I'm assigning you as her first officer aboard the KSS Hoodoo. By the way, the hologram Leo Chaminuca will be serving as chief medical officer. If I knew I could strike you, I would. In multiple timelines you would even attempt to. It's quite spectacular. Fuck you, Ben. What are you up to? You won't tell me. That's your whole thing. When does this mission start?
00:23:34
Speaker
Officially, 12 months. Tell Captain Khan I'll see her sober tomorrow. Aye, Chairman.
00:24:17
Speaker
Oh, where did the chairman go? I hope he didn't hate my singing. He says we'll see him tomorrow on Qonos. We? I'm going to be your number one on the hoodoo. Okay, it's settled. This morning, I was flaming out of command. Tonight, I accept a call from destiny. As I stares at the seat, Chairman Sisko vacated. Sure seems that way, doesn't it?
00:24:46
Speaker
Captain's log, Sato classified. At dinner tonight, Silvio and the kids seemed happy. They're excited about my commission, and when I told him that Chairman Sisco recruited me personally, we all prayed together. It was really charming. In just a week, the KSS Hoodoo heads out on her maiden voyage. They say I'll be chasing monsters? Kind of a different gig than what I used to do, but I'm honored to be chosen. I believe we've gathered the necessary souls for whatever the emissary's plans are. My only hope is that I can serve his purpose for me faithfully and make my family proud. May the prophets preserve me and my crew from whatever is to come.
00:25:48
Speaker
Featuring Chairman Sisko, Thaddeus House. NPR newscaster, Ryan Reese. Khan Nuneon Singh, Aaron Vaughn. Silvio, Aaron Garcia.
00:26:06
Speaker
Additional voices by Ruth Hinkle, Michaela Hoops, and Chloe Lewis.