The Old Magic

Posted on 16 Apr 2026 @ 5:19pm by Lieutenant Ryan Collingway
Edited on on 16 Apr 2026 @ 9:37pm

1,078 words; about a 5 minute read

///Starbase 369////

The Starbase was in the middle of chaos, with various levels of construction taking place. Ryan could see multiple production crews shouting over each other with instructions as they built up the stage. It didn't seem like too many things were open yet and things would come together at the last minute. Ryan shook his head and moved on.

Fortunately, it was a different story with the food vendors, who recognized the importance of drawing in as many early birds as possible. The Andorian desert truck was still being set up, but Ryan was able to find plenty of other offerings. One vendor sold chocolate-covered Klingon Gagh. Another offered Vulcan Plomeek soup with the spice level of a Volcano. Ryan settled on Bajoran Hasperat, which was spicy on its own, and a form of Bajoran cola. He settled near the window, watching the Arawyn in the distance. It was too far to see the workers on the hull, but he knew they were there. Ryan felt a stab of guilt, then shook his head to clear it.

He continued walking down the promenade, and saw two of his fellow engineers-Sorensen and Wilkins also looking around. "Hey," he greeted. "You got released too, huh?"

"Yeah, most of the station engineers have replaced us at this point. Seems our department had priority when it came to shore leave," Sorensen said. "See anything interesting?"

"Mostly food so far," Ryan said with a shrug.

"Hm, look at that," Wilkins said. Ryan followed her gaze, and saw a small, make-shift shop that had been set up. 'Zelanski's old magic and curiosities. Open now!'

"Oh come on," Ryan said, shaking his head. "We'll figure it out immediately."

"That's half the fun," Wilkins said with a laugh. "Come on."

Ryan remembered what Alura said. Enjoy, not analyze. "All right. Sure."

They entered the shop. Half of it was merchandise on sale, such as t-shirts and items that looked 'mysterious' such as crystals and charmed items. The other half was a makeshift stage. A man wearing a stylish blue suit was performing tricks in front of an audience of children, along with an assistant wearing a red short dress with gold trim. The three engineers watched him.

"And for my next trick..." Zelanski opened his hands. A bouquet of flowers transformed into two doves, which flew into the air and disappeared. The children gasped.

"Holographic projection," Ryan said instantly. He couldn't help himself. Wilkins giggled and tried to shush him.

Unfortunately, his voice carried. "Do I hear a non-believer in the crowd?" Zelanski said. "Perhaps you would like to volunteer for my next trick? Maryann?"

The assistant pushed a large, vertical black box onto the stage.

Ryan raises his eyebrows. "Let me guess-you're going to try and saw me in half?"

The children gasped.

"Sir, that is just cruel!" Zelanski said. "No, my young volunteer-what is your name?"

"Lieutenant Collingway."

"I am going to give you an opportunity of a lifetime! To transform you from your jaded self into your actual spirit animal!" Zelanski said with a flourish. "No replicators, no holograms. Old magic, sir, which your analytical brain can never match!"

Ryan looked down. "There's a trapdoor, then," he said.

Zelanski's stylish boot stomped on the stage. "Solid station steel, I assure you." He opened up the box. "Now, Lieutenant Collingway, are you ready to be transformed?"

"Come on, Ryan. You riled him up. You have to volunteer," Walkins said with a laugh.

"Ugh, fine." Ryan got into the box.

Zelanski patted him on the shoulder. "Don't worry, Lieutenant. This process will be painless, I assure you."

In the dark box Ryan missed Zelanski's slight-of-hand motion, and his combadge was gone. Zelanski closed the box, and tapped it with his cane. He extended his hands. "Kukulkan, hear my prayers. Transform this man into his spirit animal! Now!"

There was a flash of smoke, and Zelanski opened the box. A rabbit emerged, wearing an Arawyn miniature uniform and a combadge.

The kids roared with laughter.

"And that is my show for now! My thanks to my assistant, Maryann! Tell your friends about your little preview! The real show will be later tonight after the grand opening!"

The kids cleared out. Sorenson shook his head, grinning. "All right. Where is he, really?"

"My dear sir. There is your comrade!" Zelanski said, pointing at the rabbit. Maryann lifted him up.

Sorensen tried the combadge. "Sorensen to Collingway."

The combadge on the rabbit chirped. The rabbit, understandably, did not answer it.

"No, really. Where is he?" Wilkins said. "He wasn't wearing a uniform earlier."

"*That's* the big flaw you see with this?" Sorensen muttered to her in disbelief.

"My dear lady, it is my firm belief that all Starfleet officers are always tied to their uniforms. His clothes naturally changed to what he wanted," Zelanski said. He took the rabbit and handed it over to her. "Here. I would never deny you your companion. But don't fret. My magic is temporary, you see. He'll transform back." He winked at her. "Eventually."

Maryann shook her head as the two bemused officers left. When she was satisfied they were gone, she glared at Zelanski. "You're going to get in trouble one of these days."

"Am I? My dear assistant, what I just did was a brilliant marketing strategy. Nearly half his ship will be talking about whether or not I actually transformed one of their engineers into a rabbit."

"Yes, and poor Spencer is going to be paraded around for a while," Maryann said with a sigh, referring to the rabbit. "Not to mention we might get a visit from Arawyn security."

"Yes, yes, fine. I'll release the poor Lieutenant."

"How kind of you," Maryann said with a roll of her eyes.

"Well, perhaps he will learn a lesson in the process-never to question my magic again!" Zelanski said with a chuckle. He touched a hidden button inside his cuff link, and Ryan materialized inside the box.

Ryan glared at Zelanski. "Transporter buffer," he said.

Zelanski grinned innocently. "If you say so, Lieutenant. Thank you for volunteering for my little show. I do hope to see you next time."

"Yeah, I wouldn't count on it," Ryan said, puzzled to see Sorensen and Wilkins gone. Oh well, maybe they had gotten bored with the show. He left the store to find them, and looked down. His frown only deepened.

"Where's my combadge?"

Lieutenant (JG) Ryan Collingway
Engineering Officer
USS Arawyn

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