"Helm come to heading 340 mark 2."
"Heading 340 mark 2 aye sir." The Vulcan helmsman was all business.
"All weapons armed and ready, raise shields."
"Weapons and shields ready sir." Was the reply from tactical behind him.
"Sound red alert, sound violent evasive."
The familiar whoop mixed with an unusual warble sounded throughout the ship. This was to give warning to all personal that the inertial compensators would be tested to the max.
**The Royal Sovereign is closing, I calculate attack alpha 1**
Kirk cinched the belt a notch tighter. "The mark of the over confident. All control to the ship's computer. Hang ON people!"
The Royal Sovereign swept on in as the queen of the ball, ready to walk all over the smaller Kongo. Phaser beams snapped at the spot they thought the Kongo would be in, but she wasn't there. Chopping the thrust Tathilan spun the Kongo like a top and piled on the thrust at 180 degrees to her former course, she switched her top for her bottom. The big primary hull of the Royal Sovereign loomed over head as they passed topside to topside with no more that 500 meters between them. Kongo's twin torpedo turrets spat balls of fire at the Royal Sovereign, peppering her upper hull and bridge module with hit after hit as the phasers dug twin trenches over her hull.
Kirk could feel the cold sweat on his brow, as his breath caught in his throat. "Good GOD girl, where did you learn that one?"
**The Dukes of Hazzard.**
"Never mind."
"Captain, the Royal Sovereign is reporting hits to vital life support, helm and weapons systems, and the bridge destroyed."
"Offer the current commander terms."
"Terms accepted sir."
"Very well, stand down from exercises. Get the `paint balls' out of my torpedoes tubes and remove the blocks on the phasers. Set a course for starbase 88. I'll be in my ready room."
Confirmation came from around the bridge as the doors closed behind him.
Two hours later Kirk was sipping heavenly coffee in the Captain's Club of Starbase 88, and going over notes on the planetary surveys currently underway. He almost missed Collins entering the room. Tathilan warned him however, and continued to sip nosily from her straw. Kirk closed his PADD.
"Kirk!" He turned to face Collins.
"Yes."
"What in Hell's name did you call that maneuver? You could have wiped out both out ships in a second."
"To quote your own words Captain `I wish to judge the combat effectiveness of the Royal Sovereign against the best the lessor ships of Starfleet can muster.' Unquote. You have seen our best, how did you rate?"
"You mean to tell me you would pull that stunt in combat?"
"It worked didn't it? Starship Captains are not remembered for the battle, singular, that they lose, only for the battles they win. I don't intend to be counted among the losers when the phasers are firing for real. I will use that tactic, and any others that will work."
Collins look at Kirk like he had just discovered a new, and not entirely pleasant species. "You are crazy."
"There are no medals for second place in war. You are free to file a complaint with the Admiral. Now, do you want my evaluations?"
Collins looked Kirk over. The slim red headed man was as calm as men get. He straightened his uniform. "Allright Kirk, aside from blowing my ship to pieces and killing me what is your evaluation?"
"Big ships do not victory make. You cannot roll in like you own space and expect to get your way, ever. You were a big fat target. Size just made you harder to miss. I understand that new class has some good handling characteristics. I didn't see any of them. Use your ship."
"So what would you have done oh mighty warrior?"
"Jinked sideways, that is if faced with an opponent that was coming over my bow. At worst it throws his aim off, at best puts me in a better spot. Better, don't pull the stand up and charge in act in the first place."
Collins was cooling down. "OK, I can see where than might have worked. How would you approach the battle in the first place?"
"That depends. I don't have a standard opening move. I adjust tactics to suit the encounter."
Collins cracked a grin. "Not bad for a plebe, I guess you are learning a few things about ship handling. Well, have a good one, but be careful next time." He walked down the bar a bit to order.
**Who said you were handling the ship?** Kirk looked at Collins' retreating back.
"Not me, but then, he didn't ask."
**Give him a week and he will have let you win.**
"As long as that?" Kirk turned back to the PADD at hand.
Admiral Hull called Kirk and Teesic in, and motioned to the conference table. "Sit down. Coffee?"
"Thank you Sir." Kirk poured a cup and sat.
"Many thanks." Teesic also got a cup of coffee. Kirk just about had him corrupted.
Kirk took a chair, and the slim Sixless crouched on the backless rest provided. Sixless could not sit in chairs built for humanoids.
"Where are your officers?"
"Working. I have everything I need here". He held up the slim PADD."
Hull looked at the object. "That doesn't look like an issue PADD Kirk."
"It's not. Nanotech PA14. It interfaces better with the Kongo's computer system."
"More of that crystalmind stuff?"
"Yes. Shall we?"
"By all means." Kirk pressed a few controls and interfaced to the holoprojector in the table. "The Jension reports that Davv 5, in spite of my admitted bias is not suitable for the Sixless."
"What are the primary objections?"
Teesic spoke. "Cold it is getting beyond the tolerance of my people. In dwelling of many animals big and careless of the small. It would livable be, but a small choice."
"What are we talking?"
Kirk consulted his data. "Average temperature of -10C in the temperate regions. Snow fall of 3 meters a season. It's a rough world."
"And you like this?"
"Well, no, but I feel a certain responsibility for the place. It's passing I hope." He shot the Admiral a wry grin.
"What about the other five?"
"The Nelson reports that Gamear 3 is wet, warm and thus far checks out. The Fermi is less promising about Troli 2. It is a little to dry, and a little too hot. Troli 3 would be suitable for the majority of its surface, but possess a colder climate than preferred. Indem 4 is class M, but barely class M. Settlement by anyone will require terraforming. We abandoned that one quickly. It is a project the Federation might consider. Worley 2 is a good choice climate wise, but the biochemistry is too different."
Admiral Hull broke in. "How so?"
Teesic answered. "A place of warfare much plant against animal. Things my people will touch burn."
Hull's eyes widened. "Another Eden."
Kirk said. "Another Eden Sir? Hardly Eden."
Hull sat back a bit. "Stardate 5833 Discovered by Dr. Sevrin aboard the Enterprise NCC 1701, the first one. It is just inside the Romulan Neutral Zone, officially listed as `Sevrin's World'. The planet proved highly toxic to humanoid life. Sevrin was searching for Eden, he found death. However, I understand the planet is very beautiful."
Awareness dawned on Kirk. "Right. I had forgotten that one." He grinned ruefully. "One does not tend to remember the less illustrious adventures of a hero." Kirk continued. "My recommendation is that we concentrate efforts on Gamear 3. I would like to move the Jension and the Fermi to Gamear 3. Unless something very bad comes out of the reports we can consider phase two of the project in another three months."
"How hard are you looking for that `something very bad' Kirk?"
Tim gave the Admiral a hard look. "Like it was my life that depended on it."
Admiral Hull sat back. "OK Captain. Its your baby. Issue your orders and prepare to move the Kongo on station for the duration of the project."
"Sir, I am hardly of senior rank..." Hull shushed him.
"You are an Acting Fleet Captain as of this moment. You have full command of the Sixless Resettlement Project."
"About the Kongo's patrol duties?"
"That Captain, is why we have the awesome presence of the Royal Sovereign."
"Sir?"
"Something on your mind."
"If I may say so, you don't sound approving."
Hull sighed, got up and paced a bit. "Collins is a good man, and the ship is doubtless the best that Starfleet can produce. But, my Daddy always said; `Don't try something new, til it has had a chance to kill someone."
"If we all felt that way Sir, you wouldn't have the Kongo either."
"Well, I guess you're right on that one. Good luck Captain, and Teeic."
"Good day Sir."
"Many greetings, and good partings."
The Kongo sailed into the Gamear system and made for Gamear 3. The Fermi was already on station with the Horatio Nelson. The Jension was still in route. Kirk looked over the roster. Two of the dedicated Sergoiv class ships and the old Nelson made for a good science team.
The Nelson was an odd bird as a science ship. One of the sturdy "Miranda" type hulls that had been a command and control flagship in its heyday. It had been striped and completely rebuilt as a dedicated science ship 30 years ago. The spacious hull provided ample room for labs, and sample holding. The twin shuttle bays held the multitude of specialty craft that researchers loved. The size meant it could remain on station longer than the smaller Grisiom and Sergoiv class ships.
Spacik reported. "Standard hail, navigation buoy Captain."
"Reply in kind. Give my respects to Captains Gollard, and Veswindi."
"Hail received and acknowledged sir. Veswindi on the line sir."
"Put him through."
The image of the Andorian Captain appeared on the viewscreen. "Greetings Captain Kirk. Are we to be treated to one of your famous briefings today."
Kirk laughed in spite of him self. "Yes Veswindi. We will be having a meeting. However, I think we will wait on Captain Huart for that. She should arrive sometime tomorrow. I see little point in going over everything twice."
"Yes, that would be prudent."
"That doesn't mean we have to wait for her to have some fun. Dinner? 1600?"
"That would be acceptable Captain Kirk. Are you extending the invitation to Captain Gollard as well?"
"Naturally."
"I will see you then, Veswindi out."
"Kirk out."
"Mr. Falie, Set transporter room 3 for locked transport to the Nelson. Transporter room 2 for the Fermi, and Transporter 4 as the surface contact. We will reserve transporter 5 for the Jension."
"Yes Sir."
Kirk returned to his quarters late that night. He striped his shirt and tossed it in the chute. Dinner with an Andorian, a Atlasian, and a Sixless was anything but dull. It was sinfully fun.
"Tathilan."
**Yes Tim.**
"Anything on the agenda for tomorrow?"
**You have scheduled a tour of the survey ground facilities at 1000 hours.**
"How is that ground time?"
**It will be a little after noon.**
"What is the time situation?"
**Gamear 3 has a day 23.5137 standard hours long. The planetary day will be gaining on us constantly.**
"OK, realign the clocks on board to show both planetary and ship time."
**Done. Anything else?**
"Business wise, no. Want to come in?"
"Sure." Tathilan transported in.
Kirk got a box of brushes from his dresser and brought it over to the middle of the room. Tathilan lay down on the thick rug, and Kirk sat beside her. He started to brush out her long mane.
"So, who else knows we are `dating'?"
**The other Ane, but we don't pry into other's affairs, or gossip.**
"Don't pry or gossip. Now Tathilan, why do I not entirely believe that? Isn't most of what you do pry and gossip? The entire history collection thing, personal memories, and all."
**Hardly prying to research what is a matter of public record. As to personal memories, we may ask, but we don't insist.**
"But don't you tell everyone, isn't that gossip?"
**By everyone we only tell each other, that is backup.**
"What do you do linked to the All?"
Tathilan turned to look him in the eyes. An almost painful eagerness in her expression. **Would that I could tell you.**
"Why can't you?"
**To use an expression common among humans to the point of triteness. There are no words to express it. How can I describe something you feel with your entire being.**
"Nothing, not even a clue?"
**Worse than trying to describe an orgasm, or a sunset. That I might be able to manage.**
"Really? I always wondered what the female was getting out of it."
**Ask me sometime when your not `Captain'. It requires, with a non-telepath, a very close mental connection, and is likely to leave you incapacitated for several hours.**
"You just arranged yourself an invitation to my next leave. You have me curious."
**Isn't that like taking your work with you?**
"Ha, good one."
**And your not afraid that you'll feel inadequate afterwards?**
Kirk sat back a moment. "I have had a lot of experiences that in hindsight I would rather not have had, or even at the time I knew this. I cannot say that I would ever want to give them up having experienced them. I don't see this as any different. Experiences make us more alive. I joined Starfleet to be more alive."
**So you're not afraid?**
"Oh no, I am constantly afraid. In the unknown, it keeps you breathing. You cannot allow fear to paralyze you. Then, and only then, is fear dangerous. Lack of fear is much more dangerous, it makes you careless. You need fear."
**What experiences do you regret?**
"Are we prying for gossip?"
**I am curious to know my friend better. I am very selfish. I want you to live forever.**
"In memory I take it."
**As long as we are remembered, are we ever truly dead?**
"But I want to live forever by not dying."
**That your will have to see medical science about.** She let her ears drop slightly.**
Tim scratched the ears, and moved from her mane to her body. "Regrets, seeing friends die. That I always regret, always. I can't change time, I can't replace the loss. If anything, it is the one experience I would change if I could. But knowing that sorrow and that pain has made me the person I am. How do I wish them alive, but keep the person I am?"
**I don't think you can. Anyone that hurt more than the others?**
"Yes, Catherine McGuire. She was a light and lively girl from New Iberia. We where friends, lovers. Hell, we were engaged to marry at the end of the tour. The Republic fought three Cardasian ships. We won, but the price was heavy. I learned that she had died at her station after the fight. The end of the tour never came. I nearly quit Starfleet on the spot. I did leave the Republic."
**Why did you stay in Starfleet?**
"Starfleet is home. Do you leave home because of a tragedy? I took an assignment to Starfleet Command on the advice of the Ship's Counsellor. It was a smart move."
**I though officers looked at ground assignments with the same enthusiasm as they do physicals?**
"Normally, and I have that view. But the experience was contrary to the general wisdom. I was promoted to Lt. Commander and I spent five years at Fleet. I then got a promotion to Commander and a transfer to Mars Utopia. That landed me on the Questing, and eventually here. What can I say Tathilan, if Catherine had lived, I would be a Lt. Commander on a Starbase with 2 or 3 kids and a mortgage, and no future but married bliss, not that it would be bad. Almost because she died, I am Captain of a starship, and friends with a very lovely Lady whom I am brushing. I miss Catherine something terrible. But I cannot regret the person I have become."
**I cannot regret that you are here either. After all, if you hadn't gone looking for a computer, I wouldn't be on this ship. I would be on an Ane ship, and that in a certain way would be less interesting. I do have one question. Why do you assume you would be on a starbase?**
"Because I don't believe in taking my kids into harm's way. The Kongo is a battleship not just an explorer. We could get hurt or killed. I don't believe in taking your kids into deep space."
**Is that why we have none?**
"That is exactly why. I was given discretion in that matter, and I made my position plain to crewmen that signed up. Space and kids don't mix."
**Your position is getting the Kongo a reputation as the `Love Boat', Starfleet's singles cruise.**
Kirk grinned ruefully. "I hadn't heard that one. I guess my ear isn't as close to the ground as I hoped."
Tathilan wagged her ears. **I hear, and inform oh great leader.**
Kirk tackled her, not hard as she was already on the floor.
**Hey, you messing up the hair.**
He scratched her under the chin. "I'll just brush it out again." He picked himself off the floor. "Well, I need to shower and get to bed. See you tomorrow."
**Tomorrow then.**
By the time he came out of the shower, she was "asleep". It touched him that she stayed in his room. He got into bed himself, and slept the sleep of the satisfied.
Halten Greever paced the floor. Once again, he stopped and looked over the woman sitting on the couch.
"You are certain of this?"
She stretched seductively. Her low cut dress showing far too much green skin. "Of course I am. Bocca can take care of your little problem."
"You are wasting your efforts female. I don't find naked monkeys seductive, in any color. I am interested in what your Bocca thinks he can do about one of Starfleet's boy scouts."
She pouted, and resumed a proper posture. "Naked monkey? You have a lot to talk about horse-face."
"Racial imputations aside. Business, specifically business with results is what I am after." His tail swished in an agitated fashion. "Just what is Bocca promising if I join his syndicate?"
"He will see you get the means to restore your good name, and destroy Kirk."
"What about Quinn?"
"Quinn has retired, out of reach."
"You tell Bocca, that I will meet with him to discuss terms. I will meet with him, not an underling or alternate."
"I'll tell him."
"Good, you may go."
She left the estate and entered the waiting ground car. Once she had pried the waiting red hued man off her body. She spoke.
"Which do you want, me, or the report?"
"Report first, then you."
She brushed her hair back in place. "Can you at least wait till we are inside?"
"Report then."
"First, either Freisans have a remarkable degree of self control, or we have found the first species that Orion pheromones do not work on. As a result he is not out of his head with lust for me, or any other, quote; "naked monkey" unquote."
"So we will not get the terms we want in exchange for you?"
"Exactly."
"What do we get?"
"You get to talk to him personally, or no deal at all."
"Dangerous."
"How badly do you want a wedge into the Fresian sector?"
"That is for me to know woman. That is for me to know."
Kirk looked over the assembled beings in the prefab. Captains Veswindi, Huart, and Gollard. The sciences team from all three ships, and the Sixless delegation. His own officers included Commander Regiban from sciences, and Dr. Robert Hanson, The Kongo's medical officer. Tathilan for once was physically present. Kirk rapped the edge of his PADD on the table for attention.
"Gentlebeings, I wish to thank you for the excellent work you have thus far accomplished. I also regret to inform you we have just begun. Phase one of the Resettlement Project is over, Phase Two begins of right now."
People stirred in their seats, the Sixless stood open mouthed, their expression of astonishment.
"Unless in the next three to six months you can find damning evidence that the Sixless should not be settled on Gamear 3, this will be the place. I urge each of you to play devil's advocate. This is not a colony effort that can be snatched back should disaster loom. We are talking the settlement of 100 million people. It is going to take years to move them all, and they cannot be picked up in a day. Once here, they are here. Any questions?"
"Yes Sir, Lt. Mark Anthony, Geophysics, the Nelson. What is it we are looking for Sir."
"If I knew Mr. Anthony, I would tell you, I don't. But somewhere on this planet might be the killer plague that Sixless cannot resist, the predator they cannot fight, or some form of harm we can only imagine in our nightmares. It is up to us to ferret it out should it be there."
Hanson cleared his throat.
"Yes Doctor?"
"What about disease? The biochemistry of Gamear 3 and the Sixless are fairly compatible."
"That Doctor, and thank you for bringing it up, is your department. Get together with your counterparts and search out the bugs. Develop vaccines, and we will mass produce a broad range inoculation for the entire Sixless population. I expect you will want to see to the latter part yourself."
Laughter sprinkled through the meeting at the thought of the good Doctor hypoing 100 million Sixless.
"Ah-hem. We will need volunteers I regret to say."
Thisl, one of the Sixless, spoke up. "This thing is known Doctor. The place big learning to make of is reason why we here are, and the way to prepare, as by Humans put. It meaning this is we must sick get to bugs test, we will sick get."
"Generous of you."
"Not so, the Makers of the Way are we. A little duty is, when so large is benefit."
Kirk looked over the assembled. "You have your marching orders then. Learn everything that can be learned about this ball of dirt report it."
One of the crew rasied his hand.
Kirk said. "Yes?"
"Egn. Timmon Ander, Zoololgy, on the Nelson sir. Do we have enough people to cover a world?"
"Good point, and one I will address right after I see phase 2 off and running here. I will be traveling back to the Exodus Fleet. The Ane have made the graceious loan of a Planet class ship with a liner pod. We will be transporting several thousand Sixless to Gamear 3. All of them qualified scientists. This base will become the coordinating center for a massive investigation."
Mutters and wispers traveled around the group.
"Any other questions? OK, let's do it people. Dismissed."
The assembly broke up as indiviuals returned to tasks and small groups formed to discuss the project. Kirk joined the other Captains around the table after refreshing himself from the coffee urn. Kirk gagged on the brew.
"Good grief, you call this coffee?"
Veswindi grined. "What can I say Kirk, it was fresh ground this morning."
Kirk grimiced. "I think I see the spot you dug it up from too."
Veswindi grinned wider. "When are you heading back to the Fleet?"
"As soon as the Felicity arrives, 2-3 days at most."
"Then I have time to show you around?"
"It would be a pleasure."
Kirk was working in the ready room after his tour. As he expected the project was running smoothly and efficiently. Veswindi was, like him, a veteran of the Cardassian war, unlike him he had not gotten out unscathed. His wounds left him unfit for frontline duty, but his Doctorate in Xenobiology made him a fit commander for a science ship. Kirk leaned back in his chair and chewed his lip. He wondered if he had the grace to accept a lessor posting to stay in the center seat. His reverie was interrupted by the intercom.
"Captain, we have a ship entering the system."
"Identity?"
"SS Edmund Fizgerald Sir, under contract to Starfleet. The Master is requesting permission to orbit."
"OK, I'll be right out."
Kirk strode unto the bridge. He caught the end of the conversation between the comm officer and the other ship.
"...supplies and mail for all present. We thought you would like that."
"Kirk here. I don't think you will get any refusal on that one Captain, I didn't get your name?"
"Sanderson, Olaf Sanderson. Kirk, is that Captain James T. Kirk?"
"Yes..." He had a bad feeling about this.
"I read all about you in school. I didn't think you were still in the service Sir."
Kirk could hear the awe in the voice. He sighed. "I'm not."
"Your not what?"
"Alive or in the service. That would be James Tiberius Kirk, he died 2297, a hero I understand. I am James Timothy Kirk, not quite a hero. It seems my parents studied too."
"Excuse me Captain, (ahem), I..."
"No matter, you would be surprised how often people make that mistake. Besides, this is the Kongo, not the Enterprise."
"Yes Sir, so it is Sir."
"You're quite welcome Captain. My opps officer will send you the necessary data. I am sure your welcome is assured by all ships present."
An hour later Kirk was back in the office continuing with what datawork he couldn't shove onto his computer. The attention signal sounded.
"Attention all hands, attention all hands. Mail Call. Address your terminal for mail received."
Mail call, as old as the Egyptian army. Kirk flipped the terminal over to the list. Yep, something from his sister. Another sweater no doubt. She had become insufferably domestic since the birth of her first child. A letter from his Mother, that was expected. She always wrote, and sent real paper, cost aside. Mother was quaintly old fashion in her way, but he had to admit, that paper was treasured. He had every letter she wrote, since the Republic. Those where lost when his cabin was vented to space. Kirk stopped a minute. He took control of himself. He really didn't want to go there now.
He entered the code for Captain's Privilege, and scrolled down the names. A good percentage of the crew was getting something. That was good. He was about to hit the key for comparison to the last mail call, when he noticed Tathilan's name on the list.
"Tathilan, I didn't know computers got mail."
**Tim, you should know better by now. I have family.**
"Forgive mon ami. I don't see the Ane on the mail list very often. Physical objects don't seem to be your balywick."
**Well, there are exceptions to every rule.**
"I suppose your will tell me when you're good and ready."
**You have that one right.**
"Tathilan, are you laughing at me?" There was no answer.
"Hump, Captain, and I get no respect from the ship even."
His terminal beeped. Two words were displayed "Rodney Dangerfield". She was doing it to him again. Who the hell was Rodney Dangerfield? He went back to work.
Halten Greever sat across the table from Bocca, fine wines and the remains of a dinner between them. Greever looked around and twiched his ears.
"You are certain this establishment is safe?" Bocca removed a PADD from his jacket, laid it on the table, and examined it.
"Quite safe. I have a scan jammer installed in this PADD. We are in the clear. The owners of the restaurant are most eager to see that clients are not disturbed doing business."
"You know what I want."
The golden man leaned back into the booth. "No, I don't exactly. Green Orion women are not known for intellect or recall."
"She told you nothing?"
"She told me little of significance. You desire someone ruined, that is hardly enough to go on."
"Very well. I want this Kirk removed."
"Kirk, a human name?"
"Captain, James Timothy Kirk."
"Oh, that Kirk. Excuse me, it is a common name."
"I didn't think it that common."
"You hear it all the time in the Orion Sector."
"I want him removed."
"How removed Halten? Dispossessed, ruined, dead? There exist degrees in this matter."
"If he is dead, he cannot regret what is done to him."
"Then disgrace? But please, don't let me put words in your mouth."
"Yes, disgrace, removal from Starfleet. He destroyed my career, I want his."
"There is a price for anything."
"Of course there is a price. What is yours?"
"I want some introductions, some concessions, nothing major."
"Let me see your list, then I'll tell you how major they are."
Bocca touched a control on his PADD, the data was transferred to Greever. For a few moments he looked it over.
"These two are unacceptable. I cannot, and will not, give you access to the National Museum."
"A minor point, strike them."
"The rest is acceptable. In exchange for this you will see Kirk destroyed?"
"Completely."
"Then I agree."
Greever picked up his PADD and left the table. Bocca sipped at his wine for a while, them left also, out the back way. He was met by a ground car, and a brick red Orion in the back seat.
"So, `Bocca', how did it go."
"As you expected Bocca. He didn't agree to museum access, but with slight prodding said everything we needed him to say."
"Then when the time comes, he will agree to everything we demand."
"All is contained within." The golden Bocca handed the PADD over to the red Bocca. "They never suspect that a jamming rig can also record."
"No, they never do."
"How much longer will I be needed."
"I will need you to be me for some time, or until the heat is too great. If required I can ship you home in the stealth compartment."
The gold man grimaced. "Not a pleasant trip, but endurable."
"Far more than Federation mindwipeing."
"Indeed."
"Captain's Log supplemental. We are underway to the Exodus Fleet with the CX7 Felicity. I have yet to met Captain Asagi, an unusual name for an Ane. I have invited her for dinner this evening. Close log. Tathilan, are you laughing again?"
**What makes you think that?**
"Feedback in the monitor, sixth sense, I don't know."
**What makes you think that `Asagi' os a strange name for Ane?**
"Because every Ane I have ever met has `lan' or `ban' in their name. This one doesn't."
**That has meaning?**
"Does it? You're the Ane, you tell me."
**I think I'll let you meet her. It will spice up your life.**
"My life isn't spicy enough?"
**Tim, I hate to say it but left to yourself, you can be dull.**
"And you have taken it upon yourself to see I am not dull?"
**Ever your faithful cybernetic servant.**
Dinner was served at 1600 hours. Kirk invited Tathilan, and Gwenith Ap Owen from his own staff. Captain Asagi was bringing her XO and Sciences officer with her. Some urgent business prevented Kirk from greeting his guests personally, he had a feeling that Tathilan was setting him up for something. He did not get a chance to greet them until they were enjoying a drink before dinner. He entered the Holodeck. A bio was waiting for him in the foyer, unusual as the Ane didn't commonly have them out of quarters on the ship. It spoke to him.
"Your shoes Sir."
Kirk looked at the bio, a genderless 5 foot tall badger-like creature.
"Excuse me?"
"Your shoes Sir. Japanese customs in force Sir."
"Understood."
He stood and let the bio remove his boots. It frankly made him uncomfortable to be served in a menial fashion.
The Holodeck program was a Japanese garden. The sound of a small stream accented the atmosphere. The smell of cherry blossoms perfumed the air. A low table was set up in a gazebo. Two Ane, a Vulcan and two humans sat around it. Kirk walked over in the sandals provided.
"Good evening everyone. Captain James Timothy Kirk."
Ap Owen stood and made introductions. "Captain Kirk, Captain Asagi." She indicated a Human woman of part Japanese decent from her looks. She was small and dark, with the facial features common to Earth's eastern half. She was wearing a uniform similar to a Starfleet uniform, but with the primary color as blue. Kirk raised an eyebrow. She stood and bowed slightly.
"Captain Kirk, my officers. Farsinban, my first officer. Stenn, my sciences officer."
Kirk bowed likewise. The others stood.
Kirk greeted them. "Farsinban, Mr. Stenn."
**Greetings Captain, clear water and good grass.**
"Captain." He spoke with Vulcan reserve.
The two Captains sat, and the others followed. The Ane taking a moment longer to get settled in.
Kirk said. "Captain Asagi, if you don't mind my asking. How does a Human get command of an Ane starship."
"Ah Captain Kirk, I am only human by birth. I am, in every other respect, Ane. My Father is Hitomi Hirakoto, from Nippon Colony. My mother is Huwala of the Anisis. I inherited my mother's gift of telepathy. As I grew up on Savanna my playmates had both four legs, and two. With mind sight I tended to identify more with those on four legs."
"I see, I think. Mr. Stenn, how did you come to serve an Ane ship?"
Stenn cracked a slight smile. "In open avoidance of Starfleet Captain. I passed Academy to find that the Vulcan Science officer was an open joke in the Fleet. I resigned after one tour, and found a position in the Ane fleet as a civilian contractor. The Ane method of operation suits me better than Starfleet." He smiled openly.
"Your position I understand better. I have a `name'. At times it is a great weight to carry for it bears much upon it that I did not place. Being Captain James T. Kirk, in Starfleet has its ups and downs."
Stenn guffawed. "Trying to not be `Spock' was bad enough, I am not Spock. Being James Kirk would be worse. I admire your fortitude Captain. Do you have any relation to the famous Captain?"
"That, Mr. Stenn, is the essence of the joke. No, I have none. Not within the last 300 years that I could find. However, My maternal Great-grandfather was Raymond Grayson, the brother of Amanda Grayson, Spock's Mother."
Stenn just sat with his eyes wide, eyebrows lost somewhere in his scalp, Commander Ap Owen looked pole-axed. Tathilan's eyes lit like a nova. The Ane went down in gales of laughter, both the two legged and four legged kind. Kirk sat through the storm of amusement.
Gwenith Ap Owen got her composure first. "Captain, have you ever met Spock?"
"No, the family connection is tenuous at best, and the Vulcan connection even weaker. From the little I understand of family history the general reaction to Amanda's announcement that she was marrying a Vulcan was; `You're What!?' Remember, it was an era were cross species marriages were not only rare, they were unheard of. Sarek and Amanda broke ground. I understand the general reaction of the public was; `Can you do that?' Well the end result is history.
However, back to the point of the evening. If you desire dinner can be served. Tathilan this looks like your arrangement. I'll let you proceed."
Tathilan shook her head to arrange her mane, and the Geishas came in and served dinner. The soft sounds of the koto drifted around them, conversation slowed as the food was served in the simple beauty of the Japanese style. A vegetarian feast almost too pretty to eat.
"Red Alert, Red Alert, Captain to the bridge."
Kirk was sleeping, his feet hit the deck with the first whoop of the alarm. By the time the lift opened on the bridge he had his uniform in decent trim. He gave the top another yank and strode out onto the bridge, barefoot.
"Situation."
Lt. Cmd. Spacik turned over the conn. "One of the colony ships is out of position Sir and leaking air. Sixless shuttles are clustered around the bow of the ship"
"Have you been able to raise the Sixless?"
"Not yet Sir."
"Keep hailing. Mr. Solin, give me a projection on the altered course and condition of that ship."
"Aye Sir." The blonde headed man worked a moment. "The atmosphere leak is in the rear third. Due to rotation it will throw the vessel into a corkscrew tumble, it will also impact with ship 137 in the array."
"What is the time frame, any other ships in the area?"
"Ten days Sir before impact. No non-sixless vessels are reported in the area."
"Stand down to yellow alert. Mr. Simmion, Contact the Felicity."
The slender woman at tactical replied. "They are aware and awaiting your suggestions Captain." She hit another control "Sixless control on the line Sir."
"Greetings Captain Kirk. We have large problem right now."
"I see that. We will lend assistance immediately. What is your first concern?"
"Saved our people must be. As possible swift to remove them we hurry ships."
A pair of boots materialized beside the command chair.
"Mr. Spacik, give the order to man and launch all shuttles to aid the evacuation. Mr. Simmons, my complements to Captain Asagi if Felicity would do the same. Mr. Solin, how long before the ship loses significate air pressure?"
"At the current rate of loss we are looking at two days."
**On a ship that size, we are talking a big leak.**
"Mr. Solin, helm to the computer. Tathilan, can you dance around that leak?"
**I can try.**
"Move us in as soon as all the shuttles are away."
Kirk tapped the arm of his chair while reports came in as each shuttle was launched. Sometime in the interval he noticed the boots, and put them on. Felicity was hemorrhaging shuttles. The huge hanger on the transport pod seemed to have no end of ships inside. Finally the last of the ships was clear.
"OK Tathilan, move us in."
The Kongo did a dizzying dance around the wounded ship. Kirk ordered a tight focus on the damaged section.
Kirk said, "What have we got here?"
Lt. Solin studied his readouts. "It looks like an external blow to the hull."
"We have to stop that leak, ideas people."
Ensign Garert at helm said. "Anyone have a cork?"
Kirk punched the comm. "Engineering. Who is up down there?"
Felialan answered. **I am.** She sounded grouchy.
"Are you on the situation?"
**I have a grasp of it.**
"Do we have any corks?"
**We are looking into it. We have... Yes, I'm dripping, clean it up... Sorry Captain, a minor crisis of hygiene.**
Kirk shook head. "I don't want to know."
**As I was saying, we have a hole about a half meter square. It doesn't sound like much on the vessel that size, but damage is damage.**
"Internal bukheads?"
**The Sixless' lack of space experience is showing. None of the ships have any air tight bulkheads. I am suprised they are air-tight at all.**
"Could you get a force field over it."
Tathilan broke in. **No.**
"Why not?"
**Station keeping on this hole is taking everything I have. Shutting up Sir.**
Felialan continued. **We can't send engineers in there, they would get sucked out in damaged condition.**
"Captain?"
"Yes Ensign."
"A cork sir, can we transport a plate, say, a meter square, over the hole on the inside? Air pressure will then hold it in place till we can secure it."
"Felialan, did you get that?"
**Yes, it is feasible.**
"How do we seal it?"
**Low power phasers will do the trick, not clean, but quick."
"Alright, do it."
A few minutes passed as the plate was fabricated to specifications. Felialan reported at the same time the air leak suddenly dropped to a trickle.
**The cork is in place Captain.**
"Thank you. Mr. Simmons, how is your touch with phasers?"
"I'll stand this one down sir. I am not that good."
"OK, understood."
The lift doors opened to admit Cmd. Mritath. He looked decidedly rumpled.
"I was about to call for you, good timing. Can you pinpoint the phasers on that hole?"
"Easy, no, doable yes. Power level recommended?"
"Felialan, what do you recommend?"
**Try 5%, if that isn't enough, try it again. Then increase in slow increments as needed.**
"Do it."
Mritath's fingers flew over the tactical board, the claws making a soft clicking sound on the panels. At last he paused. "At your word Sir."
"Fire when ready."
Mritath took a deep breath, fingers twitching on the controls, inducing small corrections as the ship's relative position changed.
He spoke aloud. "Tathilan, give me a tractor lock on that ship."
The Kongo shuddered, linked by a force leash to the monster ship. Suddenly the phasers fired. The weakened beam's pale light splashed against the steel hull, flickered, and died.
Kirk turned to Lt. Solin at opps. "Mr. Solin?"
"Sir." He worked a moment. "We have no atmosphere leaking. The plate is firmly fused into the structure of the hull. It is not pretty, but it will hold."
Kirk sighed. "Fall back, cease station keeping. Get me a projection on the ship's altered course, in the morning. I am getting some more sleep. Mr. Faile, you have the bridge."
Kirk returned to his cabin. He left his uniform on the floor and hit the bed. Tathilan was still in the room. He didn't even know if the bio was working until he felt her warm sweet breath on his cheek.
**Your shaking.**
"Yea. I have been in command of this ship four years, and that is the first time I have considered us to be in a dangerous situation."
**You were afraid for the ship?**
"Fear is useful, only if you don't let it control you. The aftermath is Hell."
Tathilan slipped onto the bed beside him. **I will ease you.**
Kirk hugged her neck, and sleep came.
"Alright, immediate problem solved. The ship is no longer leaking air, or adding to its relative motion. What are our circumstances?"
Kirk sat in meeting with the officers of the Kongo and the Sixless fleet.
Lt. Cmd. Felialan gave her report. **The damaged vessel, the "Shelter of Xitalass" is not going to hit another ship in the fleet at this point. It is veering away from the fleet. The crew cannot at this time correct the error. The reaction controls, an electrical substation, a nursery, numerous living compartments, and two computer stations were destroyed by the meteor. We are fortunate it did not punch clean through the ship.**
Kirk, and the rest of the room winced at the damage.
Kirk spoke. "How many were killed?"
The Sixless elder shook his head, the Sixless equivalent of a sigh. "We do not a final tally have. To many ships did the crew go, and known is not where is everyone. Found we have 356 bodies, many very young." The old lizard looked very tired. "So close were they to feel sky, and fresh air. So close."
"We will mourn the dead in their time. How vital is the Xitalass to the survival of your people until we can move them?'
"Is not. We can without the ship a short time do. Soon no ships will we need." He eyes brighted looking at Kirk.
"The vessel is not a danger to the rest of the fleet?"
Regiban pulled a graphic up on the projector. The ships, as dots crawled across the view, one veered wildly aside, passing harmlessly between them.
**This projection is based on the next five years. The Xitalass is not a danger to the rest of the fleet.**
Kirk spoke. "Elder, I recommend that you abandon the Shelter of Xitalass. With circumstances as they are, I believe it would be a waste of resources and effort to try and save it. Our time is better put to the mission we came on."
"It shall so be. Will you help us honor our dead?"
"I will."
Kirk sat on his bed. He looked pale and sick. He was freshly returned from the Sixless memorial service. Tathilan looked at him with her ears straight out.
**They did WHAT?**
"I told you once, they ate them."
**Ate them.**
"Yes, they ate the dead. They all gathered around, and had a big cry over the heads of the dead. I wondered where the rest had gone until the funeral feast was served."
**Did you...**
"Enough to be polite, too much for my ignorant stomach. To quote my sociology instructor at the Academy; `You will find many alien customs that to your mind will be repugnant. Swallow hard and do as do the locals. When you are in their place, their customs are proper, your prejudices are not.' This has to be one of the more unusual examples."
**How did...**
"It tastes like chicken."
It took ten days to get the Shelter of Xitalass emptied, and shut down. The Sixless continued to strip the ship after the crew was off. The sciences staff was gathered and loaded aborad the Felicity. They were once again bound for Gamear 3.
Golden Bocca sat in meeting with his generals, and introduced the newest member.
"My friends, Halten Greever of the Freisans has come to join us. With his efforts we hope to free the Freisan Confederation from the grip of the Federation, and make them our allies in this far flung corner of the galaxy. Friend Halten, please, tell us of your plan?"
The Freisan stood. "My people are oppressed by the rules the Federation imposes on them. We are not permitted to expand, while those worlds that haven't even the means to expand have resources reserved in their names. This situation is intolerable. We will have our freedom to expand throughout our sector. I have contacted certain disaffected and disenfranchised groups in my efforts. They have expressed a willingness to band together in this common cause. I but need to bring them word of your support, and they will rise and take action."
Golden Bocca stood once again to speak. "We hear the cries of the suffering Freisan people. We ourselves barely escaped being forced into Federation membership. It is frightening how close we came to becoming the serfs of the five powers that control the Federation, and to whom all other `members' must pay tribute. You have your full support, and more important, weapons and funds to aid your cause."
"Then I shall return with your words."
"I also appoint Calnare as your liaison in these matters." A red Orion bowed from his seat. Calnare, go with Halten Greever, and learn what is needed."
The Freisan and Orion left the meeting chambers. After a moment Golden Bocca rose and took the place of the departed Calnare. A hidden door opened to admit Red Bocca.
"Our bird has gone to line his nest?"
"Yes Bocca." Said Golden Bocca." The matter is as you instructed."
"And Kirk?"
"Here we have a problem. Keeping our word will be difficult. This Kirk is maddingly honest."
"Vices?"
"None, the man is without any vice, or even it seems greed."
One of the other capos spoke. "No man is without greed."
"This man lives the Federation lie, that money does not exist. He is also in control of a Starship, that is vast wealth in itself. He is without greed."
Red Bocca mused this over. "We must cause him to take unwise action. Where exists leverage in this matter?"
"His family is deep in Federation space, well out of reach."
"However, there is something else he values within reach. Better yet, our new friends will do the work for us."
Two months passed in the resettlement project. The 2500 Sixless added to the roster were spread over the entire globe. Thus far nothing that would scuttle the project had been found. Some nasty diseases had turned up, but Doc Hanson and his team put them in their place. Teams continued to dig around for anything that might be of danger, or of use. On the positive side several city sites had been chosen, and plans were being drawn up. The location of resources was mapped out, and plans for the reasonable reclamation of same were being hammered into shape.
A Spaceport was planned, and Starfleet Academy had indicated a willingness to take the first Sixless applicants. Indeed the Kongo crew was enhanced by five Sixless researchers that found agoraphobia a serious problem. Officially they were listed as civilian scientists on contract. They wanted to join Starfleet, and Kirk was looking for a way to accommodate them.
Kirk found himself spending almost as much time on the surface as did on the Kongo. Between this and frequent runs to Starbase 88 for this or that, he, and the entire crew of the Kongo were kept busy, and generally unaware of local events. Concerns were constantly being added to his plate. Teesic came into his ready room with yet another.
"Large Captain, a concern have we. Address it you can?"
"Depends on the concern Teesic. Tathilan, could I have a Sixless saddle in here please."
The requested piece of furniture materialized. Teesic slid onto it.
"Our Great Homes in held much material is. Retrieve it would we. Smaller much impact would be if this recovered was."
"That is an understatement. How many tons of steel and other materials do you have tied up in those ships? Do you require them intact, or is the material enough?"
"Discussed much was this. Up broken most can be, in much talk here and in fleet Elders with, Great Home last leave we preserve must we. Remember must children from where came we. Years great before it must move we."
"Which one will that be?"
"Wanted much boarded first to be. To be not. Large years past, it did fail."
"Cast now lots will be. Decided thus."
"OK, if we are breaking them up, it is a simple matter. Asteroid mining ships and bulk freighters can handle it. I still haven't learned how the transfer is to take place. I'll head back to Starbase 88 and do some heavy discussion. I might even have to head to Earth for this one. If that is the case, I have best take the Sixless Representatives to the Federation with me."
"Yes! Federation join will we. Rep-presentative in council have. Great good!" Teesic's face was flushed a deep blue.
"Then it is done. Head down to communications and send a message to that effect to your Elders. I'll get the ship underway."
Teesic almost bumped into the door on the way out so quickly did he move. Sixless moved fast when they wanted to.
"Tathilan, recall the Kongo crew. We are headed to Starbase 88, the Exodus Fleet, and Earth in that order, shore leave on Earth."
**Good as done Tim.**
Kirk hit the intercom. "Kirk here, get me Captain Veswindi." He fiddled the moment it took to get the Andorian on the line.
"Veswindi here, how can I help you Kirk?"
"The Kongo is going to do some running around. Round trip to Earth and back. She will be gone I estimate as long as two months. You're in charge of the ground operations."
"Yes Sir."
"Veswindi, since when do you call me sir?"
"Since you earned it Kirk."
He pondered that one for awhile.
Continued in Part Two
Return to -- Epiphany Trek: The Stories
The Above is a work of fiction. All characters are fictional, any resemblance to persons living or dead is coincidental.
Copyright © Garry Stahl: March 1998. All rights reserved, re-print only with permission.
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