Chapter One
"Captain, we have received a distress call from the Klingon planet Qo'nos," Uhura said confused, turning from her screen.
"Klingons? Why would they want help?" Jim asked, leaning forward to rest his elbows on his knee.
"I'm not sure. They specifically requested a Starfleet ship though and currently we are the only ship out of Federation territory. The signal is really poor, I can't make much out," she said, returning her attention to her station.
"Such a call would suggest a trap, Captain," I said, turning from my scanners as Jim spun to face me, leaning back.
"So it would seem, Mr. Spock," Jim pondered. "Sulu, set a course for Qo'nos at warp four, it should only take a few minutes to get there. Lieutenant Uhura, respond to the distress call demanding more information."
"Captain, this course of action may lead us into an ambush," I said, standing from my chair and folding my hands behind my back as usual.
"If so we'll warp away, no big deal," Jim shrugged.
"I have a reply!" Uhura called.
"And?"
"The sender claims to be an escaped hostage taken by the Klingons when they're ship was badly damaged, leaving them stranded. Claims to be human and in need of immediate assistance," Uhura called out, working furiously to unscramble the code before her.
"I can't just pull someone off of Qo'nos without legitimate reasons," Jim said.
"Yes, sir, they-…they've switched over to Starfleet code, sir. It's…it's advanced too, I can't decipher it all," Uhura said, her thin fingers quickly replying. "I can't believe this, they wish for my supervisor to take over."
Jim and I shared a glance before I moved over to the communications desk, Uhura abandoning her seat to me. Quickly analyzing the code I saw the urgency in the intricate symbols. "Captain, this is a private Starfleet communication code," I said seriously.
"Private as in?" Jim asked but his words were rushed. He knew the answer to his question already.
"The code being used is meant for captain to captain messages. It is encrypted in such a way that it is incomprehensible unless received by a Starfleet ship and even then only known to the captain of said vessel," I replied, turning to face him. This situation was serious.
"How would you know the code then?" Uhura asked from beside me.
"He made it. Kirk to Scotty, report to the teleportation room immediately, you too Chekov. Sulu, upon arrival get within beam distance. Spock, I'll need you to scan the surface for whoever this is," Jim ordered quickly. Uhura reclaimed her seat as I walked briskly to my station, preparing my scanners as I sat down.
"They are under attack," Uhura called out.
"Kirk to Bones, report to teleportation room and be prepared."
"Arrival at Qo'nos in five, four, three, two," Sulu counted down until the Klingon planet appeared in view.
"Scan, Spock," Jim ordered but I had already begun.
"Signal found. One human on Qo'nos. They are surrounded by Klingons," I reported.
"I've lost the signal," Uhura declared.
"Signal still strong but on the move. Klingons in pursuit," I told Jim.
"Kirk to Scotty, beam them out. Spock, with me. Sulu, you have the conn," Jim ordered, both of us entering the turbo lift. "No captains have been reported missing."
"I am aware."
"Then who the hell is using your code?"
"I have no idea." The doors opened and we rushed to the teleportation room.
"What the hell is going on, Jim?" Bones asked from where he stood holding a case of supplies.
"Impromptu rescue mission. Where are they, Scotty?" Jim asked.
"It is taking a while to lock on to their signal, they're moving a lot," Scotty said, chasing the dot around with his finger.
"Hurry up! It is urgent that we get them off Qo'nos," Jim said, clenching his fists.
"Zhey have jumped!" Chekov exclaimed, frantically tapping on the screen before him.
"It's fine, it's just into a river," Scotty said before his face paled. "Is that…"
"A vaterfall," Chekov confirmed. "I have ze signal!"
"Beam them up now!"
"Five, four, zvee, two, one," Chekov counted down before we all looked up to see the Enterprise's newest arrival. Thousands of lights swirled before a small form appeared, thumping down on the pad along with a few gallons of water. Upon further inspection it became apparent that the form was female, torn clothes clinging to her body. From the way the soaked fabric clung to her I concluded that she was athletic and lightly muscled the same way a swimmer, runner, or even dancer may be. Long, wavy strands of dark blonde hair lay in clumps against her, shifting as she rolled over with a groan. Her gently arched brows were furrowed together in pain perhaps, a hand clutching her side. All eyes were on the mysterious woman as her lids opened, revealing two icy irises that appeared oddly familiar to me.
"Welcome aboard the Enterprise, I am Captain James T. Kirk. You are?" He asked, his tone serious though he was eying her curiously.
"Aurelia-," she wheezed before a few coughs interrupted her. "Aurelia…uh Tanner. Aurelia Tanner," she finished.
"Are you, uh, sure about that?" he asked lightly.
"Yes, my apologies, Captain, I'm a little confused right now, I hit my head on Qo'nos," she answered, still remained on her back. Dr. McCoy went to move forward but paused when Jim held up his hand.
"How did you know that private communication code? It is classified for captains only," He said.
"Jim, if she has a head injury,-," Dr. McCoy started.
"I must know this first before we give her medical aide, Bones."
"A close friend," the woman, Aurelia, started, "Two actually, taught me it in case of emergency."
"Who?" he questioned farther.
"I cannot tell you. What I can tell you, however, is that both men are completely loyal to Starfleet as am I," Aurelia said, staring straight at Jim. He held her gaze in silence for a moment before speaking.
"Spock?" he asked, his eyes staying on the woman as he gaze suddenly jumped to me. Her clear eyes stared at me with surprise before fading to a cool and collected acceptance that was then followed by curiosity.
"The woman does not appear to be lying. I believe Dr. McCoy may now aide her," I answered the captain, tearing my eyes from the wet woman to look at Jim. He nodded and dropped his hand, allowing Dr. McCoy to approach the woman.
"Keep her in the Med Bay until further notice. Everyone else, back to work," Jim ordered. We both walked to the turbo lift in silence, him speaking only once the doors shut.
"She looks familiar," Jim murmured, either to himself or both of us.
"You are acquainted with several women. It is only logical to reason that many have similar features," I told him, well aware of the joke I had made. Jim shook his head, not the slightest bit amused
"No, much more familiar than that, like I've seen her regularly but I would remember that face had I slept with her," Jim said, entering the bridge as the lift's doors opened. As I returned to my station I considered Aurelia Tanner's face. Her features were symmetrical and brows lightly arched. Blonde hair and blue eyes were often desire traits among humans, the captain's adventures amongst women proved that, and from the distance I had seen her she had seemed to have smooth skin. Aurelia was short, however, more so than average for human females. By human standards she would be viewed as attractive I deduced.
"A small concussion, two cracked ribs, and then more than you fair share of bruises and scrapes. For being chased by Klingons you are in spectacular shape," the doctor, McCoy or Bones depending on who you are, said after checking me over with the scanner to be sure he hadn't missed anything while healing me.
"Thanks, I was going for spectacular," I said sarcastically.
"What rank are you?" he asked, thick, dark brows furrowed as usual. Reaching up to squeeze my hair, water splattering down on the floor, as I glanced over the standard, black Starfleet dress I had regenerated.
"A commander with focuses in both communications and engineering with minor focuses in both science and captain studies," I told him, pulling at my skirt. The edge had been torn in my escape and now instead of reaching mid-thigh it barely hid everything from view.
"That's quite a lot for someone your age," he told me, injecting me with a hypospray without warning.
"Ouch! I'm eighteen but my whole life I've been surrounded by Starfleet, grew up on a ship even. My play ground was the engineering room and the Med Bay my second home. You learn a lot living on a ship," I said, rubbing my neck where he had injected me.
"What ship?" he asked merely to keep up conversation.
"It doesn't matter," I murmured, looking away.
"Kirk to Bones," the Captain, James, called through the doctor's communicator.
"Yes, Jim?" he asked, sounding rather unpleasant.
"Please escort Miss Tanner up to the bridge," he ordered. Bones wandered off cussing before returning waving for me to follow him out of the room. As we walked through the halls I remembered back to my childhood when I'd passed through nearly identical halls.
"Please don't take me to see daddy. He will be mad," I pleaded as I followed Mickey down the hall. His name wasn't really Mickey but I liked it better than what the others called him.
"No he won't, Aurelia. You scraped your knee, he'll just be disappointed a little," he said without looking at me, his usually gruff voice soft. It was always soft with me.
"That's even worse," I mumbled as we entered the lift.
The doors opened before us, revealing the bridge before us. As we walked in James turned to face us, his expression calm and serious.
"Welcome to the bridge, Aurelia, I hope you are feeling better," he greeted politely but I could hear the tension in his voice.
"Much, sir. Thank you for letting Dr. McCoy tend to me," I replied, bowing my head to him as I clasped my hands behind my back. From behind James I could see Spock staring at me curiously, no doubt studying my posture and such. Vulcans were very perceptive and he would be no exception.
"Are you ready to tell me who taught you that code yet?" he asked.
"Captain Kirk, no matter how many times you ask I will not tell you. They are trustworthy and you will gain no advantage by acquiring their names," I told him coldly, relentless in protecting them. James sighed and stood, approaching me in a few wide strides.
"Miss Tanner," he said in a deadly calm voice, "I can assure you that should whatever you are keeping from me endanger my ship and crew I will personally take care of you, whether that be escorting you off of this ship or with my phaser." Narrowing my eyes I looked him up and down before meeting his eyes. After a few moments of a tense stare off I smiled, showing my teeth and all as the tension left my body.
"You are a good captain, James T. Kirk and if you would allow me I would like to serve under you on this ship. I am, after all, indebted to you," I told him as he relaxed slightly, more comfortable now that he knew he could command me.
"The crew of the Enterprise is always willing to accept more help. Keep in mind, however, that I will keep a close eye on you," he warned. I smirked confidently at him, well aware that my eyes were shining with determination.
"I would expect no less form you, Captain."
"What are you skills, Lieutenant?" James asked as he sat back down.
"Engineering, sir."
"Good, Scotty needs more help all the time. Are you familiar enough with a Starfleet vessel to find your way to the engine room?"
"Yes, sir."
"Then be on your way," he said. With a nod, I left, well aware of the captain's cool eyes following me out.
"Spock, I want you to watch that girl as closely as possible," Jim ordered me after she left.
"Of course, sir," I answered.
"I just…"
"Don't trust her, Captain?" I offered only to have him shake his head.
"The opposite. I do and I don't even know her," Jim said quietly.
Author's Note
I have a lot of hopes for this story and it's all planned out, mostly written, and even a hopeful sequel started depending on how well this takes out. Please Read and Review!
EDIT: There were some spelling errors in here so I briefly fixed a few at the very beginning.