Anzar

A/N: English is not my native language – special thanks to John Schulte for proofreading! All remaining mistakes are all mine… - Additional thanks to Rax for encouragement. Feedback is welcome.

Time Setting: Series (original mission)

Part 1

The hum of the transporter faded slowly and Martin Riggs took a look around with mixed feelings. Again he asked himself why he had accepted that assignment. But it had no use to dwell in the past and so he faced four Starfleet officers in Gala uniforms. With the skilled eye of the reporter he was he evaluated the persons one after another.

Like it was his habit he had collected detailed information and though he was able to distinguish the ranks by the stripes at the sleeves. He recognized the person he hated most in the whole galaxy immediately. Kirk was much smaller then he had expected. With a smile the Captain took a step forward.

"Welcome aboard the Enterprise, Mr. Riggs. It is an honor to meet you. I am James T. Kirk, Captain of the Enterprise. This", he pointed at the Vulcan, "is my First and Science Officer, Mr. Spock."

Kirk turned around and pointed on a grumpy looking man. "This is the CMO of the Enterprise, Dr. McCoy and", with gesturing at the last man, "Chief Engineer Scott." Riggs gaze lingered on the chief engineer for a moment who wore instead of uniform pants a scarf. How ridiculous! Hopefully his abilities would be better than his taste. After all Mr. Scott had managed to use the transporter correctly. That alone was more that could be expected.

The physician was the only one who Riggs considered the most likable person – as long as a Starfleet officer could be likable. He seemed to feel uncomfortable in his dress uniform and was hardly able to conceal that fact. As expected it was not possible to say anything about the Vulcan. The frozen face of the First Officer looked like the one of every other Vulcan Riggs had met before. However, in some way Riggs was surprised because he had read something of a human mother.

And finally there was Kirk, the self-righteous country-boy who had ruined his life. Kirk seemed not only to be smaller but he also appeared to be younger than he had expected. Riggs knew that Kirk was four years younger that he but a part of him had hoped that Kirk had aged before his time. But even that was not granted to him. If he had met him casually, never he would have thought him more than a simple lieutenant. But, Riggs reflected bitterly, someone who would sell his own grandmother gets ahead very quickly.

This first analysis took only few moments. Riggs knew what was expected of him. Therefore he forced his face into a smile and said:

"Thanks captain. I had a long voyage. I am sure you will understand when I like to see my quarters first."

"Of course, Mr. Spock will show you the way. Today evening we prepared a dinner where you will meet the other leading officers. Today in the morning you can visit the ship if you wish to do so."

Riggs bowed his head to show that he understood. With that the first official part was over and everyone left the transporter room. Only now re realized how tensed he had been. Slowly and with the attention of a speed trap he followed the Vulcan who doesn't even attempt to spend time with small talk.

The hallways of the ship seemed endless but now he realized how large it really was. As a journalist he knew of course the difference between pure facts and actual living but even though he was impressed by the sheer size. After what seemed to be ages, after passing several crewmen by zigzagging through the hallways, the First Officer stopped in front of a door.

Riggs noticed that significantly less people were passing by and Spock explained that deck 5 contained only the quarters of visitors and leading officers. That's why it was only logical that fewer persons were using that floor.

Finally the First Officer left after telling him that a crewmember would accompany him at 7 pm to the mess room.

Relieved Riggs enjoyed the solitude of his quarters, which was pretty luxury. It contained two large rooms and a shower stall. He had lived under worse conditions in the past. His luggage leaned unwrapped – as he had wanted - at a wall. But nevertheless he was not capable of easing the tautness from his body.

He remembered the briefing with his chief editor very well and that he had considered Olav weird at first. But finally Olav had given in.

"It is time that you are facing your problems."

"Maybe I don't want to face them," he had answered defiantly.

"You are a very good journalist, one of the best there are. You won every award of which a journalist can dream of. And everything you didn't achieve by being prejudiced."

"Starfleet is different."

"I know your problem. But look at it this way: I give you the possibility to settle old scores. Accompany the Enterprise on a few missions, as long as you like. Get an impression and write a thrilling article about it. Or even better several. I don't give a damn about them being positive or negative. The main thing is finding something interesting for the readers. When will you get another chance to settle old score with your arch-enemy?"

That finally had turned the balance. Riggs must admit that he had already started to pre-phrase some articles and the least of them were flattering. At the same time he was confronted with his principles. Indeed he hadn't come that far by being lead by prejudices, how justified they might be. Maybe that's why he was so tensed. He WANTED to find something that would burden Starfleet in general and Kirk in particular but he was afraid that he possibly would have to change his option. Yes, it was time to face his ghosts.

Exactly at 7 pm the door buzzer hummed. Riggs was prepared and stand up quickly. Smoothing his tunic with one hand he was aware that it not only suited him well but that it contained some useful side effects as well. The fabric harbored some tiny sensors that would not be recognized by a superficial or even by a thorough analysis. You would have to know what to look for to discover them. He possessed several garments of this kind and often they had served him well.

Besides he had placed some fascinating miniature cameras in his trouser pocket, all thumbnail-sized only. He planned to attach them at some strategically favorable places. On the bridge for example or in sickbay. Wisdom was power.

As he opened the door a young ensign was standing there, for his taste a little too young and too overeager. He introduced himself as Pavel Chekov and explained proudly that he was the alpha-shift navigator. To consign an ensign with such an important position didn't seem to be a good idea but Riggs preferred to ignore that thought before he considered it too intensively. Who wanted to know when he was navigated inside a planet?

"It is an honor to meet you, Sir", Chekov explained while they were turning around a corner. He accentuated the R and continued:

"I admire your reports. The one of the slavery work on Naguru was fantastic."

"I would not call it fantastic when humans are flayed to death. "

The young ensign looked ashamed.

"Of course, Sir. You are right."

Unpleasant silence was the result. Riggs recognized that he made a mistake and tried to continue their conservation.

"How long do you have been on the ship?"

"For one year."

"Do you like it? "

"It is the best that could have happened to me. The Enterprise is the flagship and it is an honor to serve under Captain Kirk. "

Riggs smiled sourly. The enthusiasm of the young man was downright disgusting.

"Of course – so you are the navigator?"

"Yes, Sir. Do you know that this first navigation tools have been invented in Russia?"

"Russia? Is that a region of your home planet?"

Chekov seemed to be a little bit offended that somebody doesn't seem to know where Russia was located.

"Yes, it is on Earth. Where are you from?"

"I am of Senurum."

"Ah." Like it had do be expected the face of the young man showed his helplessness and for the rest of their way they remained silent. Riggs want for friendly conservation was exceeded for the moment.

During the reception Riggs got to know the other leading officers and make an appointment with each of them to have a look at their departments. Nobody was very pleased but even that make it worthwhile for Riggs. Unerringly the crew was ordered to leave a good mark. Much would depend on the article.

But the extensive round tour had several reasons. On the one hand it would allow the reporter to get a more accurate picture of the daily life aboard the ship and on the other he would have enough time to attach one of his mini cameras in each important room. He had even managed to bug some of the officers quarters by using the help of an unknowing yeoman. Every evening he spent time viewing the recorded material. He smiled every time when he was named and the overheard haven't any clue.

At his second evening he got the opportunity to witness a conversation between Kirk and McCoy in a deserted sick bay.

The physician looked up when the hiss of the door showed it had opened.
"Took you a long time to come", he grumbled.
"You enjoy the situation, don't you Bones?"
"Sit down and stop complaining. Be happy that I didn't keep you right here after it seemed you didn't want to go without a pet on Sanjan."
"Very funny. Rather give me that injection. Besides: Do you like to have to grapple with that reporter?"
"Riggs?"
"Do we have another one aboard? – What do you think about him, Bones?"
"Difficult to say. A cold and reserved person at first glance. But I haven't seen enough of him so far. Well, you are looking as if you are tired of him already."
"No, that is not the problem. Or maybe a little. Starfleet is breathing down my neck. The public opinion is in the face of the current commercial crisis against the extent of the funds Starfleet is getting from the Federation. The public pressure should not be underestimated, some Federation members already have threatened with withdrawal. Riggs is not a small journalist writing for some minor village newspaper – he is THE Namitz-laureate. Everything he is writing is topic talk of the day throughout the Federation. If he is against us the perspective is not very promising."
McCoy locked concerned while he was bouncing on his toes. He put down the hypo he had just administered to Kirk. Afterwards he pushed Kirk with soft violence down on one of the bio beds.
"What's the matter, Bones?"
"Lay down for a while. Or do you expect me to pick you up when you collapse?"
"You ever have to exaggerate, don't you," grumbled Kirk but lied down nevertheless. Instantly the indicators of the bio bed showed life signs.
"A bit to low", McCoy commentated, "but in consideration of the circumstances satisfying. Be that as it may, I want you to slow down. Reporter or no reporter."
"It's not as simple as that. I believe there is no department he had not taken a closer look on yet. "
"He has been here, too. M'Benga and Christine dealt with him."
"Yes, I remember you were on leave on the station. "
"Do you already know what our next mission will be?"
"I expect the orders today evening."
"Well, they won't expect too much of us this time with the watchdog aboard."
"I wouldn't take that for granted."

Indeed the ship was on her way the next morning. Riggs hat used the information he overheard and made inquiries about Kirks apparent injury. All that he was able to find out was that he was infected by a neurotoxin caused by a bite of a small animal and that McCoy still worked on screening it out of Kirk's blood circuit. Since Kirk didn't dissemble anything it was likely not so severe.

Riggs was located on the bridge when the Enterprise left the space dock and floated into space. Against his will he was not able to fight the emotions caused by the breathtaking sight. The sympathetic look of the young Russian navigator and the one of the Asian aside sobered him instantly. The last thing he wanted was the comprehension of these people. Not until the ship removed herself a great deal from the station, Kirk explained the new orders. Riggs got the feeling to be caught in a trap.

"Uhura, please put me on all channels. Thanks. Ladies and Gentlemen, this is the Captain speaking. As you undoubtedly already heard, there had been raids in the Anzar sector. In the meantime a Starfleet vessel was captured as well, the crew had been killed. It is our mission to find the ones responsible. Since the situation is potentially dangerous please prepare for possible combat situations. Kirk out."
"The Anzar sector, Captain?" The dark-skinned communications officer had turned around. She faced Kirk directly now.
Riggs searched his mind but it didn't occur to him where he had heard the name before.
"Isn't there a widely used trading route passing through that sector?"
The Vulcan joined the conversation:
"Indeed, Mr. Chekov. This sector is placed between Andor and Vulcan, where multiple goods are traded."
"Mr. Spock, what else can you tell us about the Anzar sector?" Kirk put a demanding look at his First Officer.
"I suppose, Captain, that you are more interested in the socio-political implications rather than physical and astronomical characteristics?"
Kirk threw a meaningful glance at his First Officer who continued:
"The roughly estimated dimensions are 2.685 times 2.998 light-years. As mentioned before, it is located between Andor and Vulcan and with that relatively in the centre of the Federation. Since the average speed of a trading freighter is about warp 3.972, passing this sector takes in the middle about 9.23 standard days. Despite the fact that the sector is highly frequented a vessel meets another one only with a probability of 8.5 every 13.32 hours. Until today 24 raids had taken place with 31 vessels being victims including the USS Einstein that had transported medicaments form Vulcan to Andor. Only parts of wreckages and bodies had been found. There were no survivors. The natures and the origin of the aggressors are unknown, too, because of the lack of witnesses. Since the area is located deeply inside the Federation, an intervention by the Romulans or the Klingons can be obviated with a probability of 98.4."
"Thank your for the abstract, Spock. Sounds like a funny task for us. Mr. Chekov, what is our ETA?"
"Considering our current speed: two days and eleven hours, Sir."
"Thank you. Please contact me when we are entering the Anzar sector. Spock, I'd like to talk to you. Mr. Sulu, you have the con."

Together, Captain and First Officer left the bridge and Riggs bit farewell only seconds later, too. Hastily he tried to find the way to his cabin but lost it almost immediately and with that precious time, too. Only after asking some crewmembers twice he regained his orientation.

In his quarters he hurried to the computer and switched the viewing screen on until he got the right camera. He succeeded in Kirks quarters – both the Vulcan and the Captain were present. He had already missed a part of the conversation but take comfort in the fact that he would be able to look at the whole record later. Kirk sat behind his desk und seemed to be aged for years."… Are you sure that you are well?" the Vulcan asked.
"Thank you Spock. It is not that bad but soon it will be time for McCoy's injection."
"If I am correct McCoy ordered light duty only."
"He did and as you can see I stick to it. Be that as it may, I didn't want to discuss my health. What are you thinking about the Anzar situation?"
"Difficult to say. The aggressor must possess a considerable offensive potential to conduct raids with such audacity. In addition, he, she or they act remarkably unethical."
"Exactly! That worries me most. I have an unpleasant feeling in that matter. "
"Unpleasant feeling?"
"A hunch. The situation will not be resolved as easily as it seems. I considered it and only one race crossed my mind which can be responsible."
Spock raised questionably an eyebrow.
"Sir? "
"The Orions. It is a suspicion only but I wouldn't be surprised if the aggressor consists of Orion pirates. "
"A logical assumption but nevertheless unlikely Captain."
This time it was Kirk to gaze enquiringly and Spock explained:

"Since the Babel mission the Orion government tries to not annoy anyone. What concerns the independent pirates they are mostly engaged in slave trade in secrecy. The Anzar scheme did not fit in their pattern particularly because it would require a dimension which could not be observed with pirates so far.
"Hmm". Kirk thought about what he had heard. „Some ideas concerning the identity?"
"Unfortunately none. There are insufficient data for a satisfying analysis, Captain."
"Then we must get that data."

When the ship entered the Anzar sector the whole bridge crew seemed to hold on their breath. But the moment came and passed and nothing happened.
"Reduce speed to 0.8 sublight, Mr. Sulu. Sensors to maximum range."
The officers confirmed and the impression of moving stars on screen was lessened. Still Riggs must try hard not to be impressed by their magnificence. That's why he tried to appear demonstrative stoically and continued taking notes. Of course he knew that this would make the crew nervous. Nobody likes the feeling of being watched and of every movement being registered and recorded. Riggs admitted to himself that this was the main reason for him taking notes and for his constant presence on the bridge. The last two days had been mostly eventless and when he concentrated himself he was now able to find the way to his quarters on his own. He had talked briefly to Olav and told him that there was nothing to report. To his regret that was true. The cranky chief engineer got a hidden brandy shop but this crime only contributed to amuse him and it would definitively be not the stuff leading articles were made of. The daily life aboard the Enterprise appeared so boring to Riggs that he asked himself again why anybody could choose that kind of career. Well, once he had known somebody and also the reasons but…

„We are receiving a distress call, Captain."
Uhura's voice interrupted Riggs thoughts. He avert his gaze form his note pad which contained beyond dozens of curls and circles also such important cognitions like "I am so bored" and "Row, row, row your boat".
"On screen, lieutenant."
Static disrupted the sight of stars in front of them and was replaced by the picture of an elderly humanoid man of non-human heritage contorted by noise and cords.
"… Aldebaran trader… being attacked… need… help… repeat… trader… Anzar…sector.. need…"
Suddenly the stars appeared again on screen. Uhura announced:
"We lost contact, Sir."
"Can you pinpoint its origin?"
"No, Sir. At least not far away, I already transmitted the data to Mr. Chekov. "
"Well done, thank you lieutenant. Chekov, plot a course, maximum warp. ETA?"
"Three minutes, Sir."
The boredom had been replaced by expectant tension and even Riggs felt how adrenalin was pumped through his veins.
"Scott to Bridge. "
"I will not push your engines much longer, Scotty."
"Aye, Sir."
Riggs couldn't fight the impression that he had just overheard the short form of an often- conducted discussion between captain and chief engineer.
On screen a small point became visible and grew fast until it changed into the form of a freighter. No, not only one freighter. The space seemed to blink and five cruisers appeared out of nothing.
"Red alert, shields up. Full energy into the phaser banks."
Kirk had barely given that order when the ship was shaken by multiple phaser beams. Riggs could see his pad flying until he followed it. He crashed hard against the bridge railing. Stunned he looked up and saw that Kirk kept him company from the other side. With the skilled eye of the professional observer Riggs noticed that Kirks face suddenly had lost all color. Indeed he appeared to faint any moment but then the captain picked up some strength and stood up with effort.

The captain huddled one hand onto his side and to Riggs it became clear that Kirk must have broken one rip at least. Without noticing Riggs touched his own body and winced when he reached to his angle. He moved slowly and had to fight the approaching darkness himself. It was hurting but he managed. Obviously nothing was broken. Eventually he was able to concentrate on the here and now. Only the first officer had been able to stay at his post.
"Damage reports coming from all decks," he reported and continued to list the disadvantages. Riggs ignored him and stared on the screen. There were no normal ships, there were battle cruisers. Heavily armed and built only for one single purpose: to kill. While he stood slowly up a thought pierced slowly into his mind. He would die on this ship.

Kirk had not the intention to die. The shields had built up just in time to prevent the worst but not fast enough. Spock gave the damage report. Warp engines down, part of the shields too. Energy level down to 70. Only one similar hit more and the Enterprise would be history.

But it didn't come.

Kirk looked around the bridge. All of his officers were up their feet again.
"Someone injured?" he asked and tried to ignore the stabbing pain in his left side. Besides of the always returning fever attacks caused by the nerve poison that was the last thing he needed.
"I am OK, Sir", Uhura reported.
"Everything all right". Chekov.
Also nobody else seemed hurt. But…
"What about Sulu?"
The helmsman had lifted himself on his seat but didn't respond.
"Unconscious, Captain."
"Uhura, call sickbay."
"Sir, we are receiving a call form one of the attacking ships. On a Starfleet channel. Probably they know our codes, too."
"On screen", Kirk ordered and tried to appear self-confident and unperturbed. An Orion was looking at him.
"Surrender or you will be destroyed. You have one hour."
The screen went dark again.
"Clear and brief. Hail the ship."
"They didn't respond, Sir."
Twice Kirk took a deep breath then he pressed a button in the back of his chair.
"Kirk to Scott. Please come quickly to conference room 1."
From the chair weak protest could be heard but Kirk had already activated another switch.
"Kirk to sickbay."
"McCoy here."
"How is the situation, Bones?"
"Pretty bad, Jim. 18 dead, 23 severely injured and more patients than I could handle. I already sent someone up to you."
"Do what you can, Bones. Kirk out."
Riggs didn't miss that a shadow crossed Kirks face when he had heard the number of the casualties. Was he caring for his crew after all?
Kirk exchanged a look with his first officer who thereupon stood up wordlessly and followed Kirk.
"Uhura, you have the con. Contact me immediately if the situation is changing even the slightest."
"Aye Sir."
While the doors of the turbo lift were closing she calmly pushed some switches and shortly afterwards she was replaced at her post by an elderly man. The dark skinned woman slid elegantly into the command chair.
Riggs did the same with his seat and had to fight again against the burgeoning panic. Against that superiority they didn't stand a chance.
"Are…" he asked and was about to speak again when his voice threatened to fail him:
"Are there some other ships in the vicinity who could help us?"
Uhura swiveled around, compassion in her eyes.
"Unlikely. Currently, all other starships are located near the borders of the Federation to keep an eye on Romulans and Klingons. The next Federation ship is the USS Magellan, a research vessel manned with 53 persons without any noteworthy armature and she is two days away. We are completely on our own."
Riggs nodded stiffly. Uhura turned again. He was not able to stand the sight of the lurking battle cruisers anymore and left hastily the bridge, ignoring the pain in his ankle.

"Sir, I must return to my engines. It…"
"Calm down, Scotty, There are more important things to talk about."
"But…?"
"Scotty, listen to me. We are surrounded by five battle cruisers. Even on full power it would be a nearly forlorn battle.
"You want to surrender?" Scotty sounded bewildered.
"That would be the logical thing to do", Spock commented.
Kirk looked defiantly at his comrades. "No, I can't and won't surrender."
"What are you proposing?" Scotty sounded resigned.
"What can you tell me about the freighter that was captured by the pirates?"
Spock raised an eyebrow.
"An average trading freighter of a larger design. Maximum speed warp 6. Usually not armed but I had noticed traces of weapon signatures a little while ago. Most likely standard phasers."
"To what extent is the ship damaged?"
"Insufficient data, Captain. But I am struck that the distress call were forced and feigned by the pirates. With a probability of 97.3 the damage of the freighter is of minor nature only."
Kirk looked contended.
"That confirms my impression. Scotty, now it depends on you. Is it possible to beam someone unnoticed into the freighter?"
Scotty looked doubtful and thought out aloud.
"With activated shields… Difficult… But taking the damages into account… Possible, if we would use a breach… I don't guess that you would like to lower the shields, Captain?"
Kirk nodded.
"Correct, Scotty. Is it possible?"
The chief engineer tilted his head.
"Aye, I think it can be done. My poor ship is perforated like a Swiss cheese we can use a breach in the shields. But a few modifications would be necessary."
"How long?"
"Two hours to…"
"You've got 20 minutes, Scotty."
"But Captain…"
"You'd better hurry, Scotty."
The chief engineer sighed. "Aye, Captain." Then he left the room.
"I suppose that you are having a plan, Captain?"
"Yes, Spock, I have. What do think of a little excursion?"
Spock raised an eyebrow. And then Kirk explained to him what he had in his mind.

In his cabin Riggs was busy composing an article. Rather his own obituary. It was the only possibility to lessen his panic. At least his death would stab Starfleet in its back, possibly even sounding it the death knell.

Shortly before the ultimatum was over Riggs re-entered the bridge. Uhura was still sitting in the command chair neither Kirk nor his first officer had returned yet. The situation seemed unchanged while the red blinking light bathed the bridge into a ghastly light. Riggs turned the data module in his hand and headed to the communications console.
"Could you send that for me?" he asked.

The elderly man took the module hesitantly.
"I am not sure… Lieutenant Uhura?"
Uhura turned in the command chair.
"Mr. Riggs wants me to send a message."
"I am sorry, Mr. Riggs, but at the moment we can't send any messages. We don't know what the pirates can decode. But even if they can't read it it could put them off the scent."
"But it is important."
Uhura thought about it.
I can only offer you that we add the message to the automatic log buoy. The buoy will be ejected automatically and the captain ordered me to make it ready for takeoff. In this way you can be sure that your message will reach its addressee. Is that OK?"
"Agreed."
"Mr. Kuzan, please care about it."
The elderly man at the communications console nodded and turned around to his station. Riggs went to the place on the bridge formerly appointed to him with the feeling of having accomplished at least something. He had barely sat down when Kirk entered. The Vulcan was not with him. The captain appeared self-secure but at the same time pale and drawn. Yes, this was true fear of death, Riggs thought maliciously. If he would not be affected himself, he could have nearly enjoyed Kirks reaction.
Uhura stood up and Kirk sat down into his command char.

"Any changes?" he asked.
„None, Sir."
Kirk nodded.
„Chekov, take over Spock's station until further notice. Call DeSalle to the bridge."

The remaining minutes till the end of the ultimatum passed with aching slowness und were interrupted only by the arrival of a man who took over the navigations console. Kirk handed him over a data module and ordered him to import it into the navigations console for later use. The man nodded confused but asked no further questions. Only now Riggs noticed that the Asian was also not on his place. A very attractive woman had replaced him.

Then Uhura's voice pierced through the tensed silence.

"Sir, we are being hailed."

"On screen."

Again they were looking into the threatening face of the Orion.

"Time is over."

"I arrest you in the name of the Federation because of murder, piracy and several other crimes. Your identity is known. If you surrender voluntarily, it will be considered benevolently in the later trial.

The Orion laughed resoundingly and became silent again as if he had switched of the puddle.

"Very funny, Kirk. Hand over your ship or die!"
"It is you who will pay with his life!"
The screen went dark.

"They are taking battle position."
"Mr. DeSalle, course 2340 mark 2, full impulse power. When I order it start program 1 of the data module. Mrs Bauer, arm photo torpedoes 2, 4 and 6."
Confirmations form all sides followed. The Crew worked silently and efficiently. The ship floated into space and Riggs realized appalled that they where heading directly into the centre of the ring formed by the hostile vessels.

Kirk pushed a button in his seat and said calmly:
"All hands, here is the captain speaking. Be ready for combat operations. Kirk out."
They now had reached the position directly in the middle of the vessels when first lances of fire pierced through space.

"Now, Mr. DeSalle."

The Enterprise plunged downwards and described a turn to vanish behind the first hostile vessel. But she was not fast enough and the bridge was shaken slightly albeit not as much as in the first assault. However, the main discharge had not hidden the Enterprise but one of the opposing ships. The pirate had made an own goal and had damaged one of his own cruisers.

"Fire photon torpedoes on the hostile vessel ahead."

Three bolts of lightning twitched over the screen. All hit their targets. The third one caused an explosion and destroyed the already tattered Orion vessel. Silent elation resounded on the bridge. Riggs exhaled the air that he had held unconsciously. Something similar to respect crossed his mind. Nevertheless it was futile to survive against the remaining four ships.

"Stop all engines, let us float," Kirk ordered.
"Uhura, call the Orions."
"Aye Sir". The screen showed once again the face of the pirate who fretted and fumed.
"You will pay for that, Kirk".
"I am willing to think about your proposal", the Captain said. The heads of the bridge crew turned in surprise.
"Too late, Kirk. You just murdered my brother and you will pay for that in person".
"Wait…"
But the screen had already cleared to be replaced by space.
"Too early", Kirk muttered annoyed.
"Course 3410.3, 0.1 impulse power. Phaser modulation as slightly as possible. Aim besides the ship straight ahead".
"Besides, Sir?"
"Besides, Mrs. Bauer."
"Aye, Sir."

The Enterprise practically limped towards the ship while a thin phaser beam leaked besides the hostile vessel."

"Full power reverse."

The engines howled tormented as the Enterprise took the same way back that she had just limped ahead. A hostile phaser beam missed them only for inches.

"Weapon activity on all three cruisers, Captain", Chekov reported, meaning the three vessels that were now lying directly in front of the Enterprise.
"Stop all engines."
The Enterprise floated in space while the hostile vessels on screen became larger and larger.

"Mr. DeSalle, prepare for program 3. On my order fire photon torpedoes 1, 3 and 5 from the rear."
"Aye, Sir.".

Now we are finished, Riggs thought. It cost him all his effort to continue concentrating on what happened before him. Only one hit at the right place would be enough, regarding the deeply weakened shields. Game over.

Kirk still waited. Then the bridge was shaken again massively. Riggs fell heavily on the floor and gasped in pain as he again ended up on his already crippled angle. Uhura and Chekov were still seated but all others had lost their positions as well.

Kirk heaved himself up using the chair of the navigator and pushed hastily some buttons. On screen the freighter was suddenly moving. Indeed it seemed as if it complements the actions of the Enterprise. From two sides it sparkled brightly and then Riggs had from his position on the floor free sight on the stars. No hostile cruisers anymore.

"Two further hostile cruisers are destroyed, a third one severely damaged, the forth unable to fight."

Two further explosions enlightened the bridge.

"The two other ships had just self-destructed".
"Sir, the freighter is hailing us. It is Mr. Spock".
Uhura didn't even try to hide her surprise.
Kirk didn't react. He had sunk down over the navigations console.
"Sir?" Uhura had turned and were about to get up when Kirk pulled himself erect with an enormous effort of will.
"Thanks, lieutenant."
"Are you all right, Sir?"
Kirk looked at her and gave her a smile.
"Don't let Spock wait."

Uhura also don't seem to miss that Kirk had ignored her question. But she turned in her chair and Spock's face appeared on screen. Behind him stand several officers of the Enterprise. "Nice to see you again, Spock." Kirk opened his mouth to say something further but no sound left his lips. Then he collapsed directly in front of the command chair. Spock's face on screen altered and Riggs meant to recognize traces of sorrow in the usually stoic face.
"Lieutenant Uhura, take care that four security teams are beamed onto the Magellan. We have arrested thirteen pirates that would have to be put into the brig. Afterwards please organize my immediate return to the Enterprise and send Starfleet an extract of the automatic log. And Lieutenant – call McCoy to the bridge."

Kirk was still unconscious and lay on a bio bed when Spock entered sickbay.
"How is he, Doctor?"
"Not well. The poison and then he had obviously got himself two rips crashed during the assault without telling be. One had injured the lung. But that alone is not what causing me trouble."
"Doctor?"
"He is to week. Pulse and blood pressure are to low, breath unsteady. And I will be damned if I know what is causing this."
Spock's faced darkened.
"Will he make it?"
"Heaven knows only," McCoy exclaimed.
"Doctor, I am afraid that I am responsible for the Captain's condition".
"You?"
"The Captain had been in constant telepathic contact with me during the battle."
"Are you gone mad? When did you meant to tell me?"
"Now, Doctor. It was necessary. The only possibility to destroy the pirates had consisted in a coordinated attack of both ships. And the pirates would be able to eavesdrop a com connection for sure."
"And how do you sustain the connection for that long? You are a touch telepath and Jim is a human."
The Vulcan hesitated noticeably before he continued:
"The Captain and I had been in mental contacts several times before. You know that. That's why the captain proposed to not interrupt the meld. I had not known whether it would work or not but obviously it did. Unfortunately it had required a high level of concentration on both sides."
"Damn, Spock. I really hope that Jim will make it."

Inside his cabin Riggs breathed heavily several times and tried to calm down his pounding heartbeat. He had never before been so close to death. His head aches. He considered asking McCoy for a painkiller but abandoned that thought after having checked the recordings of sickbay, which seemed to be bursting at the seams. Kirk was placed apart form the normal chaos inside McCoy office. Kirks presence would only have increased Riggs headache. The fact remained, without Kirk's maneuver the ship would have been destroyed. But they still live what means…

As if stung by an adder Riggs jumped up.
"Riggs to communication."
"Lieutenant Uhura here. What can I do for you?"
"Did you already send my message?"
"Yes, Sir. I send it together with the automatic log entry about an hour ago."
Inside Riggs was cursing.
"Thanks, Lieutenant. Can you please hail Olav Bergström on Senurum?"
"One moment. The connection stands, I put you through."
Riggs took a deep breath. It didn't edge him down but he must explain to Olav why he was not allowed to publish the last article…

The next day several other Starfleet ships arrived that should investigate the incident and first of all the debris of the cruisers. In addition the pirates captured on the Aldebarian freighter were brought to Earth for questioning. It must be found out how they had been able to intrude that deeply into Federation space and evolve such might potential.

Kirk, still in McCoy's custody, was finally on the mend. In the meantime Riggs had decided to return to his first rule of objective commentatorship. A little bit nervous he was about to meet the Vulcan first officer. Spock expected him inside the small conference room. Trying to not show his nervousness he declaimed his wish.

"Mr. Spock, thank you for your time."
Spock nodded silently as a sign of acceptance. Riggs continued:
"First I like to ask you for the permission to stay onboard the Enterprise further on."
"Since you are here by the explicit wish of Starfleet Command I see no logical reason to not grant your request."
"Thank you, Commander. But there is something else… Well, it happens that… In the past I have worked together with Vulcans several times before. Therefore I know about the telepathic abilities of your people…"
Spock stiffened almost imperceptible.
"It has come to my attention on which way you coordinated the assault of the Enterprise and the freighter."
Riggs avoided mentioning in which way he had obtained his information and built on the discretion of the Vulcan to not ask.
"That's why I like you to complete my corresponding knowledge."
Spock's face seemed to be even more Vulcan than usual.
"I regret, Mr. Riggs, but the telepathic abilities of my people are a private matter. They are not to be discussed with outsiders. Please understand that therefore I can not answer your question."

Riggs was disappointed but perceived that it would not make sense to press the Vulcan anymore. It was time for withdrawal.
"It is up to you. If you will excuse me…"
The Vulcan dismissed Riggs with a nod.

Deeply lost in thought Riggs strolled back to his cabin. Even if he would have to spend months aboard he swore to himself that he would solve the secret around Kirk, his first officer and the past.

End of Part 1

Story by Zelda Scott, 2004 (English Version 2006)
Star Trek is a registered trademark of the Paramount Picture Corporation; no copyright infringement is intended.

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