Disclaimer
I'm not making a cent from this story.
Kirk belongs to Star Trek.
The name USS Saratoga is from Neferit's story, but everything about the ship's class/design I made up!
Acknowledgment
Those of you who have read Neferit's works may have come across her 'This is the End' trilogy.
In it Kirk is raped during shore leave. Instead of supporting him his crew, with the exception of Dr. McCoy,
assumes that he was just fooling around and basically turn their backs on him. This betrayal, added to
the already devastating trauma of the rape, leads Kirk to step down as Captain of the Enterprise.
Several months later he accepts command of a different ship, the USS Saratoga.
The stories in this series are are my take on Kirk accepting his new command. I've written it with Neferit's kind permission.
Notes
Other stories in this universe are, in chronological order:
Dreams to Nightmares
Prologue
Chastise
A New Start
The Way of Teacher and Student
A New Season
Amethyst Skies
Parallels
Final Flight
Unforgiven
Endeavor
Request
If you fave or follow please leave feedback! I live for it!
GOD bless
John 3:16
Captain's Log
Stardate 2259.1.15
It's been two weeks since the Saratoga left Earth and eleven days since she reached her first destination,
the Hymer Cloud.
During that time our science departments have been busy studying this incredible nebula and it's even
more incredible indigenous life forms, which we've dubbed the 'Hymer Fireflies.' The Saratoga may be
a small research vessel, but research vessels can make incredible discoveries.
I've been busy finding my feet as the new commander of this vessel, maybe even as a Commanding officer
period, which to be honest I haven't been for long. After all, I was only on the Enterprise for two months
and during the first month of it, the Enterprise was in Spacedock getting repaired.
Since coming to the Saratoga, I've been determined to get to know my new crew and I've made it a
personal goal to interact personally with every singe one of them. A perfectly feasible goal- the Saratoga
currently has only 106 crewmembers and fifteen civilians. A big drop from over 1100. But there are
advantages to small ships and one is that you have a chance to get to know everyone.
James T. Kirk
Saratoga Mess Hall
5:45 PM
Lieutenant Harutu Akari.
The name rang through Kirk's head as he approached his Chief Helmsman, who sat silently finishing
his dinner. He had formed a mental habit of whenever he approached someone, he would make a quick
mental rehash of what he knew about them.
Thirty three years old. Born and raised in Kyoto, Japan. Has served onboard the Saratoga for three years
and is obviously her best pilot.
He wasn't as superb a pilot as Sulu, but was still very good. He'd come with glowing recommendations
and was always in the simulators improving his technique.
He's a no nonsense perfectionist, who expects nothing less than the best from himself at all times.
And also from those under him.
Kirk had often seen him with the other ship's pilots and knew that he was relentless and demanding.
But at the same time he was fair and with a seemingly endless supply of patience.
He's very good with a sword.
A couple of days after coming to the Saratoga, Kirk had gone down to the gym to exercise. In one
of the rooms he had noticed Akari, dressed in a kimono and hakama. In his hands he held a wooden
bokken and he was performing a kata.
Kirk had silently watched the Helmsman's graceful movements; admiring both the blade and his skill
at using it. He had seen Sulu spar a few times, but with Akari it was different. Sulu was without question
a warrior-Kirk had seen that first hand on the Nerada's drill. Akari was a warrior too, but something was
different and he couldn't quite put his finger on what it was.
Over the next several days he had continued to silently watch Akari practice whenever he spotted him
in the gym.
He had finally decided to do more than watch.
"Lieutenant," he said as he approached.
Akari looked up at him. "Captain."
He started to stand up, but Kirk stopped him. "As you where."
Kirk pulled out a chair and sat down opposite the Helmsman. "I wanted to ask you a favor," he began.
"I'm pretty sure you've noticed me watching you practice in the gym." He took a breath. "And I was
wondering if you could teach me how to handle a sword."
Akari was silent for a moment. "Learning how to use a sword is not a casual hobby, Captain.
And if that is what you wish to learn, then I must respectfully refuse."
At noting the Kirk's surprised expression, he continued. "To master the virtue of the sword is to
master the world and oneself. It takes ten years to begin to master the techniques of swordsmanship."
His eyebrow raised slightly. "And you will never master them if you approach training with a 'ten years?
I'll do it in nine' attitude."
Kirk's eyes widened and he was surprised to feel himself blush with embarrassment. Trust his cocky,
overconfident and downright arrogant attitude at the Academy to come back and haunt him.
Akari continued to speak. "It takes ten years to learn the techniques of the sword. But the ultimate
goal of training is to become one with the sword and that takes a lifetime."
The Chief Helmsman stood and picked up his tray. "I will give you two days to think about what it is
that you truly want. If you simply want to learn how to handle a sword, or if you truly wish to master
the sword. After those two days, ask me again."
1/17/2259
Saratoga Mess Hall
5:45 PM
Kirk once again approached the Helmsman who looked at him calmly. "Do you have something that
you wish to ask me, Captain?"
Kirk nodded. "I want to master the sword. Will you please teach me?"
Akari stood. "Come with me."
Akari's Quarters
6:10 PM
Akari led Kirk into his quarters. Against one of the walls was a wall stand containing four swords. two katanas
and two bokken.
Akari turned and addressed him. "My ancestors were Samurai. Technically, I'm not one myself- the Samurai
were a military/noble caste that one was born into and that caste was disbanded in the late 19th century.
But ever since then many, both in Japan and elsewhere have studied their teachings and followed their ways."
His eyes went to the swords. "And for one who respects the Samurai, the first step is the sword. Swordsmanship
is the Art of the Sword. Some believe it be the paramount martial art, surpassing all others.
"There are many different styles and schools of Japanese swordsmanship. These include Kendo, 'The Way of the Sword,'
Kenjutsu, the 'Art of the Sword', Bottojutsu, the Art of Drawing a Sword, Iaijutsu, the 'Art of Mental Presence
and Immediate Reaction', and Iado, the 'Way of Mental Presence and Immediate Reaction."
Akari paused. "I practice elements of Kenjutsu and Bottojutsu, which I shall teach you."
He moved over to the stand and took down the katana on the top rung. "This is Kōtō ryū, 'Soaring Dragon'.
It has been in my family for generations."
He replaced the sword and removed the second. "This is Tengoku no pasu, 'Heaven's Path'. I had it custom made
for me years ago when I completed the first ten years of my training." His eyes met Kirk's. "Perhaps someday you
will have one made for youself as well."
The katana was replaced and the first bokken removed. "This is Renshu burēdo, 'Practice Blade.' You have seen
me use it when I train."
After the first was replaced, the final bokken was removed "This is Gakusei burēdo , 'Student Blade.' I used it
during my training and I kept it afterwards, for the day that it would once again be needed. For the day that I
would have a student of my own."
Akari silently handed the bokken to Kirk. "This is yours for the duration of your training. "Meet me in the gym
tomorrow at 1800 and we will begin."
As Kirk silently took the sword he realized. I know what's different now. Akari is not just a warrior, he's a teacher.
He looked into his eyes. My teacher.
Yes, Sensei," he said softly.
Notes
Kenjutsu
"The Art of the Sword."
The term has been used as a general term for swordsmanship as a whole and originated with
the samurai class of feudal Japan
It is the oldest form of training
Battōjutsu
"The Art of Drawing a Sword."
Developed in the mid-15th century
Focuses upon the efficient drawing of the sword, cutting down one's enemy, and returning
the sword to its scabbard
Training emphasizes defensive counter-attacking and generally consists of only a few moves,
focusing on stepping up to an enemy, drawing, performing one or more cuts, and sheathing the weapon.
Iaijutsu
The Art of Mental Presence and Immediate Reaction"
Also an art of drawing the sword but unlike battōjutsu, tends to be technically more
complex, and there is a much stronger focus upon perfecting form.
Iaidō
"The Way of Mental Presence and Immediate Reaction"
Nominally the modernization of iaijutsu, but in practice is frequently identical to iaijutsu.
Developed during the 20th century
Emphasis upon personal and spiritual development.
Kendo
"The Way of the Sword."
A modern Japanese martial art, which descended from kenjutsu
Uses bamboo swords (shinai) and protective armor (bōgu)
Kata
"Form"
Detailed choreographed patterns of movements practiced either solo or in pairs.
Samurai
The military-nobility and officer-caste of medieval and early-modern Japan.(7th -19th centuries)
Hakama
A type of traditional Japanese clothing and a type of trousers.
Hakama are tied at the waist and fall approximately to the ankles.
They are worn over a kimono.
Typical Japanese men usually wear hakama only on extremely formal occasions.
They are regularly worn by practitioners of a variety of martial arts
Katana
Japanese long sword
Bokken
Japanese wooden sword used for practice and training
Sensei
'Teacher' or 'Master'