In Pursuit of the Truth
The small young woman briskly walked down the cobbled street trying not to attract any attention to herself. Lavish gold coloured stone buildings periodically littered the wide boulevards of the walled city, their gilded embellishments glistening in the midsummer sun. The scent of rich fragrances filled the air from the nearby perfumery as she weaved between the huge trees with low hanging purple foliage that lined both sides of the street.
In the summer season plump orange fruit would hang low enough for the children to pick, the memory of her Father collecting the fruit to make jam in the winter flickered in her mind like a candle in some distant window. She watched as a crowd of women talked and laughed as they strolled by her, their elegant dresses flowing in the faint breeze and their gilded decorative jewellery sparkling against their bronzed skin. It was never truly cold in the city, the Mediterranean like climate guided the fashion of the people, long flowing gowns were adorned with elaborate and intricate needlework. The designs were inspired by nature and culture, a person's occupation would usually be depicted in their clothing.
An agriculturalist's dress would be decorated with the animals they reared, the wheat they grew. An artist would detail the movement they followed whether it be traditional, baroque or modern. A florist would carefully stitch each and every plant and flower they sold at market and a scientist would decorate their garments with the discoveries they had made. Making her way down the long narrow alleyway the woman slipped into a small doorway, knocking hastily and peering from left to right. The door opened quickly and she slipped in before the entryway had been fully opened, a clasp and a lock were quickly put back in their place. Inside, the stone walls housed small tapestries, some now extremely old and frayed. All the houses and public buildings within the city were filled with wall-hangings, long ago they were once used as a form of currency in the capital cities amongst the elite families.
"Well?" Another woman asked hastily, catching her breath the other nodded frantically.
"Yes, yes they're coming."
"You're sure?"
"Yes I'm sure." The two women looked at one another, the final piece of their puzzle seemingly falling into place.
"The matriarchal society of Xenusian is famed throughout the Quadrant, known for its progressive pursuit of the arts and philosophy…" Kirk sat at his desk, reading from his PADD. "On the outskirts of each city lay the farming land that grows vegetables, wheat crops and grapes for wine. Children are taught outdoors, alongside the academic subjects they are taught agriculture, combat and other vocational skills. The people of Xenusian are a peaceful race, this is in part to the understanding of their formidable ancient conquests in battle with the neighbouring planets they once warred with." Taking a sip of coffee Kirk paused for a moment and shifted in his chair. "The democratic elected Prime Minister, Xuemei Tosh, has recently stepped down. The revered eighty two year old woman was a beloved leader and many feel her retirement is the end of a peaceful era. Troublesome fractions have been increasingly rising within the shadows though…"
"The plot thickens." McCoy interrupted theatrically.
"It is believed by these radical divisions that the long reign of peace has opened the planet up to probable conquest. They believe that the art of war has been lost and to remain intact the young women of Xenusian must train as true warriors once again." Kirk placed the PADD down and looked at the Doctor. "Well Bones, what do you have to say to that?"
"Sounds like a Greek tragedy to me Jim." McCoy replied typically.
"You know the men don't have the right to vote?"
"Probably best." McCoy took a sip of his own coffee.
"Xuemei Tosh had been leading the talks to become a member of the Federation, last week her replacement, Eva Toczko, who has been in power for no more than a season I might add, sent a message to the Federation. All talks must end." McCoy arched his eyebrow in peaked interest.
"I take it that's how it came to be that Captain James T. Kirk found himself orbiting the planet of Xenusian, wondering if and when his communication to the Parliament would be answered?" McCoy questioned.
"Right as ever Doctor." Kirk stood and straightened his uniform, making his way out of his office followed closely by McCoy.
"Lieutenant Uhura, any update?" Kirk asked enthusiastically, taking his seat in the command chair. McCoy stood to his left and slightly back, as he always did.
"Not yet Captain." Uhura swivelled in her chair to address Kirk.
"Send it again." Kirk replied somewhat tersely, his good mood quickly dissipating.
"Aye Captain." Uhura nodded her head and pivoted back towards her station.
"Well there you have it Jim, the woman's not returning your calls. You must be losing your touch." McCoy couldn't keep the sound of amusement from his voice.
"Thanks Bones." Kirk looked up at him indignantly.
"Anytime Jim." McCoy gave him a flourishing salute.
"Captain." Their focus was drawn by Uhura again, who was holding on to her earpiece and focusing keenly.
"What is it?" Kirk stood and made his way over, tired of sitting and waiting.
"I'm receiving a communication on behalf of the Xenusian Prime Minister."
"Let's hear it."
'Captain Kirk, as acting representative of the Federation you are denied an audience with Prime Minister Toczko. No further communications are necessary.' Kirk looked to McCoy and then to Uhura.
"That's it?" He asked, somewhat sore by the apparent snub.
"That's it Captain." Uhura replied reluctantly.
"Plenty more fish in the sea Jim." McCoy slapped his friend on the back and made his way towards the turbolift.
"As helpful as ever Bones." Kirk muttered under his breath, Uhura had to stifle the smile that itched at the corners of her mouth.
Coral Wolf-Wannemacher was the Head Nurse aboard the USS Enterprise, she had inherited the position from Christine Chapel who had unexpectedly left some months after their mission had begun. In her mid-thirties, Coral was a seasoned Officer having served on board a number of vessels as well as carrying out research in the Karylion system and humanitarian relief within the Midos galaxy.
Her light brown hair with it's naturally highlighted blonde streaks was perpetually rolled into a tight French Twist and the only hint of vanity came in the form of the black winged eyeliner she donned every day.
The younger Ensigns were always initially very intimidated by her, wanting to please, they would unconsciously kowtow in her presence and apologise profusely when a task wasn't carried out to her standard. They all knew that if they didn't have what it took they wouldn't last long under her command. Ultimately though, the Nurses and Medical Technicians that reported to her grew to respect and love her. Her guidance and mentorship, both in their professional and personal lives always proved to be right. She would never forget a birthday or anniversary and she had saved many a relationship in her time, conversely her own personal life was a mystery to most.
There were rumours of course, that she had been widowed, that she had fallen in love and had a tumultuous affair with the leader of an unknown race of warriors. Recently it was thought on good authority that she had chosen a life of solitude due to a long-standing unexplained murder in her hometown of York, England.
"You're not taking my Head Nurse Jim!" McCoy crossed his arms furiously.
"You'll be fine Bones." Jim waved him off as they quickly walked along the corridor together toward the medical bay.
"The hell I will! The place will fall apart without her, she's the only one who can herd the Nurses together and get any damned work out of them!"
"'Herd' Bones?" Kirk tried to ignore his rattling CMO. "I'm sure you'll be able to manage."
"I'm a Doctor not a Babysitter! I swear the woman uses black magic on some of those Ensigns." Kirk couldn't help but laugh at his friend, when Wolf-Wannemacher had first come aboard McCoy had started off being his usual obstinate self with her, it lasted all of forty eight hours before she'd quietly pulled him to one side, made it very clear that his tone was to only ever radiate respect when speaking to her and that the Nurses were under her charge only. McCoy had found himself reluctantly but quietly respecting the woman's forthrightness and from that point on they had worked extremely well with one another. Now it seemed, the Doctor was lost without her.
"Don't be ridiculous Bones." Kirk strode through the door to the Medical Bay, scanning the room his eyes fell upon Coral. Privately, James T. Kirk had given nicknames to many a crew member, Coral was no exception, hers was 'Luna'.
"Nurse Wannemacher." Kirk caught her attention, looking up from her desk she smiled warmly, her blue eyes sparkling.
"Captain, how can I help you?" Coral looked briefly from Kirk's face to McCoy's, who was stood slightly aback, she could see the storm brewing before her very eyes.
"Can I have a word? Bones, let's use your office." Kirk looked to McCoy and then back to Coral, ushering her towards the Doctor's private office.
"By all means." McCoy gritted out as he allowed Coral to follow Kirk. Once inside Coral waited patiently, clasping her hands together as she always did.
"Take a seat Nurse Wannemacher." McCoy sat in his own chair, not wanting to give Kirk the satisfaction of taking it. Coral nodded and sat politely, allowing her still clasped hands to rest in her lap. Her legs crossed at the ankle, she stretched her back, she hadn't had a chance to sit down for her entire shift up until that point. "Nurse Wannemacher, we're currently orbiting the planet Xenusian. To cut a long story short the new elected Prime Minister isn't so fond of the Federation and is rejecting any kind of communication with Starfleet."
"Starfleet Jim?" McCoy interrupted, his eyebrow arched in annoyance, Kirk rolled his eyes and cleared his throat.
"More precisely, the Prime Minster has rejected any further communication with any man, I mean, male Starfleet Officer." Kirk fell over his words. "We need you to go talk to them because you're, well you're a…"
"A woman Captain?" Coral concluded.
"Yes! I mean No! Yes! Of course you're a woman, that's not what I meant. What I meant to say was that you're one of the highest ranking female Officers on board and we would like you to accompany Lieutenant Uhura." Kirk let out a long breath.
"I'm not a Diplomat Captain…" Coral began but Kirk laughing made her stop.
"Nurse Wannemacher, you work with Doctor McCoy! I'd say your skills in diplomacy are up there with Ambassador Sarek." Coral couldn't help but smirk and one look at McCoy let her know that even though the Captain was making a joke at his expense he was in agreement with the point Kirk was making also.
"Is there a report I can read?" She asked.
"Yes of course." Kirk nodded his head enthusiastically.
"And how long do you anticipate this to take?"
"One or two days, three max." Kirk replied.
"Three days! Damnit Jim!" McCoy barked out.
"Max Bones, max!" Kirk tried to calm him down. Coral stood, indicating that the conversation was over for the time being.
"Very well Captain, I'll liaise with Lieutenant Uhura shortly." Kirk nodded in appreciation. "Doctor McCoy, your crew report is due for submission. I'll make sure Nurse Hoskins is available." She looked at McCoy as if she was promising she would read him a bedtime story.
"Hoskins! Damn it Wannemacher!" McCoy squeezed his eyes shut and pinched the bridge of his nose with his thumb and forefinger.
"Nurse Hoskins is perfectly able Doctor, as you well know." With that Coral left, slightly amused and slightly anxious.
Coral wore her blue science uniform instead of her light blue and white medical smock, it felt more appropriate somehow. Fixing her hair she walked toward the transporter room, she was meeting Uhura there. Entering the bay she immediately saw that McCoy was stood waiting for her.
"Doctor? Is there something wrong? Did I forget something?" She asked concerned, McCoy shook his head and leaned in towards her, pulling her by her elbow to one side.
"Of course not, when do you forget anything? No, I just wanted to make sure you were alright." Coral noticed his cheeks flush ever so slightly, if she didn't know better she would have thought that he was nervous.
"Doctor McCoy, I'm fine. There's nothing to worry about." She unconsciously placed her hand on his arm as reassurance and she visibly saw his shoulders relax at her touch.
"The hell there is Wannemacher! The first sign of trouble you get the hell out of there you hear me?" She wanted to make a joke, tease him about worrying but she knew better of it. He was coming from a good place, and she could never tease him for that.
"I will Doctor, I will." With that she watched him leave and make her way over to Uhura.
"Is he going to be okay?" Uhura asked bemused.
"He'll be fine." Coral replied. "You ready to go?"
"As I'll ever be." Uhura stepped onto the transporter pad and indicated to the Engineer that they were ready.
As the tell-tale sensations of their evaporation began to course through their bodies, both women stood straight, eagerly anticipating their arrival on the planet.
Thank you for reading; I hope you enjoy this story. Please let me know what you think by leaving a review, as ever I will endeavour to update regularly. LLAP ;-) XOXO