TIME LOCK-CHAPTER 1

Captain's log: Star Date-2266.3

-The Enterprise is en route to Star Base 39 to give the base its annual, "check-up" per say. Should be a fairly uneventful trip considering the nature of it. Just the standard systems check and crew evaluation. This sector of space has been very peaceful for the past few months, which makes our job all the easier.-

Kirk turned off the recording device. The bridge was quieter than usual. The crew was tired because of their long trek from the Beta Ursae Quadrant, which was several quadrants away from the Sierra Sector Block. Even the Enterprise herself seemed to cruise along in a lazy fashion. Kirk had asked Doctor McCoy about it earlier.

"It's just drowsiness Jim. Keep anyone cooped up long enough and they'll get tired of it. What'd you think it was? Some lethal virus that puts us all to sleep so our ship crashes?"

Kirk grinned. "Well knowing our luck, that could be a very really possibility."

Bones shook his head. "All this space travel must be getting to your head. You could do well with a break."

That had been two days ago. They had now come out of warp and Star Base 39 had now appeared in the front viewer.

"Request permission to dock Uhura."

"Yes, Captain."

Twenty minutes later, Kirk and Spock materialized in the Transportation room. They were greeted by a senior Star Fleet officer and two red clad guards.

"Welcome to Star Base 39 Captain. We hope you find your stay enjoyable." The officer said halfheartedly.

"My name is Lieutenant Commander Spint. I will be your host for this visit. Follow me if you will..."

Kirk glanced at Spock who raised an eyebrow in return. Having no other choice, they followed the dim-spirited Lieutenant.

They passed several officers, all of which looked up from their work and stared at the new comers. They all looked just as dreary as Kirk's own crew.

"Sheesh. You'll find more cheer in a graveyard." Kirk remarked under his breath.

"I do believe that claim is inaccurate Captain, being that most entities in graveyards are decea-"

Kirk rolled his eyes exasperatingly. "It's a figure of speech Spock. You're hopeless you know that?"

Spock inclined his head indifferently.

"Lieutenant Spint to see the Admiral. We have visitors." The familiar, "kishhh" of a sliding door hit Kirk's ears as they stepped into the commander's office.

The Armiral was an impressive man. He was powerfully built and had a few inches on Kirk. His face was hard and yet... Kirk thought he saw a twinkle in his eye. The man's dark hair was fashioned military style.

"Ah you must be Captain Kirk! I've been expecting you."

After the coldness of everyone else on board, the Admiral's warm welcome caught Kirk slightly off guard. His voice was deep and rich.

"You are dismissed Lieutenant. And this is your first officer I presume?"

"Yes, this is my first officer Mr. Spock. Forgive me but your name escapes me Admiral."

"Oh how rude of me! I forgot to intro- Oh how rude of me! I forgot to introduce myself. I am Admiral Amrak of Star Base 39. Although you probably knew the last part." He said with a wink.

Kirk hesitated and resisted the urge to glance at Spock. The Admiral had repeated himself in not just words, but tone, motion and expressions. But then it was over. Had he imagined it?

"I uh... It's... It's a pleasure to meet you Admiral." Kirk said with a forced smile. "From what I've seen so far, your crew and facility seems top notch! I'm sure the inspection will go through without a hitch."

The Admiral smiled broadly. "Thank you Captain! I hope you enjoy your stay."

The way he said it sounded completely innocent and true hearted but the tug in Kirk's gut made it feel more sinister...