Chapter 3: Radioactive – Imagine Dragons:
3 years later:
''How did you hurt your wrist like that?'' Bones asked me concerned, as he bandaged my wrist. I sight. By disposing of a Romulan posing as a Vulcan, to murder important people at the Vulcan embassy, during an undercover mission that you can't know about.
''Well, I bumped into someone and fell on my wrist at a bad angle.'' I gave a small laugh then looked down as if embarrassed at my clumsiness. Bones gave a small laugh.
''Be more careful, it's just a small sprain but I don't want it to get any worse.'' Ah Bones, always so sweet. I gave him a small smile.
''So how did Jim do?'' I asked him about the Kobayashi Maru.
''He actually did it. I don't know how, but he did it. He passed the test.'' He answered puzzled. Well I know how he did it, Gaila hacked it for him.
I feigned ignorance. ''Wow.''
''All done.'' He said once he finished my bandage.
I gave him a small kiss on the cheek. ''Thanks Bones.'' Then I left.
''Hey tech.'' I told my roommate as I walked in.
''Hey! So how's the wrist?'' She asks me as she sets down her PADD beside her on her bed.
''Fine just a small sprain.'' I told her as I flop down head first on my bed ready to fall asleep. It has been a long day.
''Tomorrow there's a session in the auditorium at 0900.'' She informed me before I fell asleep.
''Okay, great, whatever…'' I mumbled into my pillow and then sleep took me away.
The next morning I woke up and skipped my morning workout since I have a sprain and went to take a shower. I got changed, brushed my teeth, did my hair, ate an apple and drank some tea then I applied my everyday make up consisting of a little blush, lots of mascara and red lip stain I then made my way to the auditorium. When I got there I looked for tech, I found her in the back and took the seat next to her.
''So what is this hearing about?'' She probably already hacked it and could already see all that was to be discussed.
She appeared confused when she looked up from her PADD at me. ''I don't know, it appears didn't make notes cause there's nothing to hack.'' Weird. Everyone took their seat and Admiral Barnett began speaking.
''This session has been called to resolve a troubling matter. James T. Kirk, step forward.'' What? ''Cadet Kirk, evidence has been submitted to this counsel suggesting that you violated the ethical code of conduct pursuant to regulation 1-7.3 of the Starfleet code. Is there anything you care to say before we begin, sir?'' I looked at my brother like everyone in the audience did as he stood up and made his way up front. Oh, Jim.
Jim took place in front of the counsel looking stiff, stressed. Not that anyone would notice too much but I did. ''Yes, I believe I have the right to face my accuser directly.'' Admiral Barnett looked at the crowd as did Jim and an instructor dressed in black stood up and adjusted his shirt.
''Step forward, please. This is Commander Spock. He's one of our most distinguished graduates. He's programmed the Kobayashi Maru exam for the last four years.'' He paused then looked to Spock. ''Commander?''
''Cadet Kirk, you somehow managed to install and activate a subroutine to the programming code, thereby changing the conditions of the test.'' He said matter-of-factly with his hand behind his back.
''Your point being?'' Jim asks looking away from him.
''In academic vernacular, you cheated.'' Admiral Barnett said as if we didn't already get it. I rolled my eyes. He should be awarded for being able to find an alternative to a no-win scenario, for thinking outside the box, not punished. Urgh.
Jim was looking down and responded with: ''Let me ask you something, I think we all know the answer to. The test itself is a cheat, isn't it? You programmed it to be unwinnable.'' He then looked at the commander.
''Your argument precludes the possibility of a no-win scenario."
''I don't believe in no-win scenarios.'' There you go bro. I smirked like I'm sure he was doing up there.
''Then, not only did you violate the rules, you also failed to understand the principle lesson.''
''Please, enlighten me.'' He said with a sharp tone.
''You of all people should know, cadet Kirk. A captain, cannot cheat death.'' What?
Jim seemed frozen for a moment then said: ''I of all people.''
''Your father, Lieutenant George Kirk, assumed command of his vessel before being killed in action, did he not?'' He said casually, as if nothing was wrong. Doesn't he know that's a low blow, gosh I want to slap some sense into that heartless bastard. Tech looked at me concerned when Spock said that, so I muttered to her that I was okay even though inside I was boiling with anger.
''I don't think that you like the fact that I beat your test?''
''Furthermore, you have failed to divine the purpose of the test.'' He continued as if Jim hadn't said a thing.
Jim bit down on his anger and said: ''Enlighten me again.''
''The purpose is to experience fear. Fear in the face of certain death. To accept that fear, and maintain control of oneself and one's crew. This is a quality expected in every Starfleet captain.'' Jim hung his head trying to come up with something. It was silent for a moment then an aide walked up to Admiral Barnett and gave him a PADD.
He scanned its content then looked worriedly at the audience. ''We've received a distress call from Vulcan. With our primary fleet engaged in the Laurentian system, I hereby order all cadets to report to hangar one immediately. Dismissed.'' Everyone stood and started to make their way hurriedly out but I decided to go see my brother and Bones first.
''I'll see you later tech. Save me a seat on the shuttle.'' I told her with a small forced smile. She touched me shoulder with a sympathetic one of her own, nodded then left.
When I reached them, Jim asked to no one in particular: ''Who was that pointy-eared bastard?''
''I don't know, but I like him.'' I looked at Bones at that and raised my left eyebrow, like really? ''Well I mean…'' He was struggling with his words.
I ignored him and we made our way to hangar one where we were to know where we would be assigned in silence. We all got in lines as a commander started calling out names. Bones and I got assigned to the Enterprise. Big surprise there, not. When they were done everyone started to go on their assignments. Jim said: ''They didn't call my name.'' He started to make his way to the commander that was giving out our assignments to ask him: ''Commander, sir, you didn't call my name, Kirk James T.'' Bones and I followed him.
''Kirk, you're on academic suspension, that means you're grounded.'' The commander replied while typing on a computer PADD on a wall. ''Until the academy board rules.'' He then left. I started to think of how we could sneak Jim in, since their decision was according to me unfair. Plus I didn't have all those undercover and infiltration and… classes for nothing.
Bones said to Jim's back. ''Jim, the board will rule in your favor.'' He then sighted. ''Most likely.'' Jim hung his head defeated. ''Look Jim, we gotta go.''
Jim turned and took hold of Bones hand shaking it. ''Yah, you go, be safe.'' He then gave him a forced smile and Bones left. It then clicked in my head how we would do it.
Jim was about to hug me and wish me luck but I stopped him. He seemed confused but before he could question me, I said: ''Wait here I'll see you in a few.'' I then hurried up to Bones. Time to bring out the charm. ''Bones?'' He turned to me. ''We can't leave Jim behind, it wasn't fair'' He was about to argue but I said: ''You know I think Jim needs a vaccine.'' He looked at me confused. ''And you should, as his physician take care of him if he's affected by said vaccine.'' It seemed to click in his head.
''You so owe me.''
I tsked him. ''Ah, ah, ah, Jim'll owe you. After all it's for him.'' He started muttering curses under his breath as he went to get Jim. ''Thanks.'' I told his retreating back. I laughed and made my way to the shuttle that I was assigned and took my seat beside Yuki with a big smile on my face.
''Well, you seem happier. What took you so long?'' She asked me once I sat down.
''I'll tell you later.'' I then turned in my seat and saw Bones enter the shuttle craft dragging Jim. It worked. Yuki looked to where I was looking and seeing my brother understood immediately what I did.
''No need.'' She said with a small laugh. The shuttle then took off towards the U.S.S. Enterprise.
When we got on the starship everyone was bustling around not knowing where to go. ''See you later.'' Tech told me as she started to make her way to the bridge.
''See yah.'' I started to make my way to med bay where my office was situated. Once inside I changed into my blue dress science uniform and started to organize my office. When I was done I made my way to see how Jim was doing. He was unconscious, Bones told me he gave him a sedative, I thanked him for what he did and went back to my office and started to study the crew's files.
I stopped when the intercom chirped to life: ''May I have your attention pleasse. At 2200, telemetry detected an anomaly in zee neutral zone. What appeared to be a lightning storm in space. Soon after Starfleet received a distress signal from zee Wulcan high command, that zeir planet was experiencing seismic activity. Our mission iz to assess zee condition of Wulcan and assist in ewacuations, if necessary. We should be arriving at Wulcan wizin 3 minutes. Sank you for your time.'' When the message was over I went back to my files. Not long after that I received a message from tech on my PADD telling me to come to the bridge. My brother was there talking about Vulcan being attacked by Romulans. Either he was delusional or there was a real threat either way maybe I could help. I hurriedly made my way to the bridge.
The red alert started blaring, once I entered the bridge I heard: ''3, 2.'' And then I saw several federation ships in pieces. ''Emergency evasive.'' Pike said.
''Yes, sir.'' The pilot answered. The Enterprise hit a piece of broken ship, I held myself on the doorway to keep from falling.
''Damage report.''
''Deflector shields are holding.''
''All stations. Engineer Olsen, report. Full reverse. Come about starboard, 90°. Drop us under them, Sulu.'' Pike ordered.
''Captain they're locking torpedoes.'' Spock said.
''Divert auxiliary power from port nossel to forward shields.'' We took a hit. ''Sulu, status report.''
''Shields at 32%. Their weapons are powerful, sir. We can't take another hit like that.''
''Give me Starfleet command.''
Spock replied: ''Captain the Romulan's ship has lowered some kind of high energy pulse device into the Vulcan atmosphere. Its signals appear to be blocking our communications and transporters abilities.'' What are they doing to Vulcan? What do they want?
''All powers to forward shields. Prepare to fire all weapons.''
''Captain, we're being hailed.'' Suddenly the image of a Romulan man appeared on the front screen. I stayed where I was by the turbo lift and studied the alien's demeanor.
''Hello.'' He said casually, as if his ship hasn't just been firing on ours.
''I'm captain Christopher Pike, to whom am I speaking?''
The Romulan inclined his head in greeting. ''Hi, Christopher. I'm Nero.''
''You've declared war against the federation. Withdraw…, I'll agree to arrange a conference with Romulan leadership in a neutral location.''
With his head tilted to his right, he's being calculative, detached, he answered: ''I do not speak for the empire. We stand apart.'' He then inclined his head slightly on his left, what he'll say touches him more personally, emotionally, with restrained aggressivity in his tone he said: ''As does your Vulcan crew member. Isn't that right, Spock?'' Spock stood up from his station and made his way next to captain Pike.
''Pardon me, I do not believe you and I are acquainted.''
''No, we're not. Not yet. Spock there's something I would like you to see.'' He said with pursed lips. He's refraining from telling us something. ''Captain Pike, your transporter has been disable as you can see, by the rest of your armada, you have no choice. You will man a shuttle, come aboard the Narada for negotiations. That is all.'' Then the screen returned to our view of Vulcan and the Narada. We all looked at captain Pike wondering what to do.
Pike stood from his chair and turned towards Jim, Spock and I. ''He'll kill you, you know that.''
My brother pointed out at the same time Spock said: ''Your survival is unlikely.''
''Captain, we gain nothing by diplomacy. Going over to that ship is a mistake.'' Jim said.
''I too agree. You should rethink your strategy.''
''Cadet Belle?'' Pike asked for my advice when he saw me, since he knows I evaluated Nero's psychological profile while he talked. I stepped forward beside my brother.
''Sir, he's not going to negotiate he'll most likely torture you to get information out of you until you're dead.'' I didn't sugarcoat it.
''I understand.'' Pike said resigned. Then his voice got stronger as he said: ''I need officers who have been trained in advanced hand in hand combat.'' I was about to volunteer but Pike looked at my injured wrist and I knew he wouldn't let me go. I pulled on my sleeve to hide my bandage just in case I could help with something else.
''I have the training, sir.'' Sulu said raising his right hand.
''Come with me. Kirk you too, you're not supposed to be here anyway. Chekov you have the con.'' I muttered good luck to Jim with a small smile as he left with Pike, Sulu and Spock towards the shuttle crafts.
''Aye, Keptin.''
I took Spock's science station when he left. When Spock got back he took the captain's chair.
''Dr. Puri, report.'' Spock said trough the captain's chair comm.
''It's McCoy. Dr. Puri was on deck 6, he's dead.''
Spock took a while to answer then said: ''Then you have just inherited his responsibility as chief medical officer.''
''Yeah, tell me something I don't know.''
''Avay team iz entering zee atmosphere, sir. 20 000 meters.'' Chekov told Spock. ''Approaching zee platform at 5 800 meters.''
''Kirk to Enterprise distance to target 5 000 meters.''
''4 600 meters from zee platform.''
We heard through the com: ''4 500 meters to target.'' ''4 000 meters.'' ''3 000 meters.'' ''2 000 meters, pull chute.'' ''2 000 meters.'' ''come on pull your chute, Olsen.'' ''No, not yet, not yet.'' Shit, he's an adrenaline junkie. ''1 500 meters.'' ''Open the chute!'' ''Wee hee hee!'' ''Olsen pull your chute!'' ''1 000 meters.'' ''Olsen!''
''O-Olsen iz gone, sir.'' Chekov said a little startled. Damn adrenaline junkie. ''Kurk has landed, sir.'' I let out a breath I didn't know I was holding.
''The jamming signal's gone. Transporter abilities are reestablished.''
''Transporter control iz reengaged, sir.''
''Chekov, run gravitational sensors. I wanna know what they're doing to the planet.'' Spock said hastily.
''Aye, commander. Urgh, Keptin. Sorry, Keptin.''
''Kirk to Enterprise. They just launched something at the planet… Through the hole they just drilled. Do you copy, Enterprise?''
''Yes, sir.''
''Keptin, gravitational sensors are off zee scale. If my calculations are correct. Zey're creating a singularity zat vill consume ze planet.''
''They are creating a black hole at the center of Vulcan?''
''Yes, sir.'' Chekov answered.
''How long does the planet have?''
''Minutes, sir. Minutes.'' Chekov answered while shrugging and slightly shaking his head.
Spock stood. ''Alert Vulcan command center to signal a planet wide evacuation all channels, all frequencies.'' He told a black woman with a red dress uniform that was behind me. He seemed agitated. A Vulcan agitated, not good, I decided to follow him and the woman to the turbo lift casually.
''Spock, wait.'' She tried to stop him. They're obviously close, to what extent I do not know yet.
''Maintain standard orbit.'' He continued as if she hadn't spoken.
Someone said: ''Yes, sir.'' As he got in the turbo lift.
''Where are you going?'' The woman asked as I snuck into it silently beside him, they didn't seem to notice me.
''To evacuate the Vulcan high council. Their tasked with protecting our cultural history, my parents will be among them.'' I knew there was something wrong, I'm not letting him go into that time bomb planet alone, we're not losing another captain.
''Can't you beam them out?'' She asked concerned.
''It is impossible. They will be in the Katric ark. I must get them myself. Chekov, you have the con.'' Spock then started the lift and finally took notice of me. ''Cadet, what are you doing here?''
I looked in front of me as I answered. ''As I'm sure you are aware, acting captain, we already lost a captain and according to regulations an acting captain must be kept out of danger and guide the ship through the crisis that caused the loss of the first captain. So you going on a planet that is about to be destroyed, is against said regulation, unless someone is to accompany you to make sure no harm comes to you, sir.'' I finally turn to look him in the eyes and I let out a small gasp. I felt a shock go through me and butterflies fill my stomach. WTF is wrong with me, I get a crush on someone during a crisis?
He muttered: ''Shan hal lak, T'hy'la.'' I speak Vulcan but those words were foreign to me. We both seemed frozen looking into each others eyes until the turbo lift doors opened to the transporter room. We both snapped out of whatever daze that was and got out of the lift. We then, ignoring each other, went to grab a utility belt and got on the platform. Jim and Sulu were there on the floor. ''Clear the pad. We're beaming to the surface.'' Spock told them as we put on our belt.
''The surface of what?'' Jim asked while Spock crouched down, I mimicked him he's the one that knows the planet. ''Are you nuts? Georgia?'' It's rare he uses my first name it shows how much he's worried I just gave him a small smile. ''Spock, you can't do that!''
Spock ignores him completely and says: ''Energize.'' When we got on the planet's surface it was as if we just teleported in hell everywhere I looked it was chaos, everything was collapsing… ''Follow me.'' I followed Spock up a hill and to the entrance of a tunnel. As I was about to follow him inside he said: ''Stay here, hail the Enterprise as soon as we're out.''
''Yes, sir.'' As soon as I saw them come out I took out my communicator: ''Belle to Enterprise. Beam us out, now.'' Spock was holding and older woman, probably his mother when he came out but let go of her momentarily.
''Locking on you, don't move. Stay right where you are.'' The lights started to swirl around us I saw that the ledge where Spock's mother was, was about to crumble, since I was closer to her then Spock I reached out to her with both hands doing an arabesque just as the cliff collapsed. I felt hands on the leg I was holding up, keeping both Spock's mother and I from falling. Damn my wrist hurt, I couldn't help but think as I was holding onto her. Luckily it was only for a few seconds, we then all reappeared on the pads of the Enterprise and I let go of her. She hugged me and thanked me for saving her life. She then joined a male Vulcan who gave me a small nod of appreciation, she was probably his wife. I turned around Spock was still holding my leg, I notice him get a light green blush and hastily let go.
Jim hugged me as soon as I got down from the platform. ''Are you alright?''
''Yeah, I just need to see Bones about my wrist and…'' Suddenly everything started to spin and become blurry. I brought my hand to my head and when I brought it back there was red on it. Damn it, a rock must've hit me at the entrance of the cave. I didn't get to finish my sentence as I felt myself falling into Jim and everything went black.
