No One's POV
An hour later, Kirk found himself and his Senior crew trailing after his best friend, as Admiral Madison toured them through the Alpha X Delta base headquarters.
Having finished a quick cruise through levels 5 through 7, which consisted of the Admiral and First Officer's offices (level 7), the Senior Command Officer's offices (level 6), and the conference rooms (level 5), because let's be honest those were the boring floors, Kirk and his crew headed back into the turbo lift, following Madison, Khan and Yeoman Stark, eager to see the research labs and other more interesting floors that Yeoman Stark had briefly mentioned the day before.
"Now, for confidentiality reasons that I'm sure you can understand, I cannot allow you and your Senior crew members access to the research labs during your duration here at base, unless specifically authorized by myself or Khan for a specific task or project. The existence of the base in its entirety is highly classified and sensitive. Therefore our work and advances in technology and science are equally so. However I don't see any harm in doing a quick walk through and trust you will not divulge information that you may see to any others of your crew or otherwise." Madison explains lightly, filling the silence in the turbo lift as she punches in a code and flashes an I.D badge in front of the holographic screen, though honestly it was more for pretense than anything.
Jarvis was actually wired/coded into the entire base and could control or "see" any part of the building, though the computer typically controlled and monitored the base for all other personnel, Senior Officers or otherwise, Jarvis simply overrode the computers commands and function to assist his Sir and Ma'am when it was appropriate or needed. This allowed both Khan and Madison complete authorization and freedom wherever it demanded without the pain and trouble of having to use I.D cards or retinal and finger scans for the more classified levels/sections.
"Of course Em. I appreciate you being willing to show us. Honestly it's all pretty exciting and whatever you can show us will surely be interesting. I mean being on a starship doesn't exactly give you opportunity to stay up to date on new advancements you know." Kirk replies.
"I definitely can imagine. The only downside to long term missions I guess." Madison chatters back easily, the turbo lift opening to reveal the next floor down.
"Level four, our agricultural, environmental and natural resource R&D level." Madison informs, striding towards another door that would allow them the actual access to the labs on that level, coded and locked as the other R&D departments were.
Touring leisurely through levels 3 and 4 of the base's R&D departments (Sulu finding level three to be the most interesting and exciting given the designation it had for botany and biology) the group followed Madison through the last R&D level, astrophysics, engineering, architect and physics.
The lab itself (much like the labs of level 3 and 4) was pristine and sleek, beautiful in a modern, scientific way. Yet unlike the above labs of the base, this lab was more familiar in feel and looks, though more advanced than the engineering department in the Enterprise, to Kirk and his crew.
The astrophysics/physics and engineering stations of the level two R&D overlooked the docking bays of the warships, a large bay of windows paneling across the entire side, giving the science officers view of any and all upgrades and work done to the Alpha X Delta warships. It was the most logical arrangement, especially given the advancements in technology and weaponry that were being built and installed. It also gave science officers firsthand view to anything that went wrong, giving them the chance to change, tweak or further experiment before plans for the next warship was finalized.
"Jim- Jim Kirk? McCoy?" A familiar female voice asks with surprise, the Enterprise Senior crew currently reviewing work on several holo screens with complex mathematical equations. From what Scotty could work out the equations were new logarithms that would solve an issue with overheating plasma blasts and some other problem with a weaponry system on the warships. It was quite impressive and even slightly intimidating. The warships of Alpha X Delta were certainly not something anyone would want to cross. In a fire fight there would be no question as to who the winner would be.
"Carol!?" Kirk exclaims both in surprise and shock, turning to face Carol Marcus fully, the rest of the crew (excluding Spock of course because Vulcan's did not show emotions and also excluding Chekov because he was too busy bouncing around the lab like an over eager golden retriever puppy ooing and awing over the various projects and research) staring blankly for a few moments as recognition flashed.
"God- It's good to see you! What are you doing here?" Kirk exclaims loudly with a laugh, earning a few looks from several science officers at nearby stations working.
"Wow. I didn't realize- I didn't think. I mean I heard the announcement of a Starfleet ship being docked but I didn't get the chance to get out of office yesterday. It's been too long!" Carol answers lightly with an easy smile, giving brief hugs in greeting to Bones and Kirk (even Scotty whom she had gotten close to during the Khan incident due to her work in astrophysics and weaponry advancements), ushering the Enterprise crew to the side, as not to disturb the other officers. "I got asked to take the assignment. Admiral Madison recruited me personally. Actually she offered me the position as a Senior Officer in R&D. So it's not lieutenant anymore. It's commander."
Knowing of the Enterprise Senior crew's history and relation with Commander Carol Marcus, Madison had subtly slipped from the group, giving them time to catch up while wandering over to another science station to overlook the new developments of one of the astrophysics/engineering projects.
Khan followed his Admiral stoically, staying to Madison's left shoulder as he had over the course of the entire tour, Yeoman Stark trailing a few steps behind as well, PADD in hand, occasionally keying in notes or pulling up files for the Admiral, the picture of an ever efficient, well composed and poised P.A.
"Wow. That's- just wow. Congrats on the promotion." Kirk replies, still wondering how Carol Marcus could take an assignment knowing the First Officer of the base was the very Augment that had murdered her father. It didn't make sense to him, well honestly it didn't make sense that Khan was a First Officer in Starfleet to begin with, but this made even less sense than the already highly confusing and senseless situation.
"You're wondering how I could take this assignment with what happened." Carol says plainly, guessing by the confused expressions.
"Well, yes. I mean- It's hard to really wrap our head around knowing what happened, having seen the destruction and now seeing this in contrast. None of this really makes sense." Kirk stumbles out an explanation.
"I can't say it was easy. And I almost declined the position because I didn't think I could. But- What my father did was wrong. I loved him, but it doesn't mean I approve of his actions. And there is no denying what happened. Khan murdered my father, I saw it, witnessed firsthand. He murdered many people. I certainly don't believe that was right, no matter the motivation or reason." Carol begins.
"But- In the end. It was something I couldn't pass up. I guess it was part guilt, guilt for what my father had done even if I had no part or knowledge of it. And the other was I wanted the opportunity to make a difference, to feel like I was actually reaching my full potential and help us go further than we had before. Admiral Madison gave me the opportunity and promised if I couldn't, if it got too much, I could leave without penalty. I was leery, resentful even for a while. But Khan had proven to be a dedicated and loyal First Officer, intelligent of course, and I've grown to respect him as my Commanding officer regardless of the past. And the Admiral is- well there isn't enough to say about her. She is more than dedicated and qualified. It's easy to follow her leadership and she inspires loyalty and standards that I haven't seen anywhere in Starfleet but through the Enterprise Senior crew."
"Commander Marcus." Madison interrupts lightly, coming back over to the Kirk and his crew, Chekov now trailing back as well, looking a bit pathetically sad for having to leave this wonderful candy land for nerds.
"Admiral. Commander." Carol acknowledges, snapping into a salute.
"The progress on the Delta10 project is impressive. I look forward to having that report slide across my desk in a few weeks." Madison compliments.
"Thank you Admiral. Project Alpha6 is coming along as well. I believe our current research will aid with our warp core power reserves." Carol replies.
"I didn't get to check on that particular project, but I did see the file on my desk this morning." Madison notes, giving a quick glance to Khan, silently communicating a conversation and thoughts with a few looks.
"Well- we should leave you to your work then Commander Marcus. We have taken enough time and concentration from R&D." Madison continues lightly, though it was a politely disguised nudge and command, indicating to the Enterprise crew it was time to leave.
"Yes, of course. It was good to see you Jim, all of the crew really. If I have time after my shift I'll try and see if I can catch up further with you." Carol bids good bye, politely excusing herself to get back to work.
Heading back to the turbo lift, Kirk and his crew found themselves back on the main floor of tower, one open to any and all Starfleet personnel (whether Augment, cadet, officers, Senior command or otherwise), this time being given the chance to fully tour the various departments and/or areas they had previously breezed by the day before on their way to the turbo lifts.
Kirk found the familiar atmosphere of the base to be comforting and assuring. It had been three years since being Earth-side and though Jim loved hearing and feeling the familiar mechanical hum of his lady beneath his feet, and the closeness with his crew as well as thrill of adventure, he often found himself missing the routine and bustle of the Starfleet Academy and of San Francisco.
Of course the Enterprise frequently docked at other stations and planets in between or for missions, but it was rare to spend more than a day or two planet side, let alone get the chance to be comforted the familiarities of fully developed civilization with the same luxuries and advancements home (home being Earth obviously) offered after being confined in space on a flagship for several years, or have the reassurance to fall back on of the everyday, recognizable, routine, rigor and atmosphere a Starfleet military base functioned and thrived off of.
Planning to end the tour of the base in the training room/gym, Madison briefly glances through the bay of windows that look into the training room from the main hall while walking towards said room, noting that Persis (Khan's second in command of the Augments) was in the middle of teaching an advanced combat class.
"So this is our training room and gym. There is an advanced combat class in session right now, but not to worry, we won't disturb them too much. Besides, I thought you might enjoy watching for a few minutes." Emily informs, opening the door to the room, striding in with confidence, Khan trailing a step behind leaving Kirk and his crew to follow, Yeoman Stark taking up the rear.
"Flight, ATTENTION!"
The class of cadets immediately turn from their drills, snapping to attention, turning to face their Admiral and the First Officer, feet planted firmly together and arms straight against their sides in the standard custom.
"SALUTE."
"Commander Persis." Khan acknowledges with a slight nod and salute, barely sparing a glance at the cadets standing in formation behind said Commander Persis.
"Commander Khan. Admiral Madison." Commander Persis replies stiffly, hand raise into a perfect salute, holding it for a moment before dropping her hand back to her side.
"At ease Cadets, Commander." Madison orders, glancing first at the group of cadets and second to Persis, returning Persis' greeting with her own nod and short salute.
At the command, both the cadets and Commander Persis come to a parade rest, attention still turned towards Madison and Khan.
"I apologize for the interruption to your class Commander. I am simply passing through, giving Captain Kirk and his crew the chance to see the base." Madison informs, continuing her conversation.
"Apologizes are unnecessary Admiral. But I appreciate your sentiment." Persis replies.
"Yes, yes." Madison says vaguely, waving a hand. "As you were."
Okay, so I realize this is a bit of a short chapter compared to the others. I also apologize for how boring and dry it is. But I have good reason.
Originally this chapter and the next chapter Morning Time & Tours (Part Three) were meant to be all the same chapter. However, I guess I got a little carried away and the chapter was approaching 5,000+ words... I decided to break it up so I didn't lose you guys in all the text. Even re-reading it myself for editing and finalizing purpose got me falling asleep from all the text. Haha. Not really, but you get the point.
So anyways, here we are. Promise the next chapter is better. There might even be, say, a flashback from a certain blond haired Captain reminiscing about Academy days. *hint hint*
Lots of love to all who have stuck with me. Glad to be working on my stories again, even if it's still a bit slow going. So much better than the dead standstill I was at the past few months!
Polkadottedgiraffe11