To keep confusion to a minium. Sam from now on will only mean Sam Kirk. When Sam O'Neill is referenced I will use Samantha or Samantha O'Neill. Hope you like it so far. Enjoy and review. Merling is so gonna get his ass kicked soon. Be patient. Co-authored by Lone Wolf O'Neill.
CH 11 ESCAPE
DENEB II PHARMACY
Kirk and Kawalski make their way to the front of the store. It is getting dark now with night coming on but they can't afford lights. They position themselves near a window and pull back the curtains. Kirk sees a group a men being escorted to the dais and Merling. Kirk hopes it is not Prince Duncan. Duncan is a good kid and will make a wonderful replacement as King now that his father has died. "Okey dokey Kirky ready to leave," Kawalski chirps sarcastically.
Kirk ignores him and grabs the handle on the door as Sulu's words ring out of every monitor. "I am Lt. Hikaro Sulu of the USS Enterprise and you need to understand the Federation will not tolerate the torture and abuse of either my crew or helpless women and children." Kirk's chest swells with pride at his Lt.'s words and courage. That is why he hand picks almost every crew member of his ship. Star Fleet may have its issues but Kirk believes in its principles and has faith Star Fleet will do the right thing. He surrounds himself only with others that hold these ideals also. "You will be held accountable for all your actions on this planet. May whatever higher power you believe in have mercy on your soul. The Federation will not."
"Your boy is looking to get himself killed," Kawalski quips. He has met Johan Merling and that man is about as unstable as Kawalski has ever met.
"Lt. Sulu is a good man with morals, dignity, and honor. Sulu stands up for what he believes in and doesn't hide behind a paycheck when wrong is wrong," Kirk reprimands sharply digging at Section 31's ability to blindly look the other way.
"Look buddy don't give me any of you high and mighty shit. We," Kawalski defends himself until the shot rings out. Kawalski is almost chasing Kirk who flies out the door ready to save his men. They both have their orders. Upon emerging from the store they witness only three men left standing. Two are in red and one is in gold. Kirk takes up his position on one side of the door and Kawalski follows his lead on the other side. "Let this play out Captain. Who is more important? Your kid or theirs," Kawalski motions with his gun to the people in the park. For the past several hours he has monitored the situation in the castle security room sickened by what he has seen and has a good idea Merling is not done with his homicidal rampage. The shots ring out and Kirk can barely contain his rage as one after another is killed in his name. "I am going to put a bullet in that son of a bitch," Kirk seethes under his breath.
"Take a number and get in line." Kawalski feels the same. Nothing in this mission has gone according to specification except the initial landing. Kawalski can do terrible things and still sleep but this has gone too far. His driving force is to get Kirk back on the Enterprise and feed him the surgical strike intell to end this revolt now. They watch as Sulu and the crew is escorted back into the Castle.
The door opens and Ronin and Sam come out followed by Kate and John. Sam nods to his brother and walks straight up the road. Kate hesitates in front of Kirk. "I love you. Don't leave me," she says. Kirk wants to take her in his arms and hold her tight. He has said I love you numerous times but to his knowledge Kate has never said it back or said it first.
"I love you too baby." Kirk lets his gaze fall on her and smiles.
"Please come," she says breathlessly hoping he will change the plan. Sam is halfway up the block. Kirk silently curses Sam for taking Ronin and not Kate with him. Sam should have known this would happen. Kirk doubts his decisions to send his brother with the kids and not Kawalski. "I need you." Panic is edging her voice as Kate barely holds it together. If she draws attention to them they are in deep shit. Merling wants something from him and fully intended to use Kate to get it. Kate as a hostage would break him no different than any parent.
"Go now," he says emotionless and looks away ignoring her.
"Please come with me. Please. I love you. I can't be alone again," Kate whispers but Kirk will not respond or look her in the eye. Any interaction will encourage her desperate behavior.
"I'll take care of her Jim," John says and firmly clasping Kate's hand in his. Even thought they are the same age John is starting to fill out and is stronger than Kate. He pulls her down the street and doesn't let go as she tries to tug free and stare behind her. Jim watches the pair walk awayand begins to see the boys not as children but young adults. John is leaning into Kate's ear saying all this things Kirk would be saying if he was in his place to keep her eyes and body moving forward. Jim knows John will take care of her and the thought scares him a little more than it should. He is going to have to watch that pair more closely. He does not need any more problems than he has right now.
"Time to go Kirky," Kawalski says walking towards the Castle.
"Stop calling me Kirky or I will knock all you teeth out," Kirk warns pissed off at the world. Kawalski grins and leads Kirk to his men. The pair move quicker than the group and have closed the distance in no time following Sulu through room after room until they begin the descent into the prison levels. The air becomes heavy and damp. Water coalescencing on the walls and steps make the surfaces slick to the touch as they descend lower and lower. The temperature is much colder down here telling Kirk they are deep underground. They are so deep that the EMP blast did not affect the electronics down here and artificial lights illuminate their path. At the end of the steps they take a right down the hallway and Kirk sees his men enter a room. "You go first and I will cover you," Kawalski orders. Kirk raises an eyebrow.
"I do not trust you as far as I can fucking throw you and I am one strong son of a bitch," Kirk tersely replies but takes point anyway. His best chance of getting everyone out is with his team and not Section 31.
"You are smart," Kawalski confirms under his breath and hangs back a step as Kirk enters the room. He hears several rounds go off and then enters. Kirk has killed three of the five guards with ruthless efficiency. "See where Sam gets his single minded determination. Must be a Kirk family trait," Kawalski covers the two remaining guards as Kirk searches for the data card to open the cell doors.
"I am nothing like my brother," Kirk finds the access key and motions for the two guards to move aside.
"He is not that bad Jim. Has as much loyalty to Star Fleet and his men as you and," Kawalski is cut off as Kirk ignores him and talks to his men.
"Sulu… you fine. Nice job back there with Merling. If we make it out there will be commendations for all of you." Kirk repeatedly tries to open the cell doors with the access card without luck. Kirk crosses the room in three strides and places the barrel of the gun to one of the guard's forehead. "I am not in a good mood and I will say this only once. How do I open the god damn door or you will be the motivation for me to ask your friend the same question?" Kirk cocks the trigger and likes the sound effect. He might actually get one of these projectile guns.
"Codes change hourly so I don't know if this will work," the guard's eyes jump to the clock. "61194," he rapidly states seeing the time edge towards the code not being valid anymore. The cells are a bizarre mix of old and new technology. They remind him of twentieth century prison cells but with electronic access ports. It is a good system because the walls are impenetrable, there is no lock to pick and you can't reach her access port through the cell bars. Kirk enters the code and data card causing the steel bars of Sulu's cell to slide up into the rock above by magnetic lift.
Rhythmic clapping echoes through the room along with laughter. "You are so predictable. Betcha you were a," Merling snaps his fingers looking for a word.
"Boy scout Sir," Kawalski supplies and gives a minuscule head shake to Jim.
"Boy scout," Merling sings the words. "Save your men, save the people, fly away in your big ship." Merling's men enter the room guns drawn and motion for Sulu to re-enter his cell. Jim did not have time to open Michaels or Paulson cell before getting caught and he is the only one armed. Six against two is not a fair fight and Jim motions for Sulu to comply. Merling sits down at the small table in the room and gestures for Jim to do the same. Kirk tucks the gun into the front of his pants and swings the chair around backwards. If push comes to shove he has two weapons now. Jim sits and leans his arms on the chair back. "Was that your plan hmmmm? Well it is time to come up with a different one. One that will be mutually beneficial to all of us." Merling gestures to himself and then Kirk and his crew in their cells.
"Are we negotiating?" Jim says with a smile
"Always," Merling says laying his gun on the table pointed at Jim. "Let's talk new terms."
Kawalski slips out of the room and walks as fast as he can without drawing attention to the castle security room. He unlocks the door and checks the comm terminal. A flashing yellow light appears on the bottom left corner once he unlocked the screen. He lets out a sign and relaxes into the chair. Kawalski knows Kirk thinks he's abandoned him but there was nothing he could do at the time. Jack received the message and hopefully Kirk can hold out until he arrives. Kawalski opens the secure video feed to the prison cells and watches the interplay between Kirk and Merling. He brings up several more video feeds monitoring the park, city outskirts, and the Section 31 bivouac tent. The Park feed shows the blood bath has settled and pyres with burning bodies line the back of the park. The tent feed shows only an empty room. Kawalski activates the mobile uplink and begins to follow the predetermined path from the city trying to find Sam and the kids. After several seconds he sees Sam on a comm call and the kids walking behind him. Sam opens a fifth video feed and waits to see any sign of O'Neill landing in the designated coordinates.
ENTERPRISE BRIDGE
Spock does not waste any time implementing Jack's plan. Initially the logic of it escaped Spock but this is not a logical situation. He leaves the ready room and enters the bridge walking to Uhura's station.
"We just received this transmission sir," Uhura says and plays the broadcasted message between Sulu and Merling. Uhura's face shows a mix of pride and anger. "Merling is sitting on a pedestal right there." She stabs a finger at her screen showing a live feed of Merling on the throne laughing as a red headed woman is being dragged up to him. "Can't we just shove a proton torpedo up his ass…..Sir." Uhura's eyes are fiery with rage.
The corners of Spock's mouth flicker into a smile for a second at the thought of watching Merling being blown into a thousand pieces but logic dictates he finds another solution. "Although I too would find that a most welcome resolution to the current situation, please contact Admiral Pike so that we may update him on our current course of action."
Uhura glares at him slightly and turns quickly back to her monitor. As her hair brushes his face, Spock knows she is beyond angry with the situation and him. He has heard the murmurings of dissent and questions to why have they not just gone in and retrieved their people. Spock knows blindly jumping in a situation can cause more harm than good. He needs to have a set of eyes on the ground before he makes his move.
In an uncharacteristic display of affection he lays a hand on Uhura's shoulder and gently squeezes it. She tenses surprised at the contact but quickly lays her hand on top of his. They hold hands for a brief second before Spock pulls away and returns to his science station awaiting Pike's comm.
KIDS AND SAM KIRK WALKING TO SECTION 31 CAMP
"Stay close and don't speak. Boys look tough. Kate look terrified." Sam Kirk rips her violently by her right arm from John's grip. They are steps away from the check post leaving the city. Kate wonders why the charade if her Uncle is so trusted by Merling's men. Sam Kirk's stride is purposeful and doesn't slow as he walks past the armed men. He is walking so much faster than the boys and she drags her feet to slow Sam down looking behind her. Several mumble a greeting of sorts but most just advert their eyes. As they exit the checkpoint, Kate stares at her Uncle Sam's profile. He looks so much like her father: Same eyes, hair, nose, and chin. Sam seems slightly taller but Kirk has a broader chest and more muscles. Neither of them look like they could be stone cold killers but Kate knows what they are capable of. She again looks back to make sure the boys cleared the check point. Ronin winks assurances he is okay still pretending to look tough. When they are far enough away not to be heard, Kate questions the reason for him pulling her away from John. "If leaving the city went South… I wanted you next to me. We are family and family takes care of each other. Remember that Kate and never forget it." His words puzzle her because it is obvious there is no love loss between the two Kirk boys.
Kate pulls her hand from his. "Family doesn't always mean blood," she snaps and slows her pace to walk with the boys. Sam glances behind his shoulder but keeps walking. He needs to send some messages and pulls out a small black comm. Sliding the back out with his thumb Sam begins to type an encrypted message to his contact at Farpoint Station.
READY FOR PACKAGE. BRING TO ACHERON IN NEXT HOUR. WAIT FOR INSTRUCTIONS.
Sam Kirk hopes everyone has their shit together. This all has to be timed perfectly and he hates working with amateurs and wanna be spies. If all the elements are not in place heads will roll. Sam then switches to voice mode on his communicator. He quickens his step so that the kids will not hear him during his next conversation.
"Hello Anastasia Everlast GNN correspondent," a sultry voice remarks on the end of the comm line.
"Anastasia, honey how are you doing baby. It's Matt Gapen." Sam Kirk says jovially using his fake name.
"Matt Gapen? It has been a while. What have you been doing since Khan lover boy?" She starts to wave her hand frantically to her camera man while sounding like she is devoted to the man on the other end of the line.
"Exploring the galaxy," Sam replies nonchalantly, "missing you," he finishes with a hint of sexual undertone. He is so glad they are not face to face. Sam is not in the mood to pander to Anastasia's ego. Anastasia is beyond gorgeous and a great time in bed but very high maintenance. Each time he is with her it reminds him more and more why he married his wife Aurelan.
Anastasia, not gaining her camera mans attention, throws a box of tissues at his head. "Baby I so thought I would hear from you before now." Anastasia really needs this story. Sam Kirk's tips on Khan has skyrocketed her career but in news you are only as good as your last story. She prays this is a tip and not an invitation for dinner and sex. The camera man flips Anastasia his middle finger before turning around.
"Not much has happened but I have a tip if you are interested." Sam Kirk says glancing back over his shoulder making sure the kids are still with him.
Anastasia dances around the room causing the camera man to look at her and raise his hands. She quickly scribbles MATT GAPEN on a PADD and the cameraman is on his feet assembling his gear. "Baby I would love to see you" she pouts seductively, "but if you only called to give me a juicy news story…..I might take it." She purrs on the line and throws a pen at her camera man who was pretending to throw up. She scratches down the details on her PADD and after a few more promises and innuendos are exchanged she clicks the comm off. "Fucking Pulitzer here we come," she squeals pulling on her heels and grabbing her press badge.
ENTERPRISE
The armory doors open with its customary hiss then closes. Sam sees her husband bent over a tube that looks rusty. She knows that is just for appearances. Even if he never spoke of his days in black ops she understands the need to hide things in plain sight. "It'll be okay babe. I'm not going back to those days ever again. I almost lost you and the boys because that life," Jack says rising from the floor. "That's why we left a perfectly fabulous 6000 square foot home in Colorado, with a fish stocked lake, for 1500 square feet of love in deep space."
His jokes do not help as much as he hoped. "I know you aren't Jack. I'm just terrified that I'll never see you or our sons again. They're killing people left and right for no reason." She said as he wiped her tears away with his thumb. Jack takes a moment to reassure her by kissing hair and whispering reassuring words in her ear.
"I promise you that I'll get our boys back so we can kill them ourselves," Jack responds seriously but with a hint of humor. Samantha does not need to see how nervous he is himself. Jack cannot let Sam know that he is not even sure the boys are still alive. Section 31 is a part of Star Fleet but no better than the rebels running the show down there right now.
His mild humor and relaxed stance calms his wife and reminds her that Jack's job is to fix things she can't in their marriage and life and this is something Jack will fix. "Okay, I'm holding you to that Jack." She tries to match his easy going attitude but hugs him tighter showing her fear.
"Help me finish up and I'll go kick some water boy arse. How's that sound?" Sam just nods in agreement. The two of them finished packing the tube with everything needed plus extras. Then Samantha helps him with his parachute rig.
Jack and Sam walked into the transporter room holding hands. It was a rare display of affection between the two that caused many a stare. They enter the transporter room and see McCoy still sitting on the floor with Erika's head on his shoulder. Jack sets the canister on the transporter pad doing a final check on it.
Erika looks at the way Colonel O'Neill is dressed then asks, "Are you going to get my daddy?" Sam stands to the side biting her bottom lip watching her husband and Erika.
Jack walks over to the Dr. McCoy and Sulu's daughter. He bends on one knee looking Erika in the eyes. "Yeah, sweetie." He says simply and she throws her arms around his neck. He wraps an arm around her and gives her squeeze.
"Thank you," she says and then pulls away. Jack does not have as much contact with her as Kate but they are a family. He smiles and stands up.
Jack spares a moment to say good bye to his wife. "I love you Samantha." He says not caring who saw them. "I got to go. I'll be back before you know. I can't miss the Simpsons now. That would be sacrilege." Jack tells her with a reassuring smile. He walks to the transporter's edge and blows her a kiss. "Send the tube down first." Jack orders as he watches the tube disappear in swirling lights. He counts to 40 then steps on the transporter pad placing his breathing mask on. Jack gives Petty Officer Second Class Siler a thumbs-up and gets beamed into the upper atmosphere to avoid detection by ground troops. Sam's heart sinks as her husband of 15yrs heads into harm's way once again to save their kids and friends.
Samantha O'Neill walks over to Erika and McCoy. "Will you get something to eat with me? I am pretty lonely right now too," she says extending a hand to Erika. McCoy nods to Erika and she takes it standing up.
"Been on that floor for hours," McCoy whispers in Sam's ear. "My legs are numb to my ass." His comments draw a small laugh and snickers from the girls as he tries to get to his feet. "See if I try to be nice again," he says pretending to be grumpier than he is to relieve the tension he knows the girl's are feeling. Bones gives them a half smile to make sure Erika knows he's joking. He leans down to look at Erika, "I recommend sundaes and pizza at time like this but don't tell anyone darlin', I have a reputation to protect." He winks at her and stares at Samantha. "I'll be in Sick Bay when you are done." Bones stiffly walks out of the transporter room and Sam O'Neill is reaffirmed once again that joining the Enterprise was the best decision she and Jack ever made.
SAM KIRK AND KIDS WALKING TO SECTION 31 CAMP
"I don't know but he is kinda an asshole I guess," Kate remarks nodding her head towards Sam.
"Thought you were so much quicker in sizing people up there Kate," Ronin laughs and the two boy's fist bump like it is a game. Kate rolls her eyes and they walk quietly for the next ten minutes.
"I wonder how we are going to fix the problem on Deneb II," Kate announces trying to create small talk. She likes the outdoors but a hike to god knows where isn't fun. Actually she does not enjoy hiking anytime. Walking aimlessly looking a trees and birds is not her thing. Besdies it is pitch black now so scenery is not an option and no one is very talkative. They huddle close to the small light Sam gave them so they don't trip on the loose rocks.
"Stop trying to save the world Kate," John gently reprimands. "How am I ever going to take you home to meet my parents if you are too busy sticking your nose into every galactic fight from here to earth."
"I know your parents," Kate laughs and trips on a rock in the dark. Ronin grabs her arm to steady her but they do not slow their pace.
"No not Colonel and Lt. O'Neill of the USS Enterprise." John says like she is stupid. "Jack and Sam O'Neill of 735 S Bear Paw Lane Colorado Springs, Colorado." Kate giggles at John's imitation of his dad's southernish drawl. "They are so much more fun." Ronin smiles at his brother and thinks about how great life was on Earth. Ronin knows that John likes Kate. How could he not know with all his brother's mind numbing questions and musings about her at night keeping him awake. He walks a little faster to give them some privacy which is next to impossible on the Enterprise.
"I have a hard time believing that." Kate is slightly jealous about how close they are as a family and can't imagine them doing anymore together. "So you are saying Colorado O'Neill's are better than Enterprise O'Neill's." Kate teases watching Ronin walks ahead of them. She feels John slide his hand into hers.
"Oh hell yes! My mom reads and drinks wine while Jack barbeques the best chicken in the world with beer. They own a boat and lake house with volleyball court, pool table, wine cellar, fire pit, floating swimming dock," John recalls everything back home on Earth."We spend summers swimming, tubing, fishing, and water skiing. You name it we do it. Got all the toys you would ever want. Including a hot tub." John wiggles his eye brows like his dad does when he is trying to be funny with his mom.
"Then why would you ever leave." It sounds like the perfect life to Kate complete with a mom and stablility.
John gets a bit withdrawn remembering why they left. "We needed a change. My parents have problems like everyone else Kate they just hide it better. It was either change posts to the Enterprise or," John's voice trails off. He remembers the fights and how his dad was not the happy-go-lucky guy Kate thinks he is. Both boys remember the times where his occasional beer turned into more making him moody, defensive, and nasty. "I don't know what would have happened but I don't think they would be together." Kate wants to talk to John more but Sam Kirk makes his move. He has got to solidify things with Kate and the boys are just a distraction.
"Hey sport why you don't take a hike up there with your brother," Sam Kirk commands breaking the hand holding between John and Kate.
"Sport?" He says indignantly. John moves protectively to Kate's other side and takes her hand again. "Ronin is fine. He loves to be alone."
"That was not a suggestion but an order kid," Sam Kirk says authoritatively.
"See I have been hanging out with Kate long enough to realize orders are really only suggestions and I am fine here," John says smiling. It kind of feels good to disregard Sam Kirk. John would never do this with anyone else on the Enterprise.
"Look you little asshole," Sam snaps pulling Kate's hand towards him stopping her from moving forward. Kate is done being everyone's little pawn today.
"Stop. John give me five minutes. I will be fine," she smiles and releases John's hand. John glares at Sam Kirk but then walks up to Ronin. They need to make a plan on how to deal with Sam Kirk if he decides to become a bigger dick that he already has and this is as good time as any.
"So how is the Milky Way treating you," Sam's tone is friendly and he acts like they have known each other for years.
"Same as it always has. Milky Way has not changed since I was born," Kate covers up that she is not from here. Sam probably knows it but why risk telling him anything.
"Yes but you are new to it," He cocks an eyebrow at her flat out lie.
Kate stops and stares at Sam Kirk defiantly. "Cut the shit. What do you want?" She waits for his reply. She is not about to tell him of the Jedi or the shuttle incident. Kirk had altered the reports and Kate will not do anything to get him or the crew in trouble over that nightmare.
Sam likes Kate's directness. He respects that in anybody but more so because she is a kid. "Tell me about the Jedi."
"Who?" Kate plays dumb knowing he will get pissed off but it is not like her dad will care. He is not Bones or Jack or any other adult that Kirk expects Kate to listen to or respect.
"We can do this all night honey and I will get an answer. So do you want to tell me how you took out a man three times your size and body weight without some special power. I mean I am totally impressed here with your skills. I can respect your talents even if your father can't." Sam Kirk hits Kate's pride on the mark. She loves talking about the Jedi but never has anyone that wants to listen.
"That was not the Force but excellent training. My fa…Han taught me the finer points of street fighting. Then Luke cleaned it up with Jedi techniques. Fighting is a skill that must be refined constantly. In the past I have had to take care of myself. This is the first time I haven't had to be self sufficient." Kate sounds depressed so Sam Kirk plays on that.
"Everyone needs something of their own kiddo. Nest eggs come in awful handy when you need something; especially if you don't want to ask for permission." Sam can tell Kate's interest is peaked. He has no doubt his brother gives Kate whatever she needs and wants within reason. Both he and Kirk have never really cared about money. In Kate's case it must rankle her pride to ask. "The best way to make side money is the GCN. You can make a mint there if you know where to look." Sam glances sideways seeing Kate's interest peaked. "You open an online account first. Once you have some money from playing poker for instance; just deposit it and repeat as needed."
"So how do I open an account? Like doesn't Kirk have to co-sign or something," Kate asks wanting all the ins and outs. There is no one on the Enterprise that would teach her this stuff. It may be her only chance to make some money for a rainy day. No one getting hurt or robbed is a big plus. Besides, Han has accounts like this everywhere so it can't be illegal.
"Yes he would but… you could take over your mom's old account. I know for a fact that Lauren had one. I can e-mail you the link if you want. They both had joint and separate accounts," Sam Kirk reels her in talking about stories of her mom and her dad. Sam hopes this solidifies his nice uncle persona. The stories were light, happy, and positive ones. He knows Kate is desperate for anything positive about her parents believing every word. John hears them laughing so he slows down until Kate is next to him. He doesn't trust this guy at all. Johns feels the need to protect her against Sam Kirk at all costs.
"What's so funny?" John does not trust Sam as far as he can throw him.
"Nothing. Just talking about my mom and dad." Kate says and looks away embarrassed. She would love for her family to be more like John's. "Send me the link?" Sam nods agreement and as they crest the hill they see a large bivouac in the middle of nowhere.
"Dude your secret base is kinda out in the open dontcha think?" Ronin says sarcastically on purpose. "He doesn't like this guy one bit. There isn't a tree or guard that I can see and we are only an hour's walk from the city. Anyone could sneak up on this place." He smirks to his brother getting a nod back.
"No one would dare bother us. We are friends here remember," Sam Kirk's smile is warm and friendly. However his words leave a chill in Ronin. For being friends they did not do much to help the people of Deneb II. "Wait here, I'm going to make sure were alone, just in case." Sam Kirks orders sharply leaving no room for argument.
Sam sweeps aside a canvas door ushering the kids into a large room with a sofa, chair, and set of beds. "Make yourself at home but don't leave this room under any circumstance. I will be back later. I am not your father; so I have no qualms following through with discipline if you try to leave." Sam Kirk's tone is threatening leaving no room for doubt of what will happen if they try to leave. He stares at each kid then disappears out the door.
"Dickhead," Ronin says flopping in a chair then continues. "Where the fuck would we go anyways?" Kate and John look at each other knowing Ronin is correct.
Sam Kirk walks around to the communications section of the tent. He pulls up a chair up reading the messages stored on the mainframe. Thirty minutes later he is ready to log out but a thought strikes him. Sam Kirk runs a security scan for all messages sent from the planet using the Section 31 subspace comm line finding an unauthorized message. Coronel O'Neil; BOYS SAFE WITH COMMANDER; DROP ZONE 83247.714 KAWALSKI pops up. "Damn it Kowalski," he says under his breath shutting the communications port down with a slam of his hand. The time stamp shows when the message was sent. Sam Kirk doesn't have much time before Jack shows up. He has to act fast.
FARPOINT STATION SECURITY BRIG
Master Chief Perry sits drumming his fingers on the communication panel waiting for a comm to come through. He reluctantly left dinner with a stunning red head thirty minutes ago. Perry received a message telling him to return to the security brig and wait for further orders. The Master Chief stares at the only prisoner in the Brig out of boredum. For the past two days, the Jedi Aeron Dax has basically mediated and slept. The supposed Jedi creeps everyone out since he arrived. No one wants to be in the same room with him for very long. Perry finally hears a bleep breaking his boredom. He brings up the secure comm reading his orders.
READY FOR PACKAGE: BRING TO ACHERON IN NEXT HOUR. WAIT FOR INSTRUCTIONS.
"Time to go buddy," Master Chief Perry informs to Dax. Dax slowly opens his eyes then stares up at him. "Look do you want the little girl or not?" Perry doesn't know exactly why this phrase should keep him under control. The Jedi freaks him out so he hopes it works. Dax slowly stands continuing to stares at his capture. Perry opens the cell door shoving a canvas bag into his hands.
Dax peers into the bag looking confused. "You are a very confusing organization. One minute you arrest me and then next you are setting me free?" Dax pulls his Jedi robes from the bag understanding Kate's confusion with Star Fleet. One minute they are fighting the good fight and the next they are screwing you over. It is not very different from the Senate back home in the New Republic. Fortunately the Jedi are not under their command. The Jedi are autonomous and chooses where they go based on need; not orders. The only reason Dax doesn't kill the man in front of him is because Kate is in need. His Padawan is lost without him in the ways of the Force. "I am ready." He says clipping his light saber to his belt. Master Chief Perry nods then leads Dax out the door to the waiting shuttle.