Disclaimer: I do not own Star Trek or any of its characters, only my OC - Kaitlyn Donovan.
This story is the sequel to All's Fair in Love and War.
Query: What sacrifices must be endured by those that secure our freedom?
Thank you to Just a Crazy-Man, bina W, and IrishBug74, LoyaulteMeLie, Lupinesence, jeangreyten, Belen09, Silver-ShadowSpark, Cap'nFrances, and g-love99 for the reviews, and to everyone that is following this story and adding it to their favorites!
A/N: Bit of a time jump in the beginning, but it will go back and explain everything as the plot progresses in the next few chapters.
Chapter 14 - Unchartered waters
The Price of Freedom
Chapter 14 - Unchartered waters
Vulcan.
Kaitlyn punched him over and over and over again until her knuckles bled.
Her attacker was barely breathing and unconscious.
She stood up slowly and felt her world tilt slightly because of her own loss of blood. She reached her hand up to the back of her head and pressed it against the open wound to try and slow the bleeding.
He'd hit her with something metal, probably hoping to knock her out before he had his way with her.
She'd been so stupid . . . so stupid to let her guard down.
She stumbled slightly as she walked down the deserted street to the main thoroughfare. There were a few gasps as people caught sight of her bloodied clothes.
She grabbed onto one of the men, "Please, don't. . . let him. . . get away." she managed to say before she collapsed to the sidewalk.
She fought to stay conscious.
She wished she knew a month ago what she knew now.
The lies, the corruption, and the treachery.
She just wanted to go back to when things were simpler - when the biggest thing she had to worry about was not letting the Section find out that she and Malcolm remembered that mission.
Her head pounded with each beat of her heart as the blood rushed through her veins.
She had to remember.
She had to remember everything she'd learned from her attacker. She quickly packed all of his thoughts away. She couldn't allow anyone to take those thoughts from her. A key word. She needed a key word that only she would know to unlock those thoughts. She smiled slightly as she choose the word.
The crowd that had gathered around the woman briefly wondered why she smiled as she lost consciousness.
XXXXX
Earth, one month ago.
Kaitlyn smiled as she opened her eyes and moved closer to Malcolm on the bed.
This weekend had been wonderful. The Sending Off party had gone well, except that Trip had kept trying to get Malcolm to admit that he liked her. Malcolm had pulled Trip aside and talked to him - she didn't know what Malcolm had told Trip, but he'd dropped the issue and he was conveniently with them whenever they went out to eat, along with a few other Enterprise crew members. In fact, Trip had the adjoining hotel room. Somehow, she believed they had made arrangements so that no one would ever see the two of them alone this weekend.
She glanced at the clock and sighed softly. 0347. A few more hours and she and her Unit would be on the Vulcan ship, the Yarahla, and travelling to Vulcan. She watched as Malcolm slept and traced the lines on his forehead, they weren't as pronounced when he slept. She placed her other hand on his bare chest, over his heart. She closed her eyes briefly and just let the calming effect of his heartbeat wash over her.
"How long do you think it will be this time?" Malcolm questioned quietly, his eyes still closed.
Kaitlyn frowned slightly, "I really don't know - there are too many variables to calculate."
Malcolm opened his eyes and gave her a small smile, "I really wasn't looking for a pin pointed time frame."
Kaitlyn placed a gentle kiss on his forehead, "Hopefully it won't be too long." She realized what he meant - he was just looking for some sort of reassurance from her. "I hope it's not more than six months."
Malcolm raised an eyebrow, "You think it will be six months before we see each other again?"
She shrugged, "The Enterprise will be heading out to wherever, I'll probably get back here in two and a half months - but Enterprise probably won't be back to Earth for six. I should still be here, but who knows." Kaitlyn watched him frown. "Malcolm . . . I really will understand if you don't want to continue this."
Malcolm sat up and looked at her as if she'd grown a third eye, "You're giving me an 'out'?" he questioned her in disbelief.
Kaitlyn sat up beside him, "I wouldn't blame you . . . I have a career that is highly unusual from most women, one that's not conducive for a relationship."
"We. We both have careers that are not conducive for a relationship." Malcolm smiled and rubbed her upper arm gently, "I think that's part of the reason we get along so well, because we understand the nature of each other's responsibilities." He kissed her lips lightly, "Don't think you can push me away that easy - I've waited too long to find you."
Kaitlyn nodded, "I'd really like to be able to talk to you, not just send you messages."
Malcolm grinned, "Trip said you could call me through his comm."
She raised an eyebrow, "What did you tell him?" She didn't want Trip to get targeted, if they were found out by the Section.
"Look, he only knows that I really like you, but if anyone gets wind of that fact - we could both be in serious trouble. He's the one that suggested you call me through him." Malcolm watched as she got that far-off look in her eyes - the one that meant she was envisioning scenarios and calculating variables.
Kaitlyn shook her head, "They might think I'm in a relationship with him."
Malcolm shrugged, "What does it matter? We'll know the truth and Harris won't." He touched her cheek, "Gardner started accusing Trip of having a relationship with Commander T'Pol."
"Trip denied it?" she questioned. She knew that Trip wouldn't tarnish T'Pol's reputation, even if she had broken his heart.
"He didn't answer him. So, in a way, this might help Trip too." Malcolm hated all the subterfuge, the lies, the bait and switch this could end up becoming.
"You know what?" she laid back and tugged Malcolm over her. "It's too early in the morning for all of this. We only have a few more hours until I've got to get up and go."
Malcolm nodded. He didn't want to waste the few hours she had left worrying about things that might not even come to light. He ran his fingers through her hair, "I'm going to miss you." he admitted.
Kaitlyn ran her hands over his warm sides, "And I'm going to miss you."
XXXXX
Kaitlyn frowned at the banging coming from the other side of her hotel door. She'd just got out of the shower and had barely enough time to wrap a towel around herself.
She quickly walked to the living room as the adjoining room door opened and Trip came in with a puzzled look on his face.
"Are you expecting someone?" Trip questioned her as he pulled a t-shirt on over his head.
"No."
Trip glanced at her lack of attire and indicated that he'd answer the door for her. He opened the door and raised an eyebrow at her visitor. "Admiral Gardner - this is unexpected."
Sam Gardner narrowed his eyes at Commander Trip Tucker. Why the hell was he in Kaitlyn's hotel room? He glanced around Tucker and saw Kaitlyn. He tried to compose his anger, "Kaitlyn, I came by to talk to you before you left. Do you have time?"
Kaitlyn frowned slightly, "Admiral, I can meet you downstairs in twenty minutes. How about in the restaurant?" she suggested as she tried not to feel completely vulnerable in just her towel.
Gardner nodded, "Twenty minutes." He gave Tucker a final glare, then left.
Trip shut the door and locked it. He looked back at Kaitlyn with a raised eyebrow - he'd never seen Gardner that angry before.
"I don't want to discuss Gardner right now. Thank you for answering the door for me. I'd appreciate it if you and Malcolm could come down to eat with me about ten minutes after I go down there." Kaitlyn said.
Trip nodded and headed back through the adjoining door to his room.
Kaitlyn quickly went to the bedroom and put on her uniform.
Malcolm came out of the bathroom and looked at her questionably.
"Gardner wants to talk to me." she stated simply as she tied her boots and tucked in the laces. She could feel his apprehension spike. "You and Trip are supposed to come have breakfast with me downstairs in ten minutes. I'll be fine." She gave him a kiss on the cheek, "See you in a bit." She quickly left before he could argue with her.
Kaitlyn spotted Sam Gardner sitting at one of the tables in the restaurant and headed over to him.
He gave her a small smile as he stood up and indicated for her to sit down with him. "I took the liberty of ordering your coffee, it should be out in just a few minutes."
"Thank you, Admiral." she nodded.
He frowned at her calling him by his rank, "Kaitlyn, I just wanted to bring you up to date on where we stand on the bomb investigation."
"Have there been any new developments?" she inquired, then thanked the waitress as she sat the coffee cup down in front of her.
"Unfortunately not, the suspect is still in a coma. We decided to move the disarmed bombs to a more secured facility." Sam watched as she stirred the creamer and sugar in her cup.
"Why move them?" she inquired. She couldn't see a reason to do so - they were already under lock and key under Morrison's supervision.
"Some people were wary that those bombs were in the basement of Starfleet Headquarters. They were worried that someone could take them, or set them off. They will be safer in Weapons R&D." he pointed out, then sipped his own coffee.
Kaitlyn shook her head, "They're more likely to be taken during a transfer."
Gardner shrugged, "It's already been done. Everything went smoothly - they're safely locked up behind six layers of security." He looked to the entrance of the restaurant and frowned as Tucker and Reed came in a sat at a table. He narrowed his eyes as they glanced over to the two of them. Sam sat back and looked at Kaitlyn, "What's your relationship with Tucker?"
Kaitlyn shook her head, "It's none of your business, Admiral." She was starting to get that uneasy feeling in the pit of her stomach. Why wouldn't he just leave her alone?
Sam Gardner watched her for a few moments, then slowly nodded. "Well, Kaitlyn - I wish you success on your mission to Vulcan." He gave her a small smile as he stood up.
"Thank you, Admiral." she nodded, then watched him drop some money on the table and leave. She was unsettled, she'd expected him to lose his temper like normal lately. She picked up her cup and joined Trip and Malcolm at their table.
Malcolm raised an eyebrow in concern as he handed her a menu.
"They moved the disarmed bombs to Weapons R&D." she shrugged slightly.
"Did he say why?" Malcolm inquired.
"Some people were concerned."
Trip frowned, "He didn't look happy to see us when we came in. Did he hound you?" He never could stand Sam Gardner, but ever since he started making snide comments that inferred he was in a relationship with T'Pol he started to see red every time the man got near him. He'd seen the way Gardner was ogling Kaitlyn at the Sending Off - he couldn't imagine how mad Malcolm was at the man.
"He inquired about you. Trip, you need to be careful around him. He does wield influence with some members of the Command Council. Right now only Admiral Forrest and Stevens are keeping him in line." she pointed out to him.
Trip shrugged, "He's already gunning for me anyhow. Just focus on securing the Embassy." He glanced at Malcolm, "I even promise to keep an eye on this guy for ya." he grinned.
Kaitlyn smiled gratefully at Trip as the waitress came over to take their orders.
XXXXX
Kaitlyn put the strap of her bag on her shoulder and looked around the hotel room once more to make sure she hadn't left anything. She took a deep breath and headed to the living room.
Trip smiled as she came out and stopped by him. "Don't be getting into trouble."
Kaitlyn hugged him tightly, "I'll try not to. Thanks for hanging out with us this weekend."
Trip shrugged, "Not a problem, plus it kept my mind off other things."
Kaitlyn patted his arm gently. She could feel how upset Trip really was over this whole thing with T'Pol, though he tried to cover it up with his Southern charm and humor. "Take care."
Trip smiled once more, then headed out the door with his weekend bag.
Kaitlyn glanced at Malcolm. He'd been quiet and standing near the window, gazing down at the streets below.
He didn't want her to leave. The selfish side of him wanted her to stay with him.
"I wish I could." she gave him a small smile as she heard his thoughts.
Malcolm walked over and held her in a tight embrace. He sighed heavily, then stepped back. His heart felt heavy and his mouth was drying out.
Kaitlyn touched his cheek and smiled, "I'll be here," she touched his temple, "and here." she rested her palm on his chest. She took a deep breath, "Not like I'm going off to war - just securing the Embassy." She tried to lighten the somber mood.
Malcolm nodded and smiled, "Don't piss off the Vulcans."
She chuckled, "I will try my best not to do that. I'll send a message once we've settled in on Vulcan."
Malcolm watched as her demeanor changed in front of him. Gone was the woman that let her guard down and showed her loved for him. She straightened her back, packed up all of the sentiment, and became the MACO Commanding Officer that so many people counted on.
Kaitlyn indicated for them to head down to the lobby.
Trip was waiting and nodded as they approached. They seemed very calm and collected.
Kaitlyn looked out the hotel doors, then glanced back at them. "Good bye, Gentlemen." She nodded, then left.
Trip raised an eyebrow, "Is she walking to the Transport Facilities by herself?"
Malcolm gave a slight nod, then they headed out to Starfleet.
"You alright?"
Malcolm scoffed, "I'm fine."
Trip took a deep breath and let it out slowly. Malcolm was not 'fine', but he'd never admit it. Well, the two of them could commiserate their misery together on the Enterprise.
XXXXX
When Captain Kaitlyn Donovan arrived at the Transport Facilities, she headed to the special area designated for Vulcan transports.
The Vulcan Security Guard nodded as he scanned her identity card. "We will need your bag. We will scan it and put it on the shuttle for you, Captain."
Kaitlyn handed over her bag, "Has all of our equipment arrived from the Vulcan Compound?" she checked.
"Yes, Captain. We will secure all of it in the shuttle." the Vulcan stated calmly.
She nodded, then turned and headed to the waiting area. She was pleased to see that almost all of her unit was here.
"Good morning, Ma'am." Sgt. Jackson nodded as she approached.
Kaitlyn gave him a small smile, "Morning, Sgt. Ready to make history?" she inquired quietly.
Sgt. Robert Jackson nodded. They all knew the importance of this trip - not just securing the Embassy for Starfleet, but the actual trip on a Vulcan ship. If they screwed up. . . the Vulcans would never allow Humans to travel on their ships again. "We're ready." He noted the last two MACOs arrival and gave them a quick quirk of the eyebrow that meant they'd better have a damn good explanation for arriving after the Captain.
"Sorry, Sgt. Had a little run in with a Vulcan." Corporal Amanda Cole frowned and glanced back at Ambassador Soval as he and his entourage arrived.
Kaitlyn was curious, but kept the emotion off her face as the Ambassador approached. "Good morning, Ambassador." she greeted him.
Soval nodded and looked over the assembled group of MACOs, "We came to see you off." he stated bluntly.
Kaitlyn nodded, "Thank you, Ambassador."
Soval indicated for her to speak to him privately. When he felt they were sufficiently out of the others' hearing, he turned to her with a slight frown on his lips. "Captain, I have gotten word that there has been a recent rise in crime on Vulcan." he stated.
Kaitlyn's eyebrow rose, "Crime - what type of crime?"
"People are disappearing - from their homes, on their way to or from work." Soval clasped his hands and took a slow, calming breath.
Kaitlyn thought quickly as Soval glanced back at the group. "People - Vulcans, or visitors?"
Soval looked back to her, "Both, though no official report of any visitors disappearing has been made." He thought back to the communication he'd gotten last night. He trusted Kuvok. Kuvok had told him in confidence of two visitors he knew personally that had gone missing. When he had inquired, Vulcan Security Division's Sub Commander Stel had suggested that they had left Vulcan. Kuvok was sure they hadn't left without telling him.
"You trust the messenger?" Kaitlyn inquired.
Soval nodded. "I wanted you to be aware and take precautions."
"We will. Thank you for trusting me with this information." she acknowledged. She noted he glanced back at her Unit. Then she caught it - it was quick, his glance to Corporal Cole. Everything clicked into place. "Did you speak to Corporal Cole?"
Ambassador Soval looked at Kaitlyn, his expression was one of slight surprise. "I told her not to travel around Vulcan alone."
"Told her?" Kaitlyn inquired. She understood why Amanda was miffed. "Ambassador, did you explain the situation - or just blurt out that order?"
Soval thought quickly, "I did not explain - that information is just for you to know. I meant it as a precaution, not an order." he looked back at Corporal Cole. She caught his glance, and turned her attention away from him.
Kaitlyn noticed the exchange. "Ambassador, may I speak freely?"
He turned to her completely and nodded.
"Human women don't like to be told to do things without an explanation - especially MACO females that are very capable of taking care of themselves." She could see he was contemplating her words. "We reserve that type of compliance to the one we choose to love, it's something that has to be earned." She didn't know why she was telling him, she just felt compelled to explain the complexities of Human females.
Soval watched her carefully, "But you follow the orders of your superiors without explanation." he pointed out.
Kaitlyn gave him a small smile. "You're talking about two different sets of circumstances."
"That is a very complex way to live." he stated.
Kaitlyn nodded, "That's why there are so few of us in the MACOs." she acknowledged. She took a deep breath, "I will ensure the safety of all of my unit, Ambassador Soval."
Soval relaxed slightly. "After the Summit, I would be agreeable to take you to Mount Seleya - I will have to get permission. I am sure you will appreciate the importance of the site."
Kaitlyn did realize the importance of Mount Seleya, and his offer. "I would be honored, Ambassador."
Soval looked over as the Vulcan shuttle landed and the shuttle crew quickly began unloading items to be delivered to the Vulcan Compound, and loaded the MACO equipment and bags into the shuttle. "Remember your training."
Captain Kaitlyn Donovan nodded as a Vulcan Commander exited the shuttle and approached. He was a typical Vulcan with short, dark hair and an understated strong physique under his uniform. He held himself in confidence as he walked.
The Vulcan Commander bowed slightly to the Ambassador, then stood upright. "Ambassador Soval, I am Commander Stovok, second in command of the Yarahla."
Ambassador Soval nodded, "Commander, this is MACO Captain Donovan. We acknowledge your service for delivering her unit safely to Vulcan."
Commander Stovok focused his gaze on Donovan, "Captain Tok will speak to you after we arrive on the Yarahla. Is your unit ready?" he inquired as he glanced back at the similarly dressed personnel behind her.
"Yes, Commander." she stated.
Commander Stovok watched as she raised her right hand and made a quick circular motion with her pointer finger and her unit quickly snapped to and formed up. He gave her a nod. "Ambassador?" he requested permission to leave.
Ambassador Soval turned to Kaitlyn, "I look forward to seeing your unit's progress in a month when I arrive on Vulcan."
"We look forward to seeing you then, Ambassador." She turned to Commander Stovok, "Lead the way, Commander."
Stovok turned and indicated for her to walk beside him. "I will be your liaison with Captain Tok while you are our guests, Captain Donovan." He explained as they walked on the shuttle and he indicated for her unit to take their seats. He sat down beside her. "I have read over your unit's personnel files and have made arrangements for each of them to work in sections of the ship that match their skills." He handed her his PADD. He watched as it came on and Vulcan words scrolled across the screen. "My apologies, Captain - I will have it translate the information."
Kaitlyn gave him a small smile, "It's quite alright, Commander. I can understand it just fine, but I would appreciate it if you would have the information translated for the rest of my unit - their Vulcan is of varying degrees." she said as she quickly scrolled through the information. "These arrangements are acceptable. Do you have our daily schedule on this?"
"Yes, Captain." Stovok clicked out of the current program and clicked on another icon. As the information appeared on the screen, he watched as she quickly read over the information. "It was in your file that you understood Vulcan, but I did not realize your reading was so fluent. Do you speak Vulcan as fluently as you read?" he inquired.
"You tell me, Commander." she replied in Vulcan.
Stovok nodded, then dropped the subject as he saw the Yarahla out the shuttle window. "We have quarters for your unit - two to a room. The female, Cole, will have her own room - and you will have Officer's quarters." he explained.
"That is agreeable, Commander." she nodded.
"We also have a room to which your unit can work in, and the Training Gym is available to your unit the hours indicated on the schedule." Stovok showed her the room on his PADD. "This will be sufficient?"
"It should be. If it turns out otherwise, I will consult with you to make the necessary changes." she informed him.
Stovok glanced back at the other MACOs. They had not spoken a word the entire time. They were very calm and not fidgeting. He had not met a Human personally before. Everything he had read about them indicated they were noisy, boastful, and quick to rash actions. He would need more information to formulate his own opinion. The next four days should be a sufficient amount of time to observe these Humans. He glanced back at Donovan and noted that she was observing him. "The weapons your unit has brought will be stored in the Cargo hold until we arrive on Vulcan, then we will deliver them to the United Earth Embassy."
"Very well, Commander." Donovan agreed. Ambassador Soval had explained to her early on that there was no way that Captain Tok would allow a group of Humans to be armed on his ship - which she completely understood. She pulled out her own PADD and made a few notations.
The shuttle landed and Donovan stood up and held her PADD up.
Stovok watched as each MACO quickly got out their PADDS.
Donovan clicked an icon and sent them each a message. "Commander Stovok will show us to our quarters. You've got five minutes, then head to the room I indicated on the map. This will be our work room. Go over your area of the Embassy and start formulating suggestions. Understood?"
"Aye, Ma'am." they said in unison.
Stovok watched as each MACO quickly picked up their overnight bag from the racks and also their sea bag that had been stored at the Vulcan Compound. He then led Donovan and her unit through the ship to their quarters. He noticed that no words had to be spoken to the group. When they came to a door, two of the MACOs headed in. "Corporal Cole, these are your quarters." he indicated. The female quickly went in. They were at the last room, when one of the MACOs stopped and looked at Donovan.
"Ma'am?" he questioned.
"I will be to the work room as soon as I finish speaking with Captain Tok, Sgt." she reassured him.
"Aye, Ma'am." Jackson nodded and headed into his quarters. He didn't like knowing where her quarters where located, but she would tell him as soon as she got to the work room.
Stovok continued walking down the corridor, then they rode the lift up two floors. "He is your second in command?"
"Yes, Sgt. Jackson is my Non Commissioned Officer." she explained as Stovok opened a door.
"These are your quarters, Captain." He stated and stepped out of the way to allow her entry.
Donovan raised her eyebrow at the large quarters as she stepped in. She glanced back at Stovok, "Are these typical Officer's quarters?" she inquired. She didn't think so. The first room was a large living room with couches and chairs, with a large dining table and chairs to the right. To the left of the living room was a door that she assumed led to the bedroom and bath.
"No, these quarters are usually reserved for lower ranking dignitaries. Ambassador Soval suggested these quarters for you, since there may be times when you will need to meet with some of your unit privately." he stated hesitantly.
She had the feeling that Captain Tok hadn't agreed with Ambassador Soval's suggestion. "This recommendation was not well received?"
Stovok straightened, more than what he already was. "We will follow the orders of Ambassador Soval . . . but you are correct."
"Are there other quarters I could use instead - one that is for Officers?" she questioned. Kaitlyn didn't want to start off on the wrong foot with Captain Tok - though she got the feeling she was already.
"If you were to change quarters now, it would be seen as an insult." Stovok pointed out to her.
Kaitlyn sat her sea bag and her overnight bag down by the couch, "Well, then - I will make the best of the situation." she resigned. She turned to Stovok, "I believe that Captain Tok wanted to see me?"
Stovok nodded and walked with her down the corridors to the lift and they rode up to the bridge.
They walked on the Bridge and headed to the Captain's Ready Room.
Kaitlyn noted the Vulcan Bridge crew members looked up from their posts, then quickly went back to work.
The door opened and they walked in.
Captain Tok looked up from his PADD and stood up. He nodded to Stovok.
"Captain Tok, this is MACO Captain Donovan." Stovok introduced the two officers.
Captain Tok glanced over her, making a quick analysis. "The trip to Vulcan will take four days. Your unit has settled into their quarters?" he inquired.
Kaitlyn nodded, "Yes, Captain."
"Very well. Commander Stovok will see to your needs. It is customary for high ranking Officers to have the evening meal with the Captain on the first night. Dinner is at 2100. Dismissed." Tok stated and then waited for them to leave.
Donovan and Stovok left, then went back to the lift and rode down to the level of the MACO work room.
Stovok glanced at Donovan. She did not seem ruffled by Captain Tok's abrasive nature. His Captain was usually not so abrasive, but he assumed the Captain was showing his authority. "I will be dining with you and the Captain, as well."
Donovan nodded as they walked into the MACO work room.
Her unit was already at work on their various assignments. She turned to Stovok and noticed he was taking in all of the equipment they had set up around the room and the work they were doing. "Thank you for your assistance, Commander. We will be breaking for lunch at 1300."
Stovok nodded, "I will join you for lunch then." He turned and left them to their work.
Sgt. Jackson raised an eyebrow as he came over to her, "How did it go?"
Kaitlyn shrugged slightly, "As expected. Very indifferent, very restrained. Expect all encounters to follow that pattern. I am requested at the evening meal with the Captain, so you will be on your own then."
Jackson nodded.
Kaitlyn walked over to her unit, "We will carry on according to the schedule. Ambassador Soval was right, most Vulcans on this ship have not had any encounters with Humans. We must make the best impression possible. When you retire after the evening meal tonight, make sure you go over the personnel records of the Vulcans you will be working with tomorrow. We will get up and assist with the morning meal. Alright, let's get to work."
XXXXX
TBC.
Thanks, as always, for the reviews - they make me want to find more time in my life to write.