A/N: On a great note, I have broken through one of those mental blocks and filled in a major hole of this story - a big relief. Now I have one minor hole to complete (should be easier) and small additions here and there with editing.

This makes it more likely that I'll finish and post this before the end of the year. (Yes, it did get a lot longer as time went on, but I think in a good way.)

So we have reached the "prologue" within the story...


AND NOW

"Scotty, what is happening?"

Kirk had found that thankfully the systems were now working as his chief engineer answered. But like the captain, he was at a loss as to why and how.

Desperation had driven his suggestion of dropping the core even as he assumed Scotty would argue against it but follow through if possible. But no answer was received as he was informed that the ship had lost all communications and helm control. When nothing changed, he knew he had his answer.

He had turned to Spock who looked to be able to help but not before the ship would barrel well into the neutral zone. At best, there would be no ships near that particular location of the border but that would change quickly since the Romulans were known to diligently monitor the neutral zone. At worse, ships may already be in the vicinity and…he chose not to ponder further on this thought.

Another idea had also come to him, farfetched and crazy and most likely would not earn him any brownie points with the crew. Their prisoner had already shown that he was easily capable of controlling the ship. Could he be somehow coerced into using his "magic" to stop the ship?

Scarcely nine minutes were had to come up with an answer and with the details yet to sort themselves out he told his waiting first officer to meet him in the brig.

Kirk stepped into the turbolift half expecting it not to function as everything else seemed to be doing but he soon felt the slight movement of quiet machinery at work heading for deck seven. He pulled out his communicator and before the lift had come to a complete stop he had asked Carol Marcus to join him where their prisoner was confined.

Spock arrived from a corridor to his superior officer's left and fell into step next to him. "Captain. This defies logic. Do you believe he will help?"

"No. But I have to try."


Loki knew that something was amiss from where he stood in the cell. Even the smallest amount of strain upon the vessel they traveled upon was amplified to his senses. They were moving fast, extremely fast. Whether it was due to him being here or not he couldn't ascertain.

Still silently fuming over being caught off guard the way he was, he made no attempt to hide his resentment of his situation. His unnerving stare at the recently posted duty officer had initially intimidated the man, who was, no doubt, thinking what could happen if he was to escape. But eventually this grew tiresome and he turned his back upon the guard.

He was like this in contemplation when he felt others entering the area behind him. "Loki!" a familiar voice called tersely, familiar in that he previously dared to disrespect the prince of Asgard, one that deserved his ire that he would be certain to give him when able to.

He turned, his jaw set and glared upon the two who were the reasons he stood confined in the small cell. "To what do I owe this pleasure," he stated acidly when the officers reached his cell.

"I'm certain you already know why we're here," the captain said.

Loki's face didn't change. He looked from one to the other scrutinizing them. "I assure you I don't," he replied carefully.

"Sir, are you not known as the god of lies?" Spock questioned.

This brought a more recognizable smirk from the Asgardian. "To say that all I speak is a lie is a brainless assumption." He approached the force field. "So you believe that I am still causing problems with this vessel. And what might I be doing this time?"

Before any kind of an answer was given, Carol Marcus joined the two senior officers. "Captain, I apologize for my tardiness," she said catching her breath having run two decks to arrive.

With a brief look acknowledging the Lieutenant's arrival, Kirk continued. "I don't have time to argue or play games with you. If it is in fact true that you are not manipulating my ship…" He swallowed hard, the following words were going to be difficult.

Loki raised his brows waiting.

"…I need your help."

The trickster's grin broadened. "You must be truly desperate to even attempt to ask anything of me."

Spock knew of his captain's intent but hearing the request was still disconcerting. He looked to Kirk, the emotion contained, yet his concern still palpable as he sought to make sense of it.

Kirk caught his look with a sidelong glance and pursed his lips. His actions rang familiar and had ended badly before. Could this be any different? Taking a deep breath he continued. "Desperate only to this ship and her crew. With you here, your life is in the balance also."

"Do not be so blind as to think that I would be affected by the puny measures used against you and your vessel. "

"Perhaps not. However you are not immortal," Spock stated.

Loki straightened with a frown and his glare fell upon the blue shirted figure.

Kirk also chanced a glance at his first officer, his thoughts clear but unsaid. And when were you going to tell me that?

"Within the confines of this force field, you would be subjected to and unable to escape whatever should happen to the Enterprise," the first officer continued.

The prisoner looked between the two. "Then so be it." He went to the bench and sat down.

"Wait a minute!" Carol Marcus stepped up to the glass. "There was another reason you came aboard this ship…"

There was no response.

"From what I've read and you, yourself, you are interested in the stars. I know that you spent much of your time in the observation lounge. Isn't that why you came aboard in the first place? You like reading, gaining information. Our computer is full of data regarding solar systems. And the current mission of this ship is to gather information, information from those stars and planets that interest us…as well as you. Helping us would allow you that."

Loki didn't move having no intention upon giving his feelings on the subject away. The mortal was trying to draw him in and admit to a reasoning even he felt was shallow and only a part of the truth.

Kirk silently chewed on the thought but didn't argue the point. Loki had already accessed the computer through his Yeoman but the thought of continuing to allow the uninvited guest access to the systems didn't sit well with him. However, having his ship being blown up in Romulan space was even less desired.

"So you have no interest in saving your own life."

Loki considered these words yet his answer was almost flippant. "Perhaps there is but a minute concern. What is in it for me?"

Fully aware of the time ticking and Spock and Marcus' eyes on him, Kirk replied warily, "Safe passage back to Earth."

Loki turned his head with a renewed sneer. "Don't insult my intelligence. If I had any interest in staying on Midgard I would not be here."

"So you are here because of your interest in space travel," Spock quickly surmised. "I would assume that a being such as you would have no need of a starship."

When there was no signs of a denial Kirk realized aloud, "But you do need a ship…to travel in. You can't just exist out in the vacuum of space."

Again, Loki gave no indication whether the deductions were true.

"Loki, could you also be avoiding your brother? You didn't look too happy when you were told he was back on Earth," Carol Marcus' question caused the prisoner to snort in contempt.

"Do not speak of that fool."

Kirk's patience was wearing thin along with the time. "You know, I'd really love to get to know your personal life better, but I have a problem right now. Regardless of how you feel about everyone on this ship, you need it and us…and…I need you right now. If you do not want to return to Earth then we won't...at least for now."

The prisoner appeared to be considering these words when he regained his feet and again approached the edge of the force field. "And if I agree to help you, I will have full reign of this vessel."

"No you won't," Kirk emphasized each word slowly. Noting the tricksters growing disdain he continued, "A security team will be with you at all times while you are on this ship." He paused as his communicator chirped. He flipped it open, his eyes never leaving those of his captive. "Kirk here…"

"Captain, three minutes to the neutral zone," Chekov informed him.

"Thank you." He closed it then continued. "If you decide to cause problems, I will have you beamed from this ship and we'll find out if you can or can't survive in space."

Loki appeared unfazed by the warning. Instead he shook his head and grinned. "Your threat is a waste of breath as you are bound by your noble principles."

Kirk returned the smile however for a different reason. "Maybe. But then again, you apparently don't know me very well."

As complacent as ever Spock looked to his senior officer remembering the captain's prior devotion to established regulations. "You do have a meticulous habit of flouting the rules."

"Will you or will you not help me out in stopping my ship?"

A blank facade that almost matched the Vulcan's emotionless face was his answer.

Kirk nodded. "Okay, if that's the way you want it." He turned on his heel and with the other two officers falling in beside him briskly headed for the corridor leading back to the turbolift. "Let's get down to engineering…"