Hi, my dear readers!
Yeah, the next update is installed and I hope you're going to like it. Thank you so much for the comment and for clicking the 'favorite-button'; I'm really happy that the break of almost one month didn't drive you away and that you're still so attached to the story.
In the new chapter old loose strings will come together – the Klingon strike group is approaching, the Enterprise is still on the scout-mission, yet Spock and the others are worrying mainly for their captain. Ritek will show once again how clever he is, Galven and the others try to find Koloth (who has his own plans), and then there will be the talk between Jim and Nien concerning the other young Augments a century ago. It will be heart-wrenching, believe me.
I wish you fun,
Love
Yours Starflight
Chapter 28 – Of tricks and contemplations
The Enterprise raced through the space, nearing enemy annexed territory – the former Neutral Zone and deep space K7. Everyone's nerves were on edge – tight as a bowstring. Beta shift was ready for relief but the bridge was crowded. But Spock knew better than to insist they leave. The atmosphere on board was already tense. Everyone worried over their captain, even the ones who knew his whereabouts. If Kirk needed to convalesce for so long, his injuries had to be bad and the uncertainty of the captain's health combined with a possible Klingon strike hurt the crew morale; the tension was so palatable you could cut it with a knife.
Sulu and Chekov remained at their stations as did Scotty, McCoy and of course Spock. They needed the whole crew for this task. If together, they could figure out the enemy's next move, it could mean survival of the UFP. Every officer gave their best. All of them (save the Vulcan) wanted to make their captain and friend proud of them. None of them wanted their captain safe and back among them more than the Vulcan.
Suddenly, Nyota turned in her seat; her eyes went wide. "Commander, I'm receiving a transmission from The Shadow. Mr. Ritek wants to speak with you. He says it's urgent."
Spock lifted a brow. Even without data he simply knew that the militia's attempt to get in contact with him had to do with Kirk. There could not be another reason for it. And Jim wouldn't try to reach him if it were not important.
"Time of arrival, Mr. Sulu?" he asked, and the helmsman answered, "Two hours and fifty-eight minutes, sir."
The Vulcan nodded slowly. Answering the call now could give them away even if The Shadow used Code 9. The Klingons hadn't cracked that encryption yet. But if they did, the Klingons could triangulate the signal and attack. Or even worse, if the enemy cracked the encryption and stayed quiet, they would have the opportunity to learn of Starfleet's plans and gain the strategic advantage. Spock inwardly begged Jim's forgiveness. Highly illogical, but he couldn't answer the hail and know for certain that the Enterprise would be safe and though the probability was high that it was Kirk, there was no way to be certain. He turned around in the captain's chair. "No reply, Lieutenant," he ordered and caught the sideways glances of the crew. "Any external communication could be caught by the Klingons. Even if they cannot decrypt the transmission, they would know that there is a Starfleet vessel in this parsec. That would put us all in unnecessary danger, and the captain needs us and his ship safe if he is to return." Spock smartly appealed to their love for their captain.
"And… if the captain needs our help?" Uhura asked quietly, returning her lover's firm gaze with one of her own.
"The Shadow is orbiting the same planet that the captain is on and Jim has a 'bodyguard', as you and Dr. McCoy are convinced. Whatever the situation, Jim is well equipped to handle it."
"Isn't hope an emotion?" one of the officers mumbled under his breath; still the Vulcan's sensitive hearing caught it, but he let it pass. The tension on the bridge was already thick enough. So Spock leaned back in the captain's chair and fixed his eyes on the large screen, indeed 'hoping' that Jim would be all right.
ST***ST***ST
On Aldebaran III, Jim Kirk paced nervously back and forth. Ritek had been trying to reach the Enterprise for more than a quarter of an hour now without success. Normally, the ship wasn't out of subspace communications range. If fleet command dismissed the Enterprise from her current mission, Spock would have sent him a message. His Vulcan friend wouldn't leave without informing him. So, why did his ship not answer? The Enterprise was on an observing mission – relatively safe as mission go, but Jim didn't have any details. What if his friends had run into Klingons and…?
Suddenly a warm, slender hand lay on his shoulder. "Stop this, Jim, or you'll run a hole in the street," Khan said calmly. "Maybe your ship is out of range and…"
"Spock would not leave without telling me," Kirk murmured. "That means he can't answer the hails. But, why?" He bit his lips before he whispered. "They were ordered on a scouting mission. What if they were attacked…?" He made a gesture with his hand; the worry that was so palpable reflected in his eyes.
"Or they must maintain radio silence due to the mission; perhaps they found something and need to gather more information," the Augment suggested. "I didn't answer the hails as I headed to Turkana for you. The Enterprise tried for hours, but I could not reply for fear of revealing myself."
Jim tried to smile, and failed miserably. "Maybe – maybe not. Not knowing what's happening out there, if my friends, my crew, and my ship are all okay… Fuck. I hate it!"
"I know, James," Nien answered quietly. "I know exactly what you are enduring."
The two lovers looked at each other, and Kirk nodded finally; he remembered all too well what Khan told him about the uncertain times after his family and he fled Earth, and the time after when he had been woken up by Marcus – never sure what really happened to his dear ones, only knowing that they were in danger. Nien was perhaps the only one who understood his fear. It was the fear of a leader, a friend, and a brother. It reminded him to thank fate, God, whatever, for his lover.
Galven stepped near to them; sympathy, but also determination mirrored in his small eyes. "Ritek will remain aboard the Flash and continue trying to get your ship, Captain, but I think we should take some measures of our own."
Kirk made an affirming gesture. "Yes, we should – and we will. Do you have any portable scanners aboard?"
"We have some tricorders and…"
"Very good. We'll split up. We'll take a look at the spaceport and the Starfleet outpost. Each group gets one tricorder. I know Koloth and the others, you guys don't, so you have to scan every man who passes by the entrances. It's cumbersome, but it's our only chance to find them."
"What could they achieve by blowing up the spaceport and the outpost? Aldebaran, I understand, but then what? We don't have many mineral resources or anything else that could be in their interest," Diego grumbled.
Kirk sighed, "They would have another piece of the Federation under their control." He pursed his lips. "Not a pleasant thought. Then they'd have another staging area to continue their of more Federation airspace. From here, it's not far to the other inhabited planets in this sector that belong to the Federation and…"
"Jim, maybe this is only the beginning of a larger invasion," Khan mused and caught is beloved's asking glance. "The Federation wants peace talks; as far as we know the Klingons have not responded until now. Maybe they want to make a last attempt at victory before they decide to accept the offer."
"By seizing a single planet system?" Jeff cocked his head. "They already occupy so much and…"
"I am not familiar with the exact layout of the Federation's borders, but maybe to seizing Aldebaran is strategically important," Khan mused, and Kirk frowned.
"You could be right," he murmured. "Their target could be the Aldebaran System, first, and then Tandar and finally Betazed. If the Klingons seized those parsecs, they would isolate all the planets of the Federation between Klingon Empire and the Cardassian Union. One-by-one, they could take down all our colonies and allied planets without having to fear Starfleet intervention. We wouldn't be able to help them. The Klingons would bag a quarter of the Federation, and we'd be rendered helpless."
"So attacking Aldebaran first is logical," Nien nodded. "If I wanted to annex territory, I would proceed the same way. Encircling first, then strike. The Klingons are at the beginning stages of a major offensive! Koloth's presence leaves no doubt." He cocked his head. "And maybe this is why the Enterprise will not answer. If a major offensive is imminent, then one or two Fleet strike groups have to be nearby – possibly directly in the former Neutral Zone. It is possible that your ship saw them and is observing them from a safe distance."
Jim paled. "If the Klingons find them, then…"
"Remember, your friends have my device. I don't know much about of your chief engineer aside from his name. You called on him often during our flight between the two ships; I will never forget it…"
Kirk grimaced. Yeah, he had called 'Scotty' a lot.
"… but as far as I understand he is a good engineer…"
"He's not just good; he's a genius," Jim sighed; it made Khan smile for a moment before he continued, "… and I have no doubt that 'Scotty' has studied my device, and that it is integrated in the general ship's functions by now. The Klingons will not be able to scan the Enterprise. They can only recognize her if she comes into visual contact. Your Vulcan can prevent that. He is highly intelligent, I have to give him that." His gaze became warmer. "So, don't worry too much, Pyāra. They will be relatively safe."
The young captain looked grateful at Nien; the Augment's words soothed him a little bit – well, concerning his ship. But the other matters…
"So, we are facing a major Klingon strike – a bid to take over Federation space starting right here – on this planet, in this town, directly under our noses. And I'm standing here and can't anything about it because some little, smartass doesn't believe that I am me," Jim growled. "Dammit!" He took a deep breath, suppressing his frustration. "All right, we'll split up. Caviw and Diego, you go to the Starfleet station and watch the entries. Scan the area for Klingon bio-signs. Galven, you and Jeff go to the main entrance of the spaceport. Koloth and the traitor have never seen you so they won't get suspicious when they see you. Nien and I are will watch the side entrance and…"
"There is also a large cargo area," Diego interrupted him. In the background, Galven called Ritek and asked for three tricorders and some phasers. "Usually cargo is stored there until the customs is done with it. The area holds HAZMAT. If they decide to plant explosives there, the effect would be devastating."
"Right, then Nien and I will check the cargo area, too. We'll remain in contact, but switch-off the audio on your communicators. It's safer this way. Set them to vibrate so you can tell if someone is trying to get in touch with you."
He looked to Galven as the Tellarit closed the small distance to him. "Ritek will beam down everything we need to my location in a few minutes. I'll go into the pub to use the restroom. I'll receive the 'cargo' there. I don't think it wise if other people see phasers materializing in front of us."
Jim grinned at him. "Clever," he said, then he addressed Khan. "You sure you want to do this? It's dangerous, and if the authorities show…" He stopped when the Augment glared at him, and lifted both hands. "Alright, alright, I'll shut up."
"Good!" Khan grumbled. The others laughed and Jim pouted. Then Kirk turned serious again. "Okay, guys, even if our super-hero here sees this as a walk in the part, I can assure you it's not! It can and will be very dangerous as soon as we locate the Klingons. So if someone wants to back out, do it now or forever hold your peace!" Five pairs of eyes looked to him, but the mouths stayed silent, and Jim smiled. "Thanks," he said softly. "I appreciate it."
"Then you certainly will be even more happy to hear that Ritek has alerted our other members and that they are ready to support us," Galven oinked. "All you have to do is ask, and the whole gang comes running – or beaming, in this case." He winked at the young captain and headed for the small restaurant to receive the 'cargo' as he put it.
Jim and Khan exchanged a glance. It was good to have friends!
ST***ST***ST
Korax and Kaghon entered the hotel. Koloth had stayed with McFurthon, who had much to do, what with their change of plans. Kurhan and Noras were also with their commander awaiting instructions. All Korax knew about the new plan was that his commander was going to lure Kirk into a trap; the rest were continuing with the original plan of bringing down Aldebaran's defenses. The first officer mused that Koloth would also use Kirk as a hostage to keep the Augment at bay and to force surrender. The Qli-jagh wouldn't risk Kirk's life; that much was obvious from the Turkana ordeal as well as the more recent pub brawl.
'It is a shame! The Qli-jagh is a great and fierce warrior yet he sticks to this weak, common human. Yes, Kirk is a warrior but without honor – a terrorist. The Qli-jagh could do better than be taken with Kirk. Feelings… Every human becomes weak with them, even the augmented ones!'
He entered his commander's room and quickly selected the harmless materials there suited to his needs. Each piece, on its own, seemed useless but taken together they would bring death and destruction.
Kaghon looked out of the window and suddenly tensed. "Kirk is there! And the Augment too," he said, pointing outside. Korax was at his side in a flash. Sneering, the first officer nodded as he watched two human males walking quickly down the pavement.
"Koloth was right. Kirk saw through our intent – but it will be of no use. Our plans have changed and he and his Augment friend will walk straight into our trap." He pulled his communicator from his belt and activated it.
"Captain?" he hailed his commanding officer. "You were right – Kirk is here!"
He didn't have to wait very long for an answer. "Very good! Where is he heading?"
"To the cargo area of the spaceport," Korax replied and heard his captain chuckling.
"Perfect! Koloth out!"
Korax deactivated the communicator and exchanged a glance with Kaghon. "Everything is going smoothly!" he said.
ST***ST***ST
Caviw and Jeff stared across the street at the Starfleet outpost located in one of the less harried quarters of New Aldebaran. Surrounding the outpost were several contract companies and consulate buildings. The few houses that could be seen belonged to company CEOs and the few diplomats posted on Aldebaran. A small restaurant stood across from the Starfleet building; the Caitian and the young human were there watching the passersby. They ordered a bit of food and something to drink so as to seem innocuous. Every now and then secretly checking the pedestrians and patrons with their tricorder; the two pretended to be a pair of lovers, feigning slight touches and loving looks, hoping that nothing would slip their attention.
Covering as an Aldebaran resident showing the spaceport to a friend he hadn't seen in a long time, Diego and Galven 'enjoyed' the port's shops. The Chilean checked today's arrivals and frowned as he read on the large displays that only a freighter was expected in the next half hour. Because he was well-known in the spaceport, it was Galven who went to the information office pretending to be a businessman waiting for his goods. A young Andorian lady was very sorry to tell him that the freighter Athena didn't come from Tellar and didn't carry the Tellarian food he was waiting for, but liquid plastic used for Aldebaran industry. Thanking the woman, Galven left to tell Diego what he had learned.
Alarm bells went off in the heads of both men. "Liquid plastic is quite flammable. The freighter is carrying hundreds of tons of the stuff. Can you imagine what would happen if those tanks are blown up?" Galven whispered, and Diego nodded, reaching for his communicator. The Tellarit continued observing the area with his tricorder, and the Chilean hailed Kirk.
He had to wait a moment, before the quite voice of the young captain answered. Quickly he informed the Starfleet officer what Galven and he had learned.
"Dammit!" Jim whispered. "The plastic would increase the impact of whatever they are using as an explosive several times over. We have to find the others before it's too late."
"I'll get what we need from our comrades," Galven murmured and opened his own communicator, putting distance between himself and Diego.
"Can you enter the cargo area without trouble, Jim?" the Chilean wanted to know and heard the captain snorting,
"There are four guards. Several minutes ago, a man attempted entry. They had him present a slew of documents before they let him pass. Security is everywhere; still Koloth's going to find a way inside. Can he beam inside, maybe, using the official transporter?"
"Negative," Diego sighed. "The cargo area is shielded. Otherwise too many 'businessmen' would see a self-serve and help themselves to the goods."
"Rrright. Well at least that option is off the table. On the other hand, Nien and I are having trouble entering the area, what with all the guards and…"
"I know most of the guards because I do a lot of shipping and receiving. Maybe I can smuggle you inside. Where are you?"
"Across the street from the west entrance into the cargo area," Khan's deep baritone answered, and Diego nodded unseen by the two men.
"All right, just wait. I'll be there in a few minutes." He closed the communicator and looked at Galven, who ended his own call just then.
"We will have seven of our people here about three minutes," the Tellarit said. "Go to Kirk and Kh- Drythen. We have to have them inside of the cargo area."
Diego made an affirming gesture, for a moment confused why Galven had stumbled over Drythen's name. Then he waved at the Tellarit and quickly walked away.
ST***ST***ST
McFurthon looked up from the communications station and glanced at Koloth whose face wore an even more determined expression than before. "So, Kirk thinks the cargo area is safe because of the shield. Naïve, if you ask me, but his misdirection is handy. He will not know the plan until it is too late," the former officer said. He congratulated himself as he thought back to Kirk's communication interception. He turned his attention to the check-in list of the space harbor that he had hacked into earlier. He smiled as the name of the expected freighter appeared on the screen.
"The vessel has arrived," he informed the Klingon captain. "Usually unloading proceedings begin within an hour of arrival."
Koloth bared his teeth in a parody of a smile. "Right, then it begins now!" He activated his borrowed communicator, opened another frequency, and hailed the Klingon strike group waiting in the former Neutral Zone.
"General? I'm honored to inform you that the triumphal strike can begin!"
The answer came back in the guttural Klingon language, and Koloth cut off the link with a satisfied grin. "They are coming!"
ST***ST***ST
"Time to arrival, Mr. Sulu?" Spock asked even though he knew that they would need more than another hour to reach their destiny.
"Sixty-five minutes, sir," the helmsman answered; his body suddenly went stiff. "What the hell…" he whispered, before turning sharply around with his chair. "Mr. Spock, the vessels are moving – they've entered warp."
The Vulcan was on his feet in a blink of an eye. "Course?" he asked as he hurried to his own station.
"I'm not sure, sir. It could be Aldebaran," Hikaru said after another look at his instruments. He didn't see the first officer stiffen, nor would he know why if he did. He added, "If they remain at speed, they will see us in twenty-three minutes and…"
"Full stop, Mr. Sulu!" the Vulcan interrupted him, and the Enterprise came to halt. Suppressing the sudden stab deep in him at the mere thought that the Klingons could be heading to the planet where his T'yh'la was recovering, Spock checked his sensors. Pressing his lips into a thin line for a moment, he murmured, "Eighteen vessels make up the strike group. That is what the sensors read before the ships cloaked." He looked at the helmsman. "Mr. Sulu, standard measure points for ion trails and warp signatures. We have to find their exact heading." His gaze found Uhura's. "And we have to risk recognition. Transmit to the Lexington, Code 9: Klingon invasion. And give Commodore Wesley the coordinates of the Klingon's last location."
He bent over his sensors again, while he ordered, "Yellow alert, Mr. Chekov; General Quarters. We are going into battle."
ST***ST***ST
"Pablo! It's a surprise to see you on duty!" Diego beamed at the young guard at the cargo area check-in. Pablo Sanchez came from Chile too, and knew Diego very well, "I thought you were still on your honeymoon with sweet Maria!"
Sanchez grinned at him; his white teeth made for a sharp contrast against his tanned skin. "It's my first day back at work," he said. "It's hard to be apart from her, but… well… duty, you know?"
The giant Chilean nodded and smirked. "Yeah, duty can royally disturb a lovely day."
"Yeah, who you tellin'," Pablo sighed; then he looked at the two strangers. "And who are you?" he asked.
His eyes went wide, and he was stock-still when his fellow countryman bent forwards and whispered, "Don't tell anyone, but this is Captain James T. Kirk and one of his officers."
The other Chilean stared with eyes large as saucers. "You are…" He looked at the young from top to bottom and took a sharp breath. "Indeed, it is you. I watched your memorial speech on the television and saw your picture on the news." He blushed, and extended his hand. "It is a great honor to meet you, Captain Kirk."
Jim, who hadn't known that Diego would blurt out his identity, cleared his throat and returned the gesture. "Thank you, Mr. Sanchez." He pointed at Khan to whom Ritek had beamed down an old-fashioned baseball cap that the Augment wore pulled down over his eyes, a thoughtful measure by the Regulian. "My… tactical officer, Commander…"
"Commander Lavi, at your service, Mr. Sanchez," Khan said, shaking the younger man's hand too.
"Nice to meet you, Commander," Pablo answered.
Jim glanced quickly at his beloved – Lavi? Why not! – And decided to grab the bull by the horns. "Mr. Sanchez, I'm undercover here and Commander Lavi and I need your help."
The young guard snapped to attention. "How can I help you, sir?"
"We need to get into the cargo area. We think that spies of the enemy are here and…"
"Spies?" Thank the Lord the young man was bright; he lowered his voice. "Klingons?"
Jim nodded. "Yes."
Sanchez paled. "Why don't you call the Starfleet outpost here and…?"
"They are already in the area and looking for them too," Kirk lied through his teeth before he nodded at the large hold. "We have to…"
Pablo simply waved at them. "Follow me, sir!" he said; he walked to the check-in, signaled to the other watchmen, and then led the three men into the cargo area.
ST***ST***ST
General K'taH sat centrally in the upper leveled of the flag ship's bridge and stared at the screen as if he could force the Federation ship to appear by his will alone. It was there; he trusted his comms officer to be right in this – or he'd pay with his life. The transmission had been scrambled using the same encryption that Klingon intelligence had been trying to crack for some time now. That was not all; it was as if the message had been sent from nowhere at all. There had to be a dispatcher, yet the sensors could not locate the source of the transmission. This was a riddle K'taH wanted to solve.
He had read Lord Kor's report of the small vessel that appeared from nowhere at Turkana. The ship beamed aboard the sentenced terrorist Kirk and his rescuer, and then vanished. Kor had pursued it as long as he and his men were able and fired when in range. Once visual contact was lost though, no sensor aboard the Klingon ship could locate the vessel.
The same went now for the Federation vessel; it had to be near, still the sensors showed nothing.
The bulky, though strong Klingon rubbed his beard. He didn't belong to those Klingons whose appearance had been influenced by the Augment DNA experiments, and he was proud of his pure, ridged Klingon appearance. Aye, he respected Kor, the last descendant of the Imperial Family, but he was convinced that the more human-like Klingons such as Kor also thought too much like humans. Kor was a fighter, but still there were several Klingons who regarded him as weak and – Kahless help him – even regarded him as a traitor after the negotiation of Organia.
Kor, son of Rynar, had negotiated with a staff-officer of Starfleet. It was some commodore K'taH didn't remember, but Kor had talked about him with great respect. The general knew that there were indeed some humans, who were warrior enough to earn respect, still he would never say this aloud. Kor had told the High Council that they could trust this Earthling's words; K'taH doubted this statement. And since the glorious Klingon Empire was at war with the Federation, he saw in her members nothing more than whimpering cowards. This offer of peace talks – offer! It was an offense!
"Something new?" he barked, looking over at his science officer who turned around towards him.
"I am sorry, Milord, but the sensors still find nothing. Neither our sensors, nor those of our other ships."
"There was a short message, but it's impossible to tell from where it has been sent," the communication officer confirmed.
K'taH bared his teeth, but stayed silent. Still his mind was in turmoil. 'The Federation has developed a new technical device that hinders our sensors from detecting her ships. Another low trick of these cowards!' He cocked his head and felt his long, thick plaited hair fall over his shoulder.
"Sensors on maximum power! Even if this Federation vessel is playing dead it has to leave a warp signature. Find them!"
His science officer nodded and fixed his attention back on his station. K'taH bit his lips. 'Nothing is invisible!' he thought. 'Even the enhancements of our newest generation of cloaking-devices which will be installed at our vessels soon will be obsolete in a matter of months!'
ST***ST***ST
"The Shadow is still trying to contact us, Commander," Uhura reported and looked at her lover, who seemed lost in the information at his station.
"The short message to the Lexington was risky enough. If we send a longer transmission, the Klingons would have enough data to triangulate its point of origin - us, but we still need more information about them before we can continue."
"New data from the fourth measuring point, Mr. Spock," Sulu said while he watched his display intensely. "In due consideration of the first measuring point and their present course, they are heading for Aldebaran. With regard to their speed, sir, they are going to see us in two minutes."
Spock nodded. He had already anticipated the disaster. "Does the sensor-disturbing device still work, Mr. Sulu?" he wanted to know and the helmsman glanced back at him.
"Yes, sir, it running smoothly."
The Vulcan straightened his frame. "Red alert, Mr. Chekov! All hands to their battle stations. Mr. Sulu, take us away from here. Course – Aldebaran." His gaze found Uhura's again. "Send a message to Starfleet Command. The Klingons have begun a major strike against this sector! And please inform Commodore Wesley about the enemy's target. The Klingons will reach it in two hours and fifty-three minutes." He stepped beside the captain's chair and activated the intercom. "Engineering, battle stations." He changed the frequency. "Bridge to med bay. Doctor McCoy, prepare your station for casualties." Before he could cut off the link, the CMO's voice sounded.
"What's happening up there, Spock?"
The Vulcan's keen eyes lay on the screen and the tactical picture of the advancing enemy. "The Klingons have decided to annex this sector," he said calmly. "A larger strike-group is on its way to Aldebaran and…"
"Holy shit – JIM is there!" Bones yelled. Sulu and Chekov looked over their shoulders at the acting captain. He and the doctor knew where Kirk was and hadn't said anything? Not that they were obligated to, but Kirk was Hikaru's and young Pavel's friend too. They were just as concerned and wanted to know the whereabouts of the ship's 'heart' so to speak.
Spock lifted a brow. "I'm aware of it, Doctor."
"And are you going to do about it?" Leonard almost challenged.
"Whatever is necessary!" With those words, he cut off the line and sat down in the captain's chair.
McCoy was right.
Jim was on Aldebaran!
If the Klingons seized the star-system and its third planet, his T'hy'la would fall into the enemy's hands again. The planet was not as well protected as it should be, but if the Klingons arrived before Starfleet, the Enterprise might be able to stall the assault just long enough to enable reinforcements to arrive before the entire planet was subdued.
'One ship against eighteen. That's not logic; it's hope at best!' his Vulcan side whispered, and the first officer pursed his lips. Maybe he chose a way that wasn't a way at all, but, as Jim Kirk says, 'if you run out of options go with your gut.'
ST***ST***ST
Ritek leaned back in his chair, frustrated and resigned to failure. "You either can't or won't answer, Enterprise?" he grumbled. "Holy stones, when you uniform-wearers are needed, you're unreachable!" He shook his head. Someone had to tell this idiot of lieutenant down at the Starfleet station that Kirk was indeed… well, Kirk! Someone who knew the young captain had to clear up the misunderstanding and…
The Rigelian went rigid before he groaned and slapped his forehead – a gesture he had adopted from his Terran friends. "Not the lieutenant. Damn, I'm an idiot! Why didn't I think of it sooner?" He bent forwards again and adjusted a wideband frequency using the Code 9. "This is The Shadow to USS Lexington! Come in, Lexington!"
He had to repeat his hail three times before he received an answer.
"This is the USS Lexington. Who is speaking?" a male voice wanted to know.
"This is Ritek from The Shadow. Patch me through to Commodore Wesley, please. It's urgent! Captain Kirk needs…"
"One moment!" he interrupted the voice; then the visual signal caught up with the voice. Quickly, Ritek activated the large main screen on the small bridge. He looked straight at the level gaze of Bob Wesley. Tension and worry lay in the commodore's brown eyes, and he seemed to have some more grey hair since the last visual transmission. He bent forwards slightly. "Mr. Ritek!" he greeted and the Rigelian nodded back.
"Commodore, we have a situation here – a grave one. Klingons are here – we think to blow up our spaceport, and one of your outposts. The outpost doesn't believe that Kirk is Kirk, and now…"
Wesley lifted a hand. Since receiving the first message from the Enterprise indicating that a Klingon strike group had entered Federation space between former K7 and DS 133, his ship was on red alert. He had ordered all ships in the surrounding parsecs to the area. Even without the new information from Kirk's Vulcan first officer, he simply knew that a decisive battle in this war was imminent. Receiving a kind of SOS from The Shadow concerning a 'situation' and Kirk was something he didn't need. Still, he knew he couldn't ignore it. What's more, if he was quite honest with himself, he'd admit that the situation did need Kirk. "Please, one thing at a time, Mr. Ritek. Where are you? And what does Captain Kirk need from me?"
Sighing, the Rigelian quickly explained what happened and was about to happen. The commodore's expression changed from concern to shock and finally became grim while his hands tightened around the armrests of his chair. "It fits!" he whispered. "Their planned major strike begins on Aldebaran!"
Ritek had heard the quiet words and went pale. "A Klingon invasion? Kirk and Drythen think the same thing. Koloth and his Klingons are here on Aldebaran to…"
"Koloth? Captain Koloth?" Wesley interrupted him and the Rigelian nodded.
"Yes, that's the name Captain Kirk mentioned. He, Drythen and one of our friends had a run-in with this Koloth and…"
Bob groaned. "Of course those two had to run into each other!" He shook his head and asked himself, not for the first time, how it was possible that Kirk always stumbled into trouble! Scratch that. He didn't stumble into it - he went looking for it! Then he went rigid. "So the Klingons are aware that we know of their presence on Aldebaran?" As the Rigelian made another gesture of confirmation, he sighed. "They will change their plans. No doubt about it. Can you…"
"Commodore, an incoming message from the Enterprise!" his communication officer interrupted him. "Code red!"
"Mr. Ritek, hold the line, please!" Wesley said, and then he nodded to Palmer. "On speaker Lieutenant."
He heard the warm, melodious voice of the young, dark-skinned woman he knew to be Nyota Uhura. "This is the USS Enterprise. The Klingon invaders are heading for the Aldebaran System. Estimated time of arrival, two hours and fifty-three minutes."
Wesley cursed. It was becoming a habit since the war started. But he didn't question the Enterprise, he knew better. "Message our ships, Lieutenant Palmer. Klingon invasion. Target annexation of Aldebaran. Prepare to intercept the enemy at coordinates 42.3591." He looked at his helmsman. "Set course to Aldebaran, Warp 9!" He made a signal, and Ritek was on the air again. "Mr. Ritek, what I'm telling you now is very delicate information. I hope you're able to handle it with prudence. A Klingon strike group is on its way to Aldebaran. It's most certainly in connection with Koloth's presence on the planet. I need to…"
"… To talk to Kirk?" the Rigelian threw in. He had paled at what he just learned but remained calm.
"Yes, after I spoke with our outpost. Something is odd here. To ignore an emergency code red is… uncommon."
Ritek nodded. "All right, sir, I'm on standby." The Rigelian's expression was determined, after he had overcome his shock.
"One more moment, Mr. Ritek," Bob said, lifting a hand. "What's the name of said lieutenant, who ignored an emergency code red on our own frequency?"
"Taylor, sir," Ritek answered, before he added, "Commodore, Kirk is with my people down on the planet. They're trying to locate the Klingons, but we can't do it alone. They only have tricorders to scan the bio-signals around them and the Klingons in question are from Imperial families. Human looking, we're afraid we won't recognize them. The differences between human and human-like Klingon bio-signals is difficult to ascertain. I'll have my ship and Galven's ship scan the area, but we only have simple standard sensors and…"
"I'll take care of it, Mr. Ritek. Thank you for your quick reaction and please continue with your scans. Maybe you'll find our 'friends' before we can. And please remain ready to receive the equipment!"
The screen on board of the Flash went dark and Ritek gulped. A Klingon invasion – here, on this planet. And he was stuck in middle.
"SHIT! As Galven asked me to kick some Orion asses I never dreamed that I would find myself involved in the war, helping Starfleet!" He punched the buttons on his station. "I'm going to send Command a bill when this is over!"
ST***ST***ST
Back on Aldebaran at the Starfleet outpost, Commander Elias Capricio ruminated over the last reports of yesterday's patrol; he saw that another freighter had arrived in the space harbor. He was about to answer his messages when the intercom buzzed.
"Commander, Commodore Wesley on the line for you."
Capricio's dark eyebrows shot up. Santa Maria! What could the highest ranking officer in this sector want from him? "Patch him through Lieutenant Anderson!" he ordered and watched the screen on his desk come alive; the grey haired staff-officer appeared. He knew him only knew from video transmissions and holographs.
"Commodore Wesley!" he greeted; the other man nodded shortly.
"Commander Capricio, You have a big problem. Two to be precise. Listen…"
Wesley explained the planet's impending situation. Capricio reacted as a Starfleet officer in his position ought. Even as Wesley was on the screen, the Italian gave the red alert, called his leading officers to his office, and ordered a complete scan of the town.
Bob looked at the outpost's commander. "You would have been informed sooner, but one of your communication officers omitted passing an emergency code red call to you!"
The Italian man stared wide-eyed at his superior. "I… beg your pardon, sir? I don't know about a call like that. When…"
"That's the problem. Lieutenant Taylor refused to link Captain Kirk to you. He's on Aldebaran and requires…"
"I hate to interrupt you, sir, but I none of my officers go by that name. Not anymore."
The commander's dark eyes narrowed. "Explain!"
"Lieutenant Josef Taylor transferred to Starbase 67 a week ago, and there is no one else by that name, sir."
Wesley frowned. "Where'd he work?"
"Comms, sir," Capricio replied.
Pursing his lips, Bob thought about his knew bit of information. "So, you have no Lieutenant Taylor on your team, but Kirk spoke to one when he tried to contact this post. This man refused to patch Kirk through. Told the answering officer that the Enterprise's captain was dead which is not the case!"
The commander bent forwards slightly. "Sir, I have no information that Captain Kirk is on this planet, and…"
"He is… he's on mission now, but that's not important right now, Commander." Wesley took a deep breath. "What is important is that you have a mole on your team, and we know that because Kirk tried to reach you via our emergency frequency, but was put off. Who is on duty now?"
"Lieutenant Anderson, sir. He's been on for about five hours now. He's a good man – one of my best. I can't imagine it'd be him intercepting calls for the enemy."
Wesley nodded slowly. "Alright, we'll take care of that detail later. You have another problem to solve. I'm on my way to Aldebaran, but we won't be there for another…" He glanced at his helmsman, who said,
"Two hours, fifteen minutes, sir."
"You heard that?" Bob said to him; he nodded.
"I understand, Commodore. I'll keep you updated. Aldebaran out." He switched off the comm screen and looked up when his senior officers stepped into his office. "Ladies and gentlemen, we have a situation!" he said rising up from his seat.
ST***ST***ST
On Aldebaran, Jim and Khan left Diego who continued watching the entrance of the cargo area with Pablo's help. Even though this section of the spaceport was shielded, Kirk didn't trust the stillness around them. He had met Koloth only one time, but he knew perfectly well how sneaky this particular Klingon was, and he didn't want to give his adversary the chance to get the jump on them or succeed in his plans.
Hiding between two tanks with Nien beside him, he could see the entire area. He watched the borrowed tricorder's display, ready to react as soon as the device detected Klingon presence.
Khan remained silent beside him; his engineered senses caught the quietest of noises and the stillest of movements. Still his thoughts drifted away from him. He reflected on what he had learned about the Klingon human appearance. There must be others! His people alive! Otherwise those experiments would have never been.
He pursed his lips. Though, in their present situation, this might not be the best time to ask, he decided to use the short pause fate had granted them to ask the questions that had been niggling at the edges of his thoughts since he learned about the other Augments. "Jim," he began quietly. "Tell me about the Klingon experiments with… with the DNA of – of my people."
Kirk stayed silent for moment. He nearly forgot about the topic. But now he would have to tell Nien. He didn't look forward to the task. He never wanted to intentionally cause distress to the man who had captured his heart. And he certainly didn't want to be the one to tell him that he and his people were the last of their kind. He also knew that this time was anything but ideal. But the matter embittered his beloved's mind and soul. His man was a good man and deserved nothing less than the truth.
Giving the tricorder's little display a last glance, he faced Khan, whose posture betrayed his tension. Taking a deep breath he began gently – feeling out his words, "After the Eugenics Wars, eighteen hundred embryos were found in labs around the world – Augment-embryos. Discussions regarding what to do with them went on for a long time. Finally the Organization of Human Rights won out. The embryos were kept in a sort of stasis." He saw the tension growing in Khan and instinctively took one of his hands in his own before continuing. "Later, warp drive was developed and Earth made contact with Vulcans and other species. So – and I don't know who was in charge at this point. The embryos were brought to a safer place – a space station called Cold Station 12. Mid twenty-second century, a scientist – Dr. Soong – decided to prove that the Augments weren't evil. Not like history made them out to be. He stole and raised twenty Augments from childhood, but he was caught by the authorities when the children were ten years old. The authorities didn't know about them, though. Dr. Soong was arrested for illegal and unethical experimentation. The children grew up alone."
"Alone! Ten year-old children!" Khan shook his head, shocked at the thought. "And I thought my poor excuse of a 'childhood' was difficult." He felt Jim's thumb stroking soothing circles on the back of his hand. The movement told him that there was worse to come. He was right.
"Mmm, they escaped about ten years later when a ship passed by the planet they were living on. They took it and freed the man they knew as their 'father' – the doctor. As far as is known, their leader just wanted to go somewhere safe and to live in peace but it didn't work out. He was killed during a combat with another young Augment who wanted to 'recover' the Augment embryos for himself. They stole a Klingon bird-of-prey, raided Cold Station 12, and forced the scientists to hand over the remaining embryos. The new leader took them and headed for the Klingon Empire. A Starfleet ship followed them and warned the Klingons. They tried to stop the young Augments, but they were determined to incite the Federation and Klingons into war against each other. If they destroyed a habited planet in the Empire, the Klingons would blame the Federation and go after them."
"What?" The former dictator went rigid. "That is… against everything we were created for!"
"Born for, Nien. You and your people are not machines, you are enhanced humans!" Jim corrected him softly, before he continued gingerly, "The Starfleet vessel would have prevented the disaster, but instead of giving up, the leader of the young Augments…" And here James struggled to pull a name from his memory. He knew just how important every Augment was for Khan – how precious each name was to him. "Malik, I think, was his name. … He activated the self-destruct on the ship." He bit his lips before adding, "All of the embryos aboard were… they were no longer viable."
Khan stared at him, horrified; he was in complete disbelief. "He… he killed all of…?" The last words were choked off. He couldn't say it, couldn't even imagine it. The embryos – the last remains of his people… Dead! Killed by one of their own! It couldn't be true! Then he saw Jim's compassionate expression and his brilliant mind allowed no doubt. Jim wouldn't lie and he would tell Khan if he doubted the information. Moaning as if in physical pain, he closed his eyes. "All the unborn children…" Khan couldn't imagine it. He risked his life – he waited three hundred years to get his crew to safety, and he was still working for their safety and eventual freedom. Nothing, not time, not Starfleet, not war would keep him from his goal. His family was everything. These children never learned that. Never learned what it was to be Augment. They had no one to teach them – no one to look to. "All that was left of us… Killed by one of our own! How hopeless the child must he have felt to commit genocide on his own kind?" He felt his throat tightening. "I can't… This is…" He couldn't the words.
"I'm sorry, Nien," Jim whispered; he let go if Khan's hand and cupped his cheek. He anticipated that the news would be hard – would hurt his beloved deeply, but he hadn't thought that Nien would take it that bad – that he would be left speechless. It brought him back to San Francisco – that night. "I am sorry for your loss – even if you never knew them. They… belonged to your people and…" As he saw the anguish in the Augment's eyes, he closed the small distance to him and gathered him in his arms, ignoring the small weight and the pulsing lights of the tricorder in his left hand. "I am sorry, baby. I'm sorry that we'll never get to know what could have been." And he was. He continued to hold the man he loved in a calm, secure embrace.
For a long moment Khan simply leaned into him, his arms encircled the young captain's waist as if searching for support and shelter; knowing that in his captain's arms, he was safe from prying eyes. Then, after a short while, he straightened his frame again.
Sadness will make even the best of men lash out. "Would you say that if you didn't lo-?" He stopped, unable to continue that train of thought. "Would you say it if you didn't know me – if we weren't this? Would you still be sorry for them – for their loss?"
"I… Nien. Please don't ask me what I can't answer. That's not the way it is. I know you. I see you. And there is no going back from that – ever! So I am sorry for it – for them. I'm sorry for what could have been because I know what could have been. I only know that because of all that you've shown me. So don't ask me – don't you dare ask me to go back there – back to…" And now it was Kirk's turn to choke on his words. And he couldn't meet Khan's eyes. "… to when I hated you."
The words stung Khan like a slap and now he was instantly sorry for his words. He didn't want to ever, ever bring Jim back to that place nor did he want to visit it himself. But you lash out at those you love because they are safe, because they will continue to love you – because they are the only ones that can bring you safely to the other side and away from the things that hurt you.
Khan placed his hands on either side of James' neck; his thumbs stroked along his jaw and he brought their foreheads to touch. "I am sorry. That was not fair of me. I cannot bear to think of you hating me."
Nien lowered his gaze. Those events were a century away now. It didn't make it any less painful, but it wasn't James' fault. While he – Khan – and his family were caught in cryosleep, what remained of his people were killed at the hand of one of themselves. Though he only learned of them now, he knew that with them went the last hope of survival for his kind.
He felt… guilty – guilty for not being there. Not being able to save them. Not being the leader – the father he should have been to those unborn children and the twenty young adults. His rational mind told him that there was nothing that could have been done, but it didn't make it any easier to bear.
Three centuries since he and the others fled Earth. In the meantime so much has happened – so much he'd never know. He knew all seventy-two of his peoples' names. He knew everything about them. He didn't know the children's' names save one. Malik. The young man was responsible for the death of his own kind. The other names were lost along with those unnamed. Khan's eyes stung at the thought. And then chastised himself for it. Blaming himself for events a hundred years ago was foolish. His mind warred with itself. The embryos – even those young Augments – they belonged to his people and he had been their last remaining leader. He still was. There should have been something he could have done before they fell into rebel hands and…
He frowned and looked up again. "The Klingon experiments… When were they?"
"They were months after, when …"
"After?" Khan cocked his head. "If every Augment embryo and the young Augments were dead, how could the Klingons experiment with their DNA at all?"
Jim looked at him sadly. "The embryos were well protected in containment, but the blast… From what we know, the Klingons were experimenting with non-viable embryos recovered from the blast site. The Klingons feared that Earth was experimenting with enhanced DNA to make Starfleet stronger and began with their own tests. It ended in disaster. The genes ended up mutating the Levodian flu virus carried by one the test subjects. It became an endemic within the empire. It was a Starfleet doctor, actually, who designed an effective treatment; he was assigned to the ship that pursued the bird-of-prey. They kidnapped him. His captain, the doctor's that is, followed him and offered himself as a test subject. His risk saved millions of Klingons. And as a 'thank you' they're at war with us now." He shook his head. "Never trust a Klingon." he added sourly.
Nien's stomach was in knots at the onslaught of the new and distressing information so his subconscious did the only logical thing: It distracted him with something else.
"You know of these…events," he said quietly. "I learned many things about Starfleet; this isn't covered in Academy curriculum."
Jim smiled sadly. "No, it's not. I admit; I did some research after… our first encounter last year – after I was treated and discharged from hospital." He chuckled softly. "Care to guess, the Starfleet ship's name that chased the bird-of-prey and tried to stop Malik?"
Something in Kirk's voice told Khan everything. "Don't say it was named…" He made a gesture with one hand, and Jim nodded with a mixture of a grin and a grimace.
"Yeah, it was the first Enterprise commissioned by Starfleet."
For a long moment the super-human only stared at him, and then he rolled his eyes. "Of course – why am I not surprised?"
"Fate has an odd sense of humor, don't you think so?" Jim sighed and Khan huffed.
"Obviously!" He cocked his head. "And this doctor, who later helped the Klingons, and the captain who agreed to test the treatment must have been staff officers of that same ship."
Jim went from smirk to smile in seconds. "You got yourself hundred points! Yes, it was Captain Archer and Dr. Phlox, who were involved both times."
Khan snorted. "The captain and the CMO of another Enterprise… Like McCoy healing Kirk. Kismet," he murmured. "And there I have never believed in it." He pursed his lips before he asked, "And those experiments the Klingons did…"
Jim made an affirming gesture. "The gene causing the virus mutation affected the offspring of those infected. It changed their appearance. The Augment genes in the DNA overpowered their own. Since then, there have been two different Klingon types." He snorted. "Those more human looking ones belong to the Empire's high society. Their parents, of course, were the first to receive the treatment for the flu. They were also eager to line up because they thought they might become 'stronger' and 'quicker'. You know, like an Augment."
Khan had listened carefully. "Mmmhmm, but you speak in the subjunctive. So they are not 'stronger' and 'quicker'?"
"No," Jim shook his head. "They're are as strong and fast as a common Klingon. They just look like us humans. That is as far as the similarity goes though. Earned 'em some colorful nicknames." He took a deep breath and murmured full of sympathy for his lover, "But the embryos Malik kidnapped… None of them survived." He met his beloved's gaze again and saw the sorrow in those blue-green pools. "I'm sorry, Nien. There are no other Augments left. You and your crew are the last."
Very slowly the former dictator nodded. "I thought so," he murmured and felt Jim squeeze his hand again. It did his heart good – this warm compassion and understanding. "The space station - …"
"Cold Station 12."
"Yes, if it once held Augment embryos it must be a maximum security facility. Could it be possible that…" He didn't finish the sentence and looked hopefully at Kirk; he hated having to shake his head again.
"Starfleet deserted Cold Station 12 over fifty years ago. It's nothing more than a ruin in a rock in space." He pursed his lips. "But you're giving me an idea. There are other facilities like Cold Station 12. Maybe your people are there."
He saw new hope sparkling in Nien's eyes and pushed an ebony lock of hair off of the super-human's high forehead. "I'll check it as soon as I'm back on the Enterprise. Our computer must hold some information about those space stations."
Khan froze; his eyes widened. "You will help me to find my crew?" he whispered. Even if Jim and he were lovers – mates – he hadn't dared to hope that Kirk would support his desperate attempt to find his people. He would never have asked this of him, never have made him choose between his loyalty to Starfleet or to him. It wouldn't have been fair and Nien didn't want Jim to believe he had seduced him into a relationship only to use him. He would never try to use his James again, like he did last year. Jim trusted him and he wouldn't risk what they had – not even for the sake of his people. But Kirk's offer to do some research on his own made his heartbeat quicken and filled him with new hope.
Jim took a very deep breath. If he searched for Augments and disseminated his finding to Khan, it was a betrayal to Starfleet and the Federation – even if they were in the wrong. Command would have his head for it, no doubt. But on the other hand, Khan's people had never done anything wrong – not in this century. Whatever happened in the twentieth century was unclear and in a time of war. The records of the Eugenic Wars were lost. Either way, in Jim's eyes someone was innocent until proven otherwise. Joaquin, Rodriguez, Katie, Otto – they should not be condemned to endless cryosleep on some far away space station – perhaps until their cryotubes failed. These people wanted to escape the horrors of war – not contribute to them. It was Earth's regimes that created the situation allowing for the remaining embryos to be taken. They created the situation that led to Malik's fatal decision for an entire race of people. Blood covered the hands of those in authority on Earth – then and now. It was not on Khan's and not his people's.
Jim would never stand by and watch another wronged when he could stop it. He didn't on Tarsus IV, his own life be damned. And he wouldn't here either. If there was one thing James T. Kirk was up to, it was doing right thing! And Khan was his lover now – his mate. His everything. He had little say in Kirk's decision.
"Yes, I'll help you to find your family," Jim said slowly, but clearly. He saw how Nien's eyes widened. "It's wrong to deny them a chance to live a life in freedom and peace. It's wrong to blame them on principle because of what they are. They are people. And it's wrong to keep them apart from you." He smiled softly. "I'll help you in any way I can. I told you, everyone deserves a second chance. As far as I know, your crew never had a part in the war crimes. Damning them to endless cryosleep is a crime. It's unlawful detention and racism – and I will fight it with you!" He watched Nien's eyes glisten with tears that threatened to spill. The desire to comfort him was overwhelming so he embraced him anew. "We'll find them – and I will move hell and Earth to make everyone see all that you are – see you how I see you, how The Shadow sees you."
Khan had lowered his head; a lump rose in his throat. Not only did his soulmate intend to stand by him and bear his burden with him, no, Jim would risk his own freedom to help him and his family. You didn't have to be a genius to figure out just what Command would do to the young captain if his intentions were revealed.
Wrapping both arms around his beloved, he whispered, "I should not accept your offer, James. It is too much to ask. Still, I am unable to reject it. I –."
"I didn't offer anything, Nien. I told you what I intend to do. I intend to help you. I intend to make things right for them. I intend to move hell and Earth to get it done – with you. I expect you, to expect nothing less of me. I told you once, this is who we are."
Khan nodded in reticence. This is why he loved the man. His bravery, his single-minded morality. To deny James his intentions was to remove the very things he loved about him. "I have to find and recover them, and I am at a dead end. They could be anywhere and the universe is so large. I have tried my luck often enough, hacking into Starfleet's computer base. I was nearly caught once; I put Galven and his crew in danger – I was onboard at the time. Nevertheless, I am ready to try it again as soon as possible. My family trusted me beyond sanity when they agreed to follow me aboard the Botany Bay, not knowing if they ever would wake up again. They counted on me – they still do, even in sleep." He gulped and buried his face in the crook of Jim's neck, just there where the mark was left – now mottled from their days and nights together. He brushed his nose and lips over it, then spoke. "But on the other hand, I don't want to bring Galven and his crew – least of all you into more danger because of my promise to myself and my people. Besides, I just put you back together." He sighed and breathed in Jim's familiar scent. "This all is… is so…"
"So fucked up?" Jim helped him out; he heard and felt the Augment chuckling.
"Yes," was all Khan said before tightening his arms around the younger man; his heart beat with joy and dread in one.
Kirk thought he could sense the inner turmoil of his beloved and held him close. "We'll find a way, baby! We'll find a way and…"
Khan's communicator buzzed soundlessly, but its vibration didn't slip the men's attention. Frowning Nien activated it, and heard Ritek's voice, "Drythen, is Kirk with you?"
The frown lining the Augment's forehead deepened. "Yes, he is. Why don't you contact him inst-…?"
"Kirk's last transmission was compromised. I've got Commodore Wesley on the line for him." The Rigelian paused for a second before adding, "We are in really deep, deep water, guys!"
TBC…
Yeah, in the middle of the upcoming action with Koloth and the approaching Klingon strike group, there are another very emotional mess involved. I only watched "Borderland" and "Cold Station 12" because of Khan (mainly because of STiD) and I thought of Khan's reaction, if he would ever learn of the events. While in the original series he shows a kind of egoism – even if he is utterly loyal to his crew – the Khan in STiD is so attached to his 'family' that he even endured the slavery and violating of Section 31. It shows, how absolutely smitten he is with his people – and to them Malik and the others count too. It somehow was logical for me that he would take these news very bad. He is a leader through and through, a kind of father for the younger ones of his people, and therefore the incidents with Malik must hit him hard.
I hope you like the way the talk went between Nien and Jim and that latter made up his mind to help his beloved to find the other Augments. As Kirk said, it's a kind of racism Starfleet Command and even some members of the Federation Council are showing here and Kirk being Kirk he had to stop this. I already can promise you that a hell-ride of rollercoaster lies ahead for the two lovebirds, but their devotion for each other is also an example for their friends and is going to make them supporting the two.
As I already told you all, action is coming more and more. While the two fleets are closing the distance and battle approaches, Jim and Koloth will face each other again on Aldebaran – in the next chapter. Also Jim will have contact with Bob Wesley, McFurthon shows how ruthless yet brilliant he is, because a part of his plan will work. In other words, the next chapters won't be anything for poor nerves (*snicker*).
Please give me some feedbacks, what you think of the last chapter. The updates will come more regular now, after my dear beta is done with the most of her stress.
Love,
Until soon
Yours Starflight
