James T Kirk: The Next Generation
Imminent Front
When the next day arrived, Riker and Kirk decided to comb the crash area. In order to transport Bak'nor, who had been injured during the crash, it was decided they should make some sort of stretcher. Bak'nor was, in Kirk's best judgment, in shock, or even worse, in a coma. And unless they got the massive Chalnoth real medical aid, he would soon die.
The cold night had given way to what appeared would be another hot dry day. Kirk had lived through nearly an entire month of them on the forsaken world, and didn't relish the thought of another. But at least, now, he wasn't alone; though he didn't quite trust Riker. The two had collected all of the food and water rations and had stacked them in the center of their camp. Riker snatched up one of the water packs and strapped it to his belt. They two men headed for the wreckage, walking side by side/
As the two men searched the wreckage they found several large flat hull plates that were excellent candidates for what they needed. The two Starfleet trained officers gathered their pieces, as well as thin cables and other binding materials, and under the shade provided by the outgrowth of large rocks, they began to construct a stretcher. A light breeze had been blowing which managed to keep the heat around 37 Celsius; hot, but not deadly.
"So," Kirk said to Riker, as they were putting the stretcher together, "exactly what world is this?"
Not even Q had told Kirk what world he had been brought to. Kirk had given the world his own pet name; Armpit VI. But now, finally, Kirk hoped to know the real name of the world he had called home for over a month.
"M-16678," Riker replied with a smile. "And if you're hoping for rescue, I doubt it's going to come anytime soon. This entire sector of space is largely, if not unexplored, not important to any of the major players. You said that Q brought you here; did he tell you why?"
It was a direct question, but Kirk wanted answers too and decided to cut through the doubt that the two had of each other.
Riker sipped from the packet of water that he had taken from the stack of rations, waited for Kirk's answer.
"Captain Riker," Kirk replied, "We need to stop playing games with each other. I think we're both here for the same reason; to find the Karom'thaiav medallion. I was brought here by Q to find it, and as to why he chose me, I have no clue. Now, if this world is as remote as you say it is; then I think you're arrival is far from a random act."
Riker thought for a moment, and then he nodded his head.
"You're right, of course," Riker finally said. "I should have been upfront with you, and I'm sorry."
"No offense taken," Kirk said with a smile. "Now, please, tell me why you are here, and why are you with him" Kirk said, motioning to Bak'nor.
Riker looked over at Bak'nor, then back at Kirk.
"Bak'nor is the older brother of Bakooth," Riker began to explain. "The two of them never got along, and, from what Thomas once told me, they actually hated each other. Bak'nor suspected that Bakooth knew about the medallion and where it might be. After Bakooth died, Bak'nor figured that he passed that information, the whereabouts of the medallion, to you."
"What is so important about this medallion?" Kirk asked.
"Oh, you know, the typical answer," Riker answered, "the supposed treasure it leads to. There are legends that the medallion may also have mystic properties that are limitless."
"Alright," Kirk said to Riker, "hidden treasures are good enough of a reason as any, I guess, but how did you get involved. You're a Starfleet officer, Captain of your own ship; why would you risk your career on something as fool hearty as this?"
"Apparently Bak'nor is in debt to the Orion Syndicate," Riker explained. "They sold his family into slavery and will only let them go if he delivers the priceless Karom'thaiav medallion."
"Again; that explains his being here, but not yours." Kirk said softly.
"My wife," Riker said, with anger in his voice. "Bak'nor had her kidnapped and will have her killed unless I help him find the medallion."
Jim Kirk did not like the sound of that at all.
"Then I want to help," Kirk said, with resolve in his voice. "So why this world then?"
"Apparently," Riker said, "there are old legends that tell of the medallion falling to this world. Those legends are hundreds of years old, and attract all kinds of treasure hunters. For most of the year this world is shrouded in ice. But when its orbit takes it closer to the three suns that dominate this system, a warm season comes, and with it, most surely, a new crop of treasure hunters. So trust me; we won't be the only ones looking for that medallion."
"Well," Kirk said, as he took his Tricorder out and handed it to Riker. "I think we may have a head start."
"What is this?" Riker asked as he began to look at the image on the screen.
"The data-rod attached to that Tricorder is what Bakooth gave me, right before he died aboard the Defiant," Kirk explained. "What you're looking at is a treasure map, and I believe it will lead us to the Karom'thaiav medallion and its accompanying treasure."
"Interesting," Riker said, as he reached for his water, or at least, appeared to reach for his water. Instead, he pulled out a hand phaser and aimed it Kirk.
"I'm sorry I have to do this," Riker said to Kirk.
"We can do this together. We can find the medallion and save your wife." Kirk said, "It doesn't have to happen like this."
"Yes it does," Riker said softly.
Riker fired the phaser, and the beam threw Kirk to the ground; out cold!
Several hours later Kirk felt the splashing sensation of water on his face. He forced his yes open, and immediately felt pain ripple throughout his body; no doubt the effect of being stunned by Riker's phaser. A numb stinging like sensation tingled throughout his body. And then another splash of water came. He looked up and saw Q standing over him, holding a bucket of water.
"Stop with the water," Kirk demanded. "I've been stunned by a phaser, so calm down and give me a moment."
"You gave Riker the treasure map," Q said, with disgust in his voice. "You gave up the only advantage you had."
Kirk was able to sit up, even though his head felt like someone was pounding on it.
"Riker's wife is in danger," Kirk replied. "And if using that treasure map will help him find the medallion, and save his wife; then good for them."
"Maybe I didn't explain myself," Q began to say.
"No, I guess you didn't." Kirk fired back. "Riker's doing this to save his wife which I'm sure is far more important than anything you are trying to accomplish."
"I wish it were that simple," Q said, "but it isn't. If you allow Riker to find that medallion, and he gives it to Bak'nor, and it eventually ends up in the hands of those who are behind all of this; then everything, and I mean everything, will be destroyed."
"Then do something about it Q." Kirk said. "Right now, I don't believe you."
"I wish you hadn't had said that," Q said, "it really breaks my heart that you, or even Picard, think I am just a cold blooded God who doesn't care for his sheep."
"Well," Kirk said, as he finally stood up. "I don't care if you're a God or an oyster; I'm not going to stop a man who is trying to save his wife."
"And if it were your wife who faced danger," Q said, ominously, "you would try to save her no matter what?"
Kirk's face came enraged with anger as he reached over and grabbed Q by the neck and pushed him up against the rock wall.
"You better leave my wife out of this Q!" Kirk said, with force. "She has nothing to do with this at all; leave her alone."
"I am only trying to make a point," Q said. "If you allow that medallion off this world and into the hands of those who want to use its power, then everyone you know, including your beloved wife, will face certain doom. You have to find it before Riker does or, trust me; my warnings will become as real as the sand you are standing on."
And with that, there was a flash of light, and Q was gone.
Kirk looked around. Riker and Bak'nor were gone, but an unmistakable track, no doubt caused by the stretcher being pulled by Riker, could be seen heading out of the camp. Kirk didn't necessarily believe anything Q had just said, but he did know that Riker faced dangers up ahead, and for that reason, Kirk followed the track.
Continued…
Next time; The Brotherhood Of Kirk!
