Chapter 39.
Flashback.
(Scott POV)
I was on the Bridge as Kes and the girls and I spend another night in my bed together. But It was still good to be home.
"Captain, I'm picking up a Nebula," Harry said.
"McCall to Tuvok, Please join us on the Bridge. Neelix, I'd like you to join us as well," I said.
"Aye captain," Neelix said.
XXX
"Captain's Log, Stardate 50126.4. We have detected a gaseous anomaly that contains Sirillium. A highly combustible and versatile energy source. We've alter course to investigate, End log," I said.
Then they got up onto the bridge.
"We got a nebula with Sirillium in it?" I said.
"Sirillium?" Neelix said.
"Yes and possibly large amounts of it," I said. "If so, we're going to need to stockpile as much as we can, I'd like to Convert Storage Bay 3 into a containment Chamber,"
"My pantry," Neelix said.
"I'm sorry Neelix, You're going to have to make other arrangements," I said.
"Of course Captain," Neelix said. "You know if I injected Sirillium into my thermal array it might improve cooking time,"
"Yes, and blow up half your kitchen in the process," B'Elanna said. "Sirillium is far more useful as a warp plasma catalyst,"
"The Gas can also be used to boost deflector shield efficiency," Tuvok said.
"The vultures are circling," Chakotay said.
"Well, there's certainly no shortage of good ideas," I said. "Have all department heads submit proposals for Sirillium usage,"
"Aye captain," Chakotay said.
"The anomaly is within visual range," Tuvok said.
"On screen," I said. As it comes up. "Analysis, Harry,"
"It's a class 17 nebula, I'm detecting standard amounts of hydrogen and helium, and 7,000 parts per million of Sirillium," Harry said.
"Captain, I recommend we use the Bussard Collectors to gather the Sirillium, They'll cut through the nebula like ice cream scoops," B'Elanna said.
"I'm picking up a lot of plasmatic turbulence in there," Tom said. "It might be a bumpy ride,"
"Tuvok, can you modify the shields to compensate?" I said. "Tuvok,"
"Are you all right, Lt," Chakotay said.
"I don't know," Tuvok said. "I'm experiencing dizziness and disorientation, Permission to go to Sickbay,"
"Granted," I said as Tuvok left. "Harry can you modify the shields?"
"I can work on it now, Captain just give me a hour or 2 to make the modifications," Harry said.
"Get on it," I said.
"Doctor to Bridge," Doc said.
"Go ahead Doc," I said.
"Captain, you should get down here," Doc said.
"On my way, Chakotay, the bridge is yours," I said.
As I headed down to Sickbay and headed in seeing Tuvok on the bio bed.
"I was holding a young girl by the hand, Trying to prevent her from falling from the precipice I was unable to keep my grip and she fell to her death," Tuvok said. "And there is more, I had an emotional response Anxiety, fear, an almost irrational anger at myself for letting her fall,"
"When did that happen?" Kes said.
"It never happened," Tuvok said. "The girl was unfamiliar and I've never been in that situation, It was me as a child, and it did seem like a memory, But I don't recall the incident,"
"Well, It was definitely a traumatic episode," Doc said. "Your heart rate accelerated to 300 beats per minute, Your adrenaline levels rose by 113% and your neuroelectrial readings nearly jumped off the scale, If you were human, I'd say you had a severs panic attack,"
"I am not human," Tuvok said.
"No kidding," Doc said.
"But lucky too," I said.
"Agreed," Tuvok said.
"I don't know what happened to you, But there can be any number of explanations Hallucination, Telepathic communication from another race, repressed memory, Momentary contact with a parallel reality," Doc said. "Take your pick, The universe is such a strangle place,"
"I'll have Harry examine the sensor logs, Maybe our proximity to the nebula is affecting you somehow," I said.
"In the meantime, Lt. You are free to go," Doc said as I headed out.
"McCall to Kim," I said.
"Go ahead," Harry said.
"Harry, Examine the sensors logs see if that nebula is sending out anything," I said.
"Aye captain," Harry said.
"Captain," Sam said.
"Sam," I said.
"I heard about Tuvok is he okay," Sam said.
"He's fine, The Doc is still checking him over," I said.
"Good, Listen, Captain, I was wondering If I could ask you something," Sam said.
"Sure," I said.
"I know that Clara has been looking after Chloe when you are on duty, I was wonder if you would ask if she could mind, Naomi when I am on duty," Sam said.
"I talk to her about it, Sam," I said.
"Thank you, Captain," Sam said.
"Anything else," I said.
"No, Captain, Thank you," Sam said.
As I headed on.
XXX
I was in my ready room the next day as Tuvok was going with Chakotay to Engineering to see Harry's results when.
"Doc to the Captain," Doc said.
"Go ahead," I said.
"Captain, It has happened again to Mr. Tuvok, I would like you to come down here," Doc said.
"On my way, Doc," I said as I headed down.
Once I got into Sickbay. I headed in and found the Doc.
"What have you found, Doc," I said.
"I think we may be dealing with a repressed memory, The memory engrams in the dorsal region of the hippocampus are being disrupted, It's causing physical damage to the surrounding tissue," Doc said. "In Vulcan medicine, this is known as T'lokan schism, it means that the subject is inhibiting a traumatic memory, Which is beginning to resurface,"
"And that's causing Brain damage?" I said.
"Strange, I know," Doc said. "In human subjects repressed memories are nothing more than psychological traumas, which can be dealt with the standard therapeutic techniques, but in Vulcans, there is a physical reaction to the Battle between the conscious and the unconscious, In extreme cases, the mind of the patient can literally, lobotomize itself,"
"What's the treatment?" I said.
"There is no medical treatment for this condition, Vulcan psychocognitive research suggests that the patient initiate a mind meld with a family member and the two of them attempt to bring the repressed memory into the conscious mind," Doc said.
"I'm the closest thing Tuvok has to a family member on this ship," I said.
"That's why I've asked you to come, he has a request to make of you," Doc said.
"Thanks Doc," I said. Then I headed over.
"Did the Doctor explain the situation to you?" Tuvok said.
"Yes, Tuvok, are you sure it's the right thing to do?" I said.
"I don't know how else to proceed," Tuvok said. "The Doctor tells me that this is a memory, And yet, no matter how hard I try, I cannot remember. If the Doctor is correct, if this is an experience I pushed into my unconscious mind, It could be very dangerous to me, Even life threatening. I realize it's asking a great deal of you, captain, and I did consider turning to one of the Vulcans on the skip, But this meld would be more intimate than most, A family member is normally chosen because of the implicit trust that usually exists, On this ship, I only would have trusted 2. You and Kathryn. More than anyone else, Sense Kathryn is dead, It leaves only you,"
"What ever happens in there. We're get through it, Tuvok," I said.
"I will initiate the meld and attempt to access the memory fragment," Tuvok said. "Once that has been accomplished, you will act as my pyllora,"
"Your pyllora," I said.
"My Guide, My counsellor. You will help me reconstruct the memory in its entirety, And as I am reliving it, you will help me to objectify the experience, By processing the experience rather than repressing it, I can begin to overcome my fear, anger, and the other emotional responses and to reintegrate the memory into my conscious mind," Tuvok said.
"When I'm in your memory, Will I actually be reliving it with you?" I said.
"No," Tuvok said. "I will be the only one who notices your presence, you will be an observer in the memory but not a participant, This will give you the freedom to guide me objectively,"
"When do we start?" I said.
"I will need time to prepare, Please return in 1 hour," Tuvok said.
Then I headed out.
"Scott," Kes said coming behind me.
"Hey," I said.
"Can we talking later," Kes said.
"Sure," I said.
"See you in a bit. The Doc wants me there just in case," Kes said.
"See you there then," I said.
XXX
An Hour later,
I was back in Sickbay, as we were just setting up.
"We're ready when you are, Captain," Doc said.
"Your mind to my mind, your thought to my thoughts, I am taking us back to the boy that I was the boy lying on the precipice," Tuvok said.
Then We were on another bridge as the Klaxons were blaring.
"Return Fire," Someone said.
"They've knocked out our targeting scanners," Someone else said.
"Damage report," Someone said. "I know him. It's Sulu. "Seal the Conduit,"
"Hull breach on Deck 12, section 47," This woman said. "We've lost power on Decks 5, 6 and 10, Casualty reports coming in, 19 wounded,"
Then I found Tuvok.
"Tuvok, Can you hear and see me?" I said.
"Yes," Tuvok said.
"Where are we?" I said.
"My first deep space assignment aboard the Excelsior," Tuvok said.
"Why did you bring us here?" I said.
"I didn't intend to," Tuvok said.
"Can you take us to the precipice? The girl?" I said.
"That is precisely what I attempted to do," Tuvok said.
"There must be some reason why your mind brought us here," I said. "Maybe this memory is connected to the girl in some way, How long ago is this?"
"Stardate 9521. Approximately 80 years ago," Tuvok said.
"Who are you fighting?" I said.
"Klingons," Tuvok said.
"Klingons, Before you collapsed in Engineering, you thought we were approaching Klingon space," I said. "Why are you fighting the Klingons?"
"This battle was precipitated by an incident that took place 3 days earlier," Tuvok said. Then It was like we shifted there.
"All right Gamma Shift, Time to defend the Federation against gaseous anomalies," She said.
"Gaseous anomalies? We were charting a gaseous anomaly on Voyager," I said.
"And that's when my problem began," Tuvok said.
"That's more than a coincidence," I said.
"How are you this morning Ensign?" She said.
"I am well, Commander Thank you," Tuvok said.
"I thought you might like to see some of this mornings com traffic before you went on duty, There's a message from the Yorktown. I think you might be interested in, It's from your Father," Commander said.
"Thank you," Tuvok said.
"You're not going to have time to drink that, you know," Commander said. "You're due on the bridge in 5 minutes,"
"It's not for me, It's for the captain," Tuvok said. "I've observed that Captain Sulu drinks a cup of tea each morning, I thought he might enjoy a Vulcan blend,"
"Oh, I see, Trying to make Lt in your first month," Commander said. "I wish I'd have thought of that when I was your age, Took me 3 years just to make Ensign,"
"I assure you I have no ulterior motive," Tuvok said.
"Whatever you say Ensign," Commander said. "See you on the bridge,"
"You've never done that to me," I said.
"You drink Coffee," Tuvok said.
"I can have on occasion to Tuvok," I said.
Then we headed up.
"Outstanding," Sulu said. As he took a drink of it. "I may have to give you a promotion,"
"That was not my motivation, Captain," Tuvok said. "I am not attempting to curry favor with you in anyway,"
"Mr. Tuvok, If you're going to remain on my ship, You're going to have to learn how to appreciate a joke," Sulu said. "And Don't tell me Vulcans don't have a sense of humor Because I know better,"
"I will work on it, sir," Tuvok said.
"Very good, and thanks again," Sulu said.
"He doesn't look like his portrait at Starfleet Headquarters," I said.
"In the 23rd century, Holographic imaging resolution was less accurate," Tuvok said.
"This is a science station isn't it?" I said.
"Yes, I am one of several junior science officers," Tuvok said.
"Tuvok, why doesn't your service record reflect any of this?" I said. "Kathryn and I thought your first assignment was aboard the Wyoning,"
"It's a long story, Captain, but suffice it to say, This was my first Starfleet career," Tuvok said. "I was 29 Years old,"
"So what's happening?" I said. "Are we about to encounter the Klingons,"
"Not Exactly, The Klingon moon Praxis is about to explode," Tuvok said.
"Praxis," I said.
"During this period, it was a primary source of energy for the Klingon Homeworld," Tuvok said.
"Praxis yes, It's destruction would have lasting repercussions throughout the Quadrant. It led to the first Federation- Klingon peace treaty," I said.
"That is correct," Tuvok said.
"But what does all this have to do with the girl on the precipice?" I said.
Then the ship started shaking.
"I have an energy wave at 240 degrees. Mark 6 port, Sir," Someone said.
"Visual," Sulu said. "My God, Shields, Shields,"
Where we got throw.
"She is not answering the helm," Conn said.
"Starboard thrusters, Turn her into the wave," Sulu said.
"Aye sir," Conn said.
"Quarter impulse power, Damage report," Sulu said.
"Checking all systems, captain," He said.
"Don't tell me that was any meteor shower," Sulu said.
"Negative sir," He said. "The Subspace shock wave originated at bearing 323 mark 75, location. It's Praxis sir. It's a Klingon moon,"
"Praxis," Sulu said. Is their key energy production facility,"
"So what happened? Did you go to Praxis?" I said.
"No, We were warned off by the Klingons, and resumed our survey mission, However 2 days later, We learned that 2 Starfleet officers were accused of murdering the Klingon Chancellor," Tuvok said. "They were brought back to the Klingon Homeworld to stand trail,"
"Kirk and McCoy," I said.
"Yes, Captain Sulu Had severed under both officers for many years," Tuvok said.
"Yeah, Sulu was the Helm officer on Enterprise," I said.
"Yes, And he felt an intense loyalty to them," Tuvok said.
"Helm, Set a course for Kronos, Maximum warp," Sulu said. "Take us through the Azure Nebula, That should conceal our approach,"
"I don't get it, What's going on?" I said.
"He's about to attempt a rescue of Captain Kirk and Dr. McCoy, As you can see, everyone seemed perfectly willing to go along with this breach of orders, However I felt differently," Tuvok said. "Captain, Am I correct in assuming that you have decided to embark on a rescuer mission?"
"That's right," Sulu said. "Do you have a problem with that, Ensign?"
"I do, It is a direct violation of our orders from Starfleet Command, And it could precipitate an armed conflict between the Klingon Empire and the Federation," Tuvok said.
"Objection noted, Resume your station," Sulu said.
"Sir as a Starfleet officer, It is my duty to formally protest," Tuvok said.
"Tuvok," Commander said.
"A pretty bold statement from an Ensign with only 2 months space duty under his belt?" Sulu said.
"I am aware of my limited Experience, but I am also very much aware of Starfleet regulations and my obligation to carry them out," Tuvok said.
"That's enough, Ensign, You're relieved," Commander said. "I'm sorry about this, Captain, I assure you it will not happen again,"
"Ensign, you're absolutely right, but you're also absolutely Wrong, You'll find that more happens on the Bridge of a starship than just carrying out orders and observing regulations, There's a sense of Loyalty to the men and Women you serve with, A sense of Family, Those 2 men on trail I served with them for a long time, I owe them my life a dozen times over, and right now they're in trouble and I'm going to hep them, Let the Regulations be damned," Sulu said.
"Sir, That is a most illogical line of reasoning," Tuvok said.
"You better believe it, Helm Engage," Sulu said.
"You know you did the right thing," I said.
"Perhaps," Tuvok said.
Then We reached the Nebula. And it looked exactly like the one we were at with Voyager.
"Tuvok, That nebula, It looks very similar to the one we observed on Voyager," I said.
Then Tuvok was seeing it again but so could I. But then we were kicked out of the Meld.
"50 milligrams cordazine," Doc said. As we were back on Voyager. "There was a sudden disruption in his hippocampus, Luckily, He was in Sick bay or he'd be in a coma right now, That's the good news, The Bad news is that his synaptic pathways are continuing to degrade, If the repressed memory, keeps resurfacing on its own, It's going to cause more and more damage, Eventually his entire neural structure will collapse, resulting in brain death,"
"We were just starting to make some progress, We finally accessed the repressed memory, I saw Tuvok as a boy, And the girl on the precipice," I said. "Can I talk to him?"
"Not yet," Doc said. "He suffered a serve neural trauma, so I'm keeping him sedated for the next few hours, I'll let you know when It's safe to revive him,"
"Good, Scanned every inch of him. This memory, it feels weird almost, I don't know. But It is connected to this Nebula we are at and the one back then when he was on the Excelsior," I said.
"Aye Captain," Doc said.
XXX
I was in my ready room when the door bell rang as I was going through Sulu's log entry for that time.
"Come in," I said.
As Harry came in.
"Harry, What have you found?" I said.
"I don't see any connection between this nebula and the one the Excelsior saw 80 years ago," Harry said. "This one's a Class 17 while theirs was an 11, Both contained trace amounts of Sirillium, but that's about all,"
"But they do look similar," I said.
"To the naked eye, But not to sensors, technically, they're very different," Harry said. "You know, I've been talking to the Doctor, and he tells me it's not unusual for a repressed memory to resurface because of a smell or a visual detail, Maybe the Visual similarities between the 2 nebulas simply triggered Tuvok's memory of the Excelsior,"
"But what about the little girl, How does she even fit into to Tuvok's Experiences onboard Sulu's ship," I said. "The Excelsior is so far removed from that Child hood incident,"
"Who knows what goes on in a Vulcan's mind?" Harry said. "Maybe there is no Connection and going back to the memory of the Excelsior was just an accident, a stray thought Tuvok was having because of the similarities between the 2 nebulas,"
"You could be right, or wrong, But something was definitely wrong. There is a connection but what it is. I have no idea yet," I said. "Nevertheless. I've been studying the Excelsior logs,"
"What do they say?" Harry said.
"Damn all," I said.
"Nothing?" Harry said.
"It would seem that Captain Sulu decided not to enter that journey into his official log, The day's entry makes some cryptic remark about the ship being damaged in a gaseous anomaly and needing repairs but nothing else," I said.
"You mean he falsified his logs," Harry said.
"It was a different time, Harry, Sulu, Kirk and McCoy, They all belonged to a different breed of starfleet officer. Imagine the era they lived in. The Alpha Quadrant still largely unexplored, Humanity on verge of war with Klingons and Romulans around every nebula, Even the Technology we take for granted was still in it's early stages. No Plasma Weapons, No Multiphasic shields and they ships were half as fast," I said.
"No replicators, No holodecks," Harry said. "You know, ever since I took Starfleet history at the academy, I always wondered what it would be like to live in those days,"
"Me too, but back when Starfleet launched its first Warp 5 Starship," I said.
"You mean the NX Class," Harry said.
"Oh yes, Space must have seemed a whole lot bigger back then, It's not surprising they had to bend the rules a little, They were a little slower to invoke the Prime Directive A Little quicker to pull their Phasers, of course the whole bunch of them would be booted out of Starfleet today, But With us out here, I know there's going to be a day when I will have to make that call too. But I have to admit I would have loved to ride Shotgun at least once with a group of officers like that," I said.
"Sickbay to Captain McCall," Doc said.
"Go ahead, Doc," I said.
"I'm ready to revive Mr. Tuvok," Doc said.
"On my way," I said. "How long till we started gathering the Sirillium?"
"In another hour," Harry said.
"Good, Started getting it when we can. Even start using it too so we can get as much as we can," I said.
"Will do," Harry said.
Then I headed down to Sickbay.
"Several hours after we entered the nebula, We were ambushed by Klingons. A battle ensued and we were forced to abort our rescue mission," Tuvok said.
"Do any of those events seem related to the girl in any way?" I said.
"No, if there is a connection, I am not aware of it," Tuvok said. "I suggest we attempt another mind meld and try again to access my memory of the girl,"
"Agreed, Doc, Let's do it," I said.
"Your mind to my mind, your thought to my thoughts, I am taking us back, Back to the boy that I was, The Boy lying on the precipice," Tuvok said.
Then We were back on the Excelsior.
"Hull breach on Deck 12, Section 47," Rand said.
"Tuvok, We're back in the battle with the Klingons 80 years ago," I said.
"I am at a lose to explain, Captain, But it's hard to accept this as a coincidence," Tuvok said.
"Agreed, I want to go back to the moment when you first saw the nebula, What happened?" I said.
"Captain Sulu estimated It would take approximately 5 hours to traverse the nebula and enter Klingon space, He decided my shift needed some rest, So we returned to the Crew quarters," Tuvok said as we got there. "I attempted to get some sleep, However my Bunkmate, Dmitri Valtane, Felt the need to discuss our situation,"
"Hey, Tuvok," Valtane said. "Are you asleep?"
"No," Tuvok said.
"Me neither," Valtane said. "I can't believe we're going to do this, I didn't think the Captain had it in him,"
"Had what in him?" Tuvok said.
"You know the guts to defy an order and run off on some rescue mission to save old friends," Valtane said.
"I take it from the tone of your voice, that you admire this trait," Tuvok said.
"Well, yeah," Valtane said. "It's courageous,"
"It is illogical and reckless, Which I attempted to point out to him on the bridge," Tuvok said.
"Oh come on Tuvok, Isn't it more fun than charting gaseous anomalies?" Valtane said.
"The Human fascination with fun has led to many tragedies in your short but violent history, One wonders how your race has survived having so much fun," Tuvok said.
"Ooh, Vulcans, You guys need to relax," Valtane said.
"No, I will not relax," Tuvok said. "Ever since I entered the Academy, I've had to endure the egocentric nature of humanity, You believe that everyone in the galaxy should be like you, that we should all share your sense of humor and your human values,"
"Well, if you hate it here, so much, Why'd you join Starfleet in the first place?" Valtane said.
"I joined under pressure from my parents, But I've already decided to resign my commission once this assignment is complete," Tuvok said.
"Well, your lose," Valtane said felling asleep.
"Tuvok, did you really mean that?" I said.
"At this point in my life, yes, my experiences at the academy and on board the Excelsior were not pleasant," Tuvok said.
"I knew you left Starfleet for over 50 years, but I never knew why, I didn't realize it was because of a conflict with humans," I said.
"My perceptions of humanity and starfleet, were undoubtedly coloured by the fact that I did not want to be here in the first place," Tuvok said.
"Your parents really forced you to go to the academy," I said.
"It was their wish and I felt an obligation to fulfill it," Tuvok said.
"What did you do during those 50 years?" I said.
"I'd returned to Vulcan where I spent several years in seclusion, Immersing myself in the Kolinahr. A rigorous discipline intended to purge all emotions, I wanted to attain a state of pure and total logic," Tuvok said.
"What happened?" I said.
"Unfortunately 6 years into my studies, I began the Pon Farr, I took a mate," Tuvok said.
"T'pel," I said.
"Yes," Tuvok said. "We decided to raise a family together, So I chose to postpone my studies,"
"What brought you back to Starfleet?" I said.
"Raising Children of my own made me appreciate what my parents experienced raising me, And I came to realize that the decisions I made as a young man were not always in my best interest," Tuvok said. "I understood their decision to send me to the academy and that there were many things I could learn from humans and other species, So I decided to expand my knowledge of the galaxy, Starfleet provided that opportunity,"
"Well, I'm glad you had a chance of heart. And No doubt so did Kathryn too," I said.
"As am I, Captain, Although, heart had very little to do with it," Tuvok said. "It was a logical decision,"
"I'm sure it was," I said.
"Red Alert. All hands to battle stations," Someone commed down.
"What's going on?" Valtane said. "I thought we were still 5 hours from Klingon space,"
"A Klingon Battle cruiser de cloaked inside the nebula, at this moment they were firing concussive charges across our bow," Tuvok said as we headed up.
"We're being hailed captain," Rand said
"On screen," Sulu said.
"Captain Sulu, I see they have finally given you the captaincy you deserve," Kang said.
"Thank you Kang," Sulu said.
"Do not let it end prematurely," Kang said.
"Kang, We've been on a survey mission studying this nebula, Our Navigation system malfunctioned and I'm afraid we got lost, As soon as we've completed repairs, we'll be on our way," Sulu said.
"We'd be happy to escort you back to Federation space," Kang said.
"Very generous of you, Be we can manage," Sulu said.
"I insist," Kang said.
"Actually, an escort would be welcome, we'd hate to lose our way again," Sulu said.
"Bring your ship about bearing 181 mark 2," Kang said.
"Nice to see you again Kang," Sulu said as Kang cut the transmission.
"Captain Sulu?" Valtane said.
"Man your station Lt, we're not giving up just yet," Sulu said. "Helm, come about, Tactical status,"
"They've their forward disruptors trained on us, sir," Valtane said.
"Ensign Tuvok what is the composition of this nebula?" Sulu said.
"Primarily Oxygen and Argon, With traces of theta-xenon, fluorine and Sirillium gas," Tuvok said.
"Sirillium that is a highly combustible substance isn't it?" Sulu said.
"Affirmative," Tuvok said.
"Is there any way we could ignite the Sirillium," Sulu said.
"If we modulated a positron beam to be subspace frequency, it would trigger a thermochemical reaction in the Sirillium," Tuvok said.
"Like tossing a match into a pool of gasoline, Would their shields withstand the blast," Sulu said.
"Yes, but their sensors and tactical systems would be disrupted for several seconds," Tuvok said.
"That's all the time we need," Sulu said. "Tuvok, modulate a positron beam and stand by we ignite the Sirillium the instant we clear the Nebula, Helm prepare to engage Maximum warp on my command,"
"Aye sir," Helm said.
"All hands this is the captain, Secure station and batten down the hatches," Sulu said.
"Positron beam is charged and ready," Tuvok said.
"On my mark Ensign," Sulu said.
"We're clear for the nebula," Valtane said.
"Mr. Tuvok light the match," Sulu said.
"The Klingons ship's been disabled," Valtane said. "They're not pursuing sir,"
"Helm set a course for Kronos, Engage," Sulu said.
Then things got big. As 3 Klingon battle cruisers were coming at the Excelsior even arming torpedoes too.
"Heading sir," Helm said.
"Maintain course," Sulu said. When we got hit. "Return fire,"
"They've knock out our targeting scanners," Valtane said.
"Switch to manual," Sulu said.
"Mr. Valtane, there's a rupture in the plasma conduit behind your console, Get away from that station," Tuvok said.
"One more second," Valtane said.
"Dmitri you must," Tuvok said then it blew. "Bridge to Sickbay Medical Emergency,"
"Tuvok," Valtane said.
Then it happened to him again.
"I saw her again Tuvok. The Girl. There is a connection here, When Valtane died just now, it seemed to cause the memory to surface, But never been one of yours, My best guess it is some sort of virus which you got from Valtane, It's the only way how the Excelsior connects to everything else. This was where you got," I said. "What is it?"
"Something's gone wrong with the Mind meld," Tuvok said.
"Great, What else can go wrong," I said.
"Who the hell are you?" Sulu said.
"Hang on I though you said no one could see me during the mind meld," I said.
"That's want I meant by something is wrong," Tuvok said.
"Cut it, Bring us out of it," I said.
"I can't something is stopping me from breaking the meld," Tuvok said.
"And if we are still here, The doc can't get us out either," I said.
"Intruder Alert, Get security up here," Sulu said. "I asked you a question. Who are you, and what are you doing on my ship?"
"It's an indication the rate of deterioration in my brain has increased," Tuvok said. "At advanced stages of a T'lokan schism, Memories and thought processes become distorted and confused,"
"Ensign, Do you know this man," Sulu said.
"Tuvok, focus, I need you to break this meld now, We know that you got this thing from Valtane, It's the only way how what happened here on the Excelsior connects you to this virus, If we can get out of it, The Doc can no doubt find a way to get rid of it," I said.
"I still don't understand, it shows me," Tuvok said.
"Yes, But you got it from Valtane, You were touching him as he did, This virus is smart it moves from person to person, giving those people the same thing the girl and the Precipice and makes you believe it was you, and it's one of your memories too, Ever since we got to that Nebula on Voyager The Virus activated, Bring you back to here and now, Where Valtane Died, He had the virus then passed it to you, when he died, We need to break the Meld now," I said.
"Captain, I can't," Tuvok said.
"Oh no," I said.
"What is it?" Tuvok said.
"It's the Virus, It's trying to finish this now, and you reason you can't break the Mind Meld is that once you died it going to transfer the one person connected to you right now. Me," I said.
"Captain, you will suffer brain damage as well," Tuvok said.
"I know," I said.
"Captain, if we replay those events and they see you," Tuvok said. "It will disrupt the memory again,"
"Then we find a way to make me inconspicuous," I said.
Then we went back to the start.
"All right Gamma shift, Time to defend the Federation against gaseous anomalies, How are you ensign," Commander said. "Who are you?"
"Long story," I said. As Tuvok knocked her out. "We could have just asked,"
"Asking female officers for their clothing could lead to misunderstanding," Tuvok said.
"You tell anyone of this, I'll kill you, It wouldn't be the virus," I said.
"Understood, Not like I was planning too," Tuvok said.
Once we were done Tuvok moved her to somewhere she wouldn't be found. As I got into it. These one were so unisex uniforms lucky, Good thing, the Boots fitted too.
"Ready," Tuvok said.
"As I will ever be," I said. "Let's go,"
As we headed up to the Bridge and I went and sat down at a station hoping not to get spotted.
"The Klingon ship's been disabled, sir," Valtane said. "They're no longer pursuing,"
"Helm, set a course for Kronos, Engage," Sulu said. "Who's at communications?"
"Commander Rand is supposed to be on duty, sir," Someone said.
"Where is she?" Sulu said.
"Sir, Long range sensors, are detecting 3 Klingon Battle cruisers on an intercept course they're arming torpedoes," Valtane said.
"Maintain course," Sulu said. "Return fire," As I headed over.
Where it happened again. "Mr. Valtane there is a rupture in the plasma conduit behind your console, Get away from that station," Tuvok said.
"One more second," Valtane said.
"Dmitri you must," Tuvok as It blew again.
"It's about to happen, Try to remember every detail about the next few seconds, Concentrate," I said.
"Tuvok," Valtane said. Then Died.
"I saw it. She the virus. Try stay with it. Beat it," I said.
"I'm trying but my mind is weakening," Tuvok said.
"This is our last chance to beat it here. Take us to the precipice," I said.
"Scott," She said.
"Captain," Tuvok said.
"It's trying to get into me, Try breaking it," I said.
When we finally got out. We were out.
"That's right Virus, Screw you," I said.
"It's clearly a viral parasite of some kind, but it's origin and genome classification are not on record," Doc said.
"We were able to kill it, using thoron radiation," Kes said.
"What do you know about it? My only guess is that it passes from person to person as the originally host dies," I said.
"The virus thrives on peptides generated in the brain. It evades the body's immune system by disguising itself as a memory engram," Doc said.
"Apparently, the parasite used the childhood memory of the falling girl as camouflage," Kes said.
"Creating a false memory so traumatic that the mind would repress it and that's where it would live in person after person," Doc said. "Hiding in a part of the brain that the conscious mind would want to avoid at all costs,"
"When It sensed the death of the host, it would leave to the next person it could find," I said.
"That why it migrated from Valtane to me," Tuvok said.
"That was the Connection between now and the Excelsior," I said.
"What about the girl?" Kes said. "Did she ever really exist or did the organism invent the memory,"
"Memory is a trickily thing if it was real event, it's been buried and copied and twisted so many times there's no way to tell what really happened," Doc said.
"Well one for sure, I'm glad it's gone," I said. "Thanks Doc,"
Then we headed out.
"I'm curious, Did the Excelsior ever save Kirk and McCoy," I said.
"Not directly, we were forced to retreat back to federation space, As usual, Captain Kirk provided his own means of escape," Tuvok said. "But we did play a pivotal role at the subsequent battle at Khitomer,"
"Tuvok, If I didn't didn't know you better, I'd say you miss those days on the Excelsior," I said.
"On the contrary," Tuvok said. "I do not experience feeling of nostalgia, But there are times when I think back on those days of meeting Kirk, Spock, and the others, And I am pleased that I was part of it,"
"In a funny way, I feel like I was a part of it too," I said.
"Then perhaps you can be nostalgic for both of us," Tuvok said.
"Yeap, If I didn't know you better, I'd say you were making a joke," I said.
"Perhaps," Tuvok said.
"Bridge," I said.
As We headed up.
"Report," I said.
"We gather as much Sirillium as we can take and we have already had some used on several systems, Not to mention Having a full storage of it too," Chakotay said.
"Good, Then Tom, Resume our previous course for home," I said.
"Aye captain," Tom said.
That's all for this chapter.
More to follow.
Stay tuned and safe.
Love y'all
PEACE!