The Klingons were taken completely by surprise, and so was Spock, when Jim came barreling out of the air vent. He gave none of them time to contemplate what to do. He began firing. Bones was right behind him and began firing himself. The nurse, Sara, was also with them. They had to take cover as the Klingons began returning fire.
Solan swung into action by getting away from the Klingon who was holding him. He even got his blaster back and took out that Klingon. However, another Klingon was coming for Solan, forcing him to get out of his hiding place. He barely missed getting sliced by a bat'leth and jumped behind the console where Jim was hiding. Jim fired at the Klingon who barely deflected the shot with his bat'leth. But Jim shot again and stopped the Klingon in his tracks.
However, another Klingon came over the console and grabbed Jim before he could turn to fire at him. He grabbed Jim by the neck.
"Surrender, or I will break his neck," the Klingon said to Solan in Klingon knowing that he could understand him.
Solan glared at him, but he dropped his blaster, and Bones did too. The Klingon got Jim up and practically dragged him up to where Omakh was now standing in front of the command chair where Spock sat with a blaster pointed at his head. "Secure all of them in the Brig," Omakh said. "Did you find Korax?"
Jim wondered how Omakh knew Korax was on the ship. "We have not," one of the others answered. "We are still searching."
"I want him found!"
While everyone was distracted, Bones crawled back into the air vent along with the nurse, Sara. Solan stayed on the Bridge so it would not look like too many people had disappeared. "What are we going to do, Doctor?" Sara asked.
"We're gonna get back to the science lab," Bones said. "We'll find a way to put them all to sleep."
"How?"
"We'll find a way."
When everyone else was gone from the Bridge besides Jim, Omakh, and two other Klingons, Omakh hailed Kronos. Grakar answered and was immediately wary. "Now that I have your undivided attention, I will tell you my terms," Omakh said. "I want to speak to Chancellor Gorkon."
Grakar was angry, but he brought the chancellor to the monitor. Chancellor Gorkon glared at Omakh. "You show more every day that you are a coward, Omakh!" he said.
"But I hold the upper hand," Omakh replied. "We have taken over the Enterprise." He held Jim by the neck. "If you do not want to see this puny one die, you will surrender."
Gorkon stared at Jim. "Don't do it!" Jim said.
Omakh squeezed his neck tighter. "You will not speak! You have no say in this matter!"
Jim stared at the ceiling wondering if he would die right there. Omakh looked at Gorkon. "Will you surrender?" he asked. "I will start with this one and will destroy everyone on this ship!"
Gorkon looked at Grakar. "I will surrender, but you must give your word that you will let Admiral Kirk go and the rest of the crew of the Enterprise," Gorkon said. "You will not kill him."
Omakh looked at Jim Kirk whom he had wanted to kill for a long time. Jim could see the hate in his eyes. He shoved Jim into the command chair. "Done! I will keep my word. Will you?"
"I will, but you must fight for the chancellorship. It is the Klingon way…and you must fight alone."
"I will enjoy killing you, Gorkon. You have been in too long!"
"The fight will take place here at the Great Hall. A Klingon battle of honor."
Jim knew this would be a horrible battle, but he could not stop it. "Your friend here will attend," Omakh said.
"You will keep your word and let him go," Gorkon declared. "Or there will be no deal!"
"He will go free after the battle, when he sees who has won!"
"You go back on your word already!"
"I do not go back on my word!"
Just as he said that, Gorkon and Grakar saw a red cloud come from the vents behind Omakh. Jim did not see it until it got up around him. He laughed as he knew what it was, but he was soon asleep himself. Omakh did not have time to react as he was out as soon as he breathed in Bones' concoction.
Bones and Sara came from the science lab wearing masks, along with Korax and Artemus Gordon. "We have to get every Klingon into the Brig and everyone else out," Bones said.
"I will go to the Bridge and take care of Omakh," Korax said.
"Don't kill him. Let him stand trial."
"I will do as you wish."
Korax turned and ran for the Bridge followed by Artie. They found Omakh and the other two Klingons lying asleep on the floor, and Jim slumped in the command chair. "We should get the admiral to the medical bay," Artie said. "I'll go get a stretcher for him. Maybe the Klingons can be transported to the Brig."
"We must get the shields up," Korax replied.
"Yes. I'll work on that too."
"You do that. I will work on the rest."
Korax picked Jim up and left the Bridge and delivered him to the medical bay. Then he went to the transporter room. He managed to transport the three Klingons to the Brig. He went to the Brig himself and helped Bones to get all the Klingons into cells, making sure they had no weapons and no transport devices. "Won't they be surprised when they wake up?" Korax asked as he folded his arms. "I should stay here and wait."
Bones shook his head. "You probably need to anyway," he said. "We don't have any other guards right now."
"I shall testify at his trial."
"We all can, but a lot of work has to be done to this ship."
"Mister Gordon is working on the shields."
"Good."
Bones hoped they had found all of the Klingons, but he was just glad he had been able to disable them. He looked at Spock, Solan, and Uhura lying asleep on the floor. He hoped they would not be too angry about the headache they would have when they woke up. He had not known of another way to turn the situation to their favor. He took out his communicator. "Artie?"
"Yes, Doctor," Artie answered.
"How are those shields coming?"
"I'm working on it. I sure wish Mister Scott was around or at least the engineer who works on this ship now. I think I can have them at full power in about thirty minutes."
"We need minimum as soon as possible before some other Klingons realize something's wrong."
"Yes, Sir. I'm working on that."
"Let me know. I'm gonna contact Gorkon and let him know that he doesn't have to surrender. McCoy out."
Bones went to the Bridge and hailed the planet. Grakar answered promptly. "Hi," Bones said.
"Doctor," Grakar replied. "I assume you have taken the ship back."
"We have, but we're trying to get repairs done, especially to the shields before anyone realizes something's not going their way."
"Perhaps a distraction is in order. We will send ships to engage the warbirds."
"That's a good idea."
"We would have sent them earlier but there was not much time. We should have been ready for whatever they tried."
"We can't always be ready. We just have to react when it happens."
"Do you need help aboard the Enterprise?"
Bones considered that a moment. "Until our people wake up, we could sure use some help," he said.
"I can send a troop of Klingons to help," Grakar replied.
"Our transporters are working, so we can transport when you're ready. One of us will have to get to the transporter room first though. We're short handed as you might guess."
"We will need masks, I assume."
"Uh, yeah. That would be a good idea."
"We shall see you soon."
The transmission ended, and Bones thought he probably needed to figure out how to filter the sleeping gas out of the ship. He went to Engineering where Artemus Gordon was now working on the shields. "Artie," he said.
"Yes, Doctor."
"Can you filter the gas out?"
"Yes. That's quite simple."
"We need to do that then."
Artie pushed a few buttons. "That should take care of that," he said. "I have the shields up to five percent now."
"Great!" Bones said. "I'll just be glad when Jim or Spock wake up so they can command this ship."
"You're doing fine, Doctor."
"Well, we need the engineer to get this thing running again."
"I'll start on that as soon as the shields are up."
"Oh, I'm not saying you can't do it, I just…"
"Not to worry, Doctor. This is not exactly my expertise, although I learned quite a lot from Mister Scott."
"Great. I have to get to the transporter room…you wouldn't happen to know how to operate a transporter, would you?" Bones asked.
Artie looked at Bones. "I would," he said.
"It might be better if you transported our guests. They're going to help us until our crew is awake."
"Right. I'll just set this to re-initiate until I return."
Bones and Artie went to the transporter room, and they soon received a message from Grakar that they were ready to transport. Artie transported everyone and then returned to Engineering.
Grakar stepped down from the transporter pad. "We will give our uninvited guests something to worry about," he said.
"Maybe we should try to capture them as well," Bones replied.
"I do not believe we would have such an easy time of it as you had on the Enterprise."
"It's all in knowing the right mix."
"Perhaps we could transport it over to the other ships," Grakar suggested.
Bones scowled at that suggestion. "How?" he asked.
"That would be for you to figure out."
Bones had not even thought of that. "They probably have their shields up anyway," he said. "We just need someone to help Artie here, and to get the ship moving when he's done…if everyone doesn't wake up before that. If you guys can make sure everything's guarded, I'll go to the medical bay and check on Jim."
"It will be done," Grakar replied with his usual salute.
Bones went to the medical bay where the red cloud was still slightly visible, but he thought it was starting to disperse. He went over to the bed where Jim lay sleeping. "Jim, wake up," he said. "I don't want to be in command of this ship." He put oxygen on him. "Come on, wake up." He knew he would not move yet. He had made that formula potent to make sure it took out those Klingons.
After about thirty minutes, Artie had the shields back online. No one else had awakened yet, but they were not having to wear the masks anymore because the red cloud had been vented out of the ship.
Bones went back into the medical bay. "Jim Kirk, wake up," he said as he shook Jim this time. "Wake up!"
Jim started to move but did not open his eyes right away. "Jim, you have to get up and take command of this ship," Bones declared.
"What ship?" Jim asked groggily.
"You know what ship! Now, wake up!"
Jim opened his eyes then. "Bones?"
"Yeah! Get up! We need to get out of Klingon space!"
Jim suddenly remembered what had happened and he sat up with a groan. "We're still in Klingon space?" he asked.
"Yes. There's no one to operate the ship. Artie is doing the best he can, but…"
"What happened? Where are all those Klingons?"
"They're out cold in the Brig."
Jim was dumbfounded for a moment, but he was trying to remember everything. "You put us all to sleep," he said.
"Yeah," Bones replied.
"Where's Spock?"
"He's still asleep too. You're only awake because I gave you oxygen. Come on, Jim."
Jim got off the bed and swayed so badly, Bones had to grab his arm. "Steady there," Bones said.
"Well, you're rushing me," Jim replied. "I feel like I'm going sideways."
"Just come on."
Bones pulled Jim from the medical bay and they went to the Bridge. Jim was alarmed for a moment as he saw Klingons on the Bridge, but he realized it was Grakar and some others. "We have repaired the ship as much as we can," Grakar said. "I believe it will require your engineer to fix the rest."
"What about the warp drive?" Jim asked.
"Mister Gordon is working on that."
"Artie?"
"Yeah, he's the only one awake with any technical know-how," Bones said. "Although some of the Klingons have been helping him."
Jim ran his fingers through his hair feeling like he was a bit overwhelmed. "Okay, well are the impulse engines ready?" he asked.
"He is working on that as well," Grakar said. "The warp drive was not badly damaged but had a leak. Also, the propulsion systems were offline, the shields were down, and power was at a minimum. However, he has restored much of that."
"That's…really good. So, Omakh is in the Brig?"
"Yes. He and all the Klingons who were aboard this ship. Our forces have chased the others away like simpering dogs."
Jim thought no one could turn a phrase like a Klingon. "So, for now, the Klingon rebellion is broken up," he said.
"It is."
"That's good news. I think I'll go see how Mister Gordon is doing on repairs. And, thanks for your help."
"You are welcome," Grakar replied.
Bones went with Jim to Engineering. He did not see Artie but several Klingons were there. "Where's Mister Gordon?" Jim asked.
"He is in the access tubes," one of the Klingons answered.
Jim went over to the access hatch and opened it. He did not see Artie when he first opened it. "Mister Gordon!" he called.
"Admiral Kirk?" came the reply.
"Yes! How are things going?"
"Well, I'd say they're going fairly well, Sir."
"Good. Keep up the good work! How much longer till we can get out of here?"
"I'm not sure, Sir. Is the engineer awake yet?"
"I'm afraid not. We'll let you know when he is."
"Yes Sir."
Jim closed the hatch. "So we're just stuck here for a while longer," he said.
"Maybe you should talk to Chancellor Gorkon while you wait," Bones replied.
"That may be a good idea," Jim said thoughtfully. "They have to give this Klingon a fair trial. By the way, is Omakh awake yet?"
"I don't know. I haven't been back to the Brig."
"Let's go see."
They walked out of Engineering, and Jim swayed slightly and stumbled. "When am I gonna stop feeling dizzy?" he asked.
"Jim, you haven't even recovered from those injuries completely. What do you expect?"
Jim put his hand on his side. "It still hurts too," he said.
"You didn't get injured again, did you?"
"Not that I know of."
"I could check on that."
"You can do that while I contact the chancellor."
Bones went to get a scanner while Jim went on to the Bridge and hailed Kronos. He received an almost immediate reply. "Chancellor," he said. "I trust everything is okay on the planet?"
"Yes. And I see you have taken back your ship," Gorkon replied.
"Yes, we have. I thought perhaps we should have a meeting and discuss the situation now."
"I believe that would be an excellent idea. You may transport to the planet when you are ready."
Jim was dumbfounded for a moment. "I assumed you would come up to the Enterprise."
"You are not concerned for your safety, are you? I assure you that you will be well guarded, and Grakar can be your personal guard."
Grakar slapped his fist across his chest in agreement. "I shall."
Jim thought he was losing control of this conversation. "The thing is: I can't come to the planet right now. I'm in command of the ship until Spock and they others wake up from Doctor McCoy's potion." Jim could not say he wanted to go down to Kronos.
"Then we shall have the meeting when you can come to the planet."
Jim could see that Gorkon had no intention of coming to the Enterprise. "I guess that'll be fine," he said. "I'll let you know."
The transmission ended. Jim rubbed his face. "You do not wish to return to the planet?" Grakar asked.
Jim looked at him. He had almost forgotten that Grakar was standing beside him. "Honestly, I don't. I just want to go home."
"I will guard you will my own life."
"I know you will. I'm gonna see if we can wake up Spock and his crew."
Jim left the Bridge and went to the medical bay where Spock lay on a medical bed. Bones scanned him while stood beside the bed. "How long till he waked up?" Jim asked. "Why is it taking so long?"
"Who knows about the Vulcan anatomy?" Bones asked. "You're still okay, I guess."
"Well, let's try to wake him up."
Jim shook Spock. "Hey, Spock," he said. "Wake up. Even I didn't need sleep this badly."
"If you don't wake up, I'm gonna give you laughing gas," Bones said. "And I'll tell everybody how you laughed when we were stranded on Altamid."
Jim looked at Bones with one of his confused looks. "What?" he asked. "Why don't you give him something?"
"The effects of the gas have to wear off. I'm already giving him oxygen."
"Why did it wear off of me so fast?"
"Probably because you've been sleep deprived for so long, the gas didn't have as much to do, and I put oxygen on you to wake you up."
Finally, Spock began to stir. He felt much the same as Jim did when he started to wake up: groggy and a little confused. "It's about time," Bones said.
"Wake up, Spock," Jim said. "You gotta take charge of the ship."
"The Klingons?" Spock asked.
"They're out cold."
Spock sat up but he felt woozy and unsteady. "I do not remember ever feeling this sensation," he said.
"Bones had to put us all to sleep to get the Klingons."
"I see. Is the ship okay?"
"Yes. Mister Gordon has been making repairs. Chancellor Gorkon wants me to come down to the planet for a meeting."
Spock was surprised by that suggestion. "You are going?" he asked.
"I don't see that I have a choice. I tried to get him to come up to the Enterprise, but he wouldn't even discuss that. Grakar's gonna go as my personal body guard. I mean, I have to talk to Gorkon about this sitatuon. We also need to get in touch with Admiral Winston." Jim rubbed his forehead. "This gets more complicated all the time." He paused a moment. "Spock, there was something else Omakh said when he had me on the Bridge…somehow he knew Korax had come to the ship with us."
Spock considered that. "They could have intercepted transmissions," he said.
"I guess, but I just thought it was odd that he knew that."
"You believe there is a spy?"
"I don't know. But I know we didn't discuss that except that one time, and with everything happening like it is, I don't think we can take the chance that there isn't one."
"If you believe there is a spy, I do not believe it is a good idea for you to go to the planet."
"I'll stay in the Great Hall."
"I would go with you, Admiral."
"You have to stay here and take care of the ship."
Jim frowned as he was thinking. "Just answer this: what if Omakh is waiting until we take him down to Kronos for his trial, and that's when his spy will attack?" he asked.
Spock considered that. "Or if he waits until you are there to capture you again?" he asked. "But as you said, Chancellor Gorkon asked you to come to the planet."
"I know, but Spock, Omakh knows that he's eventually gonna end up back on the planet for trial."
"His trial could be held by the Federation. Most of his crimes were committed against the Federation."
Jim pondered that a moment. "You're right. I have to contact Admiral Winston. There's just something that's not right here. And another thing…We're gonna find Admiral Simmons. He's not gonna get away with his betrayal either."
"At least the bounty has been fulfilled and you no longer have a price on your head."
"Right. I'm going to contact Admiral Winston. You take control of this ship."
"Yes, Admiral."
Jim left the medical bay grimacing slightly at the pain he still had to endure in his side. He had no time to rest at the moment. He had things to do and things to figure out. He went to the conference room and sent a message to Ajah to have Admiral Winston contact him. He wanted to talk to Carol again. Their communication had been interrupted, so he told Ajah to have Carol contact him as well.
As Jim sat there staring out the portal windows, he wondered how this situation would turn out. It was not over by far…
