Disclaimer: I do not own Star Trek or any of its characters, only my OC - Kaitlyn Donovan.
This story is the sequel to All's Fair in Love and War.
Query: What sacrifices must be endured by those that secure our freedom?
Thank you to Just a Crazy-Man, bina W, and IrishBug74, LoyaulteMeLie, Lupinesence, jeangreyten, Belen09, Silver-ShadowSpark, Cap'nFrances, g-love99, guest, and badkarma00 for the reviews, and to everyone that is following this story and adding it to their favorites!
Chapter 15 - When it Rains, it Pours.
The Price of Freedom
Chapter 15 - When it Rains, it Pours.
Captain Kaitlyn Donovan nodded to Captain Tok and Commander Stovok as the door to the Captain's Mess opened. "Good evening, Gentlemen."
"Captain Donovan." Stovok indicated the seat for her. He studied all of her medals, badges, and ribbons on her Dress Uniform as she took her seat. "You were at Alpha Centauri?" he questioned her, his eyebrows raised.
"Yes, we repelled the raiders from Alpha Centauri." she answered and nodded her thanks to the steward as he poured her water, then went back to the kitchen.
Captain Tok glanced at her, "Why do humans feel compelled to wear such ornaments on their uniforms? Does the desire stem from some deep rooted compulsion?"
Kaitlyn took a slow sip of water, then set the glass down. "The purpose of the medals, ribbons, and badges are to acknowledge the recipient of their past endeavors."
"For boasting purposes?" Tok spoke with a raised eyebrow.
Kaitlyn looked at Stovok, "Do you know what the rest of my medals and badges represent?" she inquired.
Stovok gave her a quick nod, "I have familiarized myself with all Earth rank, insignia, and awards."
Kaitlyn tilted her head slightly, "So, what can you conclude according to what I have on my uniform?"
Stovok looked again at her uniform, "You have been in five conflicts, in two of them you were injured - one of them you were severely injured. Your dedication has been acknowledged by the MACOs, Starfleet, and the United Earth Government. When you qualify with weapons, you obtain the highest standards." Stovok looked at her for confirmation.
Kaitlyn nodded to him, then looked back at Captain Tok, "Now, wasn't that easier than having to read my whole service record?" she questioned him with a tight smile.
Captain Tok looked down his nose at her, "You remind me of another human I have encountered - Captain Jonathon Archer, though at the time he was just a Commander. Both of you speak with a smile upon your face, but your eyes give your true feelings away."
Kaitlyn raised an eyebrow, "And what do you think my true feelings are?" she questioned as she forced herself to take a few calming breaths. She could feel herself wanting to rise to his baiting, but she could not allow herself to do so.
"You distrust us." Tok stated simply.
"You are correct. Trust must be earned. I have been in enough situations - as I'm sure you have - that have taught me to never blindly trust anyone. I acknowledge your distrust of us and I am sure it is for the same reason. I hope that over the next few days, some of that distrust can be alleviated." she nodded.
Captain Tok watched her. He could not think of a retort. She was correct. Fortunately, the steward brought in the plomeek broths and the remainder of the meal was eaten in silence.
Commander Stovok had watched Captain Donovan eloquently sidestep Captain Tok's goading. She was interesting, this human. Yes, her eyes bespoke of things she did not. She showed great restraint not to be swayed by her human emotions.
The steward took the plates away, the brought out the hot tea.
Captain Tok glanced at Donovan, "I do not suppose you drink Vulcan tea." he stated, not asking.
"Actually, I find it calming. I will pour it myself, thank you." she acknowledged.
Commander Stovok moved the tea carafe to her and watched as she poured her own tea. He nodded as she put the carafe back on the table for him. He poured his tea, then put it back on the table for his Captain.
Captain Tok took a sip of his tea and watched her.
She glanced at Captain Tok, "If you like bold flavors of tea, you may like our spicier plomeek broth that we will be making tomorrow morning."
Commander Stovok looked at her questionably, "What do you put in the broth to make it spicier?"
"A few Cajun spices. It awakens and revitalizes." she explained. It was just the right balance of spice, but not so high on the 'hotness' scale.
Stovok nodded, "I will try it tomorrow."
XXXXX
Captain Kaitlyn Donovan walked to her temporary quarters quietly, though everything on the Vulcan ship was quiet. There were no unnecessary conversations taking place as crew walked to their destinations. The quiet was nice, though a bit unnerving. She walked into her quarters and headed to the bedroom to change into her pt clothes, then headed down to the gym. She needed to relieve some of her pent up tension before she succumbed to her impulse to snap at someone.
There was no one in the gym, so she had free reign of the equipment and opted for the treadmill and a good paced run.
She had been running for twenty minutes when the doors to the gym opened and Captain Tok walked in. She saw him hesitate at the door when he noted her on the treadmill. She wondered if he'd just turn around and leave, but he surprised her and walked over to the other treadmill.
Captain Tok inwardly sighed to himself as he noted the human female running on the treadmill. He always came to the gym this time in the evening when it was empty. He always found that if he burnt off his excess energy, he could meditate and sleep better. He would not have his daily routines disrupted because of her. He would simply ignore her. She was part of the reason he felt uneasy. She had spoke the truth at dinner, he did not trust humans. They were erratic in their behavior and allowed their emotions to rule them. But she seemed more tempered than other humans he had contact with in the past. He got on the treadmill and started his run.
Kaitlyn Donovan kept her pace even as she continued to run, keeping her mind off the Vulcan Captain near her, focusing on the upgrades to the Embassy they would need to make once they arrived.
She glanced down at the readings on the machine as it beeped. She had set the timer for an hour and had just reached that marker. She had the machine slow so she could walk for another five minutes to cool off. She breathed deeply to get more oxygen into her body. She finished walking and got off the treadmill. She picked up her towel and blotted off some of the sweat that glistened on her face and neck, then took a few sips of water from the bottle she'd brought with her. She headed to the door to leave, but stopped abruptly when a voice broke the silence.
"Good night, Captain Donovan." Captain Tok spoke to her as he continued to run on the treadmill.
She turned and nodded slightly, "Good night, Captain Tok." She slowly walked back to her quarters and wondered why he had decided to acknowledge her. She shrugged slightly as she stepped into the sonic shower - she would never take real water showers for granted again. When she stepped out, she knew she was clean, but it just didn't feel quite the same. She changed into a clean set of pt clothes and went to the coffee table and lit the candle to meditate for awhile.
XXXXX
Malcolm Reed opened his eyes and found himself in a slightly familiar place - it was the Library, well the Library setting that was Kaitlyn's mind. Why was he dreaming of this place? He walked down the row he was on and looked around, then spotted her laying on the floor, looking up out the skylight dome in the ceiling. "Why am I dreaming about this place?" he questioned as he walked over to her.
Kaitlyn turned her head and smiled at him, "Don't know, but I'm glad you're here."
Malcolm dropped to the floor and laid down beside her, taking her pose and looking up at the stars. He frowned slightly, "Why are the stars streaking?"
"Because I'm moving through space, I guess my mind is just keeping up that illusion." she shrugged slightly.
Malcolm decided it he was going to dream about her, he might as well make the most of it. "So, you're doing well?"
Kaitlyn chuckled softly, "As well as to be expected. The Vulcan crew is as anticipated." She reached for his hand and intertwined her fingers with his.
"I can imagine it's a bit suffocating." he reasoned as he rubbed his thumb against hers. He turned his head and looked at her, "I miss you."
Kaitlyn turned on her side and smiled as he let go of her hand, "It hasn't even been a day." she pointed out and ran her hand through his hair.
"Doesn't matter how long it's been - I missed you the moment you turned and left the hotel." he stated as he ran his hand over her side.
She smiled, "I miss you too - want to stay here with me for awhile?"
He nodded and kissed the top of her head as she laid her head on his chest. He quickly fell asleep.
Malcolm opened his eyes as his alarm went off. He sat up slowly and turned it off. He felt completely rested, something he hadn't expected last night when he'd laid down to go to sleep. He'd been thinking about Kaitlyn and wondering how she was doing on the Yarahla. He remembered the dream he had very well, being in the Library and finding Kaitlyn. He shook his head slightly as he got ready for the day.
Doctor Phlox smiled as Lieutenant Reed sat down at his table for breakfast. "How are you this morning, Lieutenant?"
"I slept really well last night. How are you this morning?" he questioned the doctor.
"Oh, doing just fine. I've been invited to speak with some other doctors at the I.M.E. today. I'm looking forward to seeing some of my colleagues again." the Denobulan explained.
Malcolm glanced at the doctor, "Do you want me to come with you?" he offered. He knew the doctor was still hesitant to roam Earth alone.
Phlox shook his head, "I was reassured by MACO Lieutenant Tebbe that my security was already taken care of - no matter where I decided to go."
Malcolm nodded, he knew the doctor would be safe with Donovan's unit looking after his safety. "Even when she's gone, she's still taking care of us." he let out a slow breath and began to eat his pancakes after he slathered some peanut butter on them.
"Have you heard anything from Kaitlyn?" Phlox inquired as he ate a slice of melon.
"No, I won't hear from her until she gets settled in on Vulcan. I did have a dream about her last night." he mentioned off handedly.
The Denobulan's grin widened as he set his fork down.
Malcolm scoffed, "Not that kind of dream - for heaven's sake Doctor." He shook his head, "I found myself in the Library in her mind."
"She was there?" the doctor inquired.
Malcolm nodded, "We talked a few minutes, then fell asleep."
Phlox smiled, "Maybe that's why you slept so well last night."
Malcolm shrugged, "Possibly. Well, I hope you have a good meeting today."
"I'm sure I will. What do you have planned for the day?" the doctor inquired.
"I'm going to go help Commander Tucker work on the Columbia's engines. Not that I'm an Engineer by any means, but I do know some of the things he's done here and can spot the differences over there. Anyhow, it's better than staying here. Repairs are almost completely finished and the rest of the crew will be returning soon." Malcolm ran through the few things he still needed to take care of in the Armory on Enterprise, but it wouldn't take that long to complete.
"I hope Commander Tucker manages to get some rest and have some fun before we leave again." Phlox stated.
"He will - I think he's planning on dragging me out tonight." Malcolm really didn't want to go out to who knows where, he had no interest. But, he didn't want his friend to go alone - not when he'd recently been through an emotional rollercoaster with the Vulcan First Officer. He sighed softly, never would he have thought the two of them would have meshed. Trip was so outgoing and T'Pol was so reserved. But, opposites did attract - and they did work extremely well together. Malcolm glanced at the doctor when he felt the man's eyes on him.
Phlox smiled, "You are a good friend, Mr. Reed. I know going out is the last thing you want to do." He tilted his head slightly, "I'm sure Kaitlyn will understand."
"I know she would - in fact she'd insist I go so I could steer him away from trouble. Though she knows what kind of trouble we usually find ourselves in." Malcolm shook his head slightly as he remembered the fiasco on Risa.
Phlox chuckled as he stood up, "Well, Lieutenant - I hope you have a good day."
"You too, Doctor." Malcolm nodded and turned his attention back to his breakfast.
XXXXX
Kaitlyn wasn't able to stay long at breakfast, but she had noted that some of the Vulcans were trying a small bowl of their spicier plomeek broth. Probably just so they didn't offend the MACOs, but nonetheless, they tried it.
Commander Stovok had assigned her to the Bridge for her shift. She was surprised that Captain Tok was letting her, since the Vulcans still keep many advancements from Humans.
Commander Stovok nodded as she stepped on the Bridge. He walked over and led her to the communications console. "You speak many languages, I thought perhaps you would be able to help with the translation of messages we receive."
Kaitlyn nodded, "I will be pleased to help in any way that I can, Commander."
Stovok introduced her to the Communications Officer, "Captain Donovan, this is Sub Commander T'Sara."
The two women acknowledged each other with a slight nod, then Commander Stovok went back to his post.
Sub Commander T'Sara glanced at Kaitlyn, "You are well versed in Vulcan?" she inquired.
"Yes, I am Sub Commander - what would you like me to do?" Kaitlyn inquired.
"If you will monitor these ranges of frequencies and translate them, it would be most helpful." T'Sara requested.
Kaitlyn nodded and placed the small ear piece she was handed into her ear. The work was steady, as transmissions came in every few minutes - but Kaitlyn was able to survey the work going on the Bridge at the same time.
After a few hours, her head snapped back to the communication screen. An Andorian distress call was being sent out. "Sub Commander, we have an Andorian distress call." Kaitlyn stated.
Commander Stovok quickly came over and read the translation Kaitlyn was typing out on her PADD. "Captain, an Andorian Imperial Guard ship had been attacked by an unknown vessel. They state that their systems are down and that life support is failing."
Captain Tok weighed the situation, "It could be a trap." he pointed out.
Commander Stovok acknowledged that fact, "We could head that way and take scans as we approach. I recommend shields up as a precaution."
Captain Tok nodded and the Yarahla headed toward the disabled ship. He glanced over to Captain Donovan, "Any other information in the transmission?"
"All of their systems are down, the message is on a playback loop - even that signal is getting weaker." she explained.
Captain Tok nodded and looked at Sub Commander T'Sara, "Send a message to Vulcan High Command and notify them of the situation along with the coordinates." He glanced at Donovan, "Send a message out to Andorian Imperial Guard and advise them were are on our way to render assistance to their vessel."
Captain Donovan quickly sent out the message, then listened to the information being relayed to Captain Tok as they raced to the disabled ship.
"Captain, we are picking up very faint life signs on the ship - twelve of them." another Officer stated from his post as the Yarahla slowed their approach to the ship.
Stovok stood next to his Captain as they looked over the damage to the Andorian ship. "Captain, if they are still conscious, they may very well attack us if we step on board."
Kaitlyn realized the problem. The distrust between the Vulcans and the Andorians was far greater than their distrust of Humans. "My unit will go." she offered.
Both men looked back at her curiously.
"The Andorians are on better terms with Humans. My unit can go over in a shuttle. We will secure the situation and see to their injuries until another Guard vessel arrives." she explained.
Captain Tok glanced at his Second in Command.
"It would be better if we stay off their ship and keep our distance." Stovok advised.
Captain Tok nodded to Donovan, "Very well, Captain Donovan. Get your unit ready and meet Commander Stovok in the Launch Bay."
Kaitlyn Donovan nodded and pulled out her PADD as she turned and left the Bridge. She quickly sent a message out to her unit for them to suit up.
Her unit were all in the Launch Bay in less than five minutes.
Commander Stovok walked over to her unit and indicated the crates that were being delivered by the Vulcan crew members. "Your weapons - you may need them, the Andorians are not logical." he explained. "We will collect them when you return."
Donovan nodded, "Of course." she grabbed her bag and pulled out her pistol and knife and her rifle and put them on. She turned to her unit as the Vulcan medical staff brought them bags of medical gear to take over. "We will secure the ship and take care of the wounded until another Andorian Imperial Guard vessel arrives. If they resist - just stun them."
Her unit nodded and they quickly got on the Vulcan shuttle. She smiled as she noted Commander Stovok was their pilot. "Are you sure you don't want to stay on the ship - I could pilot the shuttle." she offered.
"That would not be acceptable, Captain. A Vulcan must be in charge of the shuttle." he reminded her as he flew the shuttle out of the Launch Bay.
"And if the Andorians aren't pleased that you are there?" she questioned him.
"I have my orders." he stated firmly. He in no way wanted to be captured by the Andorians - he'd heard of prisoners being broken mentally by them.
Kaitlyn patted his shoulder gently, "Don't worry, Commander - we won't let them take you. When we get off the shuttle, seal the hatch."
Stovok's eyebrow rose into his hairline, was she able to pick up on his thoughts - or was she just very perceptive? He focused on docking the shuttle to the aft airlock, then sealed the connection between the two ships. He stood up and went to the hatch. He looked over the MACOs and nodded, "Be safe."
Kaitlyn nodded, "Just stay here. I'll comm you when all is secure." She and her unit fanned out in search for survivors. They quickly found the twelve crew that were still alive and took them to the Med Bay. She commed Stovok and told him the situation was secure.
While the others were working on the injured, she and Corporal Mullens headed to the Bridge. She headed to the Science station and quickly read over the damage reports. "See if you can get the Communication system back up and running." she pointed Mullens to the appropriate station. She opened her communicator, "Captain Donovan to the Yarahla."
"What is the current situation, Captain Donovan?" Captain Tok questioned.
"The Engines are off line, but can be fixed - the containment field is holding steady. All power has been re-routed to life support, but I believe that I can start sending power out to other systems. We are working on repairing the comm system at the moment." she explained.
"Captain Donovan, I caution you from doing anything more than just repairing their Communication system - they will not appreciate your unit gaining knowledge of those systems." Tok advised.
"Very well - just give us a heads up when the other ship arrives." Donovan replied and went back to work.
It did not take exceedingly long for the other Imperial Guard vessel to arrive, Mullens had just finished repairing the comm system and sent out a message that explained to the Imperial Guard that the Earth MACOs had secured the situation and were treating the wounded.
A few moments later, five Andorian Imperial Guardsmen transported on the Bridge - their weapons trained on the MACOs.
Kaitlyn quickly looked to the leader of the group that she recognized, "There is no reason to aim your weapons at us, Commander Shran."
His antenna straightened, "How do you know me, Pinkskin?" he questioned her quickly.
"I recognized you from Captain Archer's files. Thank you for your assistance in destroying the Xindi weapon." Kaitlyn thanked him.
Shran had his men lower their weapons. "Where are the injured?" he questioned.
"We have moved them to the Med Bay, where the rest of my unit is seeing to their injuries." she explained as she, Shran and Mullens headed there as his Officers secured the Bridge. "The Warp Core is salvageable and the containment field is holding." she relayed the information to him. "There are several hull breeches, but the emergency bulk heads are keeping the rest of the ship safe."
Shran glanced at the Human female as they walked down the corridor, "You seem to know a lot about our ship."
"I understand what it takes to make a ship sustainable for life - it's the same no matter what type of ship you're on, Commander Shran." she pointed out.
They walked into Med Bay and found more Andorian Guardsmen helping tend to their wounded.
Shran looked over the wounded as Doctor Thras quickly came over to them.
"Commander, most of them are severely injured - but they are stable, thanks to the treatment they received so quickly. Undoubtedly, they would not have survived until we arrived." Doctor Thras pointed out and nodded his thanks to the MACOs.
Commander Shran looked at the Human female, "I did not get your name."
"Captain Kaitlyn Donovan." she introduced herself.
Shran stretched out his hand, "Thank you, Captain Donovan - you and your unit."
"I'm glad we could be of assistance." she shook his hand.
"Could you tell me how an Earth Military Unit is on a Vulcan ship?" Shran questioned.
"The Vulcans are transporting us. We are going to Vulcan to secure the United Earth Embassy." she explained. She had felt his suspicions when she shook his hand. "I am the one that suggested that we come aboard." she explained to him.
Shran nodded, "Thank you for that. We'd rather not have the Vulcans traipsing around our ship."
Kaitlyn gave him a slight nod in understanding, "Is there any further assistance we can give you?" she offered him.
"No, I think we can take care of everything from here. Thank you again, Captain." Shran acknowledged each of the MACOs as they came over to Donovan.
"Very well." Donovan indicated for her unit to head to the shuttle. She looked back at Commander Shran, weighing carefully whether she should tell him what she noticed. "Commander, when we approached the ship I noticed the strafing patterns. It is similar to those of Orion Pirates. I am not certain, but you should be able to run scans on the residue. I have never heard of the Orions attacking an Andorian Imperial Guard vessel before, I do not understand why they would want to cause problems with you - they usually go after ships they can take apart and sell quickly." she frowned slightly. If the Orions were now going after higher valued ships, Starfleet could be in for some trouble.
"We will review the logs and analyze the residue." Shran nodded.
Kaitlyn Donovan turned and left.
Commander Stovok quickly disengaged from the Andorian vessel as soon as she was on board and they quickly headed back to the Yarahla.
Kaitlyn looked to her unit, "You all did very well - the Andorians were thankful for our assistance."
They nodded in acknowledgement.
When they got out of the shuttle, the MACOs stored their weapons back in the bags and the crates were taken away. Her unit headed back to their duty stations to finish their shifts.
Commander Stovok walked with her back to the Bridge. He glanced at her, "This is typical of your unit?" he inquired as they stepped on the lift.
Kaitlyn raised an eyebrow, "Is what typical of my unit?" she asked for clarification.
"Quickly going into a potentially unsafe situation, rendering assistance, then going back to your previous activities?" he explained.
"That's our job." Kaitlyn tilted her head slightly, "What did you expect us to do?"
"Cheering, perhaps? I have seen some of your Earth movies - typically the unit celebrates a success." he pointed out as they stepped off the lift and continued down another corridor.
"That, Commander, is the difference between a movie and real-life. We do celebrate sometimes, but it is after the whole mission is over. All of my unit will write up their reports this afternoon and submit them to me, then I will type up and After-Action report bundled with all of theirs and send it to my Superiors." she stated.
Commander Stovok nodded as he contemplated this information and they stepped onto the Bridge.
Kaitlyn headed back to her post near Sub Commander T'Sara and put the earpiece back in her ear, "The same frequencies?" she asked the Sub Commander.
The Vulcan Communications Officer nodded, slightly surprised that the Human had come back to her post to finish out her shift.
In a few hours, when her shift was up, she turned to ask permission to leave.
Captain Tok stood up, "Captain Donovan . . ." he indicated for her to come to his office.
She followed him in and waited as he went to the window and looked out for a moment.
He turned back around to look at her, "Your unit's assistance is noted. You kept us removed from the situation so the Andorians would not accuse us of wrong-doing. The Vulcan High Command also sends their appreciation for your unit's assistance."
Kaitlyn wondered how painful it was for him to tell her that. She gave him a small nod, "It was the logical thing to do, considering the political and military fallout that could have occurred. Captain, I request permission to send out my After-Action report to my Superiors later today."
Captain Tok nodded his approval.
"Is there anything else, Captain?" she inquired.
"No. Dismissed." Captain Tok stated and watched her about-face and leave his office.
XXXXX
Captain Archer frowned as he asked Lieutenant Reed to repeat what he'd just said as they stepped into his Ready Room.
"Captain Donovan believes it was the Orions that attacked the Andorian Imperial Guard vessel." Malcolm handed his Captain the PADD with the report on it.
"And she concluded that, just because of the strafing patterns?" Jonathon Archer raised an eyebrow.
"She has fought them before Captain - but she suggests we check with Commander Shran to see what his analysis came up with. Sir, if the Orions are starting to attack military ships - we could be in for a lot more trouble." Malcolm pointed out.
Archer nodded, "It won't be good news for our Cargo ships, either." He took a deep breath as he looked out his window. "We've got some more bad news - a Klingon ship was over run and the crew was killed."
"Do we know who the attackers were?" Malcolm inquired as he stood up straighter.
Captain Archer shook his head, "I'm heading down to Starfleet Headquarters for a debriefing. Call everybody back up - shore leave has been cancelled."
Malcolm nodded and quickly went to send out the message to all of the crew members as the Captain headed down to the shuttle. He was glad that it was only a few days before they were scheduled to return, because some of them had been halfway round the world yesterday. He sent out the All Call, then went to his Tactical Station and made sure the systems were ready.
XXXXX
TBC.
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