Chapter 5
"Commander, computer shut down was a success. Transport of alien energy to a containment field in loading bay 'D'," announced the Klingon.
Precisely at that moment, the turbolift doors opened and Kirk stepped out. The movement caught the peripheral vision of Worf and he turned, his Klingon instincts taking over and he made a motion to grab the intruder. At exactly the same time both Data and Deanna rose and turned to see who or what was causing the commotion.
Worf held the struggling Kirk in an arm lock as Data strode to face the captive. Data's neural network delved deep into the android's files and he was able to distinguish the intruder by visual identity.
"James T. Kirk, I presume."
"Actually it's Captain." Kirk answered trying to shake off the Klingons beefy hooks tightening their hold.
Every eye on the bridge was turned to the newcomer, mouths gaping. Data was the first to recover. He turned to the Betazoid, "Counselor?" he said in a questioning voice.
"Data, I sense no trickery, only a very strong and definite belief in who he is."
"How, may I ask, did you get here, Captain Kirk?"
"Well, I'm not exactly sure," he answered stopping his struggling since it obviously was not going to get him anywhere. He turned to stare at the Security Chief who still had a very firm hold on him. The Klingon presented an ominous opponent and Kirk new from his history, tangling with these warriors might be injurious to his health. Worf sensed Kirk was ceasing his struggling and looked over at Data. Noticing the android nod, he relinquished his grip on Kirk.
Shrugging as Worf released him, Kirk hastily took the opportunity to survey his surroundings. He was very quick to discern the advanced technology and the differences between the Enterprise from his past and the ship he was now part of.
Worf had moved to his post as he heard the audible signal indicating activity close to the ship and although part of his attention was still riveted on Kirk he was able to read the sensors. "Commander, long range scanners are picking up a ship approaching at warp 2."
Both Kirk and Data replied in unison, "On screen!", and turned to eye each other.
A small dot appeared on the forward screen. Once more both chimed in unison, "Increase magnification," and once more they exchanged glances.
Worf kept his eyes locked on the computer panel and read aloud as the display changed. "It reads as Ferengi. Approaching with their shields up."
"Raise shields!" came the command, once again simultaneously.
Data turned to Kirk, "Sir there is significant doubt as to the claim that you are making in identifying yourself as James T. Kirk. I believe before we go any further we should establish just who or what you really are."
The Captain calmly clasped his hands in front of his body, settled a slight grin and deftly raised an eyebrow. "I told you who I really am," came the reply. Although Kirk stood straight, his attention was fixed as he studied the enlarging image on the screen..
"Then I'm sure you won't object to medical scans, Captain Kirk." Tapping his communicator, he summoned, "Doctor Crusher to the bridge. Please bring a medical scanner."
"Of course not, umm, Commander," replied Kirk, his eyes trying to read the pips on Data's uniform while at the same time attempting to decide if this being who was questioning his identity was human or not.
Data read the question in Kirk's eyes and answered, "I am an android sir. I am also in temporary command of the ship. Captain Picard is not presently available."
"An android running a Starship? I guess I've been away longer than I thought. Oh and by the way your Captain is okay, sort of.."
Data regarded Kirk closely, taking into account not only what he was saying but how he was saying it. Data was fully aware not only of what transpired on Veridian III, but also how the history books portrayed James T. Kirk. It occurred to Data, that this stranger may also be an alien, just assuming the likeness of Kirk. In any case, the prudent thing to do at this moment was not only to find out who this stranger was, but also to find his captain.
The turbolift doors opened and Beverly Crusher strode confidently to face Kirk and Data. She looked from one to the other and then over to Deanna, who shrugged her shoulders, and raised an eyebrow.
"Data, who is this? Where is Jean-Luc?"
"Doctor," responded the android, effectively ignoring her two questions, please use your tri-quarter and determine if this is or is not the human, Captain James T. Kirk."
Beverly scowled and momentarily hesitated, as she tried to determine just what had taken place on the bridge. She withdrew her scanner, ran it quickly up and down in front of Kirk. Her brows knitted together and she took additional readings.
Tilting her head she met Data's stare. "Data he is human. I don't detect any abnormal readings or alien energy patterns. The cronaton particles indicate his human DNA. Every cell and subcell structure that should be there, is." After a slight pause she added, "Who did you say this is?"
"Doctor. He claims to be James T. Kirk, Captain of the Enterprise 1701 and 1701A."
For several moments the bridge was quiet. Kirk knew what he believed to be the truth and Starfleet's best, standing in front of him, knew their own truth. It was in these moments, Kirk surmised that his best chance for acceptance could be secured.
Turning to Kirk, Data continued, "Sir, can you explain what has taken place, that would enable you to be here?"
Deanna interrupted making her point again, "Data, he's not lying. He really believes what he's saying."
Kirk looked around, squared his shoulders and took a deep breath. "I'm not certain. Your Captain Picard and I were participating in some kind of a scenario on something called the holodeck, when something went wrong and he and I exchanged places, or at least I think that's what happened. There was this purple light just before he disappeared."
Data's expression was one of disbelief mixed with fascination. He digested Kirk's explanation and tapped his communicator, "Commander La Forge there has been an accident on the holodeck. I believe that Captain Picard has been caught in some sort of computer malfunction. Lt. Worf is on his way to apprise you of the entire situation." He turned a nodded to Worf in soundless communication. Worf responded by straightening his back as he quickly strode to the turbolift.
"Captain Kirk, I must request that you submit to a DNA test. We must rule out alien interference."
"That's fine with me," Kirk answered as he strode to the command chair.
Data moved to obstruct Kirk's way. "I'm sorry Captain, but I must insist that this test be done immediately." Turning to Beverly, he added. "Please compare DNA from Captain Kirk with that on computer file. Your findings are required as soon as possible, doctor."
Once more Beverly hesitated, and fixed her gaze on Data. Her questioning expression did not go unnoticed, nor unanswered.
"Doctor," Data gave her his reply, "the most important thing right now is to determine who our guest is and what has happened to Captain Picard. Your observations are most significant. She decided she would question Data later.
"Captain, this way please." Beverly indicated the way to Kirk. With a nod and a grin that belied his reluctance he followed her.
Just after the turbolift began its journey, Jim turned and looked intently at the doctor.
"You are ship's doctor then."
"Yes I am," she answered and looked up into his eyes, her chin set defiantly.
He neither acknowledged her reply nor averted his glance while en route. The doors opened and together they walked along the short corridor to sickbay. Kirk looked around, mentally registering the incredible advances in medical equipment that were obvious.
"Bones would have loved this," he mumbled not knowing that Dr. McCoy indeed had had the opportunity to see the Enterprise-D as it set out on its maiden voyage.
Beverly set about preparing the equipment she would need to perform the required tests. Taking the isotope and pressing it briefly to Kirk's hand she promised, "This won't hurt." Once again she found herself staring into his hazel eyes.
Kirk rubbed the spot on his hand that the instrument had touched, and met Beverly's glance. "I must say doctor, blood tests have never been as enjoyable."
"Thank you Captain." Beverly turned away so Jim wouldn't see the slow blush spreading across her face. She took the blood sample to her computer station and inserted the slide.
"Computer, is there a DNA file for Captain James T. Kirk?"
"Affirmative," came the response.
"Display DNA code."
A complicated series of numbers and graphics flashed on her display. "Computer, split screen and add DNA sample on slide."
Seconds later another complicated display appeared. Beverly glanced at Kirk before asking, "Computer overlay both samples and compare." As the images shifted to a single likeness , Beverly peeked hastily at Kirk.
The computer gave its decision, "DNA samples are identical. Both are from James T. Kirk."
She turned to Kirk who was still standing behind her. "It seems that you are indeed James T. Kirk."
"I could have told you that already, doctor." Jim's eyes were twinkling.
Once more Beverly felt her face deepen. "Oh God! I'm acting like a silly school girl," she thought trying to look busy. "Thank you Captain Kirk, it's good to meet, I umm, I mean I've heard so much about you."
"Thank you Beverly, I mean Doctor Crusher." He looked steadily into her eyes, and briefly touched her hand before he turned and made his way back to the bridge.
When the sickbay doors closed, the doctor let out a deep sigh and grabbed the examining table to steady herself. "Whew, there must be something wrong with environmental controls. It's gotten very warm in here!"
As he exited the turbolift he walked in on a commotion, with Data and Deanna standing, arguing with a very strange looking alien image on the forward screen.
"It would not be logical for you to continue in this manner," Data argued, talking in what Kirk thought was a very formal manner.
The alien grimaced and spat out, "I refuse to continue this ridiculous conversation android. A machine is not capable of making decisions or running a Starship, and further I refuse to be insulted this way. The sight of one of your ugly females fully clothed worsens this affront. It is so disgusting our eyes may never be able to see beauty again."
The captain cleared his throat rather noisily, while looking from the forward screen to Deanna and back again. He figured the only way he was going to get into the conversation, was to push his way in. "Excuse me, Commander Data. Please introduce me to your very handsome guest." Kirk said walking closer to the screen.
Before Data could respond to Kirk's question, the Ferengi moved in a forward motion peering from side to side. "You, human, who are you?"
"Captain James T. Kirk, at your service, sir." Kirk laced his fingers in front of him, while slightly altering his stance.
"Hmm, Captain eh? Well it's better to then being humiliated by this...this... machine... That's good enough. We shall talk only to you."
The Ferengi was nearly beside himself and Kirk could tell whatever these aliens were, diplomacy was not one of their strong characteristics.
"I am Dai Mon K'Jic. Your android has insulted us and accused us of being a wandering band of thieving pirates. We will not accept that from a Federation agent. We are, umm," he hesitated groping for the right words, "a research vessel on the way to offer help to the damaged science outpost. We demand you let us pass or be prepared to battle, human."
"Now, now, Dai Mon K'Jic." Kirk turned his hands, palms facing the screen in a universal sign of trust. "Allow us a short recess. Wait right here, we'll be right back." Kirk turned to Worf and made a motion across his throat.
Surprising, the Klingon understood, "Frequency closed," grumbled Worf, not appreciating taking orders from this new guy.
Turning to Data, Kirk asked, "What is the situation Commander Data?"
"Ferengis are considered to be the super-capitalists of the galaxy. They involve themselves only in situations that will result in some kind of monetary return. In colloquial Earth terms, shall we say, if the price were right they would sell their own grandmothers."
Deanna gasped. Sometimes Data's use of the vernacular was a little too graphic. Data turned his head frowning when he heard Deanna's gasp. He quickly reasoned he had made some kind of mistake. Deciding he would talk to her at a later time to ascertain which human faux pas he had committed, he continued, "Although we are not at war with them, we try to avoid contact. They plunder and ravage and are concerned only for what a situation will net them. I suspect these Ferengis might be part of the band of pirates destroying Federation outposts. They are very cunning and employ all means of surreptitious behavior."
"I see," Kirk acknowledged, reasoning to himself that the bad guys don't really change all that much from one century to another.
"Open frequency." He turned and smiled at the image on the forward screen. "Dai Mon...," Kirk hesitated trying to remember what this strange alien's name is.
"K'Jic!" The Ferengi leaned closer and gave what Kirk thought was an attempt at a snarl. The problem was it was more laughable then fearsome.
Kirk decided to ignore the verbal sound effects, "On behalf of the Federation I would like to thank you for your offer. I cannot tell you what an honor it is to meet those in our universe who are willing to give up so much, just to help out the unfortunate. I will alert Starfleet, to how a brave Ferengi and his shipmates were willing to give up their lives to help. The galaxy would be a better place if more races would give so compassionately." Kirk played his part to the hilt, and to emphasize his words, he moved his right hand to cover his heart, and bent his head in reverence.
The Ferengi narrowed his eyes, moving even closer to the screen. One hand went up, palm facing the screen in a 'halt'gesture, and he snarled as he grunted, "Offer their lives?"
"Yes and I must thank you. I promise you, history will record that Dai Mon..." once more hesitating, trying to recall the name, "oh yes, Dai Mon K'Jic and his crew proudly gave their lives to aid in the rescue of the plague-stricken Federation science outpost." With his last words, Kirk spread his arms widely.
Once more the Ferengi drew closer to the screen, but this time held up both hands in that familiar 'halt', "Did you say, plague-stricken human?"
"Yes I did," nodded Kirk, looking up at the Ferengi with the most innocent expression he could muster.
The Ferengi transmission suddenly quit and then abruptly changed to a screen filled with static and then once more back to Dai Mon K'Jic. "We are getting an emergency request from, umm, from somewhere else. We are sorry but we cannot help you with your Federation affliction," he paused allowing a scowl to alter his features. "So sorry to disappoint you human, you will have to deal with the plague-stricken outpost yourselves. Today is not a good day for giving up our lives."
With that the Ferengi glanced to his left and nodded and the transmission was terminated. The ship turned and made a rapid departure.
Deanna had been holding back her laughter and now collapsed into her chair, releasing it and thoroughly enjoying the moment. "Very good Captain. He really believed you."
Data looked intently at Kirk with a very confused look on his face. "But there is no plague currently being experienced at the outpost."
Deanna and Kirk broke into another round of laughter. Even Worf allowed a couple of deep grunts to escape his lips, while at the same time trying his best to keep up the severe Klingon pose.
Data looked from one to another and cocked his head. "Oh, I think I understand," He scowled as the scheme finally began to make sense to his newly acquired emotions. "It was simply a hoax, a ruse, a trick, performed in order to frighten off the Ferengis. You seem to have grasped the Ferengi mentality very well, Captain."
The turbolift doors opened and Dr. Crusher strode to the center of the bridge and faced Data.
"Data, I compared DNA from Captain Kirk, to that on computer record. They are exactly the same. He really is James T. Kirk."
Data quickly reasoned the appropriate course of action. "Although I cannot explain how or why, you have been found to be the real Captain Kirk. According to Starfleet regulations you are the senior officer. I therefore relinquish command of the Enterprise to you sir."
"Thank you Commander Data."
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