Chapter 14
Will sat in the command chair as the Enterprise towed the Ferengi ship to Starbase 125. He looked around, realizing that things were pretty quiet at the moment and he took the opportunity to go over the events of the last couple of days.
"This Kirk is quite a guy." The corners of his mouth turned slightly up as he thought, "We were able to capture Kan'da and his ship. Problem is, the method we used to do it." This latter thought quickly changed the grin to a frown.
Will surveyed the bridge, its familiar sound and vibrations more comforting and relaxing than he had ever imagined.
The duty shift and just changed and Deanna had gone to her quarters. Worf had Alexander to tend to and Data and Geordi were still working with the Vulcan Ambassador in the holodeck.
A gentle tug at Riker's conscience reminded him of the seriousness of the situation they were now in. Curiosity niggled at his reasoning and he knew he had to find out more about the man who had placed himself in command of this starship.
Riker stood and announced, "I will be in the Captain's ready room."
Lt. Sp'elein, the Vulcan operations officer acknowledged Riker's statement with an almost imperceptible nod and, "Understood Commander."
"Alert me when we are about to dock Lieutenant." Once more the Vulcan acknowledged Will's words.
Will strode into the Captain's ready room. This new ship was familiar in the sense that the bridge was the bridge, the turbolift again, a turbolift, and the ready room was also still a ready room. But this room had its subtle differences. Lighting was more indirect, toned down and muted. This new ship felt more intimate and relaxing. Controls were sleeker, sensor pads felt even smoother than before. Surfaces of this ship seemed warmer, and more opaque.
Riker seated himself behind the large desk and adjusted the computer to afford the best angle for reading.
"Computer, display factual accounts of the Enterprise 1701 and 1701A with James T. Kirk as Captain."
The computer began to scroll, its screen displaying the accomplishments and adventures of the ship and the man. For many long minutes, Riker sat fascinated by the breadth of experiences Kirk had gone through in his life.
Outlined on the viewer were the medals Kirk had been awarded, the treaties he had helped negotiate, the alien cultures discovered and researched by the Enterprise and all the battles he had begun or ended.
By the time the computer had finished scrolling, Riker was thoroughly convinced that Captain James T. Kirk had lived a full and exciting life. What he had read helped Riker understand the man a little better.
Picard and Riker had discussed Kirk on several occasions, but now the term 'cowboy diplomacy' was fully comprehensible.
Will leaned back, closed his eyes briefly and smiled and wondered how Picard would have handled the situation if it had been himself instead of the captain who had been caught in the holodeck accident.
"Bridge to Commander Riker."
"Riker here."
"Commander we are in docking orbit around Starbase 125, awaiting your orders."
As Riker stood he replied, "Begin docking sequence Mr. Sp'elein. I'm on my way."
Will walked up to, but not through the doors. He momentarily hesitated, glanced over his shoulders at the chair behind the desk, fully expecting to see Picard watching him, but of course he wasn't.
Squaring his shoulders and tugging on his uniform top, he gathered his resolve and strode through the door.
"Docking latches engaged Commander," the ensign announced as Riker moved to the command chair.
"Open a channel to the dock master." Will sat back waiting for the connection.
A Zakdorian face anointed the forward screen, followed by a throaty and elongated, "...yeeesss."
Riker stood, clasped his hands behind his back and planted his most pleasant expression on his face. He had already had several occasions to encounter Zakdorns. In his own opinion they were for the most part, a difficult race with which to interact. They were a proud but certainly emotional alien culture, with a penchant for being right in every situation they encountered. Even in those situations where all the evidence pointed out their mistakes. Tensing his face and neck muscles, anticipating problems, Riker gave the screen image a wide toothy smile, "I'm Commander William Riker of the Federation Starship Enterprise."
Once more the Zakdorian countenance simply stared and repeated "...yeeesss."
Riker was slightly unnerved, and taking another deep breath answered, "Yes, well, umm, we are towing a Ferengi vessel that is to be delivered into Starfleet protection."
The alien's expression was unchanged, but the familiar reply rang though the bridge, "...yeeesss."
Riker suddenly became aware that the collar of his uniform seemed to be quite a bit smaller than when he put it on just before coming to duty.
Clearing his throat, he continued, "Yes. We are surrendering the Ferengi vessel 'Daagh' to you. A Starfleet transport vessel will be arriving in a few days to take possession of this ship. In
the meantime I would suggest parking her in a holding berth." Riker stopped his speech fully aware that the Zakdorn hadn't moved a facial muscle through out the commander's entire discourse.
After a very long hesitation the Zakdorn replied, still without so much as a blink, "...dooo youuu nooowww."
"This is ridiculous!" thought Riker, his collar seemingly shrinking even more with every passing second.
Finally the Zakdorn blinked and drawled, "...paaaperrr worrrk?"
Riker's resolve was slowly sinking somewhere to the pit of his stomach.
The alien blinked once more and laid down his ultimatum, "...nooo paaaperrr worrrk, nooo dooockinng."
"Tell me, Mister umm... Sir, who is the senior supervisor of the docking platform?" Riker was tired of feeling like a fly under a microscope.
"Dorrrvaaan Kelll," came the succinct answer.
Drawing himself to his full height, sure that now things were going to be more in his control, Riker demanded, "Well then, I'd like to speak to Mr. Dorvan Kell."
Seconds ticked by while the two men eyed each other intently. Unspoken tension caused Riker to flex his fingers.
With maddening slowness, the alien finally answered, "...I'mmm Dorrrvaaan Kelll."
Riker's head drooped and his left hand came up to rub his forehead, which was now throbbing with a developing headache. Lifting his eyes once again to meet the Zakdorn's stare, Riker croaked, "permission to transport to your office Mr. Kell to complete the required forms?"
Still no change of expression as Riker received a "...yeeesss." Abruptly the screen went blank.
Riker turned to the officer at ops. "She's yours. I'll be back as soon as I can." He made his way to the turbolift while continuing to shake his head in disbelief.
Riker was usually pretty good at negotiating and had a knack at being able to handle even the most difficult members of alien cultures and situations. But this guy really unnerved him for some reason.
It occurred to Will that maybe he should ask Deanna to come along, but then he realized the late hour and figured she was probably already asleep. Racking his brain for an escape route, he thought that maybe Kirk would be better dealing with this Zakdorn. But then again, maybe he wouldn't.
"Riker to Captain Kirk."
"Kirk here," came the sleepy answer.
As soon as Kirk responded, Will realized he shouldn't have bothered him.
"Go ahead, Commander."
Once more Will cleared his throat, "It seems it is necessary for me to go to the station to file the report on the Ferengi ship."
"Mmm," was the only answer.
"I was wondering Captain, if you wanted to join me, or possibly handle the details yourself."
Will heard the sound of movement and a slight female whisper, "please Jim!"
"Not really Will, you handle it. Kirk out."
"Yes Captain," followed the reluctant reply.
There wasn't anything further from Kirk and Will sighed as he stepped onto the transporter pad. "Energize Mr. Michaels."
A nanosecond after Riker materialized in the receiving area, he felt rather then saw a sharp jostle.
"What the hell!" he squawked while trying to regain his balance and catch himself from falling.
"Oh my God, I'm sorry," a flustered female exclaimed, bending down to retrieve books and papers splayed around the area.
Will laid his hands on both of her shoulders helping to steady the woman.
As she gathered her paraphernalia she tilted her head to meet his gaze. "I'm sorry, umm," she read his pips, "Commander."
A slow grin warmed his expression and he continued to steady her shoulders even after she was upright, her composure now intact.
"Oh sorry!" He removed his hands, "Miss..."
"Carol," the blonde completed the sentence.
"Carol." He repeated, hesitated and then asked, "Could you please direct me to Dorvan Kell's office. I believe he is the Dock Master."
She narrowed her eyes, "You mean that miserable little piglet."
Will smiled and nodded affirmatively.
Her face relaxed slightly, "I'm on my way there too," and shrugged, "just follow me."
The couple threaded their way through a crowded area of the station. Will occasionally glanced at Carol, his interest piquing. "So what brings a nice lady like you to a place like this?" he asked, mentally kicking himself for such a hackneyed opening line.
Carol merely gave him a lopsided grin. She hadn't heard those kinds of lines for years. "On my way to Earth Commander."
He held the department door open for her as they entered the busy docking and departing area. "Ah Earth, don't I wish."
The Zakdorn was seated behind a huge semicircular opaque desk. Behind him were dozens of mini screens, each displaying a different portion of the complete docking array. On his desk, arranged in a complementary arch following the circular lines were small stoneware cups. Each cup held a variety of writing instruments. From a casual glance, Riker could distinguish Starfleet issue light pens, Bajoran dove feather writers, Klingon metal inscribers and a host of others including Eighteenth-century quill pens and several twentieth-century pencils and what they used to refer to as ballpoint pens.
The Zakdorn was swiveled around in his chair, his eyes darting from screen to screen. Riker and his female companion stood impatiently looking at Kell's back and being totally ignored by the alien.
Clearing his throat, Will finally caught the dock master's attention.
"...yeeesss," the alien drawled as he slowly turned his chair around, his eyes only leaving the array of screen when it became physically uncomfortable to keep his neck twisted.
Carol and Riker both began talking at the same time. Will glanced at the blonde, "Oh sorry Carol, you go ahead." After all he was interested not only in her story but he sensed there was something very engaging about this woman.
She smiled, "Thanks Commander," and turning her attention to Kell she asked, "Well, is my ship ready?"
The Zakdorn lifted his eyes to meet hers and in his very unique speaking style, "...I'vvve alllreadyyy tooold youuu severrralll tiiimesss, not untilll youuu geeet medicalll clearrraaance!"
The blonde placed her hands on her hips and stretched her neck slightly while eyeballing the strange alien. "I'm not waiting for some wet behind the ears doctor, to tell me what I already know. I'm fine!" Her eyes shot forth invisible daggers only to be repelled by the Zakdorn's own stubborn stare.
The dock master merely settled a very obstinate expression across his features and replied, "...nooo paaaperrrsss, nooo shhhip!"
Carol closed her eyes and balled her fists before slamming both hands on his desk, rattling each and every ceramic cup and its contents. As she strode from the room, Will heard some very colorful and archaic language.
The Zakdorn watched the retreating figure and leisurely turned his attention to Riker.
Will once more cleared his throat before beginning, "William T. Riker, first officer of the N.C.C. 1701E requesting permission to transfer temporary ownership of the Ferengi vessel to Starbase 125." Surely the Zakdorn could find no fault with such a precise request, he reasoned.
Kell studied the Commander before handing Riker an electronic document package. As Will leaned forward to accept the small flat screen, he caught a fleeting grin at the edges of Kell's mouth.
"Filll these docuuumentsss out beforrre I willl accept lawfullly claimmm Mrrr. Rikerrr."
Will breathed a sigh of relief as he left the dock master's office. As he once again entered the busy docking area, he saw a large tavern with a small outside table area. He entered the lounge and realized that his hunger was bigger than his thirst. A young Deltan female asked Riker for his order.
"How's the Owon egg omelette?"
"Fresh," she answered smiling.
Will could already feel the magnetism so well known about her race. "This is crazy," he thought. "I'm just going to get this stuff done and leave. There's no sense checking out the local scenery."
Well into the third document, Riker became aware that someone was standing at his left elbow. He looked up and saw Carol frowning. "Carol, come join me."
As she sat, her frown deepened, "Commander Riker, I was wondering where your ship is heading?"
"We're doing some scouting in the sector. Giving aid to some of the outposts hit by this wave of Frengie pirates."
Her face fell. "Hmm, not exactly on a direct route to Earth, eh."
Wills eyes sparkled, "Having trouble getting home?"
"Mmm, that's for sure. I have a small runabout, but they won't let me take her."
"Why not?"
Sighing, Carol looked hungrily at Will's meal as the waitress placed the large plate in front of him.
"I was, uh, in stasis for quite a while. It's only been four days since I came out. There's some stupid regulation that says if you've been in stasis longer than four point two years, you need some re-certification before operating a Starfleet issued ship."
"You were out longer than four point two years?" he asked, pushing his plate towards her in a nonverbal offer.
As Carol picked up the extra fork on the table and speared some of the omelet, she nodded, "Yep, I was asleep for a very, very long time." She looked her companion over, before continuing, "probably a couple of your lifetimes, Commander."
Riker knitted his brows, "How come?"
"Rare liver disease. Took 'em this long to come up with a cure."
"Well, your family must have been thrilled." Riker said continuing to probe.
Carol looked down, suddenly quiet. "No. My son and his father both died a long time ago. There's no one left."
The couple talked and polished off the entire platter of food. Finally Riker was about to stand up when a young Zakdorn rushed by them. Catching sight of the couple, he doubled back and breathlessly approached. "You the lady with the runabout?"
"Yes I am." Carol stood up, excitedly.
"Kell's got your med papers. He told me to tell you, you can go."
Carol grabbed the youth's arm and shook it fervently. "Oh my God, that's great! Thank you. Thank you." She turned to Riker flushed. "Well, I guess I gotta go."
Riker stood, a little sad that this woman no longer needed his help. "I'll walk you." Holding up the small electronic device, he added, "paperwork's done."
As they hurried towards Kell's office, Riker once again probed, trying to find out as much as he could in a short time. After all he had a leave coming up in about three months. "So what will you be doing on earth?"
"Well, I started out as a lab technician, and then I was in cellular research, concentrating on protomatter within a renewable energy matrix. I've just been offered a teaching position at Oxford University on Earth."
Riker swallowed, this lady, was brilliant. What luck to bump into her here, in what had to be the most unlikely spot in the universe. "Maybe I could look you up the next time I get to Earth?" he asked, smiling warmly at her.
She met his glance and closed her eyes while shaking her head, "These guys are all over the galaxy. That's got to be why I keep meeting them," she thought. Looking back up at him she simply answered, "Sure Will, you do that."
The couple entered the dock master's office once more and Will handed the completed electronic documents to Kell. The Zackdorn scanned the padd and signed and approved the document. Kell directed them to side by side transporter pads. It occurred to Will that the alien looked like an old time English Bobby, directing traffic.
"Laaady that wayyy, Starfleeet that wayyy," Kell announced.
Carol mounted her stairs, Riker mounted his. She looked over at the handsome officer. His looks sparking a memory of another young Starfleet officer, although that one had been dead now for decades. Both him and her son ... his son ... David, gone!
Kell used both hands to activate the two different transporter signals.
"Goood byyye, Drrr. Marrrcusss," he acknowledged nodding to the left, and turning to the right side, "Commander Riker, we'll have you back on the Enterprise momentarily."
Both Carol and Will suddenly realized at once the significance of whom the other person was. The two turned their heads in surprise, at exactly the same time. As the transporter delivered the two to their respective destinations, both reasoned it would be senseless to pursue the other. Both hesitated momentarily, and both sighed deeply.
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