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Love Gives Life
Star Date 2491.7 Captain's Log.
'Recent deep space probes of the Latrol system indicate a cluster of seven class M planets, with no indications of civilization. The Enterprise is being sent to study this unusual system and to survey the planets.'
Captain Jean-Luc Picard finished his log entries. He checked the position of the Enterprise. A few hours and they would be out of known space. The man smiled and leaned back contented. Exploring the unknown was a welcome change from playing the middle between the Cardasians or Romulans. Even dealing with the Klingons was at times, frustrating. Most of the time, Picard enjoyed the diplomatic side of his position. But lately it had become unsatisfying. Too many of them had been assigned his way recently. With modesty, Picard had to admit to himself, he was good at arbitrating. Maybe if he wasn't the Federation wouldn't ask him to mediate so often. Picard's musing was interrupted by the con buzz.
'Captain, I have a message from Star Fleet Command.' Worf's deep voice boomed.
'Relay it Mr. Worf.' Picard said.
'A Kadak ship has picked up survivors of a Federation colonial ship, the Hopewell. The Kadaks request immediate disposition of the people. The Enterprise is the nearest ship.' Worf related.
'Acknowledged and reply the Enterprise will meet the Kadak ship. Helm, change course to rendezvous with the Hopewell,' Picard sighed. Then he leaned forward to see what the computer had on the Kadaks. At least he could learn something new on this trip.
A diminutive race, no taller than four feet in height, the Kadaks, small features made them seem pixie-like. The slightly blue hue to their skin is due to the minerals found on their planet. As a member of the Federation, the Kadak's were obligated to help the colonial transport in trouble.
Picard looked up the details of the Hopewell. It was an older vessel, due to be retired in seven months. Most of the passengers were bound for the new colony on Coply V, in the Maga VII system. Picard frowned. What was it doing near the Kadaks? That system was light years from Hopewell's designated course. Further reading gave him the answer. Two months ago, contact was lost from the Hopewell. It was presumed lost. No theories explained the disappearance. Picard glanced through the list of passengers. A couple of scientists' name stood out, one Star Fleet ensign, fresh from the academy, evidently taking a holiday before being assigned to duty somewhere. Picard could hardly wait for the reports to come in to find out what had happen. He called the bridge.
Mr. Data, how long before we rendezvous with the Hopewell?' He asked.
'Three hours seven minutes, Captain.' The android's replied.
'Increase to warp 7.' Picard ordered. He could hear the puzzlement in Data's "Aye Sir." The second officer obviously wondered why the hurry. Picard had several reasons, curiosity being not the least of them.
Soon the Enterprise entered the Kadak's space. Picard took his center seat on the bridge to wait.
'The Kadak ship is within sensor range, Sir.' Data said.
'Captain, the Kadak ship is hailing us.' Worf reported.
'On screen Lt.' Picard stood to greet the Kadaks. A child like face flashed on the screen.
'Greetings, Federation kin. I am Lardinus, First of the ship, Arnkads.' The woman's voice did not fit the innocence of her features.
The sultry voice caused a warmth in Picard's face. But he greeted her without a hint of embarrassment. 'I am Captain Jean-Luc Picard of the Enterprise. Greetings Lardinus. I want to thank you on behalf of the Federation and Starfleet for rescuing the people from the Hopewell.'
'No thanks are necessary. We are Federations too, if only recent. We welcome the opportunity to be of assistance.'
Lardinus said soberly. A sparkle of humor came to her vividly blue eyes. 'It will be even a greater welcome to discharge them into your care. They eat enough for seven Kadak ships.' The woman waited to see if Picard got her joke. She wasn't disappointed.
He smiled slightly. 'Then we will not delay in transporting them.'
'Be advised there are some injured. Most likely those should be first. We have tended them as we could.' Lardinus was all business now.
'Agreed. Bridge to Medical. Have you been monitoring communication Dr.?'
'Yes, I would like to examine them to make sure they can be transported.' Dr. Crusher asked.
'Agreed. Commander Riker will supervise transfer.' Picard nodded to his first officer. Riker headed for the turbo lift. Picard turned back to Lardinus. 'Thank you, Lardinus, for your generosity to these people.'
'If you are in the need to thank someone, thank the young Ensign on the Hopewell, who led us to find them. Well met Captain Picard.' Lardinus smiled then ended transmission.
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Eighty-nine people transported from the Kadak ship. Twenty-seven were in need of immediate medical attention. Several others with minor scrapes and bruises were told to report to medical after they were settled in their quarters. Riker took reports of what happened from the others. A single name kept popping up, Kyree, the Starfleet Ensign. After a several had mentioned her name, he looked around for her. She had gone to medical, he was told by one of the survivors. Riker had to meet the person everybody raved about.
He entered medical. The normally quiet area hummed with activity. Automatically Riker glanced around for Dr. Crusher. Her red hair was easy to spot in the crowded facility. He smiled as he saw Troi with her, comforting a young girl the Dr. was treating. Riker quickly joined them.
'Have you seen Ensign Kyree yet Dr.? He asked then smiled encouragement at the girl's worried look.
'Is Kyree hurt? She didn't tell us.' The girl wailed.
'No she isn't hurt. She came down here to help.' Dr. Crusher assured the girl. 'She is over there.' Dr. Crusher pointed across the room.
Amidst several children was another head of red hair. Although with a rich, darker shading than the Doctor's, the prominent feature of this head was the two cat-like ears protruding from the thick mane. Riker tried to think of which races had such features as he came up behind the young woman.
'Ensign Kyree?' Riker said.
She whirled on her heels and stood at attention. 'At your service Commander.' Riker had to reject the races he had picked out. All of them had other feline features on their face. Kyree's face was human.
'Ah, yes, Ensign, I would like a full report on this incident, as soon as possible.' When in doubt make them report it, Riker reminded himself of an officer maximum..
'I have already filed a report, Commander.' Kyree did not relax her stance an inch.
'Oh, very good. Carry on.' Riker dismissed her and himself. He wanted to read what she had to say.
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Riker buzzed at the Captain's ready room. Then entered almost before an answer came. Picard sat engrossed in something on his viewer.
'What is it number one?' Picard said, then swiveled to look at him.
'I wondered if you had read the reports from the Hopewell?' Riker asked.
'Every time there is a new one that comes up. It's incredible that many survived. First a wormhole, then the complete shut down of main power systems. Not knowing where they were. The pilot and navigator attempted to rig up something that blew the cockpit, killing them both. Then this Ensign...Kyree, takes charge and manages to keep the injured and others alive on battery back up. While quietly depositing pockets of gaseous mestleium in regular patterned intervals to draw attention to themselves.'
'Which the Kadak spotted and went to investigate.' Riker finished. 'It is pretty amazing. In fact, I think this Ensign Kyree would make a fine additions to the Enterprise.'
'My thoughts exactly, Number one.' Picard grinned.
'I asked Deanna to do psychologically profile on her. She should be joining us shortly.' No sooner were the words out of his mouth then the door sounded.
'Come,' Picard greeted the entering woman. 'Councilor, what do you have on Ensign Kyree?'
'I got basic information from her personnel file. She was born on Oradica.'
Oradica! I've never heard of an Oradican joining Star Fleet.' Picard said in disbelief.
'She is only half Oradican. She part human. Kyree lived a very isolated life on Oradica. Very much an outcast.' Troi related.
'I can imagine. I've never heard of a half Oradican anything.' Picard added.
'After her mother died, Kyree was forced to leave Oradica. The details are in her personal files.' Troi took breath. 'The ironic thing is, she was found on Soulous 3 picking food from the garbage, by none other than Dr. Kate Pulaski!' Troi enjoyed the astonished looks of the men. 'The Dr. cleaned her up and sent her to Starbase 29. Kyree learned fast. Fast enough to catch up. And fast enough to pass the Starfleet entrance exams on her first try.'
'What about her mental make up? I don't even know why I'm asking this. Anyone keeping their head like she did on the Hopewell has answered all my questions about her mental strength.' Picard said.
'She does have a few problems, but it is mostly due to her isolation early in life. Kyree has difficulties understanding social nuances. Things you and I just take for granted. Data probably understand more than she does. It is hard for her to make friends.' Troi gave examples. But her biggest mental obstacle is not knowing who is her father. For some reason it is extremely important to her. And she is very self-oppressed by it at times. But she is dealing with it.'
'Couldn't genetic test find her father for her?' Riker asked.
'It has. But she cannot bring herself to look at the results. I don't know why.' Troi said.
'The Oradicans recognize only mother and son or father and daughter relations. No others count.' Picard informed them.
'Really? I didn't see that in the records of Oradica. There is very little.' Troi commented.
'I was on Oradica when the Federation built star base 19. Shortly after it's completion, the Oradica council severed all ties with the Federation. No one knows why.' Picard recounted. 'Still, all things considered would you recommend her appointment to the Enterprise?'
Troi smiled. 'Definitely. I think she can find a place here. With our help.'
'Good, The three of us concur.' Picard taped the communication channel on his desk. 'Mr. Worf, order Ensign Kyree to my ready room.'
Soon the young woman stood at attention in front of Picard. Riker and Troi remained to see her reaction. Very few straight from the academy became Enterprise crew.
'Ensign Kyree, Commander Riker, Councilor Troi, and I have reviewed your report of what happened to the Hopewell. And we have come to the conclusion that you are Enterprise material.' Picard said firmly.
'Sir? I did what I had to do.' Kyree thought she knew what the Captain was getting at but she was not quite sure. Humans like to speak in riddles. Her ears flicked nervously
'You did much more than that Ensign. That is why I am offering you a position on the Enterprise, Ensign.' Picard clarified his statement.
Total shock and disbelief registered on her face. 'Me, Sir?'
'Why is that so hard to believe? We need people that can do what they have to do.' Picard said undemanding. 'What is your decision, Ensign?' He prodded.
Astonishment still showed in Kyree's face. 'I most humbly accept the offer, Captain.' She swallowed hard. 'I will do my best to serve.'
'That is all I ask.' Picard hardened his voice and added. 'And I will accept no less.' This caused Kyree's ears to flick.
'Commander Riker will see to your duty assignments. Junior officers are encouraged to experience as many stations and positions as possible.' Picard nodded to Riker.
'Yes, Sir.' Kyree did not know what to say. So she just agreed with him.
'Dismissed Ensign.' he said then halted her. 'Ensign? Where were you going on the transport?'
'If you mean where had I been, I went to see the cave drawings on Marmicon 9.' Kyree answered.
'Are you interested in Archeology?' Picard's interest was piqued.
'Generally, no. However, I had seen the drawings at the Academy. It reminded me of similar ones on Oradica. I found in a cave I played in as a child.' Kyree's ears flatten slightly as she spoke of her birthplace.
'How did the drawings compare? Could you really remember the ones on Oradica to make an accurate comparison?' Picard fired questions at her.
'The drawings were exactly the same. I remember everything.' Kyree explained simply. Noting her new Captain's fascination she offered. 'I have a recording of the cave drawings on Marmicon 9, if you wish to view it. Also I reproduced by memory the ones on Oradica, before I went to Marmicon 9, on the same recording.'
'Yes, I would. It's a hobby of mine.' Picard would have like to talk more on the subject but he knew he shouldn't get too familiar with an Ensign just assigned to the Enterprise. Dismissed.' After Kyree had left, he turned to his officers.
'Impressions?' Picard inquired.
'She was overwhelmed by the offer. She felt she had done nothing special.' Troi commented.
'I think she will be full of surprises.' Riker grinned. 'Especially if Kyree can interest the Captain the very first day.'
Picard rolled his eyes at his first officer's joke. 'You are dismissed also, Commander.'
With a grin the big man stood and headed for the door. 'I think I'll go too.' Troi said. 'I want to find out more about her.'