1Disclaimer: I still do not own Treasure Island. Or Elves. Or Star Trek. Either generation.

Chapter Four

As Athos led her down to the lower deck, Morgan mentally scolded herself for being so loose with her tongue. One day at sea,–no, not even that long–and she was already in trouble. She hadn't had a problem until she revealed her power. Should she not have?

"You're taking this awfully well," Avanwe told Long John.

"What?"

"That more than half your crew isn't human."

"As long as you're all pirates, I don't care."

"Then you have nothing to worry about," Peter smiled. "We're all pirates, including the one in the brig."

"I'll soon know that for sure."

"You wouldn't think such a small brig could hold this many people," Doctor McCoy commented.

"So much for honored guests," Kirk complained.

"Oh, is that what he told you?" Morgan smiled. "Latano has a gift for saying what people want to hear."

"For lying, in other words," McCoy interpreted.

Morgan shrugged. "Basically, aye. It worked, did it not?"

"Aye, it did," Spock agreed. "Most effective. However, I am curious why–"

"Oh, dear," Morgan sighed. "There's nothing worse than a curious merchant. That is, except one thing."

"What?"

"What I've got. Three curious merchants. Ask away. I seem to have all the time in the world to explain. But I do have a question for you first, Spock. How much could you tell through that mind-meld of yours?"

"Everything," Spock answered evenly. "I know who you are."

"Captain, another ship!" Avanwe called from the crow's nest. "French. And–Captain, you're not going to believe this–"

"What is it?" Silver shouted.

"The name, sir. It's the Enterprise II."

"Well, well, what do you make of that?" Athos grinned.

"A lucky stroke of fortune," Long John agreed. "Peter, get me some more of that rope. I'd ask Avanwe to take care of this, but our brig can only hold so many people."

"Captain, I recommend you take Latano with you," Peter suggested.

"Latano, I think you've just become our official negotiator," Captain Silver said cheerfully. "Let's hope they don't shoot at us this time.

"Weapons ready, Captain," Worf reported.

"Hold fire," Captain Picard ordered. "It won't do us any good to sink our men along with theirs."

"Should we signal for negotiation?" First Mate Riker asked.

"Yes, Number One; that would seem to be the best course of action. They do have us at an incredible disadvantage. And any crew capable of capturing that of the Enterprise is not to be taken lightly."

One could imagine his surprise when the captain, a pirate with one leg, swung over with someone who appeared no more than a child.

Silver looked around. "Another merchant ship, I suppose."

Picard extended his hand. "Captain Jean-Luc Picard of the Enterprise II."

"You seem to think that's an impressive title," Silver said, shaking it firmly. "Just like the other one. You people rely on titles and rank; we rely on courage and creativity. I'm Captain Long John Silver of the Flammifer."

"Where did you come up with a name like that," Riker laughed.

"Like I said, we don't rely on words. Our name doesn't need to be impressive to leave an impression."

"An impressive speech, pirate," Picard said, "but it bears little weight."

"I think he means carries little weight," Latano whispered to Silver, loud enough for Picard to hear. Long John tried hard to conceal a smile.

"That is correct," Picard admitted. "Who are you?"

"My name's Latano. Can I assume this is your first mate?"

"William Riker," Picard agreed. "Did you come over here to blabber or to discuss?"

Latano smiled. "We have an offer for you. You will turn over your cargo. We will release the crew of the Enterprise--except for the captain and the first mate."

Riker pulled Picard aside. "This is what we expected, Captain. And it is what Jim would want."

"Are you certain?"

"Cargo can be replaced."

"But what about him and Spock?"

"I would consider them most likely to be able to escape on their own."

"Agreed, but is it necessary to leave both of them?"

"One would not agree to leave without the other, even if we could convince the pirates."

"Spock would if Kirk ordered it."

"And only if Kirk ordered it."

"He would be a good captain."

"Which is why I don't think these people will allow it."

"You're right, of course, Number One. But I would prefer to discuss this with Kirk."

"Sir, you know how I feel about–"

"They won't harm me. Not while their captain is over here, outnumbered."

"Permission to come with you, sir?" asked a voice from behind them.

"Guinan!" Picard exclaimed. "Is there someone over there–"

"An acquaintance or two, I believe."

"Permission granted. Captain silver?"

"Aye."

"I would like permission to discuss this with Captain Kirk."

"Of course. We'll stay here, if you wish."

"Make it so. Guinan?"

"Whenever you're ready, Captain."

"Here they come," Athos said calmly. "Oh, great. Bald captain."

"Mean something, Mister Superstitious?" Eric teased.

"Not at all; just observing. But who's that with him?"

"It can't be!" Avanwe exclaimed, scrambling down from the crow's nest.

"Avanwe?" Guinan asked, smiling. "I thought it was you. A pirate now?"

"Aye, Guinan. But I'm not the only one you expected to find."

"You'll do for now."

They embraced like the old friends they were. "Much as I thought I'd never say this, Guinan," Avanwe whispered, "it's good to see you."

"Where's Captain Kirk?" Picard demanded of the first man he saw who looked remotely like a first mate.

"You might want to talk to the first mate," Eric laughed. "Athos?"

"Follow me," Athos said casually. "Don't worry; he's quite all right."

"Guinan?"

"Aye, sir."

They followed Athos to the brig. Kirk, Spock, McCoy, and Morgan looked up from their conversation. "Picard!" Kirk exclaimed. "What are you doing here?"

"Trying to rescue you. They'll let the crew go if we give them our cargo."

"Cargo can be replaced."

"That's what Riker said you'd say."

"He was right. But why do I get the impression I'm not included in the crew?"

"You're not. Neither are you, Mr. Spock. And who on Earth is this? You're not from the Enterprise."

"I'm not," Morgan nodded. "You're Captain Picard, I assume. Captain Kirk said you'd be coming. You were definitely fast."

"Morgan?" Guinan asked in disbelief.

"Guinan? Is it really you? Long time no see! Welcome to the Flammifer."

"Morgan, why are you in the brig?"

"Um . . . wouldn't use my powers. Talked back to the captain. What else? Saved the ship."

"You haven't changed much, have you?"

"Nope."

"Morgan, does she know–" Kirk started.

Guinan nodded. "We're old friends, believe it or not. I never thought I'd see you again, Morgan, after . . ."

"Me, neither."

"Um, forgive me for interrupting," McCoy said, "but if Jim and Spock are staying here, I am, too."

"Doctor, the logical thing to–"

"Spock, I really don't care. I'm your friend. I refuse to run off and leave you and Jim in the hands of pirates."

Kirk nodded. "You won't be able to convince him to leave, Spock. Scotty?"

"Aye."

"You're in charge."

"But Captain--"

"No buts, Mister Scott."

"Aye, sir."

Kirk winked at Scotty, who nodded. They outnumbered the crew of the Flammifer about ten-to-one. Now was their chance; the captain was gone. Avanwe made the odds just about even. The one thing they had to count on was Morgan staying out of it. And Spock seemed reasonably sure they could count on that.

It happened so fast, Athos didn't even know what was happening. A dagger came flying at him, fast. It sank deep into his chest. Athos suppressed a cry of pain and tried to draw his sword. He wasn't quick enough. A sword went deep into his right shoulder. He collapsed.

"Athos!" Morgan shouted. She moved to draw her sword, but a neck pinch from Spock stopped her. Scotty proceeded to unlock the door.

Eric was on deck when the crew of the Enterprise stormed up, Kirk and Spock leading them, swords drawn. "Draw your weapons!" Eric shouted. "Prepare to fight."

"Lock the doors again," Guinan said, motioning to Morgan's cell.

"Waste of time. She'll be out for a few hours."

"Trust me; she'll be up in a few minutes."

Picard locked the door and rushed up to join the fight. Guinan started to follow, but then hesitated. Morgan would be up soon, and she was the only one who had a chance of holding her off if she decided to use her power.

"Morgan," a voice called inside her mind.

No, none of the crew, she decided quickly.

"Morgan, who are you on this ship?"

Now she knew who it was. "Leave me alone; the others need me."

"You have time. You know that. Morgan, you're a cabin girl. You could be so much more if you rejoined us."

"Brother, stop! I've made my decision"

"You will use your power."

"Only to save others."

"But not to save yourself. I can sense it."

"There a problem with that?"

"Obviously not for you. Morgan . . ."

"NO!" The pain of the scream brought the teenager back to consciousness. She held out her hand, open, palm out, waiting. The keys to her cell came to it easily. She made short work of the lock. When she turned to the left to rush up the stairs, however, her old friend stood in the way.

"I don't want to hurt you, Guinan," she said, drawing her sword.

"I'm not going anywhere."

"I don't have time to deal with this." She turned and rushed toward the right stairs.

Guinan smiled. Time with these humans had given Morgan something she'd previously lacked: the gift of simplicity.

The two crews were already locked in fierce combat by the time Morgan made it on deck. Avanwe, she guessed, was at the center of the whirlwind of air in the exact center of the battle that arrows kept coming out of. It was already raining. Morgan knew she didn't have long before the thunder and lightning started.

Some of the men had already begun to swing back to the Enterprise II. In all the confusion, Long John and Latano had swung back and joined the fight.

Kirk and Spock had teamed up against Silver. Morgan knew immediately where she was needed. She ran over and joined her captain. She paired off with Spock and he with Kirk.

Kirk soon found he had underestimated his opponent. Once Spock was gone, things always got tougher. His men were leaving left and right. Soon, he would be alone.

Morgan calmly drove Spock down the stairs to the lower levels. The others would think he'd left.

She was surprised how evenly matched they were; she'd never met a calmer swordfighter; he'd never met someone with her power who preferred to fight a more traditional way. Avanwe obviously didn't.

Suddenly, an arrow came out of nowhere, heading straight for Morgan. Spock didn't stop to think; he pushed her out of its path, putting himself in the way. It did no good; the next one hit Morgan, anyway.

Back on deck, everyone had swung back to the Enterprise II. At last, Kirk grabbed the rope, hoping his first mate and friend would be on the other side. The Enterprise II high-tailed it out of there as fast as her sails and the wind would take her.

Avanwe calmed her storm. She'd been very careful not to lose control this time. Almost everyone was hurt, but nothing too serious. Silver had found himself a group of good fighters.

Then Peter remembered that Morgan had gone back to the brig. He hurried down the stairs. Athos, Morgan, and Spock were there, but so was someone else. As soon as he saw Peter, however, he disappeared.

"Nora!" Peter called. "Get down here! Quick!"

"What's the prob--oh, my goodness! What happened?"

"These aren't our arrows," Latano said. "They're painted blue and white."

"But why shoot them both?" Eric asked.

"One probably stepped in the way," Nora shrugged, opening her bag. "Who cares? I just wish I had their doctor here. I haven't a clue what to do with this one, how he'll react to anything. Elves and humans, I can handle, but . . . I just don't know."

"He's not human?" Eric asked.

"The pointed ears should've given that away," Avanwe sighed.

"He's no Elf, either," Nora pointed out. "His blood is green. Thank goodness his heart's in a different place, too, or he'd be dead by now."

"And Morgan?" Peter asked.

"She lost a lot of blood, but no worse."

"Put Spock back in his cell," Silver ordered.

"Captain, his condition is worse than the others'. If I move him too soon, he could die!"

"Doctor, that's an order."

"Aye, sir," Nora reluctantly agreed.

"How's Athos?" Silver asked as she motioned to Eric and Peter to give her a hand.

"He'll be all right, believe it or not. I've told you, Captain, this is an amazing crew."

"Nora, no one is going to hurt you if you insult him," Silver smiled.

"All right; he's a fool. He should've expected a trap. We should've disarmed them all earlier. And now if you'll let me treat this man . . . or whatever he is."

Silver nodded. "Very well. Lock him in when you're done. We don't know anything about his race; they may be more aggressive when wounded."

"No," Avanwe said, shaking her head. "He's a Vulcan. They're a peaceful race, logical to the point of being annoying. Long ago they learned how to suppress their emotions. They rely completely on logic, but . . . there's something different about this one."

"He's half human," Nor said matter-of-factly. "Thank you, Avanwe; that's very helpful. Then I don't suppose he'll have a problem."

"With what?"

"The arrow was poisoned, directed at the mind somehow. I'm not sure of the exact effects, but if he's mind's as under control as it would have to be to suppress all feeling, it won't be a difficulty."

"What about Morgan?"

"Well, if anyone's going to ask me, which they won't, I'd say she has more than enough problems already. She has terrible vision, she has incredible power she has to keep under control but is under so much pressure to use and now–"

"And now I am convinced," Long John said. "Until Spock came on board, I knew exactly where her loyalties were. Now I know again. She came up and took the Vulcan off my hands. She could've easily helped him and the captain, killed me, and gotten away. Now I'll make this an order: No one is to further pressure Morgan to use her power unless lives are in danger."

"Aye, sir," everyone answered. Peter let out a sigh of relief. At last.

"As far as the poison," Nora continued. "I don't think she'll have a problem. She's able to keep her power in check, which takes a lot of control, I'd imagine. I don't think she'll have any more problems than Spock here."