Six Months Ago

Enterprise, In Orbit Above the Gileseian Refugee Camps

The transporter room was crowded and busy. In its center, Number One, encircled by junior operations officers, rapidly delivered orders. "Organize a surprise evac drill for deck 7 this afternoon, Captain Pike was not pleased with last week's poor response time. Remind Louvier his staff evaluation reports are due tomorrow, since he does not understand the concept of a deadline and cannot read a calendar, I have circled the day in red on his." A couple of junior officers snickered, the first officer's irritation with the chief engineer's pliant relationship with time never failed to amuse and at times required Pike's intervention. Directing a glare at both of them she resumed, "Dr. Boyce says the software update for the imaging chamber in Sickbay 1 has been rescheduled three times. If I hear about it again someone will be scrubbing plasma injectors. Tell Chef the replicators in mess 4 taste … off. The Captain wants beta shift to work from the alternate bridge next week, run a …" The transporter engaged. "… systems' check before then." The rematerialization process completed. Number One didn't look up before continuing, "Inform the Captain our passenger has returned. Tell the bridge to break orbit and set course for Starbase 8, warp 3." She nodded at the security guard.

Turning to Aalin he said, "Ma'am, I'll drop your bag off in your quarters."

Aalin held out her hand. "That's not necessary, I can take it …" He was out the door before her protest completed.

"Call in any favors you can. The Captain ordered we be resupplied in a week, which as you know, means he wants to be on our way to Varia sooner. Dismissed. Ms. Matthews?" The woman who was clearly in charge stepped forward with a smile. "I'm Commander Una. Captain Pike has been detained and sends his apologies for not meeting you in person …" Aalin pushed down an unexpected stab of disappointment. The public address system interrupted. "All hands, secure for low warp. Leaving orbit in two minutes."

Without missing a beat Una continued, "Yeoman Colt will give you a tour and then escort you to security for your briefing. Access to the bridge requires authorization from the Captain, me, or the second officer. An escort will be provided should you wish to visit engineering. Admittance to our science labs is at the department head's discretion. Any other part of the ship is open to you. Lieutenants Nicola and Spock, our senior communications officer and one of our science officers are cleared for the Varian mission and will provide any assistance you require with the universal translator. Spock will also deliver an orientation to our computer systems and supply your credentials. Except for personal mail, off-ship communications must be approved by the officer with the conn of the watch. Mia, make sure Sickbay receives her medical records and schedule the required physical exam. If you need anything ask me or Mia. Any questions?"

Overwhelmed Aalin shook her head and then stuttered, "Ah … I don't think so … thank you."

"Welcome to Enterprise," Una added before leaving.

Starbase 8

While the merchant checked his and his competitors' inventory, Aalin glanced out the window which offered an unobstructed view of Enterprise in port for resupply. Because of the quick turnaround demanded by her Captain, several supply ships were docked directly with Enterprise and a line of additional cargo transports awaited their turn. Goods from the Starbase were being loaded via transporter and temporary corridors between ship and base. "Enterprise looks like the queen bee in the center of a very busy hive," she said out loud to no one in particular.

"Yeah, you're right," a familiar voice answered from behind. They hadn't spoken for several days, not since she first accepted the assignment on the Varian mission.

She turned in the direction of that voice. "Captain. I didn't realize you were here."

Chris smiled. "I'm on my way back to the ship. After noticing half the shop owners on this side of the agora gathered in a huddle and gesturing emphatically, I decided it would be prudent to investigate. Finding you at the center of this maelstrom is unexpected and … not unwelcome."

"I decided to take care of some shopping while we're here in case there isn't another opportunity before I return to the Gileseian refugee camps."

He quirked an eyebrow up, clearly amused. "Some?"

Aalin glanced down at the numerous bags in her hands and stashed on the floor then qualified, "The school is in urgent need of supplies. And … well … I got a few treats."

"I'm sorry there has been no time to talk further. A spur of the moment complete resupply can be a logistical nightmare."

She gestured to the window. "It's like an intricately choreographed ballet. How did you manage it in five days instead of the planned full week?"

"Number One is remarkably efficient and resourceful," he noted Aalin's confused look and amended, "my first officer." Chris' expression turned sheepish; he rubbed his chin. "And … I may have a bit of a reputation for impatience when a mission is waiting."

And a talent for understatement, Aalin mused.

"Ms. Matthews?" Flashing Chris a smile she turned to the merchant. "We found most of the things on your list," the merchant said. He pointed at two large containers and a mini mountain of boxes, "The crates contain the books. The rest are the other school supplies, clothing for babies, formula, and maternity vitamins. The books and school supplies are paid for, here is the bill for the rest."

"Thank you, put the additional charges on the same account as the books." Aalin studied the boxes and remarked with a slight chuckle, "Hmmm. This will require a few trips." Then she added feeling a need to explain, "Power in the camps is limited so physical books are the best alternative for teaching and reading. And the mothers-to-be and newborns … we rarely have enough for their basic needs."

Chris tossed his credit chip to the merchant while he said to Aalin, "Let me get the rest." He pulled out his communicator. "Patch me through to the quartermaster. Lisa? Set aside space in cargo bay 6 for Ms. Matthews. One of the shop owners will contact you when the goods are ready for transport. The payload is personal, mark it as such. Add a note from me there is no need to log the individual items into inventory. I'll sign it later. Thank you, Pike out." To the merchant he said, "Crate the boxes. When all is ready, contact my ship." After retrieving the items from Aalin's hands, Pike gathered up the remaining bags from around her legs. "Anything else?" he asked her.

"I have a few more stops."

"Then lead the way."

They walked side by side. "Thank you for that generosity Captain," Aalin said.

"Perhaps here you will call me Chris. I don't get many opportunities to be just me."

"Yes, if that is what you wish. Were there repercussions from the aid you gave the refugee camps?"

"Nothing for you to worry about. A few ambassadors voiced displeasure, Shran shamed them into silence. A couple of admirals pretended to be angry. Once I saw the medical and sanitary infrastructure was in complete breakdown, I had wide discretion to invoke humanitarian regulations and act as long as no technology was left behind," Chris reassured her. With a twinkle in his eyes he added, "It was unfortunate the bulk of the ship's supplies were contaminated by radiation and had to be jettisoned immediately."

"I heard that rumor too," Aalin replied in a serious tone with a bemused expression.

As the afternoon progressed the bags and packages in Chris's arms increased in number. "You are a very good sport about this," she said as she slipped a new box into the space between Chris' arm and side. "Especially when you must have many clamoring for your attention and more important things to see to."

Chris, appreciating the view when Aalin turned to thank the shopkeeper, answered absentmindedly, "No, nothing more important."

She indulged in a secret smile before facing Chris again and gestured at his overloaded hands and arms. "At least let me carry some of this."

"Let a lady carry her own bags? Never. My mother would be very unhappy if I did, and I earnestly try not to displease my mother."

"Why do I get the feeling that for little Chris that was more of an aspiration than a reality?"

He favored her with his best innocent dimpled smile.

"Just one more thing," Aalin promised as she darted into a small shop. Chris waited patiently outside. When she reemerged he reached for the small bag.

Shaking her head, Aalin kept the last package. "All done now."

"Then I'll walk you back to your quarters."

As Chris and Aalin entered one of the temporary corridors between Enterprise and the Starbase, neither noticed Una and Phil walking towards them from the opposite direction. Spotting the smiling Captain of the flagship whose arms were overflowing with bags and boxes chatting happily to the woman beside him, Phil turned to Una and remarked, "I never have a camera when I truly need it."

Present

Day 1

Enterprise Holding at Station Near Noohra

John, his boss Isak, Spock, Una, and Rene Louvier continued discussing possibilities for shielding the children from attack when they crossed the foothills tomorrow. Few ideas survived close scrutiny, either requiring too much time to implement or possessing too high a chance for discovery by the Aschaski. After working through most of the night only a few hours remained until daybreak. Frustrations were at a fevered pitch as their feelings of helplessness and hopelessness increased despite of their determination.

"No, no, no!" Una snapped. She rarely raised her voice. "I won't take that to the Captain. It puts him in an impossible position."

"We can't let them walk into a strafing run," John insisted again. To the others his statement was like an endless loop recording stuck on play.

Isak pinched the bridge of his nose and reminded his subordinate in a quiet tone, "We understand the problem."

"Nor can we risk getting caught violating the cease-fire," Una reminded the group.

"It's a moot point anyway, in those conditions I can't shield our shuttle well enough to protect the pilot," Louvier said.

"Perhaps our focus is too narrow. Rather than search for options to shield the children from certain attack, there may be another solution. Can we prevent reconnaissance flights for a day?" Spock posed.

"In a way that appears natural …" John started.

"That knackers their instruments and ships …" Isak added. Una stared at him. Isak shrugged. "It's the soldier in me, always knock out their equipment for as long as you can."

"I don't know, too aggressive and the Aschaski may suspect us. Without enough evidence to break the cease-fire and annoyed they might harass the locals," Una thought out loud.

"What about … a solar flare?" John asked.

Spock's eyebrow rose. "An intriguing suggestion. This system's star is in a period of instability."

"Would it be enough to affect their targeting and guidance systems or even ground their ships?" Una asked.

Spock nodded. "If it is of sufficient strength, yes. Their communications systems are comparatively primitive and still require line of sight. The resultant radio waves and gravimetric influences will have a detrimental effect on those systems and their navigation sensors and targeting guidance."

Louvier pulled up the schematics of an Aschaski fighter. "Hmmm. Very poor design. If enough plasma reaches Noohra's atmosphere its interaction could create current in passive lines and their equipment is vulnerable to power spikes."

"We have a battle drill scheduled for tomorrow morning. The Aschaski have already been informed and approved it." Isak stopped and considered. "What if a stray … Rene, could you modify a photon torpedo to agitate the star's current volatility?"

"Possibly, I'll wake Scotty and a few others."

"That's the answer. We do it in plain sight rather than trying subterfuge," Isak concluded.

"Very well. Spock, start plotting a course for the errant photon torpedo. Work with John and Isak on the drill scenario to find the most opportune moment. I'll brief the Captain and then join you. Rene, assume the plan is authorized and get started now. There isn't much time left."

Noohra

Their second mistake was potentially far deadlier than carrying supplies stamped with a Federation seal. Deciding to dispose of her Starfleet uniform boots required no internal debate from Aalin. The boots were of far superior quality than anything locally made and constructed with materials that the wealthiest on Noohra could not afford even if such luxury were available. Once reassured the children were sleeping, Aalin stripped off her clothes leaving only bra and panties. She filled her castoff shoes with rocks and swam to the middle of the nearby lake, pushing each boot below the surface of the water. Diving, she made sure both sank to the sandy bottom covered with dense weeds.

They couldn't risk lighting a fire. Aalin dried off as much as was possible with a blanket that repelled water and redressed in her dry clothes. The night had turned chilly; she couldn't stop shivering. Burrowing deeper into the blanket, she tried to sleep, but was in that state of weariness where her body refused to embrace what it needed most. Walking down the steep slope of the mountain had been difficult for the children, most fell or slid, resulting in skinned and bruised knees, hands, and elbows. Treating the scrapes had consumed all evening and much of the night.

When we reach the foothills tomorrow, the path will be easier for them. And we should be able to make up lost time. Otherwise we'll reach the capital city before the fighting resumes. Near dawn the unending stream of thoughts and to-dos in her head slowed and Aalin finally slept.

Enterprise

Chris listened to Una's proposal without interrupting. When she finished he asked, "Your thoughts?"

"Tomorrow there is no doubt those fighters will patrol that area. And unless they are extraordinarily behind schedule, Aalin and the children will cross that high plain then. There is no cover. If the Aschaski pilots fire at them few, if any, will make it. It's risky but the chances of the Aschaski detecting our intervention is low and within an acceptable margin of error." She hesitated.

"What is it?"

"A proper XO would remind you of the consequences of breaching the cease-fire and recommend we not interfere. Or at the very least urge caution. But … I can't. They're children. We took oaths, how can we not protect them? I get the needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few and an entire planet is at stake … but … they are children," she repeated emphasizing the words. "At times I think the fate of the many being held in greater importance over the one is a logical fallacy. Perhaps the individual weighs equally with the many. And the moral imperative is to take care of those in front of us because we cannot see the whole picture nor fathom all of its intricate consequences. In this instance the danger is real and if it manifests, their survival is unlikely. I think we have to try even with the small possibility of threatening the cease-fire."

"I approve the plan. Pass the word." He added as Una rose to leave, "Underscore with everyone we cannot afford any mistakes with this no matter how small. And Una," she turned back to face him, "you are exactly the number one I want."

Once alone, Chris ordered coffee from the replicator and picked up the small bronze statute kept on the desk in his quarters, a gift from Aalin after an afternoon of shopping on Starbase 8. That feels like a lifetime ago.

In the box with the statue she had included a note. Chris kept it in a drawer of the bedside table. The note read – St. Nicolas is the patron saint of gift-givers and sailors. May he watch over you and always see you safely home. Chris traced her signature with his fingertips, it was written in neat cursive, a script which fell out of use in the 21st century as technology replaced handwritten.

Though not Catholic, Chris was well versed in its tenants and pantheon of saints, the result of nights around the dinner table with his teacher father. And he knew St. Nicholas' more famous benevolence was protector of children. In this last hour before dawn Chris sent the saint a silent supplication, asking him to look after all the orphans scattered around Noohra and bring them and Aalin safely home.