Five Months Ago

Enterprise Orbiting Varia

The dull headache present at the end of each Varian language instruction session ratcheted up a couple of notches on day five. Its steady companion, an irritability without cause, grew as well. They were joined by unprovoked annoyance. Exiting the transporter room, Aalin rubbed tired eyes and considered another trip to Sickbay for pain relief. Eat first, then decide.

Typically she favored the main mess hall. There the world of Enterprise unfolded around her. And she liked it, a lot. Comradery, friendly cajoling, fierce competitiveness, yet desire for aiding a colleague in achieving their personal best stood equal with determination for winning. Squabbles and stronger disagreements were also present, just as in any large close-knit family. Rumors and gossip circulated. Romances blossomed. And lacing through all of this was a sense wonderment at what they witnessed and cataloged. From her small unnoticed table in the corner, Aalin's imagination played with life very different from her own.

But that busy hub felt like too much activity today and she chose the smaller mess hall on deck three. A few minutes after claiming a table the ship's first officer approached. "May I?"

Aalin smiled and gestured at the opposite seat.

After settling in the chair Una said, "I intended seeking you out earlier."

"With the complexities of managing Enterprise's operations, you must have little time without pressing demands."

Una nodded. "Which doesn't excuse slighting a guest. Since I am forever lecturing our junior officers on paying as much attention to the important as the urgent, I should at least walk my talk here and there. It keeps them on their toes." Her lips lifted upward slightly, "And scares them a bit."

Remembering her first encounter with Una in the transporter room where the commander meted out assignments to a gaggle of surrounding crewmen, Aalin wasn't surprised and identified with their respect tinged with awe. During one of their late-night chats Chris had noted Commander Chin-Riley was the best first officer in the fleet.

"Besides," Una added in a dry tone, her face expressionless, hands unfolding the napkin on her tray, "as Captain Pike has not left the ship for two weeks and therefore landed himself in Sickbay, I now have a few hours of unexpected free time on my hands."

Aalin tilted her head. Her brow creased.

"You're trying to decide if I am embellishing," Una remarked perceptively. She paused for effect. "I am not."

"Seriously?"

Una raised an eyebrow.

Aalin mused, mostly to herself, "That's not surprising either." In response to the puzzled expression she said, "Never mind."

"You're back early today," Una commented. She added, "It's my responsibility to know such things."

"Oh. Yeah, it was a half day, eight hours instead of sixteen. Part of their mid-cycle break."

"Cycle?"

"Since the inhabited portion of Varia never darkens, they categorize time differently. By work, recreation, and rest rather than days or weeks. What we would consider a fifth day is one of the cycles where more time is allocated to recreation than work."

"Have you discovered how your predecessor insulted the Varians?"

Commander Chin-Riley gets right to the point, Aalin thought. She shook her head. "No, not yet. These tutorials indicate the opposite … suggest Nicholas' greeting was appropriate."

"That supports the Captain's theory the Varians feigned outrage in order to gain advantage in the negotiations," Una pointed out.

"Perhaps … maybe both are true. I asked outright what Nicholas did wrong, and … well the explanation seemed an answer a different question." Aalin sighed and looked away. "I don't know."

"How can we help?"

"My every request has been met with generous and immediate responses." Aalin paused as if considering. "A second pair of eyes would be nice."

Una nodded. "Several of the crew are fluent in multiple languages other than their native tongue and Federation standard, I'll send you a list and assign anyone you believe will be of use. But none have your experience in the discipline. I was in the meeting where you postulated something was missing from the recording of the Varian conversation …"

Aalin interrupted, "That was merely an observation, mostly likely one wildly off the mark or easily explained. There was nothing substantial behind it."

"Possibly. Or there was and it's a factor we don't yet recognize or one we haven't yet encountered. You learn to take nothing for granted out here. And I certainly won't disregard any observation from someone with your credentials and talent merely because data does not yet back it up."

"How …"

"I thoroughly and personally vet everyone who joins this crew, even for temporary assignments." Una rested arms in the table and leaned forward. "I can also lend an extra pair of ears. Not for the language. Rather tell me things you've learned. Explaining to another may spark an idea."

Pushing her tray aside, Aalin said, "OK. It's a small language, vocabulary wise that is. Especially for their level of technical development. The structure is simpler than most languages we have encountered. There are few adjectives, few adverbs, few modifiers. Which is unusual but not unheard of."

"All of that should make it harder to offend, if I am correct in assuming there are fewer ways to say the same thing."

Aalin nodded. "Your assumption is accurate. I haven't yet discovered by what method their language conveys subtle variations in meaning. Nor how to ask for an explanation or provide an example. It's almost as if … but no … that's very unlikely, improbable … nearly impossible." She leaned against the back of her chair then picked at her salad while thinking.

"Go on. Say it," Una urged.

"I need brain food. Excuse me." Aalin returned with a cheeseburger and fries.

"I knew I liked you."

Aalin split the burger with a knife then placed it and the plate of French fries in the middle of the table gesturing for Una to share the food.

Enterprise's XO retrieved a brightly colored bottle and returned to the table.

"Hot sauce?" Aalin queried. With Una's confirmation she shook her head at the offered condiment. "I'm too wimpy for lighter fluid."

"Explain, what's nearly impossible?" Una prompted in familiar command tone, one similar to the ship's Captain.

"In mapped space sound waves are a constant. We believe this is true for our galaxy and neighboring ones. Auditory organs vary from species to species, we all hear these same waves differently. A heavy atmosphere changes sound perception, a thinner one as well. Onomatopoeic words are initially used to label an environment. This is the beginnings of spoken language. Over time as the language matures it develops complexities, the sound imitative words fade and morph. But we're all starting from the same stimuli. Pronunciation differs widely, yet language structure is remarkable consistent across known space. And this similarity is one of the pillars of the universal translator. All languages we have encountered so far fall into one of six overarching types; these types are the equivalent of a subclass in biological taxonomy where vertebrates are split from invertebrates. Hundreds of sub and sub-sub categories and so on branch from those. We add lower-level categories regularly, but it's been … I don't know … at least a hundred years or more since a new category was discovered. The Varian language doesn't neatly fit into any of the six existing categories, at least, not neatly enough."

"But the universal translator works for their language," Una reminded.

"Maybe. Maybe not. How do we know? What if it doesn't and the few Varians who speak Federation standard aren't telling us there is a problem. Maybe they don't realize there is an interpretation mismatch. We assigned Varian to a category, if the initial classification was wrong our translation mappings were built on a house of cards. On the other hand, why now? A different language type suddenly pops up in a well-explored area of space after a century of nothing radically new. That isn't logical either."

"Not in academic circles, but out here, yes, it is," Una countered. "I've learned two important things during my years of exploration. Don't ignore the improbable," a slow smile manifested, "and never ask Christopher Pike a question about horses."

ooooo

Una remained in the mess hall after Aalin departed. She sat with elbows propped on the table, hands steepled, chin resting on fingers, reviewing their conversation, considering.

"With the Gileseian settlements now closed to off-worlders where will you go next when this mission is through? Back to the State Department?" Una had asked.

"I don't know. Resuming my old life would please my family. But after time spent in the refugee camps, I'm not sure my former life holds meaning anymore."

An improbable idea formed. "Fascinating … yes, an elegant solution." Una said to no one.

ooooo

In her quarters Aalin lowered the lights and laid across the bed, eyes tightly shut. Her headache had dissipated a little since beaming back from the surface, but not enough. Maybe I should go to Sickbay. But she hesitated. This won't be a visit to the nurse for pain meds. A third check-in for an ongoing aliment means a mandated physician exam. What if they pull me from this mission?

A remark from Una from their earlier conversation echoed in her thoughts. "This facility on Varia's moon is needed for supporting Starfleet operations, but more importantly it's vital for protecting the inhabitants in this sector, Federation citizen and not, from those who will steal valuable natural resources at any cost, from those who will exploit the vulnerable. Captain Pike is under a lot of pressure from Command to secure the base, but his primary motivation is for safeguarding those who can't protect themselves."

And the decision was clear. This isn't a serious headache, simply a persistent one. Sickbay isn't needed. Starting over with a different interpreter will at the least cause a lengthy delay, at the worst cancel the negotiations opening a door for a treaty between the Varians and the Klingons or the Conglomerate.

Ignoring the discomfort, Aalin began shifting through her notes searching for a way to rapidly master the Varian language.

ooooo

Present

Day 4

Noohra

As they walked south, Aalin longed to turn and search for one last glimpse of Micah. She understood his explanation for not accompanying them, for not seeking safety, was a half-truth. And she suspected he intended offering himself as bait drawing the Aschaski soldiers away from her and the children. Aalin was not so naïve and unseasoned to realize, to know with certainty, if he or she were captured, death would not be immediate and in time welcomed.

The near misses of the last day and a half – aborted strafing run, attempted rape, children lost and found – as well as a night's rest rendered, for Aalin, the momentous task ahead in stark, unforgiving black and white. The dangers were no longer nefarious potentials but real and present and inching ever closer. If we survive the soldiers infesting these lowlands the three-day journey over the mountain terrain holds perils of its own.

She longed for Chris' counsel, his touch, his steadfast and at times preternaturally calm presence, his optimism. Just for a few minutes. She then added with the sadness of loss, just one more time. Please.

Jacob tugged her hand and looked up. "Will Micah beat us there?"

"Hmmm. Perhaps. Since he has an oio. Are you related to Micah?"

"No. I was … they came … it came … they're not supposed to be real …" he burst into tears.

Aalin halted and stooped to Jabob's eye level. She gathered him in her arms and rubbed comforting circles across his back. "It's OK. You don't have to tell me. You're safe with us."

"No one's safe," he said between whimpers. "because of the …" Remembering his promise, Jacob immediately clammed up.

Because of the Aschaski, Aalin finished in her head. She beckoned to Sera and Uri who ran over, playfully pushing and shoving each other as they approached. Standing with a protective arm around the young child's shoulders while his sobs quieted, Aalin said to the brother and sister, "Jacob is a new friend, will you teach him the counting song?"

Sera held out her hand. When Jacob tentatively accepted, she tugged him closer. "Come on, we can count butterflies."

Omer, who had been following Aalin since they began walking early this morning, stepped in front of her and held a low hanging branch aside. She smiled her thanks before continuing.

ooooo

Enterprise Orbiting Aschask Prime

Pike finished tidying his quarters. A ritual before an uncertain mission, all in order, just in case he didn't return. Everything was prepared including updated log entries. He could now turn to the bit and pieces of everyday ship's business: maintenance requests, proposed experiments, resource allocations, leave requests, approvals required of him. But the queue was small and there was plenty of time.

Instead he ignored work. Moving to the viewport, staring at the image of the planet they circled, he unlocked the box penning his feelings for her, removed the lid, indulged, and lost track of time.

In the beginning he had never considered Starfleet and romance or love or partnership as mutually exclusive, perhaps complicated but achievable with understanding, patience, and a healthy dose of realism. Many managed it. He had never ruled out sharing life with another, rather the safe harbor of long-term intimacy beckoned, it always had, and being who and what he was, a spouse if she were willing. Yet casual hookups worked best during his early career, then increasing rank came hand in hand with sensible precautions and short term or nonexclusive romances with no expectations for more or friends with benefits were easier. And less fraught with obstacles. This was reenforced after a serious relationship ended badly.

Captaincy came and brought a new set of self-imposed restrictions, because he believed it was the right thing to do. The first five-year mission passed. The expectation of finding love receded more and more. Friendship filled the empty spaces.

Then Aalin Matthews entered his life.

Were casual relationships easier, or had I simply not met the right person?

A long-ago question from his years as first officer on Enterprise, one from a cadet, popped into his mind. "Do you believe in love at first sight?"

He had replied, "I don't know … I think love is more complicated than that … how about familiarity at first sight? A sense there is a possibility, something more to be explored, an unexplainable connection."

May we be granted a chance, Pike thought before confining his feelings once again and securely locking the box.

ooooo

The crew was quiet, almost subdued, as if all collectively held their breath, waiting, watching, hoping. Una sat in the ready room; she rarely beat Pike to their early one-on-one daily catch-up. While waiting her thoughts drifted back. Then Enterprise had just departed Varia en route to Starbase 10 where Aalin would disembark, and additional equipment stowed on board for their next mission.

"I think we should keep her," Una said out of the blue after finishing their morning briefing.

Glancing up Pike teased with a grin, "But I'm the one who will end up walking and feeding her." At Number One's deadpan expression and cocked eyebrow he continued in a more serious tone, "What are you talking about?"

"We need a linguist. A good one. That post has been vacant for six months. Ms. Matthews proved her skill. She's better than any other candidate. Offer it to her."

"There's a rather major impediment in your plan. She's not a member of Starfleet."

"There are contingencies for such circumstances. And a captain has wide discretion."

Pike tossed the PADD he was reviewing onto the desk and favored Una with his full attention. "What makes you think she'd accept?"

"A hunch."

He rubbed his chin. "I see." He shook his head. "It's problematic. Ms. Matthews doesn't have the training background we do. She doesn't understand what life is like on a deep space vessel. Could she make an informed decision?"

Una countered, "We did, as teenagers. And we can give her the needed training."

"As teenagers and throughout our early years we had ample opportunities to change our minds. We didn't join Starfleet one day and then end up twelve months from home."

"Are your objections professional or personal?" Una questioned.

"Professional," Pike said firmly as if underlining his point. He sighed. "What ... what if, through circumstances beyond our control, she's thrown in harm's way before we can complete her training? Alone, without resources, without needed skills?"

Una didn't hear Pike enter the room. "Number One," he said softly. "Una?"

Her head slowly turned in his direction. "You called it. You warned me. You predicted this."

"I don't understand."

"Lieutenant Matthews. Stranded. Caught in a war zone. In danger and unprepared. I was shortsighted. Ultimately, this is my responsibility. I talked you into granting her a commission."

He walked to Una's side and placed a comforting hand on her shoulder. "You suggested a talented resource be offered an assignment on Enterprise in an essential position needing filled before embarking on a long mission far from explored space. I made the decision, you didn't twist my arm, you didn't force me into it. I also made the decision to send her to the mobile hospital in the Har mountains of Noohra. These were my responsibilities."

"But …"

Pike shook his head. "No. Stop. Enterprise and her own need you, I need you, focused forward." He handed her a data crystal. "Should the Aschaski detain us, this log entry protects you and the crew."

"What have you done?" Una asked dreading the answer.

"I've explicitly and unequivocally documented the decision to confront the Aschaski was mine alone. It safeguards Isak and Spock as well. And gives you cover to negotiate for their release."

"And yours?"

Pike shook his head. "Not an option. And you know that. Come. We're needed at the final briefing."

ooooo

Spock stood at attention in front of the three-dimensional image while he completed the morning's briefing. "The Aschaski political structure is complex, a web of known and secret alliances. After their second world war, a triumvirate planetary government was formed in an attempt to avoid a future cataclysmic conflict. It consists of an absolute monarch which dominates the majority of the eastern hemisphere, an executive heading the consortium of powerful corporations which dominate two-thirds of the western hemisphere under the fiction of a representative government, and the elected president of a patchwork of independent nations which have banded together as a Commonwealth administered by representatives from each state. Planetary level decisions require a majority vote of the three leaders. None have spoken directly with Federation representatives in the past, leaving all communication in the hands of their ambassador. Scans of their planet are forbidden and as such our information about them is limited."

Pike spoke next. "Isak, Spock, and I will beam down presently. If we haven't checked-in within twenty-hours assume things have gone sideways. Protect the cease-fire unless doing so is against the Noohrans' best interests. Number One, if we are detained implement Delta-Omega contingencies immediately."

Surprised, Una turned in his direction and mouthed, "What?"

Enterprise's Captain shook his head arresting further objections, but his eyes communicated kind understanding. "No help for it, Number One. Captain Georgiou agrees. Any questions?" After negative murmurs Pike finished, "Very well. Let's get to it."

As they filed out the seasoned officers traded concerned looks. A junior officer whispered to one, "What does that mean Delta-Omega?"

Mann replied, "A senior captain is compromised. Fleet wide security protocols and codes are assumed at risk. And it legally constraints Commander Chin-Riley's options for launching a rescue operation to free Captain Pike as well as her authority for negotiating his release. It limits those decisions to Command and not the crew who serves under him."

ooooo

Una entered the bridge. She paused before taking her place in the center chair.

"Transporter room reports the Captain has departed," an officer informed her.

"Change all command codes, random generate." Her order raised eyebrows. Una continued, "Go to yellow alert. Raise shields."

"What now?" the officer at the helm asked.

"We wait," Una replied.