Five Months Ago
Enterprise Orbiting Varia
The rematerialization process completed; Aalin heard the operator inform the bridge she was on board. A few seconds later the yellow alert status indicator went dark on equipment consoles and wall mounted viewscreens. With the ever-present headache of the past six days throbbing in time to her heartbeat, her attention focused on her irritation at the abrupt beam-out, she did not notice the ship's head engineer and transporter chief had joined the junior lieutenant and ensign normally manning this station. All the officers but the ensign examined data on one of the viewscreens, conversing quietly and gesturing at the readings. A medic hurried into the room, aimed his scanner, and began moving it up and down in front of Aalin who shooed him away with a wave of her arm and demanded, "What is going on?"
The medic ignored her protest and resumed scanning. The transporter chief said, "This is protocol after a problematic beam-out."
"I'm fine," Aalin responded in a firm tone. "Send me back. I was making progress."
"No ma'am," the ensign quickly replied.
She turned in his direction, narrowed her eyes, tilted her chin up, and inhaled. Just before verbalizing her displeasure Aalin reminded in her head, Not fair, he's following procedures and instructions.
The transporter chief continued, "Captain Pike ordered you report to the ready room as soon as Medical clears you." He rubbed his chin, "Actually based on his tone of voice, I'd confidently wager he wants to see you sooner than that and is close to ignoring protocols."
Out of respect to commander and his crew Aalin refrained from grumbling out loud, Oh, I've a few things to say to him as well. As soon as the medic closed his scanner and not waiting for results, she marched out the door, into the corridor, and called for a turbolift.
"Halt," she instructed as soon as the doors closed then sagged against the lift's wall and closed her eyes. The disorientation she experienced after transport lingered, like waking up groggy from an incoherent dream. As she rematerialized, for an interval feeling lengthy yet actually infinitesimal, mismatched images had flashed through Aalin's mind like shadows. They were fading quickly, too quickly, erasing details. She'd read of beings who reported witnessing at the end of rematerialization an event that was never experienced or seeing an older version of themselves as if the linear overlay slipped away allowing time to be perceived non-sequentially, or as if an alternate universe touched our own. Scientists and engineers dismissed these claims as imaginary.
The vignettes seen – she in a Starfleet medical uniform working in a field hospital, a pretty meadow of wildflowers, a long line of children ascending a rocky mountain via a narrow slippery trail, a soldier standing in front of her so close she felt his hot breath, he firing his weapon and its projectile piercing her heart ever so slowly, she had felt every millimeter of penetration before it fragmented into the delicate tissue – had triggered panic, fear, and, unable to run away from the danger, claustrophobia. Absentmindedly Aalin rubbed at the phantom pain in her chest.
As she settled and the confusion cleared, the images vanished entirely like a dream chased away by morning sunlight. Aalin sighed in relief. And resolutely pushed the experience out of her mind, dismissing it as inconsequential, deciding it was triggered by working long hours and the resulting weariness. There was no question of reporting it, she wouldn't risk being pulled from this mission, not after the progress made today with the Varian language.
ooooo
Present
Day 4
Noohra
As they walked, Aalin divided her attention between scanning the surroundings for any drifting away from the group and her growing concern over foraging scavenging enough food to sustain the children over the next week. So far, the land had yielded only enough berries for a mid-morning snack. And with the addition to their group of those who had been traveling with Micah, the Federation ready to eat meals would be gone after the supper. I'll split those rations into dinner today and breakfast and lunch for tomorrow, she planned.
She, as well as Magda and Li, were beneficiaries of bouquets of wildflowers the children picked as they meandered, running left to right and in circles as often as moving forward along the trail. Noticing a breakaway pack, Aalin jogged over and gently herded them back to the others.
Finding a bush of ripe berries Li had pronounced safe, Aalin picked it bare after laying on the ground the baby she carried so the briars wouldn't scratch him. The view of the wide meadow stretching out towards the mountains in the distance caught her eye and she paused to take it in. Birdsong and the buzzes and hums of insects filled the silence. This area is beautiful. And peaceful. Standing here, for a moment, the war recedes.
A sense of déjà vu crept in, an unpleasant feeling rather than a fond remembrance and one she couldn't place. The meadow and its surrounds are familiar. But that's not possible. I've never visited Noohra before. And the flowers aren't like any I've seen on Earth. A chill raced up her spine and Aalin shivered despite the warmth of the day. She quickly resettled the baby across her chest and resumed walking, but the distraction didn't chase the disquiet away.
ooooo
Aschask Prime Planetary Government Complex
The Chief Executive Officer of the West entered the small reception room. "You shouldn't be here," he hissed at the man leaning against the wall and concealed by shadows.
"An update, on the boy. Have you found him?"
"No," the CEO growled. "But we will. I've dispatched special operations teams to scour the area in addition to the regular regiment." He emphasized, "We will find him. And silence him."
"Unnecessary." The man stepped out of the dark corner and approached, hovering millimeters outside the boundary of polite distance. "Bring the child to me, I will deal with him." His tone of voice was cordial yet commanding.
"Most likely that resistance leader is involved in the boy's disappearance. I am sending my most experience inquisitor to deal with Micah Benjam."
"Do what you want with the adults but bring the child to me unharmed. Are we clear?"
"As you choose," the CEO acquiesced with no intention of fulfilling the agreement.
The tall off-worder stepped closer. His tone of voice harshened into menacing. "Do not test me. We'll pay handsomely for your cooperation, but those I represent can take what is desired without your help. Never forget that."
"Do not threaten me. If I go down, so does your organization; our destruction is mutually assured," the CEO reminded.
"Touché."
"Now go, the Federation officers arrive soon."
The off-worlder nodded. "Remember what I told you about Captain Pike. He won't respond to ego stroking; he won't respond to drama. Appeal to his empathy. That and his principles can be a blind spot and therefore manipulated."
ooooo
Pike, Isak on his left, Spock at his right, both officers walking slightly behind their commander, approached the three planetary governors standing together in a line. Each leader was flanked by aides. An Aschaski representative interpreted for the triumvirate, the universal translator for the Federation personnel. Pike began, "Thank you for meeting with us."
"We welcome you, yet ask you speak your business quickly and return to your ship. At present we are very busy caring for those of our population harmed by this war," the Secretary General of the Commonwealth responded.
"I sympathize with those in need and can offer appropriate assistance from the Federation" Pike began in a kind tone, then hardened his voice, "However, your people and their homes, their towns, their fields, unlike the Noohrans, are not the victims of bombs."
The CEO shrugged his indifference.
The Huangdi of the East remained silent.
"We regret the destruction and all losses, but collateral damage is the unavoidable consequence of armed conflict," the Secretary General replied.
"Indeed," Pike said. "It is … heartening to hear of your … sorrow."
"We, the Commonwealth, desire a resolution, a peaceful one, accommodating the needs of both worlds, repairing the damage inflicted on both worlds."
Pike held the gaze of the three leaders. "That is encouraging. And, if I may ask, what injury have the Noohrans caused Aschask Prime? The Noohrans do not possess the technology to travel from their world."
"The damage inflicted on us predates the current war," the CEO said, his tone harsh.
The Huangdi remained silent.
"I … we … desire to understand your grievances," Pike offered in a conciliary tone.
"A tour has been arranged." The CEO gestured to an aide.
"Excellent, perhaps you will answer a few questions along the way," Pike said.
The CEO raised his chin and glared at the visitors. His expression was disdainful and simultaneously imperious. "You are, if I am being generous, mid-level management. My time is limited and far more valuable than yours. Ambassador Goe is our liaison. Good day."
ooooo
Enterprise Orbiting Aschask Prime
"This is rather anti-climactic," Una observed as Pike, Isak, and Spock stepped off the transporter platform "No shootout to escape captivity on the planet?"
"No, much to Isak's dismay. Though there's no cause to unsaddle the horse yet, the day's not over," Pike replied in a dry tone. He then instructed, "Meet us in the main conference room in twenty minutes. Ask Doctor M'Benga to join as well."
Once the group assembled Pike began, "Isak, impressions?"
"The Secretary General seemed genuine, the Huangdi was careful to give no reaction. The CEO? He is a right bastard."
"Our meeting was recorded," Spock observed.
"Make sure someone in the hive is monitoring all media sources for any footage from that video," Pike said. He turned to his first officer. "Una, see to damage control if any propaganda is released with manipulated bits from the recording." He continued, "Our meeting with the triumvirate was brief, very, very brief."
"That's low-balling it," Isak chimed in.
"I concur," Spock said. "And the subsequent tour of a school, an orphanage, a hospital, a resettlement camp, an agricultural station, and an indoor playground were meticulously curated for an audience of one."
"Of one?" Pike echoed. "Who?"
"You, sir. The Aschaski were well prepared for our visit, they 'did their homework' according to an idiom favored by my mother. Every sight, every interaction was selected to appeal to your compassion, to your sympathy."
Pike leaned back in the chair and his fingertips tapped the conference table while he considered Spock's hypothesis. "Suffering and need are great among the Aschaski. The food supply is no longer adequate for feeding even at a bare minimum the planet's population. Medicines are hard to find, and their costs are prohibitive. Poverty is widespread as is homelessness. Many sleeping in the open are children. Doctor, there are high rates of respiratory disease and deafness, look into that please."
"Yes, sir. Most likely the respiratory ailments result from the volcanic ash in the atmosphere."
"It is common knowledge their natural resources are nearly depleted and the damage from the volcano eruptions disrupted weather and food systems. What was the point of reenforcing that with you?" Una mused aloud.
"Wasting our time?" Isak proposed.
Una nodded agreement.
Spock interjected, "The data does not support any conclusions as of yet. Therefore, this is mere speculation."
The intercom chimed. "Go ahead," Pike said.
"Captain," a communications officer on duty replied, "the Huangdi invites you and two additional guests to dine with him this evening at the summer palace. Appropriate dress will be provided. Pre-dinner activities commence in two hours."
"Fascinating," Spock said raising his right eyebrow.
"Indeed," echoed Number One cocking her own.
Not for the first time Pike contemplated if his first officer and junior science officer were separated at birth. "Please accept the invitation with my thanks."
"If Doctor Boyce were present, I believe he would inquire, quoting from an obscure movie, guess who's going to dinner," Spock observed.
Isak chuckled then corrected, "Guess Who's Coming to Dinner is the title."
Spock tilted his head to the side, "But that is not germane to our situation."
Una shook her head.
Pike hid his amusement. "Spock, Isak, meet me in the transporter room in an hour. And Spock, find out if there are any ceremonial expectations of visitors. You're dismissed until then. Number One, stay for a moment."
ooooo
One Week Earlier
An Undisclosed Location
"The Admiral is ready for you," a personal assistant called to the man standing in the dark corner. "Security protocol of the day is Omega-Three-Nine."
The Captain moved out of the shadows and into an adjacent grey windowless room. He stowed his weapons and communications devices in a lockbox and surrendered it to the security attendant. Ensconced in a white booth, he submitted to the various biometric scans. Identity now triple checked by machine and confirmed by sentient being, he exited into Section 31 command headquarters and entered the secured briefing area. He nodded at the room's sole occupant, "Admiral."
"Leland. Your fourth stripe was overdue. I am pleased to see it."
"Yes, sir."
The Andorian flag officer gestured to a chair on the opposite side of the table and called up a star map. "A fellow agent's error has imperiled an important operation. I realize you just returned from a mission on the Klingon home world, yet time is of the essence in order to salvage this situation and ensure our objective is achieved."
Leland reviewed the accompanying materials. "I can leave immediately."
"One of our stealthy prototype vessels is prepped and waiting. Good hunting."
Preflight check completed Leland activated the helm and ordered, "Set course for Aschask Prime, best speed."