"Captain James Tiberius Kirk, I've heard a lot about you!" a young man with lush crimson bangs extended his palm to Kirk to shake hands in greeting. He smiled radiantly, trying to hide the intense excitement from the debut meeting.
"First officer Noriaki Kakyoin, glad to meet you," captain replied with a handshake, meeting his gaze with new colleague on the upcoming expedition.
"I'm sure the future mission will be awesome! And you are..." James hesitated, staring at Noriaki's companion. In his mind, he immediately named him as "Spock #2". Two-meter high brunette with a brick-style face expression. He looked much gloomier than the smiling assistant.
"Jotaro Kujo," he said said dryly. Noriaki looked up in accusation, glaring viciously at the speaker and lightly kicking him in the side. Kujo gave him a deadly gaze, adding casually:
"The Captain of «Jonathan», owned by the Speedwagon Foundation. Nice to meet you."
"Did you happen to have any Vulcans in your family?" Kirk could not resist, meeting the sullen greeting with an uncomplicated joke. Kakyoin let out a small laugh, but Kujo became even more serious. He hid his dull eyes under the floor of his service cap.
"Oh, don`t worry," Kakyoin's red bangs perked up slightly.
"I'm a native earthling, and Jotaro is half arcturian*. You should have seen the physique of purebred natives of the territories near this star," he hesitated and added:
"Still you are right. He has a lot in common with their character."
Now Jotaro kicked the first officer in the side, though much stronger than Noriaki had done before. If only due to the fact that the width of Kujo's shoulders was really amazing, his height over two meters made the picture only more menacing. However, for some reason, James found it hilarious. These couple reminded the reflection of himdelf and Spock, in the characters for sure. The captain was sorry that the command did not disclose to the last the identities of colleagues in the upcoming mission, although usually the crews do not get to know each other a few hours before take off, as was the case now.
"So," Kirk paused, so that the two men standing in front of him stopped shooting hostile glances at each other and paid attention.
"I guess it's time to get on the transport shuttle. Our ships are already ready to take off. When will we discuss the route and the main goals of the expedition?"
"The goals and destination?"
Noriaki raised his eyebrows in surprise at the Captain of the Enterprise. James stared at him in confusion, because the only thing he was told about was that this expedition would be joint with the Foundation vessel. All researches remain at the discretion of the teams, since the views and goals of the Speedwagon followers on this journey have priority and the right of confidentiality. To be honest, Kirk was very happy with this situation - he was given almost complete freedom of action, and he was always glad to new acquaintances. However, now the silence between the young people hung with an unpleasant burden, which Noriaki hastened to throw off:
"Oh, yes, of course. I ask you to forgive us, apparently, in order to preserve the iiformation, you were not provided with all the details. Although I think this is strange, because for yours" First officer emphasized last word intonationally, - the crew vouched for the entire management of the Fleet. Trust is the key to effective teamwork."
He looked away, although before that he stubbornly kept eye contact with the captain.
"Don't worry, we will have a lot of time to discuss everything."
Kakyoin lowered his gaze to the floor, pressing lips together tightly, as if deeply in thought about something.
"That's right," Jotaro supported him confidently and calmly.
James played the above in his head, nodding in agreement.
"And one more," Noriaki came to life again, returning a friendly expression on his face. "I can't wait to greet your First Officer".
"I see."
Kirk smiled. He imagined Spock vocalizing every contradiction of the charter to new colleagues at the earliest opportunity and finding a thousand flaws in Noriaki's work as the captain's hand. "We'll have time for everything."
Crew went towards the exit in order to go to the platform of the transfer shuttles. James walked a little ahead, catching the abrupt phrases of the conversation behind him. The clear voice of the assistant and the muffled bass of the captain whispered loudly and tensely about something in Japanese, so that the meaning of the conversation remained unsolved for Kirk.
In the upcoming mission, the Enterprise was prepared to travel to the other side of the galaxy, side by side with a new, state-of-the-art ship owned by the Speedwagon Foundation. This organization became famous for the development of resource extraction on asteroids in the Kuiper belt, when people were just beginning to explore outer space. Over time, the Foundation's influence expanded to all spheres and territories of the Federation. Including shipbuilding. The Foundation has long collaborated with Starfleet, helping in every possible way with funding and new developments. The organization's specialists were often sent to explore new expanses of space under the banner of the Navy. The best engineers in the Federation worked on the design of the Jonathan. In addition, the command of the new starship was completely subordinate to the organization. Despite this, after the appeal of the head of the Foundation, Joseph Joestar, to the Starfleet leadership, the Enterprise's new flight program has been reassigned to escort the ship of Speedwagon's followers.
"Mr. Spock, put aside the instructions you read a thousand times over and meet our colleagues."
Spock stood at the shuttle entrance, reading some information on his tablet. When he saw the approaching colleagues, he lowered the device, straightened up and began observing new guests.
"The captain of the ship "Jonathan" - Kujo Jotaro, and his First Officer - Kakyoin Noriaki," Kirk introduced everyone to each other.
Spock greeted Noriaki before addressing Kujo, somewhat excitedly.
"Mr. Joestar, let me express my unrivaled admiration for meeting you. The Speedwagon Foundation has made a huge contribution to the preservation of the remains of the Vulcan civilization after the well-known disaster. I hope for mutual understanding and productive results of the upcoming expedition."
"Just Kujo. Let's omit the formalities. I'm also glad to meet you, Mr. Spock."
Jotaro listened carefully to everything the vulcanian said. His face expressed calmness rather than tension, as a few minutes earlier.
"Once I happened to be on Vulcan. I have re-read the works of your libraries more than once. Trust me, our Foundation will continue to support the "New Volcano" project."
Both brunettes smiled faintly. The men extended their palms to each other for a firm handshake. It seemed that both were delighted with the new meeting.
"I guess I was right about Mr. Kujo's character," Kirk whispered to Kakyoin, who was standing next to him. He looked at Jotaro and seemed being puzzled. Obviously, he knew nothing about the brunette's fascination with Vulcan culture. Noriaki chuckled softly, looking at James.
"They found each other," said puzzled scarlet-haired man, looking again at the men who were already getting into the shuttle and talking animatedly (as far as possible for them).
"If I found a common language with Jotaro, I'll also help get your assistant to talk," Noriaki said sarcastically, shrugging his strong shoulders.
"Are you going to share a secret? Vulcans are disgusting people!"
The awkwardness of the first meeting gradually subsided, and this could not but rejoice. Kirk patted Kakyoin on the shoulder, and both hurried to board.
Since the "Jonathan's" crew were not directly subordinate to Starfleet, the uniform for the crew members was different. The officer and captain wore long, thin coats with massive collars and Foundation sing on the left breast pockets. Kakyoin's coat had a light and luscious dark green color, it was carefully buttoned up to the top. It contrasted perfectly with the wearer's bright hairstyle. The slanting eyes hid the pale pink lenses of his glasses, which Kakyoin periodically adjusted. There were slightly visible scars on the light eyelids. Kujo's uniform was pure white, with the collar turned up to reveal a dark turtleneck. The collars were studded with small badges and other little things, like a gold pin, or a strange chain, at the end of which hung a small anchor. Raven-wing-colour hair was covered by a captain's cap, similar to the one included in Starflet official uiform.
When everyone had taken their places, Jotaro showed his voice to James's surprise.
"I suppose this whole thing makes you feel suspicious."
Kirk's eyes met the captain's azure gaze, as if in support of Jotaro's theory.
"I understand you. An unfamiliar crew, moreover not subordinate to the Fleet. No information, crumpled acquaintance. I promise that upon arrival at our first stop, I will clearly outline your mission on this journey. As much as we trust the Starfleeet, it would be a mistake to tell you absolutely everything. However, at the moment, one detail is really important." The Enterprise team stared at their colleagues with a grain of disbelief. Previously, Kirk had not worried much about this understatement, and the stage of indignation had just begun. Spock, on the other hand, was extremely calm and did not ask any questions. Confused statment reflected on James's face, and Kakyoin immediately intercepted Jotaro's speech in order to make life easier for everyone.
"That's right. We are the owners of a very rare genetic modification. This development and its research is carried out only by our organization. We could keep silent about this, however, ours is waiting for a difficult journey, during which we must fully trust each other," First Officer actively gestured with his hands, trying to dispel the misunderstanding on the part of the NCC-1701 crew. Making sure that both were listening carefully, he exhaled noisily and continued:
"We have stands."
"Stands? I've never heard of such a modification," Spock exclaimed in an unusually harsh tone. Kirk just grunted in confusion and asked:
"And what does it mean?"
Captain tried to remember if he had come across any information about this.
"Stands are the embodiment of human vital energy. As a rule, these are spirits of a humanoid form, but they can also be objects. They are endowed with certain characteristics and abilities that have the potential for development. It all depends on how the owner operates his ability. Stands are seen only by their owners. For example, I see Jotaro's stand, and he sees mine too. For you, only the physical interactions of objects under the actions of the stands are noticeable. One person can only have one stand. The way of awakening is very complex, but they are possessed by several hundred inhabitants of our Galaxy, not only humans. Also, half of the crew members of our ship are stand-users," Noriaki stopped briefly to give an opportunity to answer exactly the questions that arose. Spock remained damn calm and listened intently to every word. Kirk, on the other hand, nervously examined the shuttle, trying to find at least some difference between ordinary people and standard users.
"Excuse me, these ... Stands, are they here now? In the shuttle?"
"In current moment – no. Stands, for the most part, are called and controlled exclusively by the owner. There are a few more rules and thousands of exceptions to them, but now this is useless to tell you."
As Noriaki was speaking, Kujo rummaged through the tablet, and soon held the device into Spock's hands. Two models of creatures glowed on the screen, as well as a sea of information.
"Here," Kujo nodded at the device, "Is all the information you need about the stands. Including the characteristics of all the stans of the crew members of the "Jonathan". I and Kakyoin are the owners of Star Platinum and Hierophant Green. We'll introduce you to the rest a little later."
Now fellows understood Noriaki's words that the sStands represented the master's soul. Jotaro and his enormous spirit not only had a similar physique, but also a face expression. As for Kakyoin, both of them had a similar green color, which was present in the colors of the stand. However, Kirk wondered why he had never seen information about stands in any of the Starfleet archives. What are the limits of this modification? And if everything is so classified, then why do Kujo and his companion share information so easily? It was Kirk who decided to ask.
"I beg your pardon, however, I would like to clarify a couple of things," the brunette and the assistant nodded in sign that they were ready to listen. "How secret are all the information about which you told? And how do your abilities relate to our expedition? After all, why exactly is the Enterprise accompanying you?"
"Captain Kirk, I'm afraid your statements are not entirely correct in relation to our guests. They have the right to…"
"Spock, please, express your Vulcan philosophy with Mr. Kujo, and I need exact answer," Kirk looked at Kakyoin hopefully, while Jotaro just clicked in displeasure. In order not to create tension, Noriaki hastened to say:
"I can't say the existence of the stands is a big secret. However, the Foundation and the Federation government do not like to spread about it. In fact, only Speedwagonists are engaged in large-scale research. Initially, it all started with the Joestar family, who created the foundation, and soon discovered the stand phenomenon. As I said, the mechanism for obtaining stands is complicated, so I'll just say I have it from birth, and Jotaro inherited his own, but awakened Star Platinum only at 17."
"And about the expense of the expedition," Jotaro interrupted him.
"We are going to the neutral sectors, and our path isn`t short. And I beg you to stop gazin at me like that, Captain Kirk. We have same aims, aren`t we?"
Kujo leaned back in his seat and looked expressively at the fading Kirk.
"We are researchers too. And while you collect new samples of flora and fauna, write reports on local civilizations and climatic conditions, we will go about our business."
Kirk shook his head in surprise, demanding some explanations. Noriaki was silent this time, while Spock stared at the tablet.
Kujo made it clear that he had ended the conversation. To be honest, the brunette still didn't inspire much confidence in Kirk. Deciding that he might still have a chance to find out something, he turned to the Vulcan and began studying articles about stands.
The shuttle had already taken off into Earth orbit and was heading for the ships. The passengers immediately distinguished the "Enterprise" and "Jonathan" from all other starships. The Foundation vessel was smaller than the Fleet one, but not inferior in performance. In addition, fewer people were required to service the ship.
"Jotaro, what kind of thoughts do you have now?" Noriaki thoughtfully examined the ships through the porthole, nervously twisting a lock of bangs on his finger. "Is it possible to find him?"
Kujo turned towards the speaker and, making sure that the other two passengers were not paying attention to them, took off his cap, glaring piercingly into Noriaki's eyes and answering in native language:
"He's intend to find us." A piece of sadness was heard in the even baritone. "Pucci is an incurable fanatic, and he will do anything to get what he wants. I'm worried about another thing," He narrowed his eyes, seeing the bright lights of the approaching orbital station. "They," he glared in the direction of the earthling and the Vulcan "Know nothing about him. And, perhaps, they may help us at the most difficult moment, risking their own lives. I still don't understand why my old man agreed to involve people from Starfleet. People who don't even know about stands existence. I'm not saying that the Enterprise's crew is a useless help, but there's no place for them in this war."
Kakyoin just nodded in agreement.
The shuttle stopped. As soon as the doors opened, the team went through the tunnel that led to the landing to the ships. The young people exchanged a few more phrases, agreeing that as soon as they completed the first warp jump and made a stop, they would conduct mutual excursions around the ships, as well as finish the conversation they had begun. At the exit to the Enterprise, another part of the team gathered in the form of Scotty, McCoy, Uhura and the rest. And the eternally cheerful Jean-Pierre Polnareff ran up to Jotaro and Kakyoin, waving from afar to his still unfamiliar colleagues. Abdul, who was standing there, greeted the guys, and all the members of the upcoming expedition went to their ships.
"Attention, the crew of "Jonathan". You're now listening to your captain..."
"... James Tiberius Kirk. As you know, today our "Enterprise" starts a new and very important..."
"...journey. Victory upon Dio cost a lot, but now a new villain looms over the entire world. His namy is Pucci, who's hiding..."
"...among abondedned territories. We'll reach that area soon. On this expedition we'll start new researches with the Speedwagon Foundation team. Perhaps our discoveries will change…''
"...the fate of the whole Universe. The cost of life of every living creature in our Galaxy. We're going to…"
"... meet unbelievable…"
"... or even die."
"It will be a truly unique experience. I look forward to the involvement of each of you. All in all, if ..."
"... we won't complete this task, the whole world's going to suffer. Yare-yare, this is the longest speech you will ever hear from me. Abdul, prepare for the warp jump."
"Scotty, I give you permission to start."
Who know what enemies they will meet on the way, and how the mysterious plan of Pucci will end. He's desperately wanting to carry out his plan in the vast expanses of space. The countdown has expired, and the vacuum silence keeps the dangerous path of two stars. Sparks, the trail of which will soon disappear from Earth's radars. They will tear the world's darkness with the fiery swords of the Stardust Crusaders, and the Enterprise's Templar will defeat the threat forever.