Oh Lord, what have I gotten myself into?
Yorktown arrived at Jupiter Station four and a half days later, a little ahead of schedule. After docking and turning over the schedule for shore leave.
It was short order when techs started swarming into the ship to start maintenance and upgrades over lapped by the departing crew men starting their
holiday. Jon and the command crew had transferred over to the station to report to command. Admiral Forrest met Jon and his staff at the
canteen for an informal debrief, before rotating earth side.
After the short debrief Max had Jon dismiss his staff before taking him by the shoulder and steering him to the bar. Ordering a beer for each
Max turned and asked Jon. His face not indicating what he was wanting to say.
"I was curious Jon if you've considered that proposal Soval sent you." He started off by saying.
Jon was startled by his peers statement.
"I listened to what he had to say Sir. And I reviewed the lady's profile, and am somewhat at a disadvantage. I'm not very familiar
with this depth of Vulcan culture and I'm not sure I'd be up for it. Despite carrying Surak's katra. I think its a bad idea."
"I figured you might say that, and to be right truthfull. I dont blame you for feeling like your shooting out the air lock without a suit.
But that was the other reason I'm here. To ensure that you go through with making it to the bonding. Its very important to me and
especially for Genie as well."
Jon was struck by how candid Admiral Forrest's demeanor, and had a sneaking feeling that this was a prelude to something he didn't
want to be a party to.
"Sir? I'd given Soval my word that I would be there, and I fully intend to go. But I have the uncomfortable feeling there is more to
this bonding you aren't letting on. Now please dont misunderstand me. But you are giving me the impression that your escorting
me there. Whats up?"
Max's face melted into a grin. "Well to be frank. Vulcan's take a betrothal seriously, and on the other hand. I had business other
than greeting you and your crew. Your debrief was the last little chore I had to get out of the way before I headed home.
We have time before the shuttle leaves for home, and I was asked to accompany you."
"Why? Other than family of course." Max grinned at Jon's question.
"We have some shopping to do. The Vulcans have needed to make sure you were properly outfitted for the occasion since they
didn't want Star Fleet uniforms at the occasion. In fact, theres Soval right now."
Jon turned in the direction indicated. And noted the Vulcan ambassador making his way toward them from the main gallery entrance.
Coming up to them he stood facing them. After nodding to Admiral Forrest, he addressed Jon.
"I see you have arrived Jonathan. A rather uneventful trip I presume?"
"It was Osu. And I'm curious if you would answer a question before I render the answer you required. I have read T'Wen's profile
and her creds are very impressive. But how would a human bonding with a vulcan accomplish anything, especially when she was
damaged? I would think that would be unleashing a dragon in a sheep pen, with me coming out in the raw."
Soval's expression saddened and Jon swore he saw the man actually flich slightly in the smallest degree. Soval ganced at Max,
then returned his gaze to Jon.
"Your analogy in normal circumstances would be quite correct Jonathan. However. In this case it would be beneficial to both of you.
However..." And he looked around the bar.
"This conversation should be carried out elsewhere, so gentlemen, we need to hasten our departure. Shall we?"
Soval gestured and as one they turned to leave. Headed out into the station's main gallery. Soval led the two down the
concourse steering them his destination. They hadn't had to go too far when Soval guided them into a small shop that catered
to interstellar business people. Both Admiral's submitted to being measured and fitted into some austere, but elegant suits that
were somewhat casual yet business like. Four hours later found the three ready to depart. Jon had returned to Yorktown to
pack a bag. After rejoining Soval and Max. They went to the the docking ring and boarded a small Vulcan runabout.
Jon looked inquiringly at Soval at the change in transport. Who gave no indication of his guests curiosity. The runabout undocked
and set a course to earth. To Jon's astonishment. It went to warp after clearing the station. Jon looked at Max for an answer.
And got a grin for his trouble. Entering the traffic grid, they shortly received clearance to land. Thirty minutes later they were
landing on the parade ground behind Star Fleet Command's main admin center. Exiting the ship. Jon, Max and Soval headed
straight for the back entrance to the building. Entering. They headed up to Max's office. And settled in.
Max had asked his secretary to go get some drinks for everyone including herself. Sitting down behind his desk.
He regarded Jon before speaking.
"We'll wait til Annika gets back with our drinks. She'll be needing to sit in on this. She has a stake in this as well.
She is quite taken with a handsome Vulcan, and coincidently, the man she's taken with happens to be the twin sister
to the beautiful lady that Soval would like to pair you with. Her bonding will be about a week after yours. So Jon this is
about family in a manner more than you've experienced. And soon as she gets here we'll have your questions answered.
And yes it is done with a mind meld. She hasn't experienced one herself, but you have and know what it would be like.
This is something she needs to see and what Soval needs to share with you will remain between you and Soval. After your done.
He will also meld with Annika because there are somethings he needs to share with her. This place should be safe from interruptions
so you can relax after he's done."
Looking at Soval. He added. "Thats the gist of it. Right Soval?"
Soval nodded in agreement.
"Indeed Max. We wont have much time after ward, but there is a lot Jon needs to know, and this bonding is more important than
can be shared verbally."
Looking at Jon. He went on.
"You will need that rest afterward this time. I know."
Jon had been listening attentively to both of them and finally spoke up.
"It almost sounds like I'm not being given much of a choice here. I'm sure you'll tell me in the meld Soval.
But why do I get the feeling that I'm going to have my arm twisted?"
Soval didn't answer. But turned to Max and nodded.
Jon looked over at Max and noticed that his demeanor had changed. Almost angry. Without a word. Max reached into his
desk and pulled out a small PADD and slid it across the desk to Jon. Picking it up. Jon turned it and began to read. And the
color started to drain from his face.
"You do know what that is. Dont you Jon? I knew you had a crush on my daughter and was willing to over look it provided
you would outgrow it and focus on your career. Which you did. But falsifying an application for the Maco's and disrupting a
young lady's life when she had made her own choice to go elsewhere, and if that wasn't bad enough. It was my
own daughter you did that to."
Admiral Maxwell Forrest was very much in conrol, but it didn't allow him to contain his fury at Jon's stupid little mistake.
"I wanted to go out there and relieve you of duty and space your sorry ass. WHO THE HELL DID YOU THINK YOU WERE WHEN YOU
DID THAT? THAT was MY DAUGHTER'S LIFE YOU WERE MUCKING AROUND WITH AND I AM WITHIN MY RIGHTS TO TERMINATE
YOUR COMMISSION AND DRUM YOU OUT WITH A DISHONORABLE. Fortunately for you. Despite your meddling. Genie came out
the other end of that fiasco stronger and more capable a woman than she went in. And since then has become even better and
stronger than both of us could ever hope to be. You son had better be thankful that Soval's spooks found this. Because if Section 31
got ahold of it. You would never be out of their debt. Soval suggested this as a compromise Jon and I am more than agreeable to it.
You do this, and I will be willing to overlook it. So far. They haven't uncovered any other indiscretions and I hope for your sake they
never do. Am I clear Jon?"
Jon had never seen max so livid. His eyes cut through him sharper than any laser and Jon wanted to sink into the floor.
He was shaken. The hand holding the PADD sagged toward the floor. Soval quickly retreived before it fell. Jon just sat there.
Feeling naked. Burnt raw.
"I may need to mention Jon. If you pull a stupid stunt like that again. I will act on it and you will not enjoy the value of friendship
from me again. You betrayed me in the worst way possible. But you betrayed Genie even more. So you may want to be a little thank full that she
suggested this. Dont muck this up."
Finished Admiral Forrest sat back in his chair. His eyes never leaving the shaken, pale man on the other side of his desk.
Looking over at Soval. He finally commented.
"I think he's ready. Dont you?"
Soval nodded seriously, but Max didn't fail to miss the amused glint in his eyes.
Shortly. Annika had returned with refreshments and sat down in the extra chair to the right of Admiral Forrest's desk.
Max and Soval gave no indication to the bomb shell they had dropped on Jon barely a few minutes earlier. Jon still looked shell
shocked and shaken, but thank fully was getting some color to this face. And still looked for all concerned like a raped ape.
"I'm sorry I couldn't get back sooner Sir. How did the meld go?" She said.
"It's ok Annika. We had to take care of some admin details. But we got them straightened out. We were waiting before you
got back before we got into the meat and potatoes of why were here. You didn't miss much and sure Jon understands the
importance of clearing the air."
Jon raised his eyes to Max and nodded. Then looked down. It was a very bad feeling he had about the near future