Disclaimers as in part 1. Kirk references his long ago ancestor, James 'Jimmy' Kirk, who features in my Hogan's Heroes crossovers "Down the Tunnel" and "A Soldier's Things".
En Garde! 3/?
by Mistress V
Kirk drew out a handsome replica handgun and displayed it to appreciative oohs and ahhs from those present.
"This is one of the many types of sidearms issued to United States Army Air Corps senior personnel during our World War 2," he began. "Pilots had to carry them in case of being shot down over hostile territory... or even to quell an onboard disturbance. I'm not sure which model my ancestor, Captain 'Jimmy' Kirk flew with during his missions, but his diary tells me he carried one.
"Weaponry has always been the basis for protection and in time, it came to symbolize the military's strength. Any military's. It's hard to believe, but from man's first hesitant flights, we came to where we are today in the stars. Starfleet is founded on the basis of a strong military history, even though we are primarily a service of peace and exploration. Did you know that some early Terran astronauts were armed? I'm not sure what a bullet would do in space, but they were.
"You may ask why early defense corps used such unusual implements." Kirk gazed around the room and took in the wide variety of objects, from the simplest to the most sophisticated of its time. "It's all about teaching skills of precision and defense, of having excellent judgment and reflexes, of being ready for anything. Nowadays, the computers do much of that for us, though hand to hand combat is still required for everyone. I'm hoping that by using these more distant incarnations of our present day weaponry, you'll all come to appreciate what you can learn from them. I know I will. But now, to make certain we do it the right way, I'll turn things over to security. Lieutenant?"
"Thank you, sir." Lt. Jason Smith took the stand, brandishing a sharp, beautiful looking machete type blade attached to a polished hardwood hilt. "This is my friend the pinuti. I won it in a game of chance down at Earth Station Subic Bay when I was still a cadet. Its cousins were used to clear jungle growth but this baby's strictly for defense. In the past, the tip was sometimes coated with the poison of your choice: snake venom, plant sap, chemicals, to make your enemy's end come quicker. But the most common use was this."
In one quick movement, the brawny security chief had Sulu in his unyielding grasp, the blade a hairsbreadth from the man's exposed throat. Sulu looked suitably terrified, even though it was obvious the pair had rehearsed the action well. He was released a moment later and bowed to his opponent before taking his seat.
"And that," Smith continued as he nonchalantly replaced the weapon in its scabbard, "is something we will NEVER see, no matter where you're practicing. Even in fun. Is that clear? To do so means confiscating your property AND going on report. No exceptions." He paused, with a nod at Kirk. "Unless the captain orders it. And I, for one, hope that never has to happen."
Smith went on to explain safety protocols and outlined how each weapon would have to be fitted with the appropriate cautionary devices if necessary. He then turned the floor over to Dr. Fiskess, who went over safe usage in more detail and mentioned the more common injuries associated with such activity. He concluded by saying he HOPED the sickbay staff wouldn't be seeing ANY club members anytime soon. After that, each attendee stood up and gave a brief description of their weapon, its history and their interests. Christine was interested to hear that Spock's little cross bow, a mes-lipitah, fired not conventional arrows but a type of dagger. It had been used during pre-reform days, in rocky and close terrain where arrows weren't feasible.
The meeting then broke apart into small groups of interested participants. People wandered back and forth. Archery was a popular hobby and several novices came by to say they wanted to learn the basics. A computer technician offered to help write some holosuite programs so they could practice onboard. Christine was just looking over Spock's skillfully crafted hardwood crossbow when he was called to where Kirk and Mitchell were talking with Scotty. He apologized to the group and disappeared into the crowd.
Sulu was bouncing around between groups, the proverbial kid in the candy store thanks to his numerous interests. He joined the archers, eager to share news. "I just found out there's a great park down on the planet," he said excitedly. "It has lots of room and guess what? There's a weaponry section---where people can do archery, spear throwing, whatever. Can you believe it? Right here! Who's up for going down there tomorrow morning for some practice? After all, we don't leave orbit 'till the next afternoon."
Everyone agreed to the trip with gusto. Christine was about to accept when she remembered something. "I have a senior bio research meeting tomorrow morning, it includes lunch," she apologized. "Some visiting scholar, so I can't get out of it." Then she looked at Ensign Jenkin, her eyes mirthful. "But maybe you and Bridget can fill me in later?" she asked pointedly.
"We'd be happy to, ma'am," the young man sputtered, though he was obviously pleased at the idea.
"Perhaps we may avail ourselves of the facility after the meeting concludes, Lieutenant?" Spock had glided up soundlessly once more, something that positively unnerved Christine. "The sun does not set until well after 19:00 hours and it is the planet's spring. I am sure the group can give us an assessment of what to expect."
Christine nodded her assent, happy she'd get a crack at that amazing looking crossbow, the likes of which she'd never seen. The idea of Spock teaching her how to use it was not without its merit, either. The meeting drew to a close but it was clear the club was slated to be active indeed.
"Come have a drink?" Gary Mitchell asked as he joined the pair. "Jim's buying."
"Sure," Christine replied. To her surprise, Spock also accepted the invitation.
They made their way to the lounge but as luck had it, Kirk and Spock were summoned to the intercom almost as soon as they arrived. Mitchell ordered drinks for everyone, on the captain's tab, and found a quiet table near an observation window.
"How you doing?" he asked Christine. "I've been worried about you."
"Fine, Gary. Really. The Starfleet counselor said it would take time. She actually encouraged me to get out more, so here I am. That and to laugh as often as I can, over whatever seems funny."
"Always good advice. Not to go all serious on you, but how was the exam?" The promotions examination had recently been given, with results due out after the Babel assignment.
She shrugged. "Who's to say? I thought it was all right. I know the captain said I didn't need to take it, but I wanted to do my part. That way it'll seem more tangible if I pass."
"If? How about when? You'll do fine, Lieutenant COMMANDER Chapel. I can feel it. Now, back to humor. I have a special request, my lady, and only you can take care of it." Mitchell's smile became mischievous.
"Don't ask me to rob from the rich and give to the poor," she said. "That's Ensign Jenkin's job."
"Nope, something even more daring." Mitchell produced a Keferian apple and placed it neatly atop his head. "If you would do the honors?"
Christine started laughing so hard she was afraid she'd choke on her drink. For a few minutes, her shoulders shook and she wiped at her streaming eyes.
"What's so funny?" Kirk asked as he and Spock sat down.
"It would appear the commander is attempting to perpetrate the old William Tell fable," Spock observed sagely. "Much the same as the legend of George Washington and the cherry tree, Robin Hood and his Merry Men, the Dutch boy and the leaking dike, or..."
"We get it, Spock," Kirk told him.
"Who cares if it's a myth?" Mitchell countered. "I still think she can do it."
"Not in a million years." Christine took the fruit from his head and played with it in her hands. "Unless you want some cranial surgery. This may be called an apple but it's much more pulpy than the ones we know. And the seed is like a mango's, big and dense. An arrow would deflect off it, with some pretty nasty possibilities. "
"Well, how about some fancy arrow stuff, like Kevin Costner did in the film?" Mitchell persisted.
"That was computer generated."
"Oh."
"Any other bright ideas, Gary?" Kirk asked his friend.
"I'll have to get back to you." Mitchell raised a glass. "To merry men, and women."
"I'll drink to that one," Christine said with a smile.
A moment later, Spock touched his glass to hers, his eyebrow raised in agreement.
End of 3.
There is such a blade as described, it was used in the Philippines and Indonesia, mostly. WW2 pilots were issued any one of several types of sidearms (depends on where you were based). And yes, the Soyuz escape pod does indeed have conventional weaponry on board. The idea is that if the capsule lands in hostile territory (a crocodile infested swamp OR somewhere they're not particularly welcome), a gun would be useful.