"Please let us in- it's urgent!"

"I can't, I'm sorry. It's against policy."

"Let us through the damn door, man!"

"I cannot."

"Please, our friend-,"

"What are you doing here?"

All three heads turned. Kirk stood there, arms crossed, eyebrow raised. He knew full well why they were there, but he wanted to hear them say that they thought he was going crazy. "Using the 48 hour delay to our advantage," Uhura shot at him. She dared him to question her vagueness.

"It's enough time to go pick up some medicine, Jim," Bones agreed, effectively shutting out all chances being subtle. Uhura shot him a glare that went unnoticed.

Kirk rolled his eyes, feinting exasperation. "You think I'm mentally unstable. Thanks for your care, guys." The old man at the desk stared at them, hooked nose dripping.

"Please leave my lobby."

"Sorry, sir," Kirk apologized. Uhura and Bones trailed after him. The guards averted their eyes now, looking for other suspicious characters as the threesome walked out the door. Outside, Jim turned on them. "We need to put in a request to go to Faunus."

"Faunus?" Bones was taken aback. "What's on Faunus? It is a planet, right?"

Uhura nodded, eyes narrowing at her captain. "Faunus is known for its forests," she told Leonard. "Is there something urgent there that needs to be taken care of?"

Kirk stopped short. "I need to do some research to answer that."

He brushed past them and was soon gone, leaving his two friends behind. Bones rubbed his chin. "I think we've done all we can for today." If he knew Jim at all, it was that he was stubborn and absolutely nothing would come between him and his goal.

But Uhura had noticed something slight in his demeanor, something that suggested a bit of pain. She was concerned. She knew that Faunus was known for its drugs- was Kirk really in such bad shape that he was going to resort to banned substances for comfort? "I need to try one more thing. You can go back to the ship."

Ponytail swinging behind her, she ran off after her captain, leaving Leonard alone. He shrugged. Let her try. Worse that could happen is that she'd help him. He headed back to report to Spock.

"Jim!" Uhura shouted, dodging other pedestrians. "Jim!"

He turned around, not expecting anyone to have given chase. "Yes?" Subtly, he rubbed his fingers together, trying to concentrate on that feeling instead of the image of Leodro sticking a needle into Pike's arm. "What is it?"

She stopped just in front of him, looking up at his face. "You are not feeling well." The other people walking formed a little pocket around them.

"Is that you, Spock?"

She sighed. "Okay."

He shook his head and sighed, too. "No, you're right. But don't worry about it. It's nothing." One look and he knew he wasn't going to escape without an explanation. It was like having his mother in front of him, on top of Spock- he marveled at the sheer misery if such a situation were to actually happen. "It's Admiral Pike."

Uhura was caught off guard by the direct answer. "Is there anything you need?"

Kirk looked around, debating against himself. Finally, he broke down and confessed to Uhura, "Yes. Please, I wasn't there for the Admiral. I made his brother a promise, and I need to keep it, because I feel like it's a promise to Admiral Pike." His face was an open book. Uhura bit her lip, thinking through her options.

"What do you need done? Faunus?"

He nodded, a weight lifting off his shoulders. "I know you know about the drugs there. You always know everything." He ran a hand through his hair. "Pike had me promise to destroy all the gardens, to avenge him."

She covered her mouth with a hand. Unless they had good reason, such destruction could get them dismissed from duty at the very least, and possibly start a war with the Klingons at the most. Faunus was by no means near Earth. But her hands had moved to stop her immediate protest rather than express shock.

"I know." Kirk looked down, figuring he was going to be defeated here.

But she couldn't leave him in pain like that. "Yes, I'll help."

Relief broke across his strong face. "Thank you," he breathed. Spock was a lucky man.

"But you have to come back to the ship. Everyone's really worried about you."

He rolled his eyes. "Because of the woman I think I saw. I'm giving up on it- I don't care anymore." Uhura took that as he had finally realized his own mistake and just didn't want to admit it. She smiled. "So no one had better mention it."

"Of course, Captain."

He nodded. "So, you know all about Faunus? That means a trip to the library isn't necessary?"

"You can go waste your time somewhere else- please some place sanitary, Captain." Kirk smirked, knowing exactly what she was suggesting he not do.

"I'll think on it."

Mia took a deep breath. How she was supposed to go about this, she had no idea. She had never manipulated people in this manner before, and while it was for a cause she believed in, she wasn't sure how well she was going to accomplish the task. Her eyes glanced over the PADD one last time. Assistant navigator and apprentice engineer.

It was impressive to any person reading a resume, and so it was only natural that she had been so readily accepted aboard the ship. However, she worried about how long it would be before she was discovered. She knew absolutely nothing about engineering, and hardly anything about navigation. Communications were her real skills.

"Alright," she murmured to herself. The doors slid open.

She knew exactly who Pavel Chekov was. He was trying in vain to speak a password clearly to the computer, which kept rejecting him in bold red letters. Hiding an amused smile, she stepped through the room to him. She refused to look out the window. She'd get sick.

"K, 4, 9, 9, 0, 7." An angry alarm. The boy exhaled in frustration and tried again. "K, 4, 9, 9-," The alarm, again.

Mia leaned over him. "K49907." Green. He looked up at her, eyes glistening with thanks. "I am Mia, your assistant," she greeted, extending a hand. He stood and shook it firmly, the smile that graced his features genuine.

"It is a pleasure to meet you, Mia," he spoke in his heavy accent. "Please, sit down and I'll show you the launching process." He drew up another chair for her. Obviously he had been expecting her.

She thanked him in Russian, earning a surprised smile from the kid. But instead of continuing any more of the conversation, he sat and continued his work, only speaking to point out different tricks to Mia. She nodded, asking question when she deemed it necessary. Luckily, she knew she'd never have to remember this process, because she had gotten lost after the first step.

The Captain walked in. His blue eyes cast about the room, content to see his crew working hard, everything in order. And then he saw her.

His jaw moved. Then his eyes passed over her like he didn't care. "Everything in order, Spock?" Kirk strode to his chair and sat down on it. Spock appeared next to him.

"Indeed, Captain."

"Good. Uhura alerted you of the location change?" Mia listened back to Kirk's conversation, trying to catch any more information about Uhura.

"To Faunus instead of Niblis? Yes, Captain."

"Good. Then let's do this." He grinned. The crew nodded to him, and then the ship was flying. His eyes went to Mia and Checkov. Judging by the way he kept talking to her and looking at her, he knew very well that she existed. Kirk licked his lips. Was it worth telling anyone? Was it worth confronting the girl?

He scratched the top of his head and then crossed his arms. No, it wasn't worth it until after they had destroyed everything on Faunus. He owed Admiral Pike something, and even if it was through a promise to his corrupted brother, Kirk had to do it.

Uhura stepped over to Jim, cutting Spock off. The Vulcan was surprised by this, but he let it happen all the same. "Feeling better, Captain?" she asked. Kirk grinned.

"Yeah, thanks."

"What is it you seek on Planet Faunus, if I may inquire?"

Uhura and Kirk looked at Spock. "A promise. A rescue," he vaguely told his First Officer. And then he caught Uhura's scolding stare; he simply shrugged and gave a winning grin. She rolled her eyes and walked away. If he wasn't ready to tell, she knew that trying to push him to it would yield nothing.

Chekov couldn't believe that a woman was being so attentive to him. Mia couldn't believe that being a woman could have so much power over a man- she silently thanked her life on the streets of Faunus for preparing her for this. But she still felt bad about it.

"How long until we reach our destination?" Captain Kirk asked.

Mia looked him over, once again finding herself grudgingly impressed. She hated to think that someone so intelligent, kind, and good-looking was the person she was supposed to be manipulating to start a full-scale war. "An hour," Mr. Sulu replied. He had introduced himself to Mia earlier in the flight. "But we cannot warp through the Outer Edges."

Kirk nodded, knowing of the restrictions involving the expanse of that particular space system. They were very clear on rules and regulations, on their rights. And now Jim had an inkling as to why. The sale of drugs was not to be toyed with.

Mia leaned closer to Chekov, as if to ask him a question. "Can you do me a favor once we exit out of warp?" she asked, voice husky. The Russian swallowed. He didn't understand why there was the sudden change in her demeanor, and even though he really, really wanted to find out what it was, he shook his head.

"I cannot leave my post."

Mia blinked and recoiled back into her chair. That hadn't gone as expected. "Maybe later, then," she finished lamely.

Sulu had heard it all. He gave away no sign of his attention, but he made a mental note to keep a close eye on this new recruit. And he also made note to respect Chekov a bit more. Secretly. He'd still give the fellow crap, of course. It was too much fun to stop that.

Unnoticeably, Mia had tapped a message into her watch. As soon as they exited warp, it would be sent, and hopefully the plan would be in motion again. It disappointed her a little that she hadn't been able to trick the Russian. On the other hand, it also made her want to get to know him more. No one had rejected her like that before.

Under the eyes of both Sulu and Kirk, Mia had little room for action, but somehow she managed to make it work without knowing the two dangers. Despite her failure of seduction, all was well.

And Spock became involved as well. He noticed the manner in which the captain would glance over at her, as if making sure he was seeing something clearly. And that concerned him. The Vulcan ordered himself to keep a close eye on the girl as well.

Chaos was about to ensue.

The short haired woman rubbed her face, mind wandering. She hadn't exactly been expecting Kirk to make a promise to Jon Pike, but she could use it to her advantage all the same. It meant the Enterprise would be coming into the vicinity. And that meant she could easily manipulate them all.

Mia was on board, and already she had effectively made her way to the bridge and was becoming close friends with the navigator and engineer. Nothing more could be asked. Taking a deep breath and standing, she shook her head like a dog. Now it was her turn.

"Alex Wade, signing out," she told the computers. They dimmed and shut down, a pleasant blue pass code appearing on the power monitor. She grabbed a leather jacket from her chair and slipped it on, zipping it half way. Absently, she fiddled with her sleeve. One last cast around the room and she decided to take two of her guns, but decided she needed no more.

She stepped out, into the light of the hall. A blast of cool air hit her face, making her grin. Outside the forests were lush, green, and no mines sounded drilling nearby, causing her an image of her hoped for future. But instead of enacting out the first step to some diabolical plan, she walked to another building near her own home.

"Ghost!" she called, accompanying the name with a whistle. The second building was overgrown with vines and moss. A golden head poked its way out through a small opening. It rumbled. "There you are. Ready for a run?"

The beast huffed in answer, trying to bite at the wall. She smiled and unlatched the door. Taking its head in her hands, she guided it out and scratched behind its spotted ears before hoisting herself onto its arched back. Ghost shook his pelt, tufted tail flicking.

She patted its thick, muscular neck. "Hup."

It sprang forward, speeding into the forest. Its massive paws pounded the earth, claws churning it into puffs of dirt littering the air. White teeth glinted in the light. Brown eyes sparked with joy.

On its back Alex smiled, enjoying the speed as much as her beast. The wind blew back her hair and made her feel as if she were flying on the back of dragon, through space and time from the thick forests to the industrialized city. Yes, all too soon the ride ended and she ordered Ghost to a walk.

The Faun Wolf snorted but obeyed his master.

"Thanks," she whispered to him. They were in the mines now, and it was painful to see what the oppression had done to her people.

No matter their race, every man and woman that stepped along the worn paths through the yellowing grass held a permanent frown to their face. Their eyes were hard and cast downwards. Dirt streaked across their cheeks. On the occasional face blood dripped from a fresh cut on their face, from the fresh symbol of slavery and disobedience. The symbol of spirit.

Her beast was not the only one in the streets, but Ghost was by far the youngest and the most magnificent. His pelt was still a warm gold, whereas the others were pale with grey age. Alex fell into the same manner as everyone else. She hated it.

"Get back to work!" A whip crack.

She set her jaw, refusing to let herself be goaded into action. The way through the streets was short, but for her it was far too long. When she reached the very end of the thick of the mining sites, she looked up and sighed with frustration. She was sick of watching those faces suffer.

A shudder. Screams.

Her head whipped around, eyes wide. She had never witnessed it before, but she knew. "No," she whispered. "No, don't-,"

A puff of dust shot into the air, clouding the attempts of help. "Mine collapse, Site 3! Hurry!" More shouts. "HURRY!"

She shot back into the dust. Before she even knew where she was she hopped off Ghost, letting the beast help in whatever way he chose. Alex dropped to her knees and drove her hands into the dirt. Someone appeared beside her.

Their hands tossed up more and more dirt. A hand appeared in the ground. "Grab it!" the man shouted next to her. Alex seized it and pulled while the other man dug furiously around the upcoming body.

A head appeared. Torso. Waist. And then Alex was on her back, the body flopped across the ground, trying to gasp for breath, coughing, trying to expel the dirt from his lungs. She scrambled back with the other man and they both slammed their hands down on the body's chest. "Breathe!" the man shouted. "Breath, gods damn it!"

No such command could be obeyed.

Alex watched the light fade from the miner's eyes. Their fists came to a stop. She looked to the man next to her. Apollan. His eyes met her briefly, and she detected the sadness in their blue depths. He licked his lips. He shook his head. "Go back to your duties. You're not a certified rescuer," he harshly ordered.

Clenching her fist, she stood. She kept her eyes averted from the disaster and walked back to the edge of the mine clusters. People were running, doing everything they could to rescue the workers.

Despite the collapse, however, the line kept moving. The workers kept filing by to their own deathtraps, pushing wheel barrows and dragging pick axes, eyes dull. Alex whistled.

Ghost appeared from the dust, shining like a god. She mounted him and they headed past it all, into the thinly wooded areas and towards a field that could be seen a ways ahead through the trees. It was flooded with one herb, and one alone- Tamnen.

Alex pulled a curved sword from her belt. Harvesting day. Easy work for her, and good pay. Unlike the miners. "Hup."

Ghost broke into a run. Straight into the field they charged, in a perfect line, arched sword slicing neatly through the stalks of the plant. Mindless work. Gave her time to plot.

When the sun had reached its zenith, Alex drew Ghost to a halt. She dismounted and the let the Faun Wolf go about his own business of sleeping and wandering. For herself, she headed into the nearby cabin. Her sword hung lazily on her hips.

"Alex?"

"Yes, ma'am."

Inside the cabin was cool and comfortably dim. Other women were inside, relaxing on couches and sitting with food at tables. "How's field six?"

"Usual."

The woman laughed. "That's good. There's a sack by the door for you later- pick up all the plants you cut today. You know how the supervisors get. Can't chance the Tamnen being stolen."

"Hm." Alex sat on wooden chair, pulling an apple out of her bag.

"Did you hear about the mine collapse?" One of the other women asked loudly.

A man entered. "Twelve dead, thirty two injured. Permanently, I believe, because they couldn't get any medics up there. That means forty four dead, ladies." He flashed a charming grin at them all. His brown eyes rested on Alex hungrily. "So watch yourselves. They're going to need new workers."

He sat next to Alex, trying to get her attention. She kept her eyes steady, staring at her apple. Nothing in the cabin for her. "Miss Wade?" the man asked, eyes fluttering, making the other ladies swoon. "Come, now, you should feel blessed you're here and not in the mines." He scooted closer. "You know, if you do me a favor you could be even more than a grower."

"I need to attend the fields," she announced, standing, ignoring him. "I'll be in by sunset to give you the stalks I gather."

She took her exit.

The man sat back in his chair, puffing out a sigh. "I'll never understand her. Ah, well, we Apollans have a superior intellect, so I suppose the reasons of the lesser beings will never make sense. That's why you're doing the mining and not us."

The ladies were silent. They didn't agree, of course, but none would say a thing to Master Grillock. He'd beat them into a bloody pulp and rape them in a moment. And then they would rather be in the mines.

Out in the field, Alex felt her watch hum ever so slightly. She glanced down. "Need orders," it read briefly before going black. Looking around and seeing no one but Ghost, the woman quickly spoke into the device.

"The Enterprise is in need of a weapons specialist. Alex Wade is applying."

"Of course, My Lady," a computerized voice responded, quietly.

"Thanks, Jaques."

"My Lady." The watch shut down.

All this would end soon.

Sorry, I know it was quite a bit of OC development. But if my ideas hold true it's entirely necessary to the story plot. Anyways, thanks for reading! I hope you've been enjoying it, and the romance will be kicking in within the next few chapters, so thanks for your patience.