Deceptions Ch 3 What you don't Know Can Hurt You Part 1

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READY ROOM USS ENTERPRISE

Kirk tries to sit as still as possible waiting for the comm to be put through. Only Spock is able to not fidget or engage in nervous small talk like the rest of Alpha crew. Two hours ago the Enterprise was informed Chancellor Gorkon wanted to speak with the Captain and his senior staff directly. This was not part of the diplomatic agreement but in the interest of good will Jim decides to allow the comm call. The agreement was once the coordinates were sent; neither party would have contact until they both reached the designated planet. Jim listens to the various conversations attempting to get a feel for the mood of his officers. Jack, Scotty and Bones idly chat about the recent Colts-Patriots games. Chekov and Sulu discuss the most efficient route to the planet Upsilon Cerberus IV where the conference will be held. Uhura is giving Spock an earful about Lt. Sanders' incompetency. As if knowing she is being spoken of, Lt. Sanders' high pitched soprano fills the room. "Captain Kirk…Chancellor Gorkon is on the comm. Waiting for your order sir."

Kirk smiles internally as Uhura tenses at Lt. Sanders' voice. After the debacle with the Sith Jedi, all of Delta crew was retrained. It appears the professional development courses worked. Six months ago, Lt. Sanders would have placed the comm immediately. "Thank you. Wait for my mark," Kirk orders straightening in his seat. "Remember people play nice. I am not sure what he wants but let's not screw this before it starts." Kirk takes a moment to look at each person around the table, ensuring they understand what is at stake. "Put him through Lt." Kirk squares his shoulders sitting ram rod straight as Chancellor Gorkon's image fills the wall PADD. "Chancellor Gorkon, so nice to hear from you again. I hope things have been well with you," Kirk offers a stiff, formal greeting.

Gokon smiles while Uhura suppresses a shudder. Klingons are not known to smile except for when they are about to double cross you. "Captain Kirk I am pleased to hear that you have accepted the terms of the meeting. I know you are skeptical of our intentions but I can assure you I only mean to honor your daughter and house," Gorkon tries to set a calm, relaxed tone for the comm call.

Jim keeps his face neutral. "It will be an honor for my daughter and myself Chancellor." Jim lets his eyes stray briefly from Gorkon's as he identifies the two other individuals standing with him. "I look forward to another discussion with yourself, Commander Muurgtha and your Chief of staff Torak."

Torak narrows her gaze at Kirk. "And your crew…they are not coming?" Jack feels the hair on his neck stand slightly. Her question seemed too pointed for his taste.

"No only Kate and I will be attending the l ceremony. My senior staff will be present for the dinner reception only." Kirk gives no explanation for his refusal to let them attend the planet side ceremony. Jim sees Jack's imperceptible wince at the topic they have fought over for two days now. "Trust takes time and patience, Chancellor."

Gorkon sees this comm call will not be as easily as he hoped. "There are many misconceptions on both our sides. It is known to us that you feel we do not value the life of our children. That we hold them somehow less dear than you." Kirk feels warmth spread through his body like he is a child caught in a lie. This is the prevailing view of most Federation citizens. Gorkon saves Kirk before he has to come up with a response. "I can assure you that idea is as far from the truth as the perception that the Federation is a homo-sapiens only club." Gorkon scans the faces of the Enterprise's senior staff. "Wars and fighting do not make one brave. Peace talks require far more bravery. When you are without your weapon and are forced to go with your instincts and trust…that requires a brave man." Gorkon signals off to the side. His young son, Karel, soon appears on the video feed standing formally in front of his father. "We do not allow children on our ships like the Federation. It is a decision I am trying to repeal. Families need each other."

Jim is on edge. He needs to know what Gorkon has up his sleeve. "I agree." Jim feels that Gorkon is slowly trying to bring up a topic that he thinks the crew of the Enterprise is not going to like. "With all due respect Chancellor Gorkon, let's not beat around the bush shall we? What do you want to propose that we are not going to like?"

Gorkon laughs again. "Torak and Muurgtha warned me a direct approach was the best avenue with you." Gorkon gets serious for the next part of his request. "Captain, this is a historic event for both our sides. I wish to propose we use it as a learning experience for the children. Children do not innately harbor prejudice. We teach them that. As a show of peace every one of my officer's attending will have their offspring in attendance." Gorkon flashes to an image of a group of Klingon's gathered in another room. Each man and woman present is standing with a child of varying age. One Klingon woman even has a small baby in her arms. "I am not requiring this of you. Your choice to include your senior staff and their families is solely yours."

Jim feels his stomach drop. Gorkon is challenging him. He was leery of having his adult staff attend. If he was not permitting Jack on planet, there is no way in hell he is going to allow the kids. Gorkon can see the tension on the Enterpise at his sudden revelation. "Captain the typical Bat'leth ceremony is not appropriate for even Klingon children," Gorkon laughs. "I would not permit my children to attend until after the age of adulthood." Gorkon squeezes his son's shoulders lovingly. Jim gets a small smirk spying the eye roll from Karel at his father's words.

"What are you suggesting Chancellor? That we serve punch and use Nerf swords?" Spock shoots Jim a glare. The Captain's choice of words was not the most diplomatic.

"Marshmallow guns," Jack snaps his fingers like it is a brilliant idea. "After you shoot you can eat the ammo. Makes for a tasty clean up." Jim gives Jack a 'let's be serious look.' Jack gestures widely. "What like Nerf swords and Kool Aide is a better idea?"

Spock stares at the Captain and Chief of Security like they have lost their minds. "You must relax Commander Spock," Gorkon assures the Vulcan. "Jokes are good. It relieves the tension. I want you to feel comfortable in a dialogue with me. I understand if you are scared to have your children attend. Klingons do tend to scare Earth children." Gorkon means the statement good naturedly but it riles several members of the Alpha crew.

"Will all due respect Chancellor, ya do tenda be associated with war and death," Scotty adds.

Spock is not going to let the conversation stray farther. "What Commander Scott means is that human children are coddled until very late in their development. They often do not possess the maturity as seen in other races at the same chronological age," Spock gives his view on human children much to the chagrin of Alpha crew.

"Thank you Spock," Jim cuts him off curtly. Jim is annoyed at the idea the Enterprise kids are unable to attend the ceremony because they are scared of Klingons. "Human kids adapt well enough. The one that can attend will be fine Chancellor Gorkon," Jim says through a clenched jaw.

Gorkon's forehead wrinkles in surprise. "The one? I do not understand Captain. It is my understanding you have five others on the Enterprise. I thought that by requiring my delegation to bring their offspring, it would alleviate any fears you might have for yours."

Jim locks eyes with Gorkon. His tone and demeanor show Jim will not be swayed on his next statement. "I am the Captain but not their parents. My officers will make their own choices independent of our feelings. If they choose to let them to attend, they will be there. Otherwise they won't. This is not a problem is it Chancellor?"

"No Captain Kirk it is not a problem. May I ask permission to address them directly," Gorkon requests. "If they are able to bring their concerns to my attention I may have a way to reassure them." Jim nods his consent. Regardless of what Gorkon says his decision will remain. No one but he and Kate will attend the ceremony. Jim squares his shoulders waiting to see which side of this debate he will have to intervene on to keep the peace.

"Lt Sulu, Col. O'Neill, Commander Scott, I implore you allow your children to be part of this cultural exchange. Change is hard. My officers have concerns about you as well. They did not like the idea of our children being around you. Contrary to what you may think…I did not order them to do this. The delegation is composed entirely of those willing to take steps forward in peace. If it will help in your decision making, I would implore you to ask me directly any questions or concern you may have."

Jack is the first one to speak. "Chancellor Gorkon I have heard that the reason this is taking place at a secret location is because not everyone in the Klingon Empire supports it. Is there a chance of past resentments being played out?"

The file Gorkon has read on O'Neill states he does not mince words. He prefers to have an adversary be direct. "It is true Colonel. There are some among us that would use this ceremony to wage conflict. Both the Klingon Empire and the Federation have done its best to ensure only those wishing it to occur now the details. My ship is manned only with my most loyal staff. I can vouch for each member of my ship personally. It is our sincerest wish that peace is attainable between our two great cultures. I am also not permitting any of my officers or security force to bear arms at your dinner reception."

Jack is stunned by this announcement. A unarmed Klingon is like pig flying. "That's admirable sir very. I will personally vouch for your safety on the Enterprise. No harm will befall any member of your party."

Gorkon can see the look of disbelief on Jack's face. "I do not believe weapons should be around children. They should learn to fight with words and ideas not phasers or disruptors." Gorkon explains.

Jack feels painted in a corner. He is not going to allow his boys on planet but makes a false show of concession. "If you and your officers can be that trusting I guess I can take the leap of faith providing my wife allows it." Jim snickers getting a pathetic look from Jack. "What oh great captain?"

Jim directs his attention to Gorkon clarifying Jack's statement. "Chancellor Gorkon please understand that Col O'Neill is making a promise he may not be able to keep. Wives in our culture can be a more formidable adversary than a husband."

Gorkon grins widely. "Colonel O'Neill I too understand the fury of a wife. I wish you well in your upcoming battle with your mate. Please relay my sincere wishes that she will allow your sons to attend. Do you have any questions Lt. Sulu, Commander Scott or Lt. Commander McCoy?" Gorkon turns to the three remaining parents at the table.

Bones winces slightly at the use of his rank. He has never seen a reason to use his rank except for when he is either breaking a rule or requesting better quarters. "Why? Why the change in rules and why now. It was my understanding all the details were agreed upon by the diplomats and no changes were to be made."

Jim leans back slightly in his seat. He is glad Bones asked this question. It has bothered Jim from the beginning. "Diplomats have their own agenda. It was difficult enough to agree on a location. If certain members of the High Council thought a guest list were to be issued we would still be at the negotiation table. I assume you have some in your circle that are more concerned about appearances than actually getting work completed," Gorkon responds honestly.

McCoy laughs leaning forward on the table. "I can name several Sir," he says in his easy Southern manner. "If I was a betting man, I would lay down money that the location would have to be a planet three times the size of Earth just to accommodate Komack's personal staff." Jim grins at how easy McCoy can charm almost anyone. You can't help but like McCoy unless he is jabbing you with a hypo.

Gorkon nods. "K'aylynn granddaughter of Kahnrah could give your Komack a run for his money with the press," Gorkon challenges good-naturedly. He again turns serious. "As your Captain said, the inclusion of your families is voluntary. I have permitted no one who is opposed to having their offspring there on the delegation or my ship. I hope to see you there but understand if you chose not to allow your children to attend. This was not part of the initial agreement."

Scotty exhales loudly, "Ah bloody hell. Both I and my son will be there. A Scott has been at every insane engagement since William Wallace took on the English at the Battle of Stirling. I pray there will be no battle but a Scott will be there." If Jim could reach his chief engineer he would gob smack the back of his head like a child. This is not some PR event. Jim understands that Scotty's comment was more about the defensive capabilities of the Enterprise than being a part of the award ceremony; however, promising that Cameron will attend annoys the shit out of him,

Sulu leans forward squaring his shoulders. He understands honor and is good at reading people. If the man standing in front of him was not Klingon, Sulu would trust him. He suppresses the prejudice he feels and speaks with a firm clear voice. "If the others are good with it then I'm good. Trust has to begin with someone," Sulu's voice is firm and steady.

Jim easily sees a future Captain sitting diagonally from him. He is beyond proud of the way his officers have stepped up; however, now is not the time for bravery. Jim can barely contain his simmering anger with his senior staff. He will not permit the children to attend regardless of their parents' wishes. This meeting will not be over as soon as the transmission ends like Kirk originally planned. "Chancellor Gorkon, I just want you to be clear that this is not the final say in the children s attendance. Kate is the only one required. My officers have at this time voiced their opinion but this opinion may change up to the minute of our arrival time." Everyone at the table is aware how pissed Jim is by his tone and body language.

Gorkon bows to the crew before directing his statement to Kirk. "I thank you for your time and will look forward to seeing you tomorrow. Gorkon out." The screen goes blank and the room goes silent.

The officers turn to face Jim who is blood red. He has no need to maintain a calm, relaxed demeanor anymore. "Are you all out of your fucking minds?" Jim thunders pushing back violently from the table. "Regardless of what that man just said…my orders stand. No one is going dirt side except Kate and myself." Jim crosses his arms bracing for anyone to tell him different.

Jack reclines in his seat crossing his hands over his stomach eyeing Jim. He is the first to speak. "Captain, I…we understand your thoughts on this. While we are your subordinates and follow your orders, we are also a family. Albeit a highly dysfunctional family at times, but a family," Jack sighs loudly abandoning his formal tone. "For crying out loud Jim I can't let you, who I see more as a brother than a commanding officer, go dirt side without protection. I'd never forgive myself if you or Kate got hurt or killed. Families crumble when one member chooses not let the others in. Trust me I have personal experience on this." Jack thinks back to when he almost lost his family to his previous Section 31 job. "Life can get shitty but THAT is not the time to stick your head in the sand and not see events for what they are. You are making a bad call here Jim. One you will regret. Your ace in the hole is not a sure thing."

"Since when did you join the diplomatic corps Jack," Jim stares at his COS like he has two heads. He scans the table looking at each face before settling back on Jack. "I mean yes we are family but we all are Star Fleet officers. You were right on one part though. You all are my subordinates and will follow my orders is that understood. Dismissed!" Jim says storming out of the room.

Jack looks at the others. He is close to Jim but not part of the original crew. Jack is hoping one of them can shed some light on this side of Jim he has never encountered before. He has never seen Jim so adamant on a self-destructive decision. "It appears the Captain will not be deterred from his current plan of action Col. O'Neill" Spock says.

Bones slowly stands from his seat. "Well he can go fuck himself and I'm telling him that as soon as I get a stiff drink."

Jack turns to the helmsman next. "Sulu…your thoughts?

Sulu squares his shoulders. "I feel Gorkon is sincere and honest. I also know the Captain. He is reckless but doesn't have a death wish. He has a plan none of us are privy to."

"Mr. Scott," Jack continues to poll each member of Alpha crew looking for insight and allies.

"I dunno lad. The problem I have is not with the Klingons. Gorkon is making more than a wee concession bringing his family to the meetin'. I canna believe I am sayin' this but I believe the bloody bastard. The problem I have lad is the Bird of Prey that will be hangin' off our port bow without Mr. Klingon diplomacy commanding it."

"You and me both Mr. Scott," Sulu agrees fidgeting with a stylus.

"I have no problem going down to the planet. I jus dunna wanna be stranded there," Scotty confesses. "That bein' said I am with Dr. McCoy. We've known Jim Kirk a wee bit longer than you. The bloody ass shuts down when threatened and given no options. When he needs help he doesn't take it. Not without a fight."

Now this is the kind of talk Jack was hoping would occur. "So we give it to him in the form of a sucker punch if needed," Jack tries to keep his tone level.

Spock lets his piercing gaze fall on the chief of security. He had hoped Jack would show this kind of initiative but needs to set the ground rules. Jim's authority can't just be usurped because a crew member does not like his decision. Spock needs to guide them on the most logical course of action to make Jim see his mistake. "You understand Colonel O'Neill you are instigating a mutiny. A better approach to the situation would be in enacting Star Fleet Regulation Starfleet Order 104: Paragraph B."

Chekov, who has been a silent participant, finally speaks. "I don't vish to overthrow the Keptin sirs. The Keptin has his reasons for every decision he makes. Like chess."

Jack tries to calm the eighteen year old kid down with humor. "I am not suggesting mutiny just a legal way to force him to join reality. It is just National Talk like a Pirate day. Spock here was getting into the spirit of things, right Spock?"

Uhura snickers at the mental image of Spock as a small child with a sword and eye patch. "Then just what are you suggesting Jack. Jim is not going to change his mind when he is like this. Bones back me up here," Uhura plays with her ponytail deep in thought.

"No he is not darlin' we all know that. I suggest we hypo his ass and all show up on planet with him. That is what my plan would be," Bones' comments draw chuckles form around the table. The doctor is quick as lightening with a hypo and on some level his plan would work.

"So we go with Star Fleet Reg 100 something," Jack looks for any loophole to force Jim's capitulation. Jack knows the rules and regulations of his job like the back of his hand. He just doesn't know the numbers associated with each like the Vulcan does.

Spock allows a small smile to spread on his face. "Col. O'Neill do you know exactly which Star Fleet regulation you are quoting? That particular regulation pertains to the First Officer taking command when the captain is off the ship. Would you like the Star Fleet regulations that would give you the authority to directly violate the Captain's orders?"

Jack is aware of the basic rules but pretends to be awe struck. "They have rules like that," he says sarcastically. "Spock," Jack leans forward on the table. "I know General Order 15 and Tactile Directive 36. We need something else."

"What about regulation 239.462 sub-sections 4 stating if the commanding officer is unable to make a reasonable decision due to a hostage crisis, the chief of security maintains the right to act in any fashion to release the hostage without impunity from his commanding officer. Or a more applicable one would be the forced removal of an individual from a planet against their will. This action clearly violates several regulations, including the Prime Directive," Spock state firmly. "It is a stretch to call the ceremony a kidnapping but Katherine is being forced to attend against her parents will to attend. This may not be a logical assumption but a reasonable one."

Jack's head almost aches with the official mumbo jumbo. "I have never been so happy to have a walking library for a friend. You are a beautiful human being Spock," Jack says dryly. "I will gladly embrace this stretch." Spock forgoes reminding Jack and the others he is not human.

"You know he could reasonably," Uhura emphasizes the word reasonably, "transfer you to Delta Varga after this."

"Yeah but he and Kate would be alive," Jack lets everyone know his priorities lie with the Kirk's and not his career. "That's what matters right?"

Bones walks to the door. "I am going to go tell Jim he is being as ass and we all think it. Anyone care to join me?" No one moves. "Thought so," Bones smiles walking out the door. Uhura, Sulu, and Chekov follow behind the doctor.

"I have one more thing to discuss and Spock I am going to need your approval," Jack decides to try it Spock's way.

"For my approval I would need to know what I am approving," Spock replies formally but with interest.

"You both know my prior position was with Section 31." Spock nods yes while Scotty gives his standard "aye" response. "Well the only thing that job has over this one is the toys. That part was real hard to give up so... I brought a few with me when I transferred." Spock arches an eyebrow concerned. The only toys Section 31 has are for destruction.

"What the hell did ya bring on me ship," Scotty yelps. He is having flashbacks when Carol Marcus said just about the same words and it turned out to be super soldiers.

"This particular toy is a miniature phaser cannon. It was tested and used on Section 31 shuttles. Worked so well it became standard equipment on every shuttle. So what I am asking is this," Jack leans in towards the two men across form him on the table. "I need a way to get it on planet undetected. I don't want to be caught dirtside with a cloaked shuttle lurking about. We need an ace in the hole. Gorkon may be honest but he could have an Admiral Marcus lurking in the shadows. It packs a punch for three shots. Not enough to win a war enough to give us an edge just in case"

"Conceivable," Spock admits. "So our conundrum is this? How do we get it on planet when no weapons are permitted?" Jack makes a general guesstimate with his hands sparking an idea in Scotty.

"Ya device might be wee enough to fit in a sensor array. We could claim it is needed for communication purposes," Scotty offers. "Hell, I can build a compartment around it that is shielded. Those bloody bastards would never know what his them.

Spock likes the idea. "At this point I am not in command of the Enterprise and I cannot authorize such an action,"

Jack allows a niggling of hope spring in his chest. "I hear a but coming on," Jack lets a small smirk edge the corner of his mouth.

"However, at the point the Captain departs the ship…I will have that authority," Spock turns his heavy stare to the Chief Engineer. Mr. Scotty please report to engineering immediately. From your last report the Secondary Focus Modulator on the sensor arrays are not functioning up to specifications per you last departmental report. I feel you should test a new design by removing that piece of equipment. Hopefully that will correct the errors reported." From Jack's crude gestures, Spock hopes the removal of the Secondary Focus Modulator will allow enough room for Jack's mini phaser cannon to be concealed." Spock turns his gaze back to Jack. "That is all I can do at this time Colonel."

Jack is dumbfounded the Vulcan XO can think outside of the box. He is always so damn by the book but Jack can admit when he is wrong. "Spock I owe you one," Jack thanks his XO, "that's all I needed." Spock nods and leaves the ready room.

"Jack is alone with Mr. Scott. He can tell the Scotsman has more to say. "Jack…there is no way you are lettin' your boys on the planet?"

Jack feels slightly angered that Scotty would try to coerce him into letting the boys attend. "No and frankly I am shocked you all are willing to do so," Jack says firmly. He sees Mr. Scott look at him confused. "What?" Jack says defensively.

"Laddie, there is no way Jim would ever consent for the lass to go if he was not reasonably sure of her safety. He loves the Enterprise but he loves Katie more. He would walk away from Star Fleet if it was ever a choice between Katie and his ship. The fact that he is allowing Katie to go, is a gooda nough reason for Cameron to go," Scotty explains.

Jack has never felt as isolated from the tight knit command crew as he does right now but Jack will not put friends above his family. "I see you point Scotty. It's valid but the only thing that will change my mind is getting a feel for Gorkon in person…or my wife?"

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DEEP SPACE ON THE IKS KLOTHOS

"What do you mean we could have a problem? We are paying you an inordinately large sum of money for no problems," Torak spats looking around. She can't believe he is calling her. He had sworn that they would never need to speak once she sent him the coded coordinates.

The man scans his surrounding like he expects his boss to burst through the door behind him. That man is like a wraith and scares the shit out of him. He debated on coming clean to him when he was approached by the double agent but the thought of the millions of credits won out. "Yeah but the code was picked up by our divisional office. It was never supposed to be re-routed here," he paces the sidewalk nervously. "The code will not be broken on our end. I am the head of the division but others are attempting to break it. I need the rest of the money now." The young man looks at the parking lot in the early morning landscape. The Director's car has not moved since last night as evidences by the leaves clinging to the windshield. He looks up at the Director's window. Even with the lights on you could not see in through the darkened glass. For all he knows the Director sees him from above.

"When the Enterprise shows at the designated coordinates your account will be credited and not a second sooner," Torak says icily. If she could snap his neck she would. They have no use for him now except to control him from going to his authorities and turning himself in. "Keep calm and you will have your money in two days."

"I had better," he threatens. A man coming towards him causes the spy to hide the communicator briefly.

"Bossman is calling a meeting in five minutes," Kowlaski says striding to the entrance of Deneva Mining Corporations Headquarters.

"Fine," he holds the comm up indicating he is on a call. "Melissa," he mouths. Kowalski nods disappearing through the door. "I will hold up my end of the bargain but if you don't I will give Sam Kirk your name."

Torak rolls her eyes like she should be scared of a human male. "Do not call again," she snaps closing the comm.

"Is all good?" Tre'gok asks swiveling in the command chair of the IKS Klothos.

Torak walks next to the imitation Gorkon. "Yes. Is the takeover complete?" She directs her attention to Tanas at communications.

Tanas stands proudly. "Yes. We programmed the warp drive to initiate a jump in twenty minutes. With the ship flooded by lethal concentrations of Theragen gas, and no set end coordinate, Gorkon will never be found. Tre'gok can assume the mantle of the High Chancellor unimpeded. Gorkon and his way of peace is no more," Tanas salutes Torak before returning to his seat.

"Are you sure it was wise to kill Gorkon this early. You said Kirk was wary," Tre'gok asks.

Torak walks behind the command chair. She places her hands on his shoulders and begins to massage them. Tre'gok leans into her touch. "Yes. In five hours we will be at Upsilon Cerberus IV. The dawning of the new Klingon Empire is close at hand. It only requires sacrifice and blood." She draws her family's ceremonial dagger. With a flick of her wrist she severs Tre'gok's jugular vein. His hand flies to his neck attempting to stem the flow of blood coursing from the wound. Torak slithers from behind the command chair kneeling next to Tre'gok. His eyes are wide at the betrayal. "Do not panic. You were right. Both Captain James T. Kirk and Gorkon proved more resourceful that we imagined. The Chancellor finished a comm call to Kirk moments before we released the Theragan gas and I beamed. If he had not come up with the idea to make it a family affair you could have kept your voice," she wipes the blood off her dagger onto Tre'gok's chest. "Kirk is not a fool. He would have noticed you sounded different the moment you spoke. His doctor would want to examine any wound so we needed one. Do not worry. It was not deep enough to kill but only sever you vocal cords. Your contribution to the war effort will he recorded in the Hall or Warriors on Ty'Gokor." Torak steps back allowing the medic to stem the flow of blood. "Children will sing songs of your greatness," she rambles stepping over his body into the command seat. "Commander Ka'Ak set course and engage. We have a Federation ship to destroy." Commander Ka'Ak sets the coordinates. Star lines streak around the ship as the IKS Klothos streaks towards the Enterprise.

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