CH 9 Upsilon Cerberus IV
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BAT'LETH CEREMONY SITE UPSILON CERBERUS IV
The Enterprise crew's tension increases as they near the ceremony site. "Where are the kids?" Bones asks nervously seeing only the six Klingons from dinner.
"I don't' know," Jack replies scanning his group to mentally find the position of each child.
"Stay alert," Jim notices the lack of kids as soon as Jack had but did not want to raise suspicions. This did not sit well with him. "Don't move from my side Kate," Jim warns her grasping her elbow so tightly it is uncomfortable. Kate sees all the hair from the base of Rogue's neck to her haunches is standing up.
"Captain," Torak replies extending her hand as Jim and Kate walk up the steps to the dais. As the Klingon counselor reaches out to shake Kirk's hand, Rogue surges forward placing herself between the Kirk's and the Klingon. Rogue narrowly misses sinking her teeth into the Klingon's flesh. "Hegh Ha'DIbaH SoH (death to you dog)," Torak spats drawing her ceremonial dagger from her belt lunging at Rogue.
Kate drapes her body over the dog as Jim seizes Torak's wrist before she stabs either his dog or his daughter. "Rogue joniu (down)," Jim summons the dog who drops but continues to snarl bearing her teeth.
Jim sees the hatred flash in Torak's eyes but just as quickly is extinguished. "I insist she be chained for the duration of the ceremony."
"You are not chaining my dog," Kate defiantly stands between Rogue and the Klingon.
Jim sees Jack is at Kate's side ready to react. "She can be restrained. My COS will take care of her," Jim nods to Jack who pulls a leash from his pocket snapping it to Rogue's collar. The second Rogue senses her confinement she goes wild gnashing her teeth straining against her bondage until her barks become chokes.
"Dad stop this," Kate begs dropping to her knees trying to soothe the agitated dog. "Wolei Rogue. Cokha hatkocanh wepta tah (Easy Rogue. Dad will fix this)," Kate presses her body on Rogue's chest settling the dog some.
"Colonel O'Neill," Jim emotionlessly gives the unspoken command to remove the dog. "Please continue with ceremony Torak."
"Rogue nan," Jack commands sharply pulling the dog from the dais.
Jim grabs Kate elbow anticipating her next move. "Jack don't hurt her. She doesn't understand what is going on," Kate cries hearing Rogue squeal as Jack controls her. Uneasiness begins to flood Kate as she opens up to the Force.
"I'm not Kate. I just made her sit. She's a Kirk and just doesn't like following the rules," Jack gives Kate what he hopes is a reassuring smile.
"I said not from my side," Jim growls in Kate's ear. She looks at her dad with wide eyes before reacting.
Kate senses a disturbance in the Force. It is stronger than just fear and tension. It feels of death and betrayal. "Dad you," Kate looks around nervously as Torak begins to talk. "You… um wanted me to tell you if anything was off?" Kate whispers in his ear drawing looks from Torak and Gorkon. Kate sees in her Dad's eyes he will believe anything she says. "Bolla joggdu (go run)," Kate keeps her words simple and straight forward. Not everyone is a part of the Huttese Mondays that she and Jim have made a weekly ritual to learn the secret language. Her words set the entire Enterprise crew on overdrive.
Torak reads the look in Kate's eyes as panic. Whatever she has said clearly troubles Jim Kirk. "It is now or never," she thinks. "yIHIv (attack)," she screams .
Before Jim can react Gorkon has Kate by the throat. "Don't move," she says seeing Jim ready to pounce. "He will snap her neck before you can break his grip. I have a job for you to complete. Do it and you will all go free," she gestures to field behind her. Jim turns seeing six armed Klingons emerge from the shuttle disruptors trained on each child. The field is deathly quiet except for the deep barks coming from Rogue. Jim makes a fleeting but meaningful eye contact with each of his officers who have positioned their children behind their back. Jim allows his gaze to settle on Jack the longest noticing Jack's right had has slid to the release mechanism on Rogue's collar. Jim gives a silent prayer that the dog will survive when released. Although it would crush Kate, Rogue has been trained for this purpose. Like in the past, Jim will deal with a broken Kate when she is out of harm's way.
"Dad," Kate says looking in his eyes while struggling in Gorkon's gives Kate a small reassuring smile and head nod before turning his attention to Torak. In an icy tone he replies, "What is the job?" Jim has no intention of completing whatever ludicrous scheme she has planned but needs to buy time.
Kate turns her attention to Torak twisting her body as much as possible to make eye contact. "Why are you doing this," she grunts as Gorkon pulls her back to his chest.
"Shut her up," Torak commands. Kate begins to cough slowly but then more violently as Gorkon increases his grip around her neck.
"Do it Kate," Jim yells signaling her to use the Force but Kate is only concentrating on trying to breathe. "Kill her and everyone dies," Jim threatens but Gorkon doesn't stop choking Kate. "What do you need me to do? What is the job," Jim roars at Torak. She makes a dismissive motion causing Gorkon to release his ever tightening grip. Jim hears Kate gasp for air and prepares for whatever Force defense she is ready to unleash. Jim watches as Lotho mounts the dais walking towards them.
"You are to kill Gorkon," she smiles and in a flash Lotho has Kate in his grip while Gorkon stands without his hostage.
"Maghwl' (traitor)," Kazak yells drawing his ceremonial dagger in defense. With the other hand he rips off his prosthetic Gorkon mask. Jim can't hide the shock from his face.
She pulls a concealed dagger from a fold in her shirt. "Kill him," she orders icily standing back.
"batlh DaHutlh (You have no honor,)" Kazak yells baiting Torak into combat.
"You have no resolve. Did you think we could fake Tre'gok's injuries with some makeup? Tre'gok has true honor. He has altered himself forever giving up his voice so that the Klingon Empire can be heard throughout the galaxy," Torak berates Kazak. Jim sees why the movies always portray the bad guy giving a well-placed monologue just before the hero saves the day. It catches up the audience with all the things that went on behind the scenes. Jim is just grateful that life does imitate art here. It has given him the answers he needs and time to react.
"How many Gorkon's you got stuffed in your closets lady," Jim jokes while calculating a plan of attack. "I mean we got this guy and I assume this Tre'gok was our dinner guest," Jim tries to get her talking again. As sexist as it is, Jim has never found a woman who does not enjoy talking.
"Gorkon is dead. Poisoned by Theragen gas," she coos sweetly, "moments after you spoke with him believing his mewling words of peace. His ship was sent into warp without a destination. You humans are so easy to turn. It took only money to hire a man who altered Tre'gok into what we needed him to be. Once you kill Kazak it will only add to the myth of Kahless the Great rising again from death as we present Tre'gok as Gorkon to the Klingon people. "
"And with a Star Fleet officer shown killing him, the Klingon people will rally to your cause igniting a war," Jim sums up her plan. "Tidy…unlike my daughter's room," Jim tries to pretend to be interested in her plan. "Do it Kate. You should do it now," he orders her wondering why Kate has not unleashed the Force.
"Take it. Do it now," Torak snarls handing the dagger to Jim. It feels cold in his palm.
"Dad note you can't do it," Kate begins to furiously fight kicking her legs and clawing at Lotho's face.
"Motivate him," Torak orders as Lotho raises Kate off the ground by her throat. Kate feels her feet lift off the ground as her airway closes.
"Kate now," Jim screams throwing the knife at Kazak's chest as he rushes him. In a blinding fast motion violence erupts everywhere.
Jack releases Rogue yelling, "bakopa (attack)." He then attacks the Klingon standing next to him. Sulu bones, and Scotty all turn to fight the Klingons nearest them while the Klingons from the shuttle spray disruptor fire around them. Kate closes her eyes. She focuses all her energy on the Force allowing it to flow through her. She has never leashed a Force push of this magnitude. She concentrates only on the adults, attempting to single out the Klingons. The power in her was much stronger than she realized. Instead of just the Klingons, everyone flies back including the crew from the Enterprise. Lotho flies backwards from the Force push taking Kate with him as he falls. Rogue is instantly at his throat biting and tearing at his neck. The wind is knocked out of her slightly but she's on her feet and seconds. "Dad get up get up now," Kate says pulling at Jim's arm. When he doesn't respond she reaches down checking his pulse. Tears well up in her eyes seeing he is unconscious but not dead. Kate surveys the field and the bodies lying like twigs. This is not the Force Luke uses but something more raw and deadly. Kate snaps back into focus seeing movement. She needs weapons and she needs them now. Kate flies from the dais heading to the shuttle with Rogue close on her heels.
Kate sees Joanna slowly sitting up. "Move…get to the shuttle," she commands ripping Joanna to her feet and pulling her along. Kate steals a glance backwards. The kids are coming to faster than the adults.
Ronin has Erika up and moving. "Get cover. Head to the shuttle," Ronin screams as Kate flies into it heading directly for the cockpit. She begins following the preflight checklist warming up the engines preparing for takeoff. Kate hears footsteps behind her. "Get the weapons. Take them to our parents. I'll bring the shuttle into position for pickup," she says fingers flying over the console.
Suddenly someone comes up behind her grabbing her shoulders. John pulls her roughly from the seat shoving her to the back exit. "No Kate, the minute we lift off the Klothos will detect us. We will be shot down. Get to the woods with everybody else," he tells her.
"No," Kate says defiantly. "We need the shuttle. We can't leave the planet without it." Kate tries to push past him but John grabs her arm spinning her.
"Kate you're not thinking. How the hell do you plan to get past the battle cruiser in orbit," John tries to stay calm. "We are a sitting duck in this thing. We have to get out now." John drags her to the back of the shuttle briefly looking to see if any of the adults have come to.
"And what the hell am I going to do in the woods," Kate says fiercely. "The only way off the planet is this shuttle. John I can fly it. Hell I can fly a cardboard box," she says. "We fly the shuttle to the dais, get our parents, and get the hell off Upsilon Cerbus IV. It's called a rescue. We do it in the Falcon all the time."
"This is a shuttle…an unarmed shuttle and not your precious Falcon Kate. Think," John scolds her.
Suddenly the field before them erupts into a blaze of disruptor fire. "Get to the woods now. Keep your heads down, find shelter, and stay put. We will come get you," Jack O'Neill says running to the communications array just outside the shuttle's hatch.
"Jack," Kate says frantically, "I'm not leaving my dad. Give me a gun. I can fight."
Jack does not have time to deal with her. "You claim you want to be a soldier then follow orders," he snaps opening the concealed side compartment of the communication array. "John get her the hell out of here." Jack depresses several buttons revealing a missile launcher. Hoisting the missile launcher to his shoulder, he takes aim at the Klingon shuttle and fires.
John grabs Kate's hand but he can tell she's more worried about what's going on behind her than in front of her. "Kate do you see those trees. Kate," John grabs her face with his hands forcing her to look at him. "Do you see those trees," he asked again. Kate nods while trying to check on the others fighting for their lives behind her. "When I say go you run. You don't look back. You don't stop. You run. Do you understand me?" John laces his fingers firmly around hers and takes off jerking her with him. Kate hears a deafening boom as the Klingon shuttle burst into flames.
"Get down," John screams throwing his body on top of her. "Dad behind you. 3 o'clock," John yells burying his face in Kate's shoulder as the ground is torn up around him.
Jack turns seeing a shuttle appear on the horizon that wasn't there moments before. "Son of a bitch," Jack hollers taking aim and firing.
John hears the shriek of the missile and looks up. The shuttle has stopped firing for the moment as it takes evasive maneuvers. John is on his feet pulling Kate with him but she jerks her hand free. "Kate," John yells feeling her fingers slip through his. His eyes settle on Kate's target. Rogue is pacing twenty yards to their right. The dog doesn't know what to do with the gunfire breaking out around her. "Kate go to the woods," he yells sprinting after her. He is stopped after five feet as the uncloaked shuttle begins strafing the ground as it tries to avoid the heat seeking missile. John is thrown backwards by a blast narrowly missing him.
"Rogue nan (come)," Kate yells hoping the dog will come to her. Kate plows forward through the random disruptor bursts exploding around her. Seeing Kate jars Rogue into action. Kate drops to the ground as disruptor fire launches chunks of Earth about her. As dirt clumps rain on her head and back Kate feels Rogue nuzzle her arm. "Rogue nan," Kate directs taking off for the tree line in front of her. John sees Kate and Rogue heading for the woods. He runs forward hoping to intercept Kate in the woods as the missile finally finds its target in the sky above him.
Jack sees the kids enter the tree line. With them safe he turns his attention back to the Enterprise crew behind him.
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JIM'S POINT OF VIEW OF THE BATTLE
Back on the field everyone is battling for their lives. Jim solidly impacts Torak's jaw knocking her unconscious. He rolls off the dais crawling towards the closest unconscious Klingon. Patting him down Jim finds a disruptor and begins laying cover fire hoping to buy enough time for his men to flee. He takes out two Klingons before they notice his position. He rolls the body of the unconscious Klingon on top of him feeling the disruptor fire pound his body. A high-pitched screech fills the air followed by the shockwave of the Klingon shuttle exploding. Jim rolls the body off him seeing Sulu and Bones fighting hand-to-hand with a Klingon. Jack is at the shuttle aiming his missile launcher at a previously unseen shuttle. The shuttle is attempting to stop the children from entering the woods strafing the ground with disruptor bolts. Jim scans the field seeing only adults so he makes his move. Jim springs from a crouched position grabbing one Klingon around the waist and throwing him into a second. He begins to swing wildly not caring where he hits just that he lands solid blows. Firm hands grip his shoulders, ripping him off the Klingon he had pinned to the ground. The Klingon secures Jim's hands behind his back as Ka'Ak punches him in the gut hard enough to raise him from his feet. A bloodcurdling scream comes from Jim's left as he and the Klingon are forced to the ground. Jim reacts bringing his legs up sharply into the knees of the Klingon holding him. He hears a crunch as his heel shatters the Klingon's kneecap. Jim brings an elbow sharply to the throat of the Klingon behind him. He grabs the disruptor he knows now with hidden on each Klingon firing a shot into the man's chest. Jim spins to see Scotty swinging a Bat'leth sword into the stomach of a Klingon.
"Jim," Bones yells flying to his side. "Are you all right," Bones runs his hands over Jim's ribs checking for cracks or breaks.
"Hell no I'm not all right. I just got my ass kicked at a peace conference," Jim growls standing up. A sharp screech followed by an explosion pulls their attention to Jack and the shuttle.
Jim, Scotty, Bones, and Sulu hightail it to the shuttle. "The field is clear," Sulu reports to Jack. "What your little toy didn't take care of we did."
"How many bloody shutt'ls do they got," Scotty asks pointing to a third shuttle that materializes in the sky.
"Three less than they did 10 minutes ago," Jack replies taking aim. The missile detonates just off the port side of the previously cloak shuttle.
"Dammit. Out a range," Jack says watching it streak towards the woods. Suddenly the shuttle hovers shooting blindly into the forest below.
"They're going after the kids," Bones growls menacingly.
"So are we," Jim says following Jack into the shuttle.
"And who does not want to be friends with Mr. Paranoid Conspiracy Theorist today," Jack says dryly passing out phasers to everyone.
"Mr. Paranoid Conspiracy Theorist was always my friend," Sulu replies pulling his sword from a bag wedged under the seat. "I just didn't realize he was my best friend until today."
Jim immediately assumes command. "Jack you and Sulu go right, Bones and I will take the left," Jim orders pulling four emergency survival packs from a bulkhead. He tosses one to each man leaving one for Scotty. "Scotty get this shuttle up and running. We're going to need a way home when we come back with the kids."
"Aye Cap'n," Scotty says looking at the scorch marks along the shuttle's hull. "I'll have her up and runnin' in and 'our…two tops," the engineer promises.
"Good," Jim says taking off for the field. In the distance they can hear the third Klingon shuttle setting down somewhere.
"We need to assume they have at least as many Klingons in it as they did on the field," Jack calculates.
"Twelve to fourteen then," Sulu says sliding his sword into its sheath on his back. "I would have four teams of at least three searching for the kids." Jack and Jim look at the helmsman surprised. "Do you think I want to spend the rest of my life just flying the Enterprise?"
Again Jim knows why this group of people is his Alpha crew. They are smart, calculating, and see past a single move in front of them. "Hopefully until I decide to retire," Jim says sarcastically. "Okay radio contact may be sketchy so when you find them head back to the shuttle. So that we don't run in circles shoot one flare when you have the kids."
"And run like hell," Bones rumbles, "because a fare will bring that shuttle. You will be like a deer in their crosshairs."
"Let's go get our kids," Jim says as the two groups break up.
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DENEVA MINING CORPORATION HEADQUARTERS DENEVA
As Sam enters the office he is shocked to see Ashlea crying softly at her desk. He checks his watch not sure if he is stunned by her crying or the fact it is 7 am and she is not typically there before 9 am. "Hey kid why the water works," he says softly setting his briefcase on her desk.
"Men are such assholes," she sniffs breaking in to a fresh round of tears. Sam glances uncomfortably around the deserted office. He has never been good with women he cares for crying.
"Yeah but that fact has been around since we first crawled out of the ocean as cold blooded reptiles," he tries to joke handing her a tissue. "What's his name and social security number so I can kill him?"
Although Sam is serious, Ashlea sees his comment as silly generating a giggle from her. "No way," she gives a watery grin. "I can see it now," Ashlea tries to imitate Anastasia Everlast of GNN as she speaks. "A Mr. Samuel Kirk was arrested today in a blotched murder attempt to ease his secretary's broken heart." Ashlea goes back to her real voice. Sam tries to hide the grin. Blotched is not in his dictionary nor does he miss when he shoots. "I can't have you going to jail to defend my honor. Besides he finally apologized when I told him I was coming to work. Told me to pretend like nothing is wrong and we would talk about it tonight." Sam sees Ashlea's eyes stare at a fixed spot in the office as she speaks. "I told him only if I had time."
"Boss I need to speak to you ASAP," Kowalski interrupts Sam and Ashlea's conversation. "You okay," he asks the red head noticing her eyes match the shade of her hair. If she wasn't almost young enough to be his daughter, Kowalski would have tried to hook up with her. She smiles nodding yes. Kowalski gives Sam an impatient look before disappearing into his office.
"Men are dicks. Find a new one," Sam advises picking up his briefcase. He hears the office coming to life behind him. Pulling a twenty credit mark from his wallet he hands it to her saying, "Hey mind getting me a coffee and a bagel from Dunkin Donuts. I forgot mine this morning." Ashlea sees the mug of steaming coffee in his hand and thanks god Sam Kirk is her boss. She feels better after talking to him and grateful for the extra time to get herself together. "Just buzz when you get back," he tells her so she doesn't walk into his office hearing something she shouldn't. "And for god's sake smile," he yells as she walks down the hall. "We can't let the secretarial pool think I did this to you over some weekend romp."
Ashlea breaks out in laughter knowing everyone thinks his leniency with her is because he is sleeping with her. "You are like my dad," she retorts walking backwards, "I have no idea how they could every even think that."
"I'm not that old," Sam thinks to himself letting his eyes fall to the spot Ashlea was subconsciously talking to when crying. He nods a small good morning to the man arriving to that desk before entering his office.
"Dr. Eric Orleans," Kowalski starts as soon as the door closes behind Sam. "Forty-three year old doctor of cosmetic and reconstructive surgery at Mount Sinai hospital in New York City," Kowalski gives his stats before switching to a close up picture. "Bachelor playboy whose mother just received a whopping ten million credit payday into her retirement account."
"Why do they always involve mom," Sam Kirk comments sliding into his desk. He commits the man's face to memory. Having evidence of an operation lying around is a rookie mistake and Sam is no rookie.
"Dr. Orleans just attended a week-long conference on Altair Prime but surprisingly only checked into the symposium on day one and seven. Now he may have forgotten to swipe his access card but these dates coincide with Jim getting the initial order from Star Fleet about Gorkon's proposal."
"He's our man," Sam Kirk announces without a second thought. "Contact Donovan and have him put a tail on our dear doctor. Tell him just to watch him and not spook him. He's our mark." Kowalski nods leaving the office. "We will be meeting each other very soon Mr. Orleans and I guarantee it will not be pleasant." Sam flips the comm over in his hand several times before placing the call. "Pike its Sam. I just wanted to touch base with you," he says. Sam will share some of his information with Pike but not Orleans. Orleans is all his. Sam listens to Pike report from his end adding what information he can. Star Fleet is only a few steps behind Section 31.
"So how are you holding up Sam?" Pike's question throws Sam a curve ball. No one ever asks him questions like this except for his wife.
"Fine," Sam replies curtly.
"Well I am here for you son and am not as senile as you may think. Tell Peter I am proud of him winning the Divisional Baseball Tournament last weekend." Sam sits straighter in his chair processing what Pike has said. Pike knows he has Sam on edge. He gets a small smile knowing how hard this is to do. "I have my own sources kid and don't forget it. Tell Aurelan hi and give the boys my love. Pike out." Sam sits stunned. He can't believe Christopher Pike is following his life. Part of him was always a little jealous of the attention Pike lavished on his younger brother but now that Sam is getting it he is not sure he likes it.
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FORESTS OF UPSILON CERBERUS IV GIRLS
"Dammit," Kate grumbles tripping on a barely covered root. "I should have stayed with the damn shuttle. Everyone is probably sitting there bitching about me being lost." Kate hears Rogue whimper at her side. She reaches down scratching Rogue's ear to comfort her. "It's okay girl. We'll be fine. We just need to find the others so I can kill them." Kate looks around but sees no one. Every instinct in her body tells her not to do what she is planning. Kate knows it is not smart but traipsing around the woods for the past two hours without finding anyone has pissed Kate off. "Jo…Erika," she yells. Kate knows she should be quiet but she is tired of being alone. She slaps at a flying insect that is buzzing around her face. Kate kneels down in front of Rogue's face. "What good are you," she kisses her muzzle. Kate decides to try and open up to the Force again. She lets it flood her and tries not to be overwhelmed. Going from the soft muted feelings she feels on the Enterprise to the raw, powerful feeling of a planet teeming with life unsettles her. She pushes past the discomfort thinking only about the Enterprise crew. She feels waves of desperation and worry coming from everyone but strongest from in front of her. An idea crosses Kate's mind. She presses her head against Rogue's and tries to make the dog feel what she is feeling. Kate has no idea if it worked but Rogue seems more agitated after the human-dog Force meld. "Go find the girls," Kate orders. Rogue looks at her before bouncing off into the woods. Kate follows as fast as she can through the dense forest. Rogue continually stops and looks to make sure Kate is behind her. Rogue disappears around a rock outcropping and begins to bark ferociously. Kate sprints as fast as she can to Rogue's side. Her barks are acting like sonar pin pointing their location to everyone.
"What do you think you are doing you flea bag," Q spats at the dog. "I have told you how to go to get our little Katie poo to her besties you beastie. Get," he snaps his fingers. "I want to see how this plays out."
Kate makes it to Rogue's side as Q disappears. She looks around feeling like she is being watched. A flash of yellow up ahead gives Kate a wave of relief. "Erica," Kate yells seeing her friend off to the right. She embraces Erika in a hug before seeing Joanna standing behind her.
"Have you found anybody else? Did you see any if the adults made it to woods," Joanna asks calmly.
"No but John got into the forest with me. We got separated when the Klingon's opened fire in the field. I know Jack made it. I saw him at the shuttle," Kate realizes that although Jo and Erika have been together they are scared. Kate takes one of their hands in hers. "They are all fine. No one is hurt but they are worried about us. I can feel this in the Force so relax." Kate sees her friends visibly calm down.
"Can you feel us back to our parents?" Joanna jokes but Kate sees a hopeful gleam in her eye.
"No," Kate frowns, "there is too much…life. I can feel that everyone is alive and their emotions but it's not like I can see they are next to a fallen log. To be honest Rogue found you not me." Rogue begins to growl menacingly low in her throat.
"Is it the Klingons again?" Joanna asks scanning the area.
"Again," Kate asks shocked.
"Yeah a shuttle landed in the woods. We could see Klingons disembarking it so we tried to put as much distance between us and them. I don't think they know where we are but they are searching for us," Erika replies.
Kate looks around nervously, "We need to keep moving then." Her two friends follow her deeper into the woods. Kate has no idea where they are going but she prays they run into someone that can help them.
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FORESTS OF UPSILON CERBERUS IV BOYS
John's heart quickens seeing flashes of red through the brush in front of him. "Cameron! Cam! Do you have the girls?" John asks running up to his brother and friend. He is glad he finally has found someone after an hour of searching.
"No man. We came in with Erika and Jo but once that Klingon shuttle started firing into the woods we lost them," Cameron admits.
"The shuttle landed about five clicks to our right. We assumed it was filled with as many Klingon as on the field," Ronin's face is serious. "Dude they would only have one purpose in landing in the woods."
"So I climbed up a tree to check it out. I counted between twelve and fourteen Klingons that exited the shuttle. They broke into four groups before heading into the trees," Cameron reports looking anxious. "That was about an hour ago." Cameron scans the landscape hoping in his mind the girls will magically appear.
"Could you see our landing field from your vantage point," John tries to get as many facts as he can before making a plan. "Did you see our people? Were they hurt?"
"Nawh man with those hills behind us I was too low to see over the crest. I could only look forward," Cameron kicks the ground pissed.
Ronin gestures with his head. "You were the last one on the field. What did you see?" Ronin asks hoping for some kind of good news.
"I didn't see anything except dad blowing up the two cloaked Klingon shuttles," John scans his surroundings. "They never strafed the woods. They were too busy trying to pin everyone down on the field. If they had wanted to kill us we would have been dead. Our shuttle took several shots before Dad took it out. Bones, Scotty, and the Captain were fighting but it was evenly matched. Dad told me to take cover with Kate so we did but got separated during the strafing fire. I tried to triangulate where Kate entered but haven't found her yet."
"Woods are so thick you could have walked right by her John," Ronin comforts him. "We were like ten feet from Joanna and Erika and lost them when the shit hit the fan."
"We need to find them and get out of here ASAP," Cameron says frustrated. "I know from the intel we should head back to the field but I can't just knowingly leave the girls out here. We have an hour start on finding them over our parents."
"I agree. We should stay together as much as possible. Kate would not head back to the field. She said Han always told her to run far and hide deep if there is a problem. My guess is that is what she will do. She also has that Force thing going for her. Hopefully she can use it somehow to find the girls," John hopes his voice more confident than he feels. "Which way should we head?" John looks to Ronin or Cameron for their opinion. Ronin takes off south southeast followed by Cameron and John
"We were damn lucky Dad gave Mr. Jim that concussion grenade," Ronin says as they descend the hill. "If Mr. Jim hadn't have thrown it when he did we would probably be headed to Kronos now."
"Well Mr. Jim didn't throw it Kate did," Cameron corrects him. "Remember he yelled 'do it Kate' and then we were flat on our backs."
Ronin begins to process the scene now that he is not running of his life. "Dude no way she was being strangled. I never saw her hands leave the Klingon."
John remembers the scene detail for detail. He had never taken his eyes off Kate the entire time. Cameron is right that Kate did something but Ronin is right that Kate's hands were only trying to loosen the grip around her throat. He nor the others have ever seen anyone use the Force except to hang Christmas decorations. John lets his mind weaponized this skill and decides they need to be off this topic. He is definitely going to have a more detailed conversation about the Force with Kate the second he finds her. "Hey is your communicator working? Can we comm them?" John proposes.
"Nope to much interference," Cameron says opening his device getting nothing but silence and the occasional crackling pop. A louder pop sends the boys senses into overdrive. The pops are not form the comm device. Ronin sees a fallen tree with dense brush surrounding it. He silent indicates when they should go. They are easily concealed by the low lying branches and shrubs. Seconds later four Klingons arrive where they were just standing.
One of the Klingons lets out a frustrated roar. "These chuSwI' slink among the bushes and trees like a ghIq. When I find them I will gut them from head toe," he promises.
"Only for the Federation to see," another Klingon grins maliciously. "Listen," the Klinogn commands hearing a sound in the distance.
The echo of Rogue's barks begins to pinpoint her location like a beacon. John clenches his first at his side. "Shut the dog up Kate," he screams silently in his head. Rogue is silenced after three barks but the damage has been done. The Klingons move quickly in the direction of the dog.
"We have got to get to the girls first," Cameron announces letting his concern for Joanna cloud his mind.
"We need to camouflage first," John orders them looking around. "These damn uniforms stand out like orange in hunting season." John grabs handfuls of dirt and begins rubbing it on Cameron's back darkening the red color. The other boys follow his lead. Thirty seconds later the colors are muted letting them blend somewhat into the foliage. "Now we get the girls," John says heading north west on a parallel course with the Klingons. Hopefully they can get a head of the Klingons at some point and reach the girls first.
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A chuSwI' is a type of rodent animal lifeform native to the planet Qo'noS.
A ghIq was a type of serpent animal, found for example in the Talthar Highlands on Qo'noS.
UPSILON CERBERUS VI