Osmosis – a STXI S/U fanfic

Chapter 16: The Remedy for Fire is Fire

Dawa ya moto ni moto.

Meaning: The remedy for fire is fire. Tough situations require bold decisions and leadership.

Source: Swahili Proverbs: Kiswahili Methali, Center for African Studies, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign

Warnings this chapter: length (4,590 words). TOS Trek fans will recognize plot elements & character from The Corbomite Maneuver.

Farmhouse in a rural area outside Port Town, planet Alpha Cachette

One plump hand rested on the cannon-like gun beside a short humanoid figure dressed in a light blue tunic. A matching cloth cap sat on a bald head above an ageless round face. Nyota thought of some of the tough, sad-eyed street kids one sometimes saw on colonial planets: leaner and less expensively dressed, but with a similar blend of toughness and frailty. She felt Spock's protective warmth move closer to her and heard Jim's boots scrape against the unswept floor.

"Captain James T. Kirk of the Enterprise, and of Starfleet. May I ask who you are?"

There were far more than 32 teeth in that answering grin. "I am Balok. Independent operator with allegiance to none."

"Balok, we want to keep things peaceful," Jim said. "There seems to be a misunderstanding. Ensign Steap is part of Starfleet, sworn to duty. Regardless of his relationship to you, he has orders to stay with us. He is also the subject of a Starfleet investigation."

"That's not surprising, considering what I asked him to do for me."

"What do you mean, 'me'?" Steap demanded. "Where are the other aliens I spoke to?"

Balok shrugged. "The only 'others' are the mannequin you see there. Yes, I deceived you. I thought you'd be more likely to sell Starfleet information to me if I represented a group. I do have access to technology and wealth, but I work alone."

One bluff deserves another, Kirk thought. "Balok, wouldn't you rather deal with trustworthy people? Steap sold classified information from a powerful organization, and that puts you at risk. Are you sure that you still want him?"

The round face frowned. "Charles Steap may not be honest but he's good at details and has a taste for fine things. Not a bad choice for a traveling companion."

Charles Steap's head turned as he glanced between Kirk and Balok. "Quit talking about me like I'm not here!"

Nyota's ears picked up the low whirr of a tricorder. Spock spoke quietly. "Reading on the weapon: unknown composition and energy source. Use caution."

Balok kept both hands on the wheeled cannon, which turned slightly from side to side as he regarded the Enterprise crew. "Steap said he has no loyalty to Starfleet because you do not appreciate his superior abilities."

The drone rose from the cluttered table where it had lain among the disguises and costumes for the mannequin and flew to hover at Balok's side.

"Do you truly want Charles Steap aboard, Captain Kirk? I offer him a comfortable life if he continues to work for me. I travel alone and would welcome conversation."

Jim shook his head. "Steap may work for Starfleet, but he is ultimately a free man; I can't give him to you. Balok, you and Steap endangered the innocent people of my crew and my ship." He looked at the agitated Ensign. "Charles, Starfleet held so much opportunity for you. If you had serious problems with your role you could have spoken to me, or Spock as your Commanding Officer."

"Why bother? I gave Starfleet enough time." Steap glared at Kirk. "Nobody listens to me anyway. Females with half my strength and skill get promoted for nothing! Why should I wait until you people get it?"

"This persistently bad attitude is undesirable in a traveling companion," Balok said in a worried tone.

"I'm not traveling with you, you fake. I give you data from the ship, you pay me. That's our deal, nothing else!" Steap snapped.

"Do ye really want this deal, lad? There are nae pockets in a shroud," Scotty warned him. "Better to give yourself up to Starfleet for court martial."

Nyota's hand trembled, but she didn't lower her own weapon. She could try to stun Balok, but then Steap might hurt Kirk.

Kirk tried another bluff. "Let my crew leave safely, Balok, and you can go do what you like."

"No," Steap yelled. "No Starfleet, no Balok. You're a liar and I have other plans."

Balok shrugged. "So I wasn't completely honest with you, Charles...but then you aren't an honest man either. I sell information in several different star systems. Maybe Starfleet doesn't value your skills but I do. No, you will come. It is in your best interest."

Steap aimed his phaser at Balok. "I'll blast you!"

"Hold your fire, Steap!" Spock shouted. "That is an order!"

Balok swung the cannon towards Steap. Enterprise crewmembers hit the floor or leapt out of range. The cannon caught Steap in a burst of pinkish-white light; he jerked, staggered across the room, and fell, gasping.

"Crew, phasers ready!" Jim shouted.

Balok fired toward Jim, but he ducked beneath the broad table and rolled out of the way. Knocking the table over, he turned it on its side to use as a shield and drew his phaser. "Give up, Balok. Last chance."

Balok fired at the crew, and several people fell to the ground. "I've only stunned them, Captain. I've already got warrants. I don't want more Federation trouble. Give me Steap and no one dies."

The small drone flew at the heads of crewmembers standing against the walls, forcing them to duck. Scotty pushed Charlene behind him and shot, clipping one of the drone's antennae. Nyota saw the light in the cannon's barrel flicker; Balok tried to fire it but instead of a blast of light there was only a weak flash.

"They're connected," she shouted. "Get the drone!"

Simultaneous blasts of phaser fire hit the drone, destroying it. The cannon buzzed loudly. Instinctively, the crew ducked, but it didn't explode. Nyota aimed at Balok, who held a round, calabash-like object in his hands. Before Nyota could fire, Balok smashed the gourd against the floor and clouds of blue dust filled the room. People covered their faces, coughing as they sank to the floor. Nyota struggled to stand up, but her limbs shook, weak and rubbery. She wriggled against the floor enough to push her communicator free of its clip on her belt; her fingers worked well enough to tap out a distress call to the planet's Starfleet base.

"Space is lonely," Balok said, dragging Steap towards the back door while the half-conscious Ensign protested. The small man was stronger than he looked. "We'll have some nice chats. We won't deal with Starfleet again. Too violent for my taste. Our next stop is a planet outside the Federation's grasp. They enjoy humanoids there, although they themselves resemble big fish...you'll be so popular."

Balok pulled Steap into the waiting spaceship behind the house and closed the hatch. "It's nice to be the center of attention sometimes, you'll see. Plenty of good food, nice clothes, and expensive tech waiting for you, lots of spending money in non-Federation currency. All yours, as long as you don't try to leave without my permission."

Fresh air flowed into the farmhouse through broken windows, reviving the crew. Spock used the tricorder again.

"The blue dust is not toxic to humanoids. Effects 99.8 percent likely to be temporary," Spock said, a bit hoarsely. He pulled himself into a seated position, reaching for Nyota. She leaned against him, taking deep breaths.

"Everyone all right?" asked Jim.

Nyota looked around as people wheezed and pulled themselves onto their hands and knees. "All crew alive, Captain." The ground shook and everyone looked toward the open back door as the spacecraft lifted off into the night sky.

"Balok can't just kidnap my crewman, even if he's a deserter," Jim barked, opening his communicator. "Captain Kirk to Spaceport Defense. Emergency pursuit needed – crewman kidnapped by alien spacecraft of unknown origin, silver, cylindrical, vertical takeoff. Piloted by one Balok, who has taken Ensign Charles Steap by force. Steap himself is a fugitive, suspected of espionage."

Nyota and other crewmembers stepped through the back door cautiously, found no traps, and looked up at the retreating ship as they took restorative gulps of humid night air.

"The local base is equipped with a powerful tractor beam. We may yet get them back," Scotty said, watching the screen of his own communicator.

The faint gleam of the ship suddenly blinked, then vanished.

"Cloaking device, probably. We've got to get to the base!" Scotty turned and ran back into the farmhouse, shouting for Jim.

Stelen, who had obeyed Spock's request that he stay inside one of the transport vehicles, saw people outside the farmhouse, apparently safe; he left the vehicle. He would apologize to Spock for not staying away after he knew that Charlene was safe. From a distance Stelen saw that she worked, speaking into a communicator and relaying information provided by Engineer Scott, recording images of the inside of the farmhouse. Charlene and Engineer Scott moved efficiently and easily beside each other even in this strange situation. Why had he not noticed it before?

"Shai-tobeg (Pardon me), Stelen," a deep voice said in Vulcan. It was Dr. M'Benga, who had completed and internship on the old planet of Vulcan. "Could you please help me take some oxygen packs from this transport into the house? Crewmembers were exposed to some sort of dust."

"Yes, Doctor. I want to help." Relieved to be part of the group once more, Stelen put his strong arms into action.

Swift, sleek fighter ships equipped with their own cloaking devices pursued Balok's ship, using intermittent flaws in the cloaking shield to track it. Captain Kirk and Commander Spock sped from the farmhouse to the Federation's Defense Center to monitor the pursuit, but soon after their arrival they learned that Balok's craft outran the Starfleet fighter ships, seemingly impossible to track any further.

With no further threats visible in Port Town, Enterprise crew members were allowed to return to the beach cabins for well-needed rest. Jim, Sulu, Scotty, and Spock remained at the base for hours, analyzing and pursuing every reasonable option.

Finally Starfleet Command informed Jim that one of the fighters had received information about a similar ship in a quadrant beyond Federation territory and lurking within a dangerous, chaotic region of gas giants and watery planets. Without adequate firepower the pilot was unable to safely chase and retrieve what may or may not have been the ship carrying Balok and Steap.

Acceptance didn't come easily. Jim reported to Starfleet Command, presenting a final argument in favor of tracking and rescuing Steap, only to be told decisively that Steap's actions placed further pursuit beyond the directive of the Enterprise mission. Jim had to step back and let the Federation do the detective work needed to capture Balok and rescue Steap – whether Steap wanted rescuing or not.

Spock watched Jim as the Captain stood before a broad window. Dawn layered pink and gold through the clouds, but Jim barely noticed the colors.

"Captain?"

"I made the call to Steap's family, spoke to one of his three brothers. He never talked about himself much, not even during that surfing lesson he gave me."

"How was the news received?"

Jim looked at Spock, wondering how much to say and how much would be understood. "Steap was more than a few steps ahead of us. He'd already told his brothers that he wasn't coming back, Spock. Said he wouldn't miss them, and it didn't sound as though they would miss him, either. I understand that not all families are close or overtly emotional but..." he rubbed a hand over his face. "Sorry, Spock, I didn't mean that how it sounded. Maybe Steap really did need more attention than most people."

"It is often difficult to understand the personal motivations of others."

"Maybe he would never have begun to trust Starfleet...I don't know whether I could have fixed it. I hate failure."

"You did not fail. You presented peaceful alternatives to both Steap and Balok, which neither man accepted. Our defensive response was necessary. No crew fatalities resulted. Jim, perhaps you could think about the positive outcomes of this situation."

Sighing, Jim nodded. "Maybe it's illogical, but sometimes you're strangely optimistic."

Spock blinked; optimism was more of a philosophy than an emotion, but he understood Jim's meaning. "I prefer to think of it as a practical, realistic analysis of situations beyond one's control. Optimism, as you call it, may support personal resilience."

"Yeah. We've done all we can here. I've already asked Sulu and Scotty to go off duty and get some rest. You should do the same."

…

Sadness hovered over the crew, despite their awareness of Steap's betrayal. Starfleet was full of optimists who resisted bitterness. During the ride back to town, Nyota discussed the situation with her crewmembers and Stelen. If we'd been friendlier, showed more appreciation, would he still have done it? It was too easy to point out that the missing Ensign insulted some people to their faces, shunned others, and seemed interested in little more than climbing up through Starfleet hierarchy. Surely he had good personal qualities that just were not obvious.

After setting the beach cabin's security system Nyota took a thorough shower before collapsing into bed. Sometime after dawn the temperature of the bed rose, and she rolled over and into the reassuring comfort of Spock's smooth, dry warmth.

"Sweetheart, you're safe."

"Yes." He kissed her forehead. "Sleep."

"We lost him?" she asked.

"Only after considerable effort. We must now proceed with the Enterprise mission; the ship will be ready within seventy-two hours. Please rest, tal-kam (dear one). Dr. McCoy requests that we meet with him five hours from now."

"He can't just send me the test results?"

"Leonard expressed a wish to speak face-to-face. He assured me that there is no reason for you to worry."

…

Lt. Charlene Masters' private beach cabin

Charlene slept fitfully, but at least she slept for a few hours. . Her internal clock kicked in, and so she made a mug of tea from the assortment Scotty had given to her and sat on the front porch of the beach cabin. She didn't feel a bit surprised to see him walking slowly along the path, looking pensive.

"Good morning."

"A good morning? It is now that I see you." Scotty managed a smile and sat beside her.

"So we didn't get him, but the Enterprise and crew are safe?"

"Yes, that's how it is for now. I hoped we'd catch him, the neap – but it's in Federation hands now."

"I'm grateful that no one was killed. Will you have some tea? It's from the stash you gave me."

They sat and talked for a while longer, watching the sea change colors as the sun rose. The rows of cabins were quiet, most of the crew sleeping late. With nobody around to see Scotty pulled Charlene onto his lap – trying to protect her from the morning chill, he claimed. Charlene gave him a wry look but didn't move.

Scotty watched her fingers stroking the reddish hair on his arm. Her other arm curved around his shoulders, and her fingers brushed along the neatly trimmed edge of his hair. At the moment Scotty was unconcerned with Starfleet fraternization rules.

"Have you got a 'thing' for gingers, Miss Masters?"

"What?" She sat up straight and looked at him, but Scotty kept his arms around her. "Hmm. You're teasing me."

"Yes, and it is my pleasure to do it. You're playing with my hair, lass...all the hair ye can reach at the moment without undressing me."

"So? I like your hair."

"Ah, so you only fancy me for my looks." He shook his head in mock chagrin. "Poor me, always the sex object. Someday, I'll be wanted for more than my body."

"I fancy you, ginger or not," Charlene giggled. "You are a fine man inside and out, Monty." She kissed him above one red eyebrow. "To answer your question, no, you're not the only redhead I've ever noticed, but I think that you may be my favorite."

"Am I, then? Such a beautiful and brilliant lady has a fondness for me." He looked up at her. "I am amazed, Miss Masters. Instead of talking...can I interest you in relocating that last kiss you gave me just now? I promise to leave it at that before I go to bed… alone, mind you."

Charlene poked him in the ribs. "Let's take things slowly."

"Yes, I think we should. Anyway, even if we both were willing you'd be sorely disappointed in my abilities when I'm feeling this tired. Shall we meet up for a meal later?"

"How about breakfast?"

"What, in the late afternoon?"

"Why not? You'll be starting your day, and I'm not fussy about food."

"All right then, my dear breakfast monster. Anything you like."

…

Captain Kirk's Private Beach Cabin

Jim Kirk ordered the beach cabin's computer to set the windows to block sunlight, and slept, dreaming badly. Repeatedly he reached for Steap, only to see Balok pull him away each time. When that dream ended the next made him feel worse. He wandered through a party, trying to talk to people who sneered at or avoided him. Finally the dreams ended and he rested, waking up at midday.

He checked in with Starfleet and Port Town security. No further disturbances; the town was already moving on, its local media promoting late-season fruit harvest statistics and plans for the winter festival. Considering that winter here resembled summer on Earth, Jim could have found himself in a worse situation. After washing, dressing, and drinking a hot cup of the local tea,

Jim wandered into town to find food and social interaction. Many of the crew were either at the beach, sleeping, or pursuing personal activities. He craved company. Hesitantly, Jim used his communicator to contact Mayor Aurelia Tutto. The woman might think he'd brought chaos to Port Town along with the Enterprise, and he couldn't blame her if she wanted nothing more to do with him.

Response systems from her private channel sent an innocuously worded message in formal language. The Mayor had left work early and would consider accepting selected visitors at her private home office.

The visitor list was restricted; only Captain James T. Kirk would be admitted that day.

...

Medical Clinic inside the Federation Medical Building, Port Town

Despite his legendary grouchiness, Leonard McCoy had moments of almost boyish charm. Nyota blinked in surprise at his smiling face as she entered the medical clinic with Spock and sat down.

"It ain't good news, but t'aint bad neither, sugar."

Nyota felt the two fingers Spock had hooked over hers tense at the use of sugar. "Doctor, would you care to enlighten us?" he asked dryly.

"Aw, I just enjoy telling folks that they're going to get well."

Spock moved so quickly that Len saw only a blur. The Vulcan was on his feet in an instant, pulling Nyota into a relieved embrace.

So. He's emotional behind closed doors.

Spock gently set the petite lieutenant down and resumed his usual appearance of calm.

"Pardon me, Doctor. I am appreciative of the good news."

"Yes, perhaps even a little more than I am." Nyota smiled at her bondmate and returned her attention to McCoy.

"Uh, yes. Nyota, the lumps you found are symptoms of fibrocystic breast conditions. There are variations; some women have scar tissue or large cysts. In some cases – such as yours – fibrocystic breast cells have an abnormal appearance. Certain hormone-like substances may cause your secretory glandular cells, the same ones that produce milk, to produce excessive fluid. Environmental, metabolic and dietary conditions may be a factor."

"Why couldn't you tell me this earlier, Len?" Nyota asked. "What happened with the scanner?"

"Seems that Steap's meddling about with Enterprise computer systems caused random corruption of a few medical files and analytical processes linked to your ID. The work done by Gaila and other Starfleet techs yesterday fixed all of that. The lumps can be treated with ultrasound or you can wait for your body to reabsorb them naturally. You must make some lifestyle changes if you don't want them to return, though. No more coffee, or at least not daily. Some patients find it helpful to avoid caffeine. I don't want to scold you, Nyota, but you need to eat more balanced meals and maintain a good sleep schedule. Try that, and the lumps may go away by themselves within a month. If they don't, make an appointment with me – and keep it this time instead of delaying it."

"Thank you, Len." She smiled at him. "I really appreciate all the time you've put into this."

"Just doing my job, Ny. Go on now, y'all. Get involved in some sort of stress-reducing activities and loosen up. I've got a meeting."

McCoy wasn't just trying to get them to leave. He really did have a lunch meeting. The head of the Women's Orgasm Committee had invited him to some fancy restaurant with private booths.

…

A small, secluded park outside the Federation Medical Building

Nyota's shoulders hadn't felt so free of tension in days. She smiled up at Spock as they left the building and crossed a small, secluded park walled in by flowering hedges.

"You heard the Doctor, sweetheart. Prescription for stress-free activities."

"Affirmative. I intend to assist you in filling it." He switched to Vulcan. "Do you remember the agreement we made during last night's party?"

"Yes…you asked me to tell you of a sexual fantasy when we were next in a private place. You promised to fulfill the fantasy to the best of your ability." She glanced around the little park. Only a few scampering lizards would overhear them. "We are outdoors, but this is private enough." They sat on a stone bench, and Nyota leaned close to his ear, letting her lips tease the curves and points of his ear as she spoke. Spock's heart thumped more quickly in his side, and by the time she finished speaking he trembled.

"Ashal-veh (darling)…you are wicked and perceptive. What you describe...is this truly what you wish me to do?"

"Yes. This time."

Nyota felt the heat of Spock's fingers as he stroked her thigh through her dress. "Allow me four hours to prepare. I will send you a message ordering you to come to me."

…

Inside Mayor Aurelia Tutto's Home, Port Town

"I get tired of being in charge all the time," Jim said. He rested on his elbows, aiming a steady gaze at the Mayor. "There are times when I'd be willing to give up a little control."

Mayor Tutto took a deep breath. Surely this macho golden boy sprawled among the big pillows on her bedroom floor, a handsome, highly praised Starfleet captain, wasn't suggesting anything close to the naughty images in her mind.

She risked it, stretching out one hand and spearing her fingers through his hair and pulling. Jim's eyes closed, and he bit his lip.

"Mmm," he groaned ecstatically. Mayor Tutto's fingers shook with excitement. She pulled her hand away. Jim opened his eyes and smiled at her conspiratorially.

"I like powerful women, and I don't mind if they're a little bit cruel sometimes. Do we understand each other, Mayor?"

"What about the regular way, no games?" her words sounded breathier than she intended.

"Sweet and romantic? I'm good at that too, but if you want to play…"

Mayor Tutto couldn't shake her head no. She couldn't point towards the door to tell Jim to leave. She wanted him.

"Maybe I can help you decide." Jim knelt at her feet, sliding his fingers into the slit along the side of her skirt. He pushed the fabric aside and rubbed his clean-shaven face along her bare thigh. "Want me to beg?" he whispered.

Mayor Tutto grabbed his shoulders, pulling him into a standing position, and gave him a hard kiss. Jim moaned and kissed her back, lifting her off her feet.

"Oh, baby. I knew we were a good fit," he panted just before they collapsed across the bed.

…

The Beach, Port Town

Charlene walked alone on the beach, thinking. Her parents had shouted joyfully upon hearing of her acceptance to Starfleet, but one well-meaning cousin took her aside for a lecture about single women and starting a family. How many members of Starfleet managed both? Nyota and Spock seemed happy enough in their quiet way. Perhaps Nyota would be willing to meet for some private girl talk.

The rhythmic sound of feet striking sand made Charlene turn around. Stelen ran towards her.

Thanks very much, patient readers! I appreciate your taking time to post reviews and/or comments. Next chapter is probably the final one.

Neap= Scottish term for turnip, also slang for idiot (20th c.)