Chapter Eight
Gracefully and after a 27 months patrol of the Neutral Zone, the USS Enterprise NCC-300-A peacefully slipped into stationary orbit above Starfleet Command. Although the hour was late down at Starfleet Command, Kirk had been ordered to report to Admiral Pike's office the instant Enterprise reached Earth. For a brief moment, Kirk looked down upon his home planet from orbit as he had done many times with many different planets, each time he almost felt like a god looking down upon its creation but none more so then looking down upon Earth from high orbit.
Commanding the largest and perhaps most powerful ship in the fleet had earned him a large amount of respect amongst his peers, nevertheless, commanding the Federation Flagship and pride of the Starfleet itself was perhaps his most proud moment. None more so then informing his father of his new assignment when he was first promoted to Captain of the Enterprise.
In the past two years since he took command of the ship, Starfleet had gone through many changes. However, none more so visible then the change in duty uniforms for all crew. Dating back since the mid 22nd Century, the old style uniforms had been retired and replaced with a new three piece uniform, rather then the old style jumpsuit making it more comfortable for the wearer of the new clothing.
Although many versions of the Starfleet uniforms of the past utilised different versions of a single uniform for male, female and transgender species, the new uniform utilised a single design. Black boots and trousers worn be all genders for duty uniforms while dress uniforms where different design. A short or long sleeve black t-shirt is now worn with an embroidered light grey standard Starfleet arrow-head logo with the standard star emblem at the centre denoting all stations on the ship by a single point of the five sided star, Medical, Sciences, Engineering and Security with a larger point at the top to represent the Command sections of Starfleet. Behind the arrow-head emblem displayed a large, thin hollow circle to symbolise the unity of the Federation.
Worn on top of the black shirt of the wearer's preference, a waist length collarless jacket was now standard baring one of three colours to denote department of the ship, gold for command, blue for medical and sciences and red for engineering and security with a thin black stripe running across the jacket below the shoulders and above the heart of the wearer. on the left breast had been placed a metallic Starfleet symbol in silver as on the right breast, the standard Starfleet rank pins dating back to the old NX era uniforms, on the cuff of each sleeve was a similar black stripe to the one running across the upper chest, mirrored by a similar stripe running across the black undershirt which displayed the colour of the jacket. Now firmly assimilated into Starfleet Security, the MACO division displayed a separate rank pin to separate their rank from Starfleet a rank pin structure that dated back centuries.
Materialising at Starfleet Command for the first time in months, James Kirk entered the large building of the Admiralty and made his way towards the office of his predecessor, Admiral Christopher Pike. as he entered the large office overlooking the large parade grounds of Starfleet Command, Admiral Pike was sat at his desk arguing with who appeared to be another Admiral. from the corner of his eye, he saw Kirk enter as he waved him over while he continued his lengthy argument.
"… Like I said sir, I don't give a damn. The Bajoran system is the most distant outpost in the Federation. A large Space-dock type structure IS needed out that way"
"I know that Chris, the Bajoran council is worried that such a large structure will interfere with the delicate balance of that planet" Called the voice on screen.
"Alright, I understand that. Due to the distance from the nearest outpost and that all equipment will have to be constructed before it is sent… best estimates say that the Spacedock will take over fifty years to complete, not the original estimate of twenty years…"
"I have gone over this with the council Chris… the Bajoran council has agreed to host the Spacedock structure near the Denorios Belt, a region of space near the Homeworld. For the moment, at least… we have begun moving one of the K-Class Space stations towards the Bajoran system to serve as a temporary command post in that sector…"
"A K Class? sir…" Pike protested.
"The choice has been made Admiral Pike. Doherty out!"
Cursing to himself, Pike looked up at Kirk as he sat in one of the chairs facing the Admiral's desk as Pike smiled slightly.
"Sorry you had to hear that Jim"
"I heard nothing Chris… why have I been recalled?" Kirk said abruptly.
"I miss my ship!" Pike laughed. "I see you're having trouble with some of your crew?"
"Not some, just one…" Kirk growled slightly.
"Commander Spock. I've read your reports"
"He continuously criticises my orders at ever turn, he is insubordinate… often late for duty…"
"That's not the Spock I know Jim, he's a damned fine officer" Pike said with shock.
"I know, I don't know of anyone who can do his job better… but, I may have to transfer him off the Enterprise unless he shapes up"
"It would be a loss to you Jim. I've known him for years… The Spock I know…"
"He's not the average Vulcan Chris. He's started experimenting with emotions more and more… and not all for the better. He's an asshole Chris, but that's not why you recalled the Enterprise, why am I here?"
"First, you should watch this!"
Pointing to a computer console at his left, Pike activated the system as a video file slowly appeared. a dirty, long haired, long bearded man appeared on the screen before them as Kirk looked on in shock. Firing a quick look at Pike, he looked back in shock as the video file activated and a gravely voice crackled over the speakers.
"My name is Leonard McCoy, I was once the Chief Medical Officer onboard the USS Enterprise under James Kirk. Two years ago, I was abducted from the planet Langara… since then I have been working on Romulus to find a cure for the Langaran Plague under the close supervision of the Romulans…"
Looking back in shock at the Admiral, Kirk's face drained of blood as he stood and walked towards the screen before he looked back at Pike.
"Bones?" He said slowly.
"Voice print and facial recognition confirms it. it is Doctor McCoy"
"How the hell…"
"Keep watching Jim!" Pike sighed.
"The explosion on Langara was a deception to draw the Federation into a full out war with the Romulans, they wanted to die on their feet, rather then suffer an agonising death. The reason I was take, the Romulan Praetor himself had been infected with the plague and I was… told to treat him, at the time of this recording, he had little then six months left to live… I fear that once he is dead, they will have no further use for me and I will be killed. I have managed to transmit this signal covertly, however I have no idea how long it will take before anyone will see this. The Romulans told that the Enterprise was destroyed after I was taken, destroyed with all hands… for the record, if Starfleet receives this message, I do not hold James Kirk or the Enterprise crew responsible for my capture, I hope you won't either… if this is my final message to Starfleet, please inform my family… well, you get the idea. Doctor Leonard McCoy… Starfleet rank Captain. Out!"
As the screen went blank, Kirk slowly turned to Pike with a look of deep shock on his face as Pike spoke slowly.
"That message was picked up by a Yaridian transport ship, it took them four months to decode the message and transmit it too Starfleet Command, we called you home as soon as we got the message"
"McCoy is alive?" He said slowly.
"We have deep cover operatives on Romulus… they are looking into it as we speak. Jim, I can't order you to do this!"
"I know, I'm going after him" Kirk smiled darkly.
"I thought you would. but you have to understand one thing Jim… this is off the books, Starfleet can not sanction this mission. if it goes sour, we'll disavow all knowledge of this and list you as a rogue officer"
"I understand Chris. I could really use Enterprise on this"
"She's your ship Jim"
"What about the Treaty of Algeron? if Enterprise is spotted in the Neutral Zone…" Kirk trailed off.
"We have a way around that. in the original treaty, all Empires currently NOT Operating a cloaking device on half of their fleet will be banned from operating one… when the treaty was signed, both the Klingon and Romulan Empire signed saying they possessed such technology… so did the Federation!" Pike smiled.
"What?" Kirk laughed. "We don't have that system"
"Actually, we do. they just had yet to be installed…" Pike winked. "As we speak, a team of technicians are installing a second generation… Starfleet Cloak onboard the Enterprise. You will operate a skeleton crew, your most trusted officers and crewmen… and another!"
Smiling slightly, Pike pressed a control on his panel before him as the doors to his office slide open. Kirk's head wiped around quickly as his jaw dropped slightly as he saw whom had entered the large office.
"I believe you've already met?"
"Selana?" Kirk smiled slightly.
"Hello Captain Kirk, it has been a long time" She replied with a slight smile.
"Doctor Selana has agreed to help you locate and rescue Doctor McCoy from her former home planet" Pike said slowly.
"You do realise that once you are identified, you'll be arrested and possibly killed as a traitor?" Kirk said slowly.
"I do sir. But I owe it to Leonard to help bring him home. Captain Kirk, I have sworn my allegiance too the Federation. I will also follow your orders"
"Chris, are you absolutely sure of this?"
"Jim, she knows the planet and it's people" Pike said.
"She used to BE one of them!"
"Captain Kirk… I will offer you any assistance you ask for. if you do not require my assistance, I will simply hire a ship and head to Romulus myself. it would save a lot of time and money if I joined your crew, it is the Logical choice!" She smiled.
"You sound like a damned Vulcan miss" Kirk frowned.
"Thank you sir, I have spent a lot of time with my Vulcan brethren"
"Chris?" Kirk moaned.
"You could use the help Jim…"
"Besides, I still have a few… contacts back on Romulus that could help. And when you find McCoy, you could use my help"
"Like I said Jim, I'm not going to order you to do this…"
Back onboard the Flagship of the Federation, Kirk had called an emergency meeting of the command staff in his private quarters. As they all gathered in the large personal space of the Captain, rumours had begun to circulate around the gathered command staff as to the nature of the meeting, several officers had seen the Romulan Doctor, Selana board the ship alongside the Captain and rumours had begun to circulate at warp speed.
As they had had all gathered, Kirk stood in the centre of the room as he looked around at each of them in turn and nodded slightly before he spoke.
"Listen up people, I know we've been through a lot of shit this last two years ranging from Harry Mudd and his… women to Khan and his Augments… this is different, what you're about to see is classified beyond top secret… if you do not wish to be here, you may leave now"
"Keptain, I believe I speak for everyone here when I say… we stay"
"Thank you Chekov. Everyone agree?"
As if in unison, they all agreed to hear to what Kirk had to say, all but the half Vulcan officer whom remained silent as he leaned against a wall with his arms folded and the ever stoic look on his face. Nodding slightly, Kirk called out to the computer to play the recording he had brought with him from the Admiral's office. Gasps of shock came from the crew as the recording played out before them. as the short video file ended, Security Chief Chekov looked up at the captain as he spoke with shock in his voice.
"Keptain, that is Doctor McCoy?"
"Confirmed Lieutenant, that message was received by Starfleet a week ago from a Yaridian ship…"
"So what do they want us to do about it?" Sulu said quickly.
"On the record? nothing. Off the record, I'm going after him"
"Captain, that will be in violation of the treaty of…"
"I know that Uhura" Kirk said quickly. "But I owe it too Bones to bring him back… alive. anyone who wishes to remain behind, leave now"
"I'm with you Keptain!" Chekov smiled.
"Me too!" Replied Sulu.
"Aye, why not!"
"Thank you Scotty" Kirk smiled. "Uhura?"
"Count me in sir"
"Doctor Welsh?" Kirk smiled.
"Of course!"
Chief Medical Officer Jonathon Welsh, the replacement sent too Enterprise two years ago had firmly established himself as a vital part of the Command Staff since his first arrival on the ship. Straight out of Medical School, his surgery methods where almost as alien as the legendary Doctor Phlox almost a century ago however, he had become a close friend of many of the crew during his time serving on the flagship of the Federation.
"Alright. Doctor Selana will be joining us on this mission, she will hand each of you your personal assignments during this… little job"
"Thank you Captain Kirk…" She smiled.
"Keptain, a Romulan?"
"I have sworn an oath too Starfleet and the Federation Lieutenant Chekov, plus I have a few friends on Romulus that will help. Doctor Walsh, once we are ready to beam down to Romulus, you will prepare surgery for the Captain…"
"Surgery?" Walsh replied.
"He is too appear as Romulan"
"Of course!" Walsh nodded.
"I will be joining you also Keptain" Chekov volunteered.
"Count me in!" Sulu smiled.
"Wait, wait, wait!" Kirk smiled. "Thank you, all of you. the fewer people on the surface the better. I'll beam down with Selana… Chekov you'll standby ready… just incase"
Remaining silent throughout the audacious plan, Spock did not move from his spot nor make any inclination that he was in agreement with the mission at hand, much to Kirk's annoyance. With the remainder of the senior staff given their own personal assignments and the knowledge of the cloak made public to the command staff, Kirk dismissed them. However, as they exited Kirk's quarters Spock walked towards his captain as Kirk frowned deeply.
"You missed your chance, you could have slapped me down…"
"Captain, I do not feel this should be mentioned before the senior staff"
"Your objections, although silent… have been noted, First Officer!" Kirk grunted.
"You misunderstand my silence. As a citizen of the Federation, Doctor McCoy should be returned home…"
"What?" Kirk laughed.
"Captain Kirk, I offer my assistance in this matter. With your approval, I would like permission too beam down to Romulus along with yourself and Doctor Selana"
"No!" Kirk smiled.
"Captain… you may need me" Spock protested.
"Spock, I know we have not seen eye to eye since I took over here. As a matter of fact, you have made it public knowledge that you are dissatisfied with my appointment as Commanding Officer of this ship and done everything in your power too undermine me at every turn…"
"Captain, I do not wish too…"
"Let me finish. Selana has some… friends on the surface… if we are detected or captured, you will assume command of the Enterprise and take the ship back too Starfleet… You will report that the crew acted on my orders and my orders only" Kirk said slowly.
"Captain, this will undoubtedly end your career in Starfleet" Spock replied.
"If I am captured, I'll be dead. I'm relying on you to get this crew home safely Spock. I know we still have a lot to work out still… please Spock, have I ever let you down?" He smiled.
"Setlec Three, Corucant… even on Mars…"
"Extenuating circumstances Spock. Put aside our differences just this once…" Kirk smiled.
"As you wish. I feel you should know, I was offered command of the USS T'Pol, her Captain is due for retirement… I am still considering my options"
With a slight smile on his face, Kirk nodded slightly as he spoke.
"You'll make a fine Captain Mister Spock. Do me a favour, when you First Officer tells you… the away mission is to risky… ignore him!"
"It is regulation for a Starship Captain to…"
"Spock, put aside logic for the time being…. do what feels right in the moment"
"May I ask a personal question Captain Kirk?"
"Of course." Kirk nodded.
"Why was I not selected for the Captaincy of this vessel?" Spock said slowly.
"You had a lot too learn Spock… Pike thought I could teach you what he couldn't. Think about it Spock, he knew what he was doing when I promoted me ahead of you. if it makes things any easier on you, I turned down command… twice. Pike ordered me to take command, now… you're ready to take the big chair Spock" Kirk winked slightly.
"I see… to borrow from a human term, I assumed that…"
"Spock, Humans have a saying… 'If you Assume, you make an Ass of You and Me'"
"A curious… saying" He smiled slightly.
"A smile Spock? Fascinating!" Kirk mocked. "Do me a favour, once on the bridge, be your normal self… you hate me, remember?" He laughed.