Chapter 22 honesty is the best policy

"Did you gentleman one something?" Kirk asks.

Steps forward first. "I know you'll probably try to argue with me. So, I'm going to say upfront don't bother. What is the Vulcan say kadith or something like that? What is, is. In this case the fact that you saved my life and I know your life debt. I serve you gladly. As my Captain under my oath for Starfleet. And I'm proud to do so. —

Sulu steps back pulling his foldable katana that Kirk and seen since the drill. From seemingly nowhere, never ceasing motion fluidly taking in the sword across his palms offered up. Looking Kirk directly in the eyes.

"I serve under you for Starfleet as my Captain. That services shown me that you are an honorable man. As I said before you saved my life. So, now I offer you my sword my life all that I can give. Should you need it. In defense of you and yours or your or what cause you deem worthy. You saved my life the first time, with no thought of your own. The second time, you not only save my life but that of my blood as well. Family was at Yorktown I seek to honor that. Please accept my sword to your cause."

Kirk is aware his face registers shock. He forcibly reminds himself not to sit there with his mouth hanging open. He very slowly and tentatively reaches to lay fingers on the hilt of the blade. In order to give himself time to come up with something appropriate to say. When there is a snort from the other end of the room.

"Is there something in the water or this just a man thing?" Nyota asked the room In general.

Kirk's face suddenly took on a very sad contemplative expression. "Something in the water… In the water…" Nobody none of the men standing close fails to hear his words or noticed the way he jerked his fingers from the sword hilt as if it was superheated.

"Oh, Hikaru… Karu… Listen, I am very truly honored. I don't believe I deserve it; but I'm not going to offend you by refusing I understand. However, I would ask that you wait until you have all the information that's going to be revealed. I mean no disrespect; I know that you're not the type of person to make that kind of vow lightly. Any of you—

Kirk said, giving all three of them. Looks of appreciation. "However, I want to honor what you offer me the right way. And I would never be able to do that and live with myself if I accepted this sort of fealty vow of you before you know everything. Still want to make the same offer after everything is laid bare on the table and it will be. I will do my level best to be worthy of the faith that you give me and never call upon you for without just cause and great need."

Karu was silent for a long moment. "As you wish. Captain. I can respect your need to be honest and open." Quick as a flash the sword disappeared, and Sulu was returning to his seat.

Kirk was surprised that it was Chekhov spoke next.

"Da, You are a good man Kepitain. What you said to Karu proves that. I to appreciate you wanting to be honest. Everyone has a past Kepitain. Sometimes vere in situations ve can't control. I think maybe you judge yourself too harshly. Maybe there was some wary bad things. I do not know. Howewer, consider this, how many bad people care how others feel. For instance, look at Adm. Marcus. He wanted people for his cause he didn't care how he got them. He was going to kill is all so long as he got what he wanted, what he thought he needed. In here you said vorried about vhat will think… No, Captain. You are a good man. If you choose to share your past with us… With me… I vill be honored. But its vill not change the fact that I'm proud to be a member of your crew and hopefully a friend… I know people tend to forget because I'm young… But the place I come from was and always sunshine and daisies. There ve don't judge people about the dark things. It's whether they choose to overcome them, and how."

Kirk looks Scotty standing by Chekhov. Scott shrugs. "I was planning this whole big pep speech, but the kid pretty much said it like I was thinking." Study shrugs again. Exchanging a look with Chekhov. Nodding quickly. They both turned around and take their perspective seats.

Kirk watches them for a minute…. "I hope so gentleman."