Chapter 3: The Unfortunate Task at Hand

Hikaru Sulu walked quickly through the halls of Deck 7, trying to get to Sickbay without jostling the ensign enough that she woke.

The poor girl had quite a few injuries as far as Hikaru could tell. It looked like the bandage that had held the broken bone in place had been soaked with blood. It also seemed her breathing wasn't right. Every time she took a breathe she was gasping and struggling to get enough oxygen from the air.

Hikaru's pace quickened. It was really too bad this had to happen to her. Hikaru liked the new Science Ensign. She could be just as serious as Spock but at least she knew how to smile and had a sense of humor. The girl twisted in his arms murmuring something unintelligible. He concentrated on not dropping her.

When he got to Sickbay he wasn't shocked to see almost all the beds filled, doctors and Ensigns alike scrambling from patient to patient. The only person that seemed to notice him was the very person he had to carry all the way down here.

"Hey," Becky said weakly, "Put me down," She started to squirm again, forcing Hikaru to lay her on the nearest unoccupied bed before he dropped her. She continued try and escape but could not do so because the lack of air. After a minute of struggle she fell flat against the bed, barely on the edge that hung over unconsciousness.

Hikaru was at a loss for what to do. He stood there, hoping to catch someone's attention.

"Really got worse didn't she? I shouldn't have let her go back." Suddenly Nurse Chapel was there by Becky's side, already administering a sedative. Becky promptly went out like a light.

"If you can spare a minute it would be a big help if you could restrain her for me. Just hold her arms down." Nurse Chapel said, without pausing for him to say whether or not he had a minute.

Hikaru did as he was told. When Nurse Chapel pulled out an odd instrument he had to turn away, not wanting to see what ever this weird medical device was intended to do.

True to her word, it only did take a minute. Hikaru could still hear the Ensigns' vitals, blaring slowly because of the sedatives effects. He let her go and took a glance at the doctors' handiwork. The bleeding had been stopped and sealed, the broken bone back in place. As Sulu might have expected she had also broken a rib and it had been making it hard to breathe. That was also fixed, now it was silent as she took in air, the rasping sound gone.

"You should go now, spock will wonder why you're not back yet." The nurse told like she knew he was anxious to go. Before he left he gave Spock's orders about how long to keep her.

Now, he could finally work his way back to the bridge.

You wouldn't believe the first thing Sulu said to me when he saw me at the Helm.

"What the hell are you doing?" He said once he reached me sitting in his seat. I got up quickly.

"Double Bridge qualifications," I answered innocently. He observed what I had done while he was gone. Or at least what I had been trying to do.

I had been trying to plot a course that could take us out of here at a maximum of Warp 2 within the time period of a minute. It wasn't possible, at least not by my calculations.

And yet he complimented me?

"Nice job though…," He told me after looking for mistakes in my math. I sent a smile at Chekov. He only glared at me. I stood behind Pavel now, as he rubbed nervously at his bandaged hands. It made me remember my own broken wrist and the little pangs of pain when I moved it. I could function with one hand but it would bring my speed down and speed would be needed for these happenings on the ship. Chekov had 3rd degree burns covering the surface of his palms and 2nd degree burns on his fingers and wrists, making it hard to do anything with speed or even accuracy.

"Lt. Uhura, Commander Chekov, Ensign Hoffmann, and Ensign Graham please report to the transporter room immediately." Spock said over the intercom. I looked at Chekov, over to Uhura and shrugged. I walked with them and didn't talk. I knew Chekov was fuming over the fact I got to come. He didn't get to do every mission as an Ensign. No he had to stay back on the ship. My guess was that I got to come because my knowledge on geology and I also took one year of Science classes as well. I had to drop them though because of all the other things I had going on. Maybe they did full background checks on the entire crew. Along the way Chekov got sets of phasers, communicators, and tricorders, and handed them out to us. I was given an extra set for Johnna.

We reached the Transporter room a minute later, Johnna was already there standing on transport pad furthest from us. We all took our places, Uhura and Chekov in front and me next to Johnna. Spock then walked in.

"Remember to be cautious and alert. We must try and see what is diverting us from our course. Ensign Hoffmann," He looked to me. "Your job is to seek out any geological disturbances." I nodded sharply.

"Energize, Mr. Scott,"

I instantly felt the effect of having my molecules scrambled and slammed back together again suddenly. I thought it was an exhilarating feeling myself, like piloting a shuttlecraft with a league of Klingon War birds on your back.

When I materialized I took a deep breath--- and nearly choked on it. I coughed and tried again. It was hard to get enough oxygen from atmosphere without taking the in air so slowly you have to breathe out before you can finish.

Johnna gave me a quick Hypo that made me jump. She continued to do so with Uhura and herself as well, but not Chekov. He continued fighting off the urge to pass out.

"Why doesn't he get one?" Uhura asked, though I could have answered her.

"His blood type is different from ours, it would only make it worse."

"Betchya it's all that Russian blood in him." I whispered to Uhura. I was taller than her too. She gave a little laugh then cleared her throat.

"Begin with tricorders readings for life forms and any protective shields that might be around them,"

I started with what Spock had told me. I could already tell there were high amounts of sulfur, I had smelled it since we had arrived. I looked up to see Pavel and it worried me.

"Pavel, are you okay?" I asked him, forgetting momentarily the dislike of his first name on duty.

"I'm fine," He said, before promptly passing out. I ran to catch him and lowered him to the ground. Johnna and Nyota hurried over. Johnna handed me the medical scanner and I waved it impatiently over his head. He had an elevated heart rate and high blood pressure but was otherwise fine. He was still out cold and that was probably better.

"You guys continue scanning, I can watch him." I said. I know Johnna had taken a Science class too, and she knew I might be more proficient under these circumstances. I continued scans from where I sat on my knees next to Pavel. He was my teacher shouldn't I try to be somewhat responsible for him, even if we fought like a bunch of kids?

Just then all three of us pick up on a humanoid reading. We all looked up at each other at the same time, not bothering to say it out loud. It was coming from the east and fast as could be, it ran toward us. I stood and maneuvered in front of the fallen Navigations officer.

"Phasers on stun," Uhura said quietly.

The humanoid was upon us in a second, so fast it blurred. It stopped right in the middle of us all. I stared at it for a long second.

It was shaped like a humanoid but had the traits of a feline. It wore a long black gown and was incredibly thin and shapely, it or rather she for it had a feminine air to it, had the biggest most cat-like eyes I had seen before, glowing dark blue. Her entire body was covered in light gray fur. Also as a high mark in her appearance she was covered in long ropey scars with one that stretched all the way from her hairline to her jaw.

I returned my phaser to my belt and stepped forward. The humanoid turned to me sharply, its tail flowing out gracefully behind it.

You must leave this place. It seemed to hiss inside my head. I stepped forward again, and felt a light shock run through my body. I winced, but continued to go forward.

You must hear me when I say I mean you no harm I thought toward her.

She stepped back, her pointed ears fell flattened against her angular skull.

Please you must go before it is too late!

I must know why this is happening. Is there more of your kind? Why are you here? Why is the destruction of the Enterprise so important? With every word I stepped closer until I was right in front of her. I knew that the Enterprise was facing destruction because a brief image from her showed an explosion from a previous vessel.

She looked wildly about, her long strait black hair flying. I didn't dare look toward any of them for help. I could hear Pavel's coarse breathing, heard Johnna trying to reach him.

After a moment of panic her hand flew to my temple.

Becky struggled against the restraints that held her tightly. She knew they were in case the ship was battered and people were thrown around, but she help but feel the prison like sense it gave off. Becky had been awake for twenty minutes already trying not to be noticed by any of the doctors, nurses, and ensigns that scrambled around for things scattered throughout Sickbay's mass of medical supplies.

"Well now, what are you doing awake?" Said the familiar voice of Doctor McCoy himself.

"Oh, please don't make me sleep again! I need to go back right away. Please…" When Becky saw him continuing to measure out the correct amount of a red liquid she quickly fell silent.

"Sorry, but Spocks orders. I admit he may not know that much about medical situations but he knows enough not to let people go prancing around when it's possible could bleed to death." He glanced around himself as if to make sure no one heard. "Don't tell him I said that. I'd never hear the end of it."

Becky only had time to promise she wouldn't before she was knocked out cold by the drug.

There was a flash and all I could see was what she showed me.

I saw another planet like this one, with a reddish orange atmosphere, a picture of destruction, what looked like a colony that had not survived such harsh heat. I saw what could've been a Romulan or a Vulcan. I also saw a maze. A giant puzzle that stretched for miles upon miles. Then it was gone.

I gasped. The pictures stopped. I was me again and I was in awe.

I can let you go. You must get out. She said in a whispher

I must know… who are you? You are protecting a secret of some sort, but why?

I am the secret keeper, the one who knew all. I am Shaiani the Romulan goddess of all life and death. I was sent here by the very people who once cherished me. I too, must now go. I will suppress my power for as long as I can then you must destroy the planet for it is my Life source. You must hurry!

With that she pushed me away and ran on all fours. I stood for a second and turned on my heals back to the others.

"Did you both see that?" I asked hoping they would be able to back me up. They nodded and Uhura looked up from Chekov with a worried face.

"Yes we need to go." She said already pulling the communicator from her belt. "Scotty we're ready to beam up. We will explain upon arrival…"

"Pavel," I whispered. He moaned and opened his eyes. He shot upward, then sank down again after a rush of blood.

"Can you stand?" I asked him.

"Yes," He snapped at me.

I ignored the rudeness and pulled one of his arms around my neck to help him stand. Johnna came to his left and also helped.

"Energize."

The rush was back and gone just as fast. Between Johnna and me, Pavel shuddered and went limp. I reached for the medical pouch and pulled out the hypo needle with a small amount of a stimulant to get him awake.

He groaned and woke once more. We ignored Scotty's many questions and hurried up to the Bridge, half dragging Chekov with us.

When we got there we were surprised to see the True Captain back on the Bridge and in command. We dropped Chekov in his seat at Navigations, where he immediately rested his head on the Panel and tried to sleep.

"Mr. Chekov." Kirk warned him. "Aye, sir." Pavel said back sitting up straight and leaning back.

"Captain we need to destroy that planet." I said seriously.

He looked at me incredulously. "we have neither the means or a reason to," He replied back probably thinking about kicking us off the Bridge. I noted the fact that I could hear Pavel snoring lightly and it made me want to laugh.

"Captain, I was there as well. She's not joking."

"I saw it too," Johnna spoke for the first time now, looking small and frightened.

"Captain, it would seem we are able to move." Sulu said after a confused second. We all glanced over at Sulu.

"Please we don't have time to explain this all."

"Captain, I notice there are large deposits of sulfur, if we hit one its possible that it could help us succeed in its destruction." Someone said. It was Becky.

"That could work, Captain." Spock agreed.

"I am going to have to trust you 4" He looked at Pavel who was still sound asleep. "3 of you on this."

"Mr. Chekov," Still, Pavel snored. "Mr. Chekov," Kirk said a little louder making Pavel jump. "Thank you for deciding to join us. Now target one of the deposits and fire. "Aye, Keptin." Pavel said, and he fired.

The planet exploded and sent shards flying. One hit a Deck below us and sent everyone flying forward. I rolled off to one side, Chekov dived over navigations, Uhura held tightly to the rail, and Spock clutched onto the Library/Computer.

I was on my feet fast, helping people up. I found Becky completely unharmed and whole, unlike quite a few on the Bridge.

I saw Pavel dragging himself back to navigations, swearing in Russian, holding his right shoulder. I walked to him.

"You want my help?" I asked though I was going to even if he said no.

"Sure, prove you know vhat your doing." He said acidly.

"Okay, think of something good, you know Russia maybe."

He gave me a funny stare and did so.

When I pushed his shoulder up and in, he yelped.

"You're good. Does it still hurt?" I asked just in case it tore a muscle.

"No, you just surprised me is all." He told me in embarrassed mumble.

"All Decks, report damage" Uhura asked over the intercom. I didn't hear the answer because Johnna and I were now preoccupied with the captain, who was appearing to have trouble catching his breath.

"Doctor McCoy shouldn't have let you out so close after surgery." She scolded. Kirk was surprised that she said anything in such a tone and it showed clearly on his face. I giggled silently.

"Right, well it can't be helped," He said to her.

"Oh yes it can, you are coming back to Sickbay with me." Johnna said taking a stand against the highest ranking commander on the ship. Kirk took a pleading glance toward Spock, who merely raised an eyebrow.

Johnna and Kirk left the Bridge, once more leaving Spock in command of the Enterprise.

"Vulcan, that's it," Spock looked at me. I realized that the other planet had been Vulcan. "We need to plan a course for Vulcan," I told Spock. The others still on the Bridge looked at me, all except for Pavel who had fallen asleep again.

"As much as it would not bother me to visit my home planet, I fail to see your logic, ensign." He said in an almost condescending tone.

"What the creature showed us, it had something to do with the Romulans and Vulcans, something the Romulans are hiding."

There was a moment of complete silence.

"Mr. Chekov---." He started then he looked over at Pavel and back to me. "Plot a course to Vulcan. I shall consult with the Captain."

"Hey, wake up." I said nudging Pavel with my elbow. He shot up and looked wildly about, seeming embarrassed. Not that I blame him. He fell asleep on the Bridge, had his hands severely burned, shoulder dislocated, and passed out on the planet. It was not a good day for him.

"Go down to Sickbay." I told him looking down at the Panels and pressing a series of buttons that would take us off to Vulcan.

He grabbed my hand before I could finish.

"I can do it," He said Tersely.

I glared at him. "I do have some authority when it comes to medical areas. Do you want me to drag you there?"

He continued to glare right back at me.

"Fine why don't you just get some sleep then? Do something other then sleep on the bridge,"

I pleaded with my eyes. "Please?"

Pavel seemed appalled by my worry. "Fine,"

He got up and left, stumbling with sleepiness. I cracked my knuckles and laid in the course.

"Course laid in, Sir." I told Spock.

He nodded. "Warp Factor 2, ."

"Aye, Sir,"

We continued forward at speedy pace, but not nearly as fast as we were capable of. Spock had left us to consult with the Captain, leaving Scotty in charge. Seeing as how things weren't going wrong, I decided to say something to Becky.

"You know this might have something to do with you and your family, too?" I said after thinking over my words a bit.

"I've known since I woke up that something was going on." She said almost dejectedly.

"Be careful, okay? I have a feeling your way deep in this thing." She told me quietly.