"But Jim," Bones contested as he followed him around the helm console as Jim slung a tricorder over his shoulder, "all you have are a couple of coordinates; I hate to sound like Spock but –"

"I fail to see how that is a negative thing, Doctor. Perhaps what you are about to say will finally produce logical sense."

Bones stopped following Jim, who armed himself with two phasers given to him by another crewman. Bones pursed his lips as though he'd swallowed a lemon whole. "You know what, Jim, follow the wild goose trail and make sure you dump his ass somewhere in this god forsaken fog while you're at it!"

Spock raised an eyebrow as he placed a phaser in the holster on his hip. "The captain's attempt to lose me in these current weather conditions will prove wasteful considering I am an excellent navigator. I would find my way back having memorized the coordinates."

Bones crossed his arms over his chest. "Even the best finders can die out there. Which leads me to my next argument." Bones caught up to Jim once again, concerned. He leaned into Jim. "You know how much I want to find that blasted device, and how much more I want to find Amelia and Skylar. But Jim – you're going on a hunch, here."

"We have a general direction, Bones," Jim replied, focused elsewhere. "As long as we follow the coordinates, we should find people." He looked at Bones with a typical James T. Kirk smirk. "And when we do, we blow the shit out of that device."

Spock approached them. "I find the use of such abrasive language useless."

Bones and Jim looked at him. "Cabin fever, Mr. Spock," Jim answered, patting Bones on the shoulder.

"An epidemic," Bones retorted. "Jim," he said to his captain who had begun to depart. "You know Sulu's already mentioned that with the intervals of interference widening, he may be able to warp us out."

"Lt. Uhura and Ensign Chekov have confirmed this as well," Spock added.

Jim turned back to them both. "And Mr. Scott has already mentioned that this would entail substantial – yet not fatal – damage to the hull," Jim stated. "I am aware, gentlemen. But as of now, that is impossible considering that the gaps are still too short."

"In five days they could be the appropriate width, Captain."

"In five days, Mr. Spock, we could be saving Skylar and Amelia, and destroying the unauthorized detection of a cloaking device, which is what the Federation would want us to do." Jim placed his hands on his hips. "If you both want to stay here, that's fine. But I intend to make this trek."

"Despite the fact that you have some navigating capabilities – however irrational and limited – should Skylar and Amelia be alive, it would be most beneficial to the continuity of their wellbeing for me to secure a direct and safe course back to the ship."

Jim nodded, choosing not to be offended by Spock's blatant slam against him, and looked to Bones.

"Dammit Jim," Bones said. "I'm a doctor, not an explorer." He grabbed his tricorder and shot Jim a smirk. "But if there's one thing this good old country doctor knows, it's after any rescue mission of a damsel in distress, there's a celebratory kiss. And I intend to be there to fulfill that prescription."

Bones walked on past them as he grabbed his own phaser. Jim and Spock exchanged glances, both entirely on opposite ends of the spectrum of understanding; Jim beamed brightly in the direction of the Vulcan. Spock merely shook his head before following Jim's lead in walking after Bones.

Moments later, Sulu approached Jim as he, Spock and Bones assembled with the small landing party comprised of red and blue shirted personnel who were all checking the equipment on their backs, hips and across their chests. There were plenty of weary faces aside from the radiant confidence that created a sort of halo around Jim's head. Even Bones seemed excited to be going beyond the confinements of his beloved Sick Bay. Aside from the typical idiosyncrasy of Mr. Spock's demeanor, no one else seemed as keen to be heading out into the fog.

"Captain," Sulu called as he approached.

Jim looked up. "Sulu, what are you doing down here?"

"I think you know how much I want to be a part of this party, Captain."

Jim stared at him for a moment.

"I know what the odds are. And I know that the Enterprise may be able to handle this device after all." Sulu came in close to Kirk. "But Amelia is my best friend. And if you'll allow it –"

Jim cut him off with a motion of his hand. "Have you made Chekov aware of this?"

Sulu looked back over his shoulder. The skinny boy was present but far off in the background by the grounded docking ramp of the underbelly of the ship. Many security personnel passed between him and the landing party, but both Jim and Sulu could make out his somber expression, as well as whom he was staring at exactly.

Jim understood exactly how close he had gotten to the tight niche of personnel he shared the Bridge with. For many Starfleet captains, this would have been almost taboo. Yes, there definitely had to be understanding and comradery; to extent, a captain would have to be friendly to his fellow crewman. A line also had to be drawn between him and those aboard his ship. After all, he was the captain. Personal feelings were never to impede on the decisions he made as a captain or in coordination with his ship. A drink or two was acceptable. But Jim knew almost everything about all of his friends. Yes, that was the word. Friends. He had a good group of close, personal friends that he both commanded and hung out with on a personal level. Bones, Spock, Uhura, Sulu, Chekov, Skylar and now Amelia – they all were his friends. He knew the risks that he took in accepting this responsibility. But the risks were nothing in comparison to living out five years of his life in a lonely, black hole of a career. He embraced his human need for something more than just hallow business; he had found seven strange new worlds in his comrades and had already begun his mission to explore and understand how they orbited with him and against him in this existence; and on the same token, he completely understood that the feeling between them and himself, as well as amongst each other, was mutual.

There was already a low fuss amongst certain crewmen about the captain's decision to explore out further into the world despite the helm's calculations of a possible escape route. To them, the journey into the mysterious beyond seemed fruitless. Jim understood why they felt that way. It was Starfleet normality. This is where Jim found that inner Iowa boy in himself; he was not a typical Starfleet captain. Admiral Pike knew that. And so did his friends. This outweighed any low grumbles he encountered. As far as he was concerned, the mission to destroy the cloaking device was strictly of importance to both his crew and to the Federation. That was the entire point, wasn't it? To boldly go where no one has gone before?

It also gave way to his keen desire to locate his missing friends.

Even though Jim had shared a lot between Sulu and Chekov, he did not know if he'd interpreted their stare between each other correctly. All he knew was that time of the essence and Sulu wanted to aid him in his mission; with the Enterprise grounded, Jim found that this made perfect sense and agreed to Sulu's request with the nod of his head. He did not wait for Sulu to respond. It was apparent that Sulu was already making Chekov very clear of the situation with the intensity of his gaze. Whether it was helm business or a territory of another sort that Jim had not yet wandered into over a drink in the ship's bar or on shore leave, it did not matter. He accepted it all and gave the distant Chekov a confirmation signal with his hand that the young man now had the conn.

Scotty's voice poured out from Jim's communicator. "Captain, Scott here."

Jim opened the lid of his communicator. "Scotty?"

"I wanted to wish you a safe journey. I'm hoping that as our helm is beginnin' to respond with the increase of delays within the frequency, that the range of communication will also increase."

"I agree. Regardless, I will be plotting camps along our course of about three men in each."

"Bread crumbs, I assume. You're a clever one."

Jim smiled. "Always, Scotty. Even without our communicators, you'll have a vein to us." Turning away from the rest of the party, he continued, "It's also as a precaution should we run into anything. I don't want anyone touching my ship."

"I'll make certain of it."

"You and Chekov are in control now. You're the gas pedal and he's the wheel, if I may be so old world."

"If anything of significance happens, I'll send for ya up the line, sir."

"We'll be back soon, Scotty. Kirk out." Jim flipped the lid of his communicator closed and turned to his landing party. "Alright people – and Mr. Spock. Let's rock and roll."

:::::

Amelia, Skylar, Leighland and Havara stood before the king and prince of Armaga Set-ta with a guard behind each of them. Several guards lined the long rug they stood upon that extended down the center of the room, an mpal in one hand and a shield in the other. The shields bore what everyone assumed was the crest of the kingdom, a curvy C that extended from the top and bottom of the letter into a circle around the outside of the shields. It was also assumed that this C stood for Cobia's name as the high ruler of the Armaga Set-ta. There was no time to inquire about this, though. Upon the arrival of the four women into the main throne room of the palace, Cobia began to speak.

"Your frequent attempts to cause disarray amongst the people of my kingdom will henceforth be brought to an end swiftly. The further aid you have been receiving from the traitors amongst the people of Armaga Set-ta shall also cease after this meeting. You four have now been deemed enemies of our state, bringers of the destruction of our peace and the prosperity of our well establish civilization. These outsiders, with their contaminant ways have tried to impress their dogma upon the weak minds of our most important class, causing a drastic shift in production and overall morale. I hereby deem the presence of the Federation a disease amongst our able body. As king of this strong nation, it is both my duty and honor to have this disease ended. These charges are worthy of death. However," he stepped down from his thrown and began to slowly walk toward the silent group, "I am a man of fairness –"

Skylar bit her bottom lip hard. Amelia shifted, having noticed Skylar's movement at her side.

"And as much as I would love to carry out the old ways of our people," Cobia's eyes now rested on Skylar who glowered up at him, "which would mean death by mpal before the kingdom – a slow, agonizing death, I cannot let such a Federation deemed 'barbaric' death be bestowed on our guests."

He turned his gaze to the rest of the women, his glance lingering over Amelia. "In fact, aside from the traitors, only one is not completely deserving of such a fate." His eyes rested on Amelia. "Lt. Takashi, despite her aid in many attempts of breaking into the palace, has shown great wisdom – wisdom that far surpasses any of the women within our kingdom. Her fate shall be different from that of her comrade's." Cobia turned on his heel, walked a couple of paces, turned on his heel and stood tall before Skylar. He placed his hands behind his back as he watched her lips tightened over gritted teeth. "Skylar, Skylar, Skylar," he repeated in a sing-song fashion. "The talented, animalistic brute force of the dynamic duo."

"Thank you," she seethed.

"You have proven yourself against many of my men."

"My pleasure."

"Indeed. Mine as well considering what I have in store for you. Death simply by mpal seems almost to fast for a gem like you. I am fully prepared to engage you in an activity that you would find acceptable."

"You can't scare me, Cobia. Do your worst."

The corner of Cobia's lips turned upright. "I engage you in war." Behind Cobia, Corvallis's heavy stare transformed into a agreeable smirk. His brows furrowed over his eyes and his lips produced a crooked smile.

Skylar glanced from Corvallis back to Cobia and narrowed his eyes. "I don't understand. Are you seriously engaging me to war?"

Cobia laughed. "Amelia's definitely outshines you in intelligence, obviously."

"You call that fair?" Skylar argued, ignoring his jest. "You are asking me to go up against your army?"

Cobia's smile turned deadly as he leaned in closer to her. "Is this sentence something you cannot handle, Lt.?"

Amelia's heart pounded as she watched their stare down, horrorstricken. No, no, no, no! her mind screamed but before her mouth could form the words, she heard Skylar respond acidly, "I accept." Suddenly, the outburst of emotion surged out from between her lips and she began to move against the guard that held her in her place. "NO, SKYLAR, NO!"

Cobia stepped back, amused, as he glanced back at Corvallis who was now casually leaning against him mpal, chuckling at the situation.

Skylar looked to Amelia, her face grim, as tears formed in Amelia's eyes.

"Skylar, you can't go to war against an entire nation!" Amelia protested. "Think about Spock! What would he say?"

Skylar said nothing.

"Oh, well, this is intriguing. Finally, Skylar has a weakness," Cobia stated, intrigued. "Who is this Spock?"

"Her fiancé!" Amelia snapped. "The Vulcan who will save us, with the rest of our crew, when they find us!"

Both Cobia and Corvallis laughed. From the throne, Corvallis chuckled, "An alien? You people actually mate with aliens?"

"The fact that anyone, let alone a thing, would want to mate with her at all is amusing," Cobia added, looking down at Skylar. Her head was still down. With a strong hand, Cobia seized her under the chin and made her look at him. "Don't do that!" he hissed. "Do not deprive me of the pleasure of seeing you killed in battle. You are a warrior! And you shall lead any traitor who thinks to stand against me in our war." He released her chin and looked to the guards. With a swift hand, he waved them away. "Let these filthy creatures go. They have much preparing to do."

The guards moved away as the four women stood without binds. Both Leighland and Havara turned to leave immediately. Amelia waited as she watched Skylar who was staring Cobia down as he took his on his throne. As he was seated, he saw Skylar standing there.

"Three days," he said. "I will give you three days to prepare for your crusade. Then, we have our war. I cannot guarantee many, if any, numbers. These women will not stand against me. But it will be a more fitting death for you – and complete pleasure for myself."

"Three days," Skylar repeated as she felt Amelia's hand close around her arm. She turned to leave with Amelia when Cobia added,

"And ladies, do not plan on seeing your crew again. With our cloaking device activated, they will never be able to find this kingdom. Ever."

Skylar and Amelia continued down the rug toward the large double doors where Leighland and Havara stood. Skylar's fists were clenched tightly at her sides as her mind raced and the blood pounded through her veins like currents of fire.

Leighland led the small group to her small hut near the rest of the women's village on the outskirts of the agricultural fields. None of them said anything on the hike. They passed several workers who all stopped their chores to stare at the foursome. Everyone except Skylar noticed the attention. Her vision was tunneled. She stared straight ahead of her, her body mechanically following a quick-footed Leighland. As they approached the home of Leighland, they noticed that both Skylar's and Amelia's uniforms had been left in the dirt, obviously roughed up by the thickness of grime and wrinkles that the material now adorned. Their boots, matte with lack of attention, were also strewn around the front of the hut. Leighland promptly went to help Amelia gather their belongings. Skylar walked past the mess and followed Havara into the hut.

After much patting of the uniforms, Amelia and Leighland entered the hut.

"I can wash these," Leighland offered, reaching out for Amelia's skant-style uniform.

"Don't," Skylar snapped. "We don't need them."

Amelia held onto her uniform and sat down in front of Skylar, whose intense stare was off in another galaxy somewhere. "Skylar," she said quietly, Skylar unresponsive. "I was thinking that despite it all, this may be a good thing."

"A good thing?" Skylar snapped, returning instantly to reality. She glared at Amelia. "You are crazy!"

Amelia shook her head, remaining calm. "The walk was enough to keep me sane. You could easily have enough numbers against Cobia."

"Who would be stupid enough to do that?"

"I would," Leighland replied passionately. She took a seat on the rug next to Amelia, clutching the boots in her arms tightly. "This is exactly where Cobia will meet his end, and I want to be apart of it."

Skylar eyed her. "You are so stupid, Leighland. You and I can't stand up against the years of training of an army. You'd be killed instantly. I know a thing or two about war, trust me."

There was a moment of silence when suddenly it was broken by a quiet voice.

"I would."

Amelia, Skylar and Leighland turned to Havara, who stood facing the opposite direction. She slowly turned to them, her fists balled at her chest. She slowly sat with them, staring intensely at Skylar.

"And your lack of faith is what is foolish, Skylar. I know of many women who would stand and fight with you, despite the odds."

"What would be the point with the odds in their favor?"

"Cobia expects no one to fight," Havara replied. "He will be threatened."

"Threatened and defeated are two very different things."

"Not if we have the Enterprise," Amelia added. "Cobia said that he has a different fate for me. I may not be apart of this, which could give me a chance to lift the device. We know for certain now, from his own mouth, that it exists. All I need to do is locate it, and with the censors embedded in our uniforms, the scanners would be able to give them coordinates as well as inform them that we are alive. They would come for us!"

Skylar narrowed her eyes at Amelia. "What makes you think Cobia hasn't sent his minions to take the ship down now?"

"Fear," Leighland answered simply. "Cobia would not send his men into the outskirts in the fog, not to attempt to take down a starship. Not so soon, anyway. He would give them time to start dying off before he'd attempt a feat like that."

"Cobia may come off strong," Havara jumped in, her tone much more excited now, "but he is very much afraid of losing his hold. The very fact that you're here after all that happened to the Oryken planets has caused a disturbance in him."

Skylar looked between them all. "You guys are asking for the impossible. You think three days of training is actually going to make any difference?"

Firmly, Amelia replied, "Skylar, a few days ago, the fact that a planet existed in this quadrant was impossible. But look where we are now: captive on a thriving, colonized planet that has existed outside of the Federation. Anything is probable now. It's up to you to make it happen."

Skylar sighed heavily. "And how are you going to find the device?"

"I'm sure one of these women has some kind of information," Amelia said, glancing between Leighland and Havara. "And depending on what Cobia does with me will also give me an advantage – especially if I'm in the palace."

"And if he decides to kill you?" Skylar asked simply.

"Then your stay on this planet is going to be a whole lot less amusing," she replied just as casually.

"I do not think Cobia means to kill you," Leighland said, looking to Amelia. "He mentioned your intelligence. That is also a threat to him."

After a moment, Skylar commented, "I cannot believe this is happening. I can't imagine asking these women to do this – to die because of me."

Leighland placed a hand on Skylar's shoulder. "I do not want to orphan my children. But I would them grow up without a mother on a planet where they are free. I will die regardless of the treachery I have committed against the kingdom of Cobia. I will accept my fate and meet it in the right way."

Despite her uplifting words, a heavy rock had settled in Skylar's stomach.

After a moment of mental and physical rest, both Skylar and Amelia took off their tattered rags of what remained of Cobia's garments to them and donned their Starfleet uniforms. Amelia smoothed out the skirt portion of hers, running her palms over the smooth material. She couldn't help but smile just a little bit. Standing tall, she watched as Skylar fiddled with the end of her red shirt, her eyes staring down the at the familiar operational division insignia. She watched Skylar's fingers move from the hem of her shirt to the insignia where they made contact for a brief moment before Skylar stood upright. Amelia looked away instantly; she did not wish to make Skylar uncomfortable with the observation. They had each had a personal moment in regaining the status they'd both equally worked hard to acquire.

Amelia eyed Skylar after a moment. Skylar nodded, and they both exited the hut with Leighland and Havara in tow.

As Havara began to state that her and Leighland would help to spread the word of the gathering of their army, two guards approached from the fields. The girls watched them as one of them pointed his mpal directly at Skylar while the other seized Amelia, tossing her over his shoulder.

"What are you doing?" Amelia yelled, pounding that the guard's back with her fists while Skylar watched in horror with the mpal mere centimeters from her face.

"Cobia said we could gather –" Skylar started to yell, but she was cut off by the guard carrying Amelia.

"The king said you could gather your pathetic army. However, Amelia has a different fate."

"Where are you taking her?" Skylar demanded as they guards began to turn back towards the palace.

"To Prince Corvallis. He has requested that Amelia take his hand."

Skylar's jaw dropped as she heard Amelia cry, "What?"

"What does that mean?"

The guard with the mpal turned back to Skylar and replied with a smirk, "The throne will be his soon. And he will require an heir. He cannot breed a proper heir with such filthy picking. She is the most suitable out of such slim choices. He sends his thanks."

Skylar started to run at him as Amelia cried out, "Skylar, don't worry about me! Get your army together!" The guards began walking back towards the palace. Skylar watched them as they carried off her friend who continued to call out to her not to follow.

It took every ounce of strength within her being to allow Leighland to pull Skylar by the hand in the opposite direction.