in the span of 5 seconds i bought and own star trek! ... wait that was just a day dream... dang it!
Episode 1-4 The Naked Time.
They were going to a frozen planet to pick up a science crew stationed there. the planet was going to be ripped apart by… Saya was still having trouble understanding all the science of it. She had told Spock she was interested in becoming a science officer of Starfleet if she could get enough knowledge but she was struggling. Spock had assigned her much more reading including away team regulations and emergency regulations so she would be able to observe away team missions.
She was glad for it but worried about being able to catch up and learn enough at an age when most had graduated. She hadn't been able to do more with the cultural database then finish the human section. Though she wanted to read on Vulcans, she was so deep in reading assignments and still having to keep up with her essays that most meals were spent reading. Spock didn't seem to mind and she was able to ask questions as needed to help.
On the bridge she watched as they got into orbit of the planet and looked at the beautiful sight in wonder. "Spock, arrange your away team." Kirk instructed and Spock left with Saya following.
"Where do you want me to stay and wait?" She asked as they walked.
"This time you will join the away team. It is a simple pick up so there should be no danger. It will allow you to practice what you have learned and observe." Spock informed her.
Saya's eyes lit up and she bounced more than usual as she walked "I am looking forward to it. I will do my best to not get in the way or cause trouble." Soon the team was set up and Spock, Tormolen and Saya were in the transporter room getting ready to beam down. Saya was curious about how beaming would feel as it was her first time… at least the first she remembered. She also was fascinated by the strange suits they were wearing.
Scotty was at the controls this time and grinned at her. "Have a good trip lassy. Make sure to tell me all about your first away mission when you get back." He said with a wink as he beamed them to the surface.
As soon as they materialized she looked around, surprised at the lack of feeling and how quickly she was in the new place. looking around the room she was startled. Everything was frozen and the person in front of them appeared dead. She watched Spock to see what she should do. the only thing she could remember was, don't touch anything you didn't know about and if you did know about it you should still probably not touch it. the way the book said it was different but that was her way of putting it.
Spock used a device to check on the person then instructed Tormolen to check the life support systems. He looked around and found a woman laying on the ground. again scanning her, he said "Someone strangled this woman." as Tormolen came back and informed them all life support systems were off and the location of the other 4. Spock confirmed that they were also dead and Tormolen informed them of the strange predicament of the others. one was taking a shower fully clothed, another was at his station like he didn't care.
Sayas nerves were on edge. she was certain that this was not what was expected when they beamed down. Staying close to Spock she went with him to investigate the other 4. Spock investigated every body then reminded Tormolen to be certain he didn't expose himself to anything. Spock had already reminded Saya but she was not willing to touch anything anyway. Spock reported back and they prepared to beam back to the ship.
As they got back Saya saw Scotty in the transporter room. Tormolen was about to step off the transporter pad when Spock stopped him and made sure that Scotty decontaminated them. Scotty reported to the captain who instructed them to have medical check them out too. as soon as decontamination was completed she followed Spock to sickbay quietly telling Scotty that she would tell him about it when and if she could.
In sickbay McCoy checked them all over and verified that Tormolen and Saya were fine. Once it was Spock's turn he couldn't help but tease. "Your pulse is 242, your blood pressure is practically nonexistent, assuming you call that green stuff in your veins blood."
Spock propped himself up on the bed and replied "The readings are perfectly normal for me, Doctor, thank you. And as for my anatomy being different from yours, I am delighted." Saya smiled at the banter and Kirk walked in asking how they were.
McCoy said they were fine but Tormolen spoke up "Terrible, Captain. It was terrible. They were just sitting, like they didn't care. Whatever was happening, they didn't care. I keep wondering…" Saya noticed the odd look about him. he was acting out of sorts but she didn't really know how he usually acted so she said nothing.
"You keep wondering if man was meant to be out here. You keep wondering, you keep signing on." Kirk told him before turning to Spock "Any guesses, ? Any idea of what happened down there?" Saya smiled, in her time they would sometimes comment on if humans should fly they would have wings and if they should dive they would have gills. she guessed space was the same idea.
Saya watched as Spock put his uniform shirt back on over his thermal and answer the captain. "I wish I could say, Captain. The circumstances were quite bizarre, however our record tapes may show us something."
Tormolen started in again about the 6 dead and Kirk sent him to get some rest before ordering Spock to set up the tapes. As they walked with Kirk to set up the tapes Kirk asked "How are you holding up to not only your first away mission but your first time dealing with something like this?"
Saya smiled and shrugged "I should have been dead many times over by now I'd guess. I shouldn't be here anyways, however, i am. We all die at some time, as long as we don't take stupid risks there is no real reason to fear death. That being said… That was a freaky scene. I am rattled, but panicking and having a melt down won't help anyone and will just cause problems."
"Well now. You seem prepared for life as an explorer. Fear is more of an enemy than anything else. You have to always keep it in the background and under control." Kirk said with a grin.
"Yeah, well, years of practice." was her cryptic reply. Spock looked at her a moment but decided to leave the topic for another time as they were quite busy at the moment. They quickly made it to the briefing room and Saya sat behind Spock, as per her normal, watching everything going on. After the last tape Kirk asked for suggestions and the discussion varied after that.
Kirk cut the banter about the unknown off "Earth Science needs the closest possible measurement of the breakup of this planet. To do this, we need the Enterprise in a critically tight orbit. Question. Could what happened down there to those people create any unusual danger to this vessel and crew?"
"We will need top efficiency, Captain. It'll be a tricky orbit. When the planet begins to go, there may be drastic changes in gravity, mass, magnetic field." Spock added.
Kirk examined everyone before saying "The purpose of a briefing, gentlemen, is to get me answers based on your abilities and experience. In a critical orbit, there's no time for surprise."
"Unless you people on the Bridge start taking showers with your clothes on, my engines can pull us out of anything. We'll be warping out of orbit within a half second of getting your command." Scotty said with a touch of good humor.
Uhura called in reporting a 4 degree shift in the magnetic field and a change in mass as well. "It's begining. Unusually rapid shifts." Spock said.
Kirk and Spock got up together as Kirk said "On our way, Lieutenant." To Uhura then as they walked by "I'll hold you to that half second, Scotty." Saya smiled and followed the duo back to the bridge.
Saya heard the information about Tormolen stabbing himself. As soon as she did the hairs on the back of her neck stood up and she started trying to figure out why her first thought was that it wouldn't stop.
She was pulled from her thoughts by Spock informing Kirk that all scanning stations were manned and recorders functioning. She was looking forward to seeing this part of things as well so she kept watching the screen. She heard Spock say "Obviously, this planet is condensing more rapidly than expected. A valuable study. We may be seeing Earth's distant future. Before its sun went dark, this planet was remarkably similar to yours." That idea brought so many questions to the surface for her but she just quietly watched.
Kirk came over to Spock's station and asked if he was looking at Tormolen's record. Spock confirmed it was the psychiatric file and personality quotients. "Was he trying to kill himself?" Kirk asked.
"It is doubtful he meant to. He was confused, self-tortured." Spock answered.
"He doesn't sound like the man I know." Kirk replied.
Spock kept studying his files as he said "His capacity for self-doubt has always been rather high. What puzzles me is what brought it to the surface with so much force." Saya started watching the others again and thinking. She wondered if it was something on the planet's surface but then reminded herself that they were in the suits the whole time. She noticed Riley acting odd. Sulu seemed to as well but she was not as familiar with him.
an alarm started going off and Kirk returned to his area so Saya finally felt comfortable telling Spock. Gently touching his arm she whispered "Riley is acting very strange. I'm more familiar with his behavior after setting up the christmas party with him and I know that he shouldn't be acting like that. Sulu i'm not as familiar with but he seems off too."
Spock turned to observe both of them for a few moments. Saya had given him a flash of strong concern and puzzlement in that touch so he knew she troubled by it. Both were sweating profusely and seemed a little out of it. It forbode trouble but there was no evidence to base it on so he told her "I will keep watch but we can do nothing until there is some sort of solid evidence."
With a sigh and slightly irked look she commented quietly under her breath "Sometimes this whole 'solid evidence' thing is very stupid!"
Spock raised an eyebrow and told her just as softly "Solid evidence keeps us from fearing our shadow." Saya laughed through her nose slightly and told him he had amazing hearing to which he just went back to his instruments.
McCoy called the bridge asking the Captain to come to sickbay, who replied that he would be there when he could. "Planet breakup is imminent, Captain. Shrinking in size at an increasing rate. As the planet continues to shrink in size, its surface moves away from us." Spock informed Kirk.
"Forcing us to spiral down to maintain the same distance from it." Kirk continued.
"Exactly. We must be prepared to respond instantly to any sudden change." Spock again warned.
Kirk made sure the engine room would provide the power quickly when it was needed. "Then I'll go see what the good doctor wants. Keep me informed of any change, ." He said as he left. Spock acknowledged him and went back to his station.
Saya was watching Spock but suddenly heard something from behind her that got her attention. Riley was looking around and Sulu was gone. She was pretty sure that wasn't supposed to happen. "Spock." Saya said as she again tapped his arm to get his attention.
Spock turned around as soon as he felt the concern and worry from her. "Why isn't at his station?" he demanded as he quickly went to the station to fix whatever it was that Sulu was supposed to be doing. Riley compensated and got the orbit steady but seemed to not hear the question. "Take over here, ." he said to the guy in red next to him. Saya briefly wondered if he was related to Janice but figured with as many were on the ship there was bound to be some same last names.
"You haven't answered my question. Where is ?" Spock again demanded.
Riley answered in a silly manner "Have no fear, O'Riley's here. One Irishman is worth ten thousand of you"
"You're relieved, . Lieutenant Uhura, take over this station." Spock ordered cutting off Riley.
Riley continued anyway "Now that's what I like. Let the women work too. Universal suffrage." Spock ordered Riley to sickbay and Riley said he was going there anyways. Talking into a com Spock ordered "Security. is headed for Sickbay. See to it he arrives. Captain Kirk to the Bridge." Saya watched everything in quiet worry. Spock was concentrating on doing damage control on whatever was happening.
Someone came to the bridge and Spock ordered him to relieve Uhura. Kirk came to the bridge asking what the symptoms were and Spock got out of the Captain's chair answering "Nonviolent at this stage. Slightly disoriented. Riley seemed rather pleased with himself, as if he were"
Kirk cut in answering "Irrational, or drugged." and Spock agreed. "Both Sulu and Riley, locate and confine. I want every crewman who comes in contact with them medically checked." Kirk ordered.
"Sir, level two, corridor three reports a disturbance. chasing crewmen with a sword." Uhura reported. Saya watched the look exchanged by Kirk and Spock. 'So Sulu was acting odd as well… This is probably a really bad thing.' she thought.
Kirk ordered security on it and Spock said "Fascinating. A pattern is developing. First, Tormolen. Hidden personality traits being forced to the surface. Then Riley, who fancies himself a descendant of Irish kings, and now Sulu, who is at heart a swashbuckler out of your 18th century."
The ship rocked and Kirk and Spock jumped to figure out the issue. Kirk ordered the helmsman to stabilize the position but the Helm was not answering to control. Kirk ordered them to warp out of orbit but the engines wouldn't respond. Impulse were also dead. Spock called to the engine room for power and Sulu entered the bridge with his sword. Brandishing it he said some nonsensical things as he swung at Kirk.
Kirk jumped out of the way and Uhura moved quickly to keep out of accidental harm. Uhura tried to use her charm to get the sword from Sulu but he just grabbed her saying "I'll protect you, fair maiden."
Uhura got angry saying "Sorry, Neither." and struggled to escape distracting Sulu so Kirk could grab him and Spock could do a neck pinch.
"I'd like you to teach me that sometime." Kirk said and Saya couldn't agree more mentally.
"Take D'Artagnan here to sickbay." Spock ordered as Kirk addressed the engine room trying to get Scotty. Saya looked at Kirk in alarm when Riley said "you rang, sir?" Kirk asked who it was and Riley introduced himself as the captain who relieved Scotty of his duties. Kirk tried to storm off the bridge to deal with the problem but the turbolift doors wouldn't open. He demanded Uhura shut Riley off the com.
"Captain. At our present rate of descent, we have less than twenty minutes before we enter planet atmosphere." Spock informed the captain irritated finished "And burn up. I know, ." before finally getting off the bridge. Saya saw the look Spock gave when Riley started singing, and though it was well controlled she knew it meant 'the illogical stupidity i have to put up with.'
Saya would have snickered if it wasn't such a concerning time. She also wanted to ask Spock about the neck pinch thing he did that dropped Sulu. Spock asked for a status report and Uhura informed him that security is reporting incidents among the crewmen are increasing. Spock ordered Alert Baker 2 and to seal off the main sections and Uhura announced it. "We're going to seal off, Captain, if we can minimise the spread of whatever this is." Spock informed Kirk as he returned to the bridge. Kirk tells Uhura to continue the alert but she is unable because Riley cut off all the alert channels.
Riley told Uhura that since she interrupted his song she would get no ice cream tonight. Saya wanted to laugh but the severity of the situation prevented it. Kirk ordered her to cut Riley off but Uhura couldn't. Riley announced a formal dance in the bowling alley at 1900 and Spock informs the captain after attempting to assist Uhura "No way, Captain. He controls the main power panels. He can override any channel from down there. Seventeen minutes left, sir."
The ship suddenly jolted badly and Saya was thrown from her chair. getting up she rubbed the back of her head that had hit a console and saw everyone else had been thrown as well. McCoy called from sickbay and Spock managed to tie them in. "I'm getting you, Jim. Look, can you keep this beast level? I've got Sulu tranquilized and we're running tests on him." McCoy asked.
Kirk asked if McCoy could do anything about Riley but McCoy had nothing he could do. Riley again started an announcement, this time about females wearing makeup and hairstyles he prefered. Saya glared at the com for a moment before rolling her eyes as Riley started singing again. 'he is a nice enough guy but seriously annoying right now.' she thought. she did let out a small laugh when Kirk said "please not again."
Spock announced 16 minutes left and Saya wondered how the others handled it so calmly with death imminent. Uhura announced emergency signals about decks 4 and 5 having fights and disorders. Kirk demands her to get him sickbay but she is unable as Riley keeps switching channels on her. "See what you can do to help Doctor McCoy. Better check Scotty first. Move him faster. He's got to get through that bulkhead." Kirk told Spock.
Spock got up and Saya again followed. This time she had to almost jog to keep up with him. They came out of the turbolift to a crewman laughing hysterically at a paintbrush. Spock ordered him to report to the lab. they paused for a moment as they stumbled across 'love mankind' written on the wall in red. "That is probably his handiwork…" Saya muttered as Spock started walking again.
They paused again at a crewman serenading Janice and Spock ordered the man to move before again walking. She heard Janice call for help again but this time they didn't stop. they had to get to the engine room.
Spock stopped up short looking at Scotty's work "Message from the captain."
"Tell him I'm doing my best. If I cut through the wrong circuits" Scotty told him.
Spock responded "We have fourteen minutes left."
"Even if we were under a full-scale attack I couldn't move any faster, not and maintain a safety factor." Scotty said
Spock started telling Scotty "At the rate you're proceeding, calculations show that you'll take a minute and a half more than we have left. You can't afford a safety factor."
Saya looked at the door and wondered if she may be able to help. "Umm, Riley." She called "Riley, Would you like to dance?" She noticed the surprise minimally shown on Spock's face and ignored it, as well as Scotty asking what she was doing.
"Pretty lady Saya, you finally came to dance with me." Riley started.
"I would but there is a door in the way." Saya replied in her sweetest voice. she didn't really like doing it but if it helped she would. Riley started trying to open the door and she darted behind Spock. Scotty and his assistant were left to take care of Riley as Spock started walking again. "I'm waiting for that dance Riley." Saya said before darting to follow Spock. She didn't want chance of him not opening the door. "Please don't mention that to anyone." Saya requested with a shudder.
Spock looked at her with a raised eyebrow for a moment before saying "That was a logical action, However it does not bear repeating."
"In word or action." Saya said with a smile.
They made it to sickbay to find nurse Chapel looking in a mirror messing with her hair. Spock asked where McCoy was and Saya nudged him "Something's off." she said in a whisper as Chapel told Spock that McCoy went to the lab. Spock tried to get lab in on com but to no avail.
Spock turned to go and nurse Chapel grabbed his hand. Spock tried to remove it but she again took his hand. " , the men from Vulcan treat their women strangely. At least, people say that, but you're part human too. I know you don't, you couldn't, hurt me, would you? I'm in love with you, . You, the human , the Vulcan ."
Saya didn't like where it was going. She told herself it was because didn't like admitting his human half but she knew there was more than that. Spock removed his hand then looking slightly stricken. Spock went to tell the nurse to do something but she cut him off saying "Christine, please. I see things, how honest you are. I know how you feel. You hide it, but you do have feeling. Oh, how we must hurt you, torture you."
Saya didn't like someone else being able to see Spocks emotions. She tried to convince herself it wasn't a bad thing. When Spock said "I am in control of my emotions." Saya suddenly realized something was wrong. He was doing the same hand thing and starting to look off.
" ! We… You have more responsibilities! We need to go! NOW!" she almost hollered at him. She had to get him to keep going or no one had a chance. she wasn't sure what was left on his list but she was sure that few others would be able to do it… fewer still at the rate this strange drunkenness spread. Christine went back to her mirror when Saya started to yell at Spock.
Uhura called down for to take the bridge and Saya desperately pushed at his arm "SPOCK! NOW!" Spock looked at her for a few moments as Uhura called for him again. Finally Spock left and started down the hall. Spock leaned against the wall after just a few steps, trying to get his emotions under control. Saya didn't know what to do to help and was getting increasingly concerned.
Uhura called again and Spock straightened himself and started walking. Saya was starting to be hopeful that Spock would manage but after just a few more steps he started to break down again. Looking at Saya he started to sob and she glared at him "NO! You have stuff to do!" and thankfully he pulled himself together again and started walking. Saya didn't know how they would make it, but then she wasn't sure they would. Still if she was going to die, she would die trying.
They made it to briefing room 2 before Spock started breaking down again. Spock looked at the sign a moment before going into the room. Saya followed him and watched unsure what to do as Spock started trying to get himself under control. "I'm in control of my emotions. Control of my emotions. I am an officer. An officer. My duty. My duty is, is. My duty is to, to. Too late. I'm sorry. To. Two, four, six. Six. Six times six."
Saya looked at him as he broke. When he walked to the table and sat down she moved to beside his chair. She had no idea what to do to help she didn't even think she would be able to. Spock started lamenting about never telling his mother he loved her and Saya latched onto that. "Is she still alive?" she asked.
"An Earth woman, living on a planet where love, emotion, is bad taste." Spock continued.
Grabbing his arm again she shook him slightly to get him to look at her. "She is still alive. You can do something about it still! Regret is for missed opportunity, not for still possible opportunity."
Spock started crying and Saya hugged him as he said "I respected my father, our customs. I was ashamed of my Earth blood." Saya rubbed his back and brushed her fingers through his hair trying to sooth him. as soon as her fingers made contact with his forehead she suddenly realized she had gotten whatever it was. she had started the hand thing. "SHIT!" she exclaimed backing into a corner.
Kirk entered demanding where Spock had been when Spock again spoke of never telling his mother he loved her. Kirk told him that they had 4 maybe 5 minutes and had to risk a full-power start. he started explaining more but Saya just couldn't understand and Spock only responded by saying "Jim, when I feel friendship for you, I am ashamed."
Kirk finally started hitting him in the face saying "You've got to hear me! We need a formula. We've got to risk implosion!"
After enough hits to Spock's face Spock hit back and sent Kirk flying over the briefing table. Saya sat in the corner and made herself as small as possible as she tried to keep from becoming crazy like all the others. she was barely aware of Kirk and Spock arguing about it being done. Kirk started to loose it and Saya whimpered in the corner as Kirk kept screaming and suddenly had his meltdown.
"I didn't belong then, I don't belong now. I was never meant to be. The whole world, no the whole galaxy is able to kill me with a flick of its will. I shouldn't be. I should have never been." She started muttering to herself as Spock started trying to tell Kirk the intermix formula. Kirk started going on about love and his ship.
Scotty came in and Spock instructed him to stand by to intermix saying he would call the formula in from the bridge and Uhura announced them entering the upper stratosphere. Spock left with Scotty and Kirk got himself under control then left as well. Saya stayed in her corner in as tight a ball as she can muttering over and over that she didn't belong anywhere and everything could kill her.
Spock returned to the bridge after they managed to sort through everything and they discovered that they got to relive 3 days. Kirk voiced what all thought, hoping it would not be the same 3 days to live over again. Spock stated the intriguing prospects of time travel and Kirk told him they may some day before telling Sulu to go to their next destination. Spock looked to his station and remembered Saya was not with him. "I have another responsibility to take care of Captain." He said.
Kirk looked over at his station and knew what Spock is referring to. "Go, McCoy go with him just in case." Kirk ordered and both left.
Spock entered the briefing room and heard Saya muttering over and over "I don't belong anywhere, I should have never existed. Everything can kill me and I can do no good."
McCoy tried to get her out of her ball so he could give her the Hypo but she refused to move. Spock picked her up and put her on the table noticing she was shaking like a leaf. He kept a hold of her to keep her still for McCoy. McCoy administered the Hypo and left saying "It will take a few minutes . Give her time and try to show a little empathy. She accidentally revealed her truth and that is a pretty dark one. I need to set up a psychiatric exam for her."
After a few moments the shaking started to mellow then all together stop. She leaned her head against Spock a moment and took a deep calming breath. her muttering had stopped and she was starting to show signs of being back to normal. looking up she realized Spock was still holding her still. "OH! I'm sorry. I lost it too. I am sorry to always be trouble."
Spock looked at her for a few moments. "You helped quite a bit with Riley. It gave us more time. You noticed earlier than most of us that something was wrong. You are helpful and you belong here." Spock told her.
Saya smiled "Thanks, sorry again. also, you won't like hearing this but you need to talk to your mom. Regrets are for when you can do nothing. You are able to do something so it is illogical to regret something you can fix. You don't have to let anyone know about it though."
Spock let her go and she got off the table and they walked together to the bridge. "I will look into it." Spock said.
as they entered Kirk asked how she was. "I'm fine Sir. Just got a little lost." she replied. She didn't really want to talk about the fact she got lost in her own fears and depression. Taking her normal seat she smiled as she watched Uhura grin at her and Spock go back to his instruments.
*END*
Episode 1-5 The Enemy Within.
Saya had requested some form of test to help check if she was retaining the information. Spock had obliged and Saya had failed the test. not just sort of but really badly. So she spent each night up late studying. she decided to try something new, she would draw out the information to help retain it. it seemed to be working well but she still was frustrated about not having learned enough. after a week of this her walls were covered in various odd drawings and she was showing clear signs of a prolonged lack of sleep.
Spock knocked on her door that morning noting that she didn't meet him at it like she had the habit of doing. " , alpha shift starts in 32 minutes." he said after a moment. he heard a muffled 'open' and the doors opened to reveal something he was unaware of. He had not seen in her room for quite some time but now that he did he saw the pictures all over the walls and her with one stuck to her cheek as she looked up at him with tired eyes.
"I'm not late yet am i?" she asked.
"No, however you have 31 minutes to get ready and report to the bridge." Spock answered her.
rubbing her face and stretching she got up and got her uniform. Spock was rather intrigued to see her night wear was much the same only looser fit. going to her bathroom she quickly got ready and came out clean, dressed, putting up her hair with the clip in her teeth. "mfh rfemfy oo fo." she said. at Spock's arched eyebrow she finished twisting and grabbed the clip. "I'm ready to go. Sorry to hold you up." she clarified as she put the clip in place and they quickly walked to get breakfast. "So we are getting specimens at this planet which is… Alpha 1… 177?" she said.
"Correct" he said as they got their food. she ordered a black coffee and as soon as it cooled, downed the whole thing in one breath. She was still tired but she would be functional. "You require more sleep than you are currently getting." Spock informed her.
"Yeah, well i have to make up for all the stuff i didn't retain before and manage to keep up with my reading." she said as McCoy came up behind her.
"Now , I told you not to overwork her." he said gruffly.
"Not , I just am not retaining the information I need so i have to work harder." Saya defended Spock.
"If it is a concern I will cut back your reading. It would be illogical to make yourself sick by working too hard." Spock told her.
"But I have to work hard. I can't catch up if I don't push myself."
"Who are you competing with missy?" McCoy asked.
"Everyone, No One. I don't know. Quite a few of the officers around me are near my age and already so far. I have to make up for 200 years of being a popsicle and figure out how to be useful in a world vastly different from mine." Saya said. She didn't mean to say everything but it just poured out.
"You are not required to be a science officer, or to do it by a set time. You are able to pursue any career you wish. I would advise an art career seeing as you are adept and passionate about it." Spock told her examining her face. She was developing deep circles under her eyes and her skin looked dry.
"Yeah, but an artist wouldn't be allowed the privileges I currently get. I like where I am. I get to see and do new things and stay with people I like and am comfortable with. If i become an artist my whole world would change. I wouldn't be able to stay with you guys either." Saya said before getting up and putting her dishes away.
Spock and McCoy exchanged looks before McCoy took off and Spock and Saya walked to the bridge. "You will be able to retain less the more sleep deprived you get." Spock informed her.
"I'll keep that in mind." She said as she sat down and started reading again. Today Kirk would be on the planet's surface and it would be a rather light day. The morning passed easily until the transporter room notified them of an injury to Fisher causing him to beam up early. Kirk beamed up soon after but it was nothing out of the ordinary so everyone on bridge continued as usual.
After some time McCoy informed them that Kirk had demanded brandy forcefully then left. Spock went to check on Kirk. knocking on his door Spock announced himself and Kirk invited him in. Saya was unsure if she should follow but Spock had not instructed her to stay and by now Kirk was used to her being Spock's shadow so she followed but stayed by the door. "Yes, , What is it?"
"Is there something I can do for you, Captain?" Spock asked, he looked somewhat uncomfortable. When Kirk asked 'like what' Spock told him "Well, seemed to think I should check on you."
Kirk looked over Spock before saying "That's nice. Come on, Spock, I know that look. What is it?"
"Well, our good doctor said that you were acting like a wild man, demanded brandy." Spock answered.
"Our good doctor's been putting you on again." Kirk chuckled.
Spock made a slightly irritated face "Hmm. Well, in that case, if you'll excuse the intrusion Captain, I'll get back to my work."
"I'll tell him you were properly annoyed." Kirk said as Spock and Saya left.
"I don't think McCoy was pulling your leg." Saya said softly.
Soon Spock and Kirk were called to the transporter room and Saya followed. Saya noticed Scotty holding something that was dog ish but very strange. she wanted to pet it but resisted the urge. When Kirk inquired what was wrong Scotty answered "Transporter breakdown. Continue circuit testing. We beamed up this animal and, well, look for yourself. It's in this specimen case."
Scotty continued explaining after he showed them the angry version of the animal. "A few seconds after they sent this one up through the transporter, that duplicate appeared. Except it's not a duplicate, it's an opposite. Two of the same animal, but different. One gentle, this. One mean and fierce, that. Some kind of savage, ferocious opposite. Captain, we don't dare send and the landing party up. If this should happen to a man."
Saya heard Kirk say "Oh, my." and figured they had all come to the same conclusion. McCoy wasn't pulling Spock's leg, there was an opposite of Kirk aboard. As they walked back to the bridge Spock and Saya thought about what to do. They had dropped Kirk off in his room to rest. they heard a com call. "Geological Technician Fisher. Deck twelve, section" suddenly there was a strange struggling sound and it cut off.
Rushing to the deck in question the soon found Fisher on the ground unconscious from a hard hit to the head and Janice sobbing in her quarters. Taking both to sickbay they went to talk to Kirk. Saya was not fond of Janice but she understood the fear.
"Me? My yeoman said that? I've been resting here since you left me. Alone, ." Kirk said incredulous.
Spock replied as he held up a bottle of brandy "Doctor McCoy reports that you demanded this brandy in Sickbay and left with it. I found this bottle in Yeoman Rand's quarters."
"Not true. I haven't been to the Sickbay. Let's find out what's going on." Kirk said as he walked out.
Saya wanted to speak up but Kirk still intimidated her. She wasn't quite sure why but he did. Soon they were listening to Janice tell her story "Then he kissed me and he said that we, that he was the Captain and he could order me. I didn't know what to do. When you mentioned the feelings we'd been hiding, and you started talking about us."
Kirk demanded "Us?" as McCoy, Spock and Kirk formed a closer semi circle around her.
Saya had finally seen enough. "She is frightened and hurting! you all are using intimidating postures which doesn't help! Sit down and actually listen! if she is lying, you will be able to figure that out. if she is telling the truth frightening her more makes you as bad as whatever assaulted her!" she glared at each in turn then pulled a chair over and sat beside Janice rubbing her back gently.
The 3 looked at Saya for a moment before Kirk and McCoy took a seat and Spock stood against a wall a reasonable distance from Janice. At Saya's gentle prod Janice continued. "Well, he is the captain. I couldn't just. You started hurting me. I had to fight you, and scratch your face."
"Yeoman, look at me." Kirk demanded but at a glare from Saya softened his tone. "Look at me, look at my face. Are there any scratches?"
Janice looked him over and confused said "I was sure I scratched you. I was frightened. Maybe..."
"Yeoman. I was in my room. It wasn't me." Kirk insisted.
"Sir, Fisher saw you, too." Janice persisted. At Kirk's questioning of Fisher seeing she added "If it hadn't been. I can understand. I don't want to get you into trouble. I wouldn't have even mentioned it!"
Saya was about to say that wrongdoing should always be corrected when Kirk forcefully said "It wasn't me!"
Fisher had gotten up and heavily leaned against the doorway between the sides of sickbay. "It was you, sir." he clearly said.
"Do you know what you're saying?" Kirk demanded.
Fisher looked him square in the eye and said "Yes, I know what I'm saying." with conviction.
McCoy gently led him back to bed and Spock dismissed Janice. Saya gave her a smile and hug quickly before Janice left to try and help her feel better. Spock turned to Kirk and said "There's only one logical answer. We have an impostor aboard."
Saya taped his elbow and said quietly "the dog thing." Spock nodded and they started to the transporter room and as soon as they got there Kirk started questioning Scotty about how it happened.
"I don't know sir, but when Fisher came up, his suit was covered with a soft yellow ore that had highly unusual properties. It may have caused an overload. Can't tell, not yet." Scotty answered but when Kirk asked if the transporter could work at all Scotty replied "Yes sir, but we don't dare bring up the landing party. It might be duplicated like this animal."
when it came to figuring out how long it would take to fix Kirk reminded Scotty "We just can't leave those four men down there. It's getting dark. They'll die. The surface temperature of that planet goes down to a hundred and twenty degrees below zero at night." Scotty knew and Kirk knew Scotty knew.
Spock asked about Kirk's double and Kirk seemed a little less commanding than usual as he said "Yes, er, yes, we'll have to find him. Search parties, . Organise search parties."
"We can't take a chance on killing it. We have no previous experience, no way of knowing what would happen to you." Spock pointed out.
"Yes, that's right. We don't know, but the men have to be armed. The men are to be armed, with their phasers locked, I repeat, locked, on setting number one. There can't be any chance of him being killed. He's to be taken without. If the men are forced to fire, he can't be killed." Kirk said.
Spock asked "How shall we explain it to them, Captain? The search parties are to capture you?" and when Kirk seemed to almost forget about the problem Spock prompted him again.
"Yes, I'll make an announcement to the entire crew, tell them what happened. It's a good crew. They deserve to know." Kirk said. This time both Spock and Saya raised an eyebrow at the terrible idea.
"Captain, no disrespect intended, but you must surely realise you can't announce the full truth to the crew. You're the Captain of this ship. You haven't the right to be vulnerable in the eyes of the crew. You can't afford the luxury of being anything less than perfect. If you do, they lose faith, and you lose command." Spock tactfully pointed out.
Kirk looked at Spock slightly puzzled and said "Yes, I do know that, . What I don't know is why I forgot that just now. , if you see me slipping again, your orders, your orders are to tell me." Spock agreed as kirk went back to his room. Saya could tell Spock was worries. She was worried herself but she concentrated on trying to be helpful.
Saya and Spock walked onto the bridge as Kirk announced to the crew "This is the Captain speaking. There's an impostor aboard the ship, a man who looks exactly like me and is pretending to be me. This man is dangerous. Utmost caution is to be observed. All crew members are to arm themselves. The impostor may be identified by scratches on his face. Repeat, the impostor may be identified by scratches on his face. Section chiefs, assign personnel to the search. All search parties report to for assignment." Kirk looked at Spock who reminded him about phasers being set and locked on stun. "Oh, yes, yes. All hand phasers must be set on base cycle, stunning force. The impostor is not to be injured. Use minimum force. Repeat, the imposter is not to be injured."
They went to the briefing room to sort out ideas. Kirk checked on Sulu and Sulu reported it being 20 degrees below 0 already. Kirk turned off the communicator and asked if there was any way they could help. "Thermal heaters were transported down. They duplicated. They won't operate." Spock informed him.
as Kirk was talking about the need to get the men back up a crewman reported to Spock "Transporter Technician Wilson found injured near the Captain's cabin. He says the impostor attacked him, called him by name, took his hand phaser." Spock acknowledged and told him to continue the search.
"Apparently, this double, however different in temperament, has your knowledge of the ship, its crew, its devices. This being the case, perhaps we can outguess him by determining his next move. Knowing how the ship is laid out, where would you go to elude a mass search?" Spock surmised.
Kirk thought for a few moments before answering "The lower levels. The Engineering deck." Spock and Kirk started for the lower levels and Saya wondered what she was supposed to do. Thankfully as they passed her quarters Spock told her to stay in her quarters and rest until he came for her. She did as she was told and soon she was asleep in her bed.
after a fair few hours Spock finally came for Saya to inform her that Kirk's double had been dealt with. Knocking and announcing himself he heard a soft 'Open' and entered. Not seeing Saya at her desk he looked around to see her in her bed still asleep. Raising an eyebrow he said "Fascinating" as he stored the information for later. Saya rolled over and asked in a soft mumble "Kirk safe? Sulu safe? Janice ok? Spock… Spock…" Spock approached her as she talked intrigued by her sleep-talking. With a big grin she said "Spock logical?"
Spock's lip twitched a moment before he softly replied "Kirk is safe and as he should be. Sulu and the away team are back and being treated. Janice is doing well. I am… myself." He wasn't sure what she meant by the last question but he hoped she would accept the answers. She snuggled into her blankets with a happy 'humm' and Spock left to go to his room. Alpha shift had ended a while ago and he was in need of meditating.
*END*