Im bidding on a star trek thing but don't own the series sadly
Episode 1-23 A Taste of Armageddon
They were in rout to star cluster NGC 321 to open diplomatic relations with the civilisations there. Saya sat on the bridge watching Kirk pace as they waited for a response from Eminiar 7, one of the planets in the star cluster. Ambassador Fox entered the bridge and demanded if they had received an answer yet. Kirk informed them that they had not.
Suddenly Uhura said they were getting a reply and notified the captain that it was code 7-10. Kirk asked if she was sure and Uhura told him she was positive. And Fox asked what it was supposed to mean. "Code 7-10 means under no circumstances are we to approach that planet. No circumstances whatsoever." Kirk answered.
Fox demanded they disregard the signal and Kirk pointed out that it was their planet and the Federation should respect that. "Captain, in the past twenty years, thousands of lives have been lost in this quadrant. Lives that could have been saved if the Federation had a treaty port here. We mean to have that port and I'm here to get it." Fox said.
Kirk pointed out, going in could create an interplanetary war. Fox was ready to take that chance but Kirk was thinking of his ship and crew. "I have my orders, Captain, and now you have yours. You will proceed on course. Achieve orbit status and just leave the rest to me. You're well aware that my mission gives me the power of command. I now exercise it. You will proceed on course. That's a direct order." Fox ordered.
Spock got up to quietly suggest a yellow alert and Kirk agreed calling one. They set into standard orbit around and Spock went over the information. "We know very little about them. Their civilisation is advanced. They've had space flight for several centuries, but they've never ventured beyond their own solar system. When first contacted more than fifty years ago, Eminiar Seven was at war with its nearest neighbour. The Earth expedition making the report failed to return from its mission. The USS Valiant. Listed as missing in space."
Fox demanded why Kirk was going alone and Kirk told him that he was making sure it would be safe for to go down. Kirk arranged a team with 2 security men, himself and . Saya asked if she could be useful and Kirk smiled "You will come as the yeoman. You have been working on your self defence?"
"Yes Sir. has been teaching me." Saya answered glad to be able to be useful.
"Good. Get a tricorder, record everything and be prepared to write a report on all the events that happen down on the planet." Kirk instructed her and she grinned doing as ordered. It was nice to be able to help. She hated just sitting and waiting and even if it was dangerous she wanted to do more. She noticed Spock's raised eyebrow but he said nothing.
Saya looked around as soon as they materialized and started paying close attention to be able to write it all later. A pretty lady with 2 men came to greet them. Saya wondered if the color of the men's uniforms indicated anything like Starfleet's colors did. Kirk introduced himself and Mea introduced herself. "I know. I'm Mea 3. I congratulate you on your instrumentation. You've come directly to the Division of Control. If you'll follow me, please."
Saya wondered if she could pull off the beautiful outfit Mia was wearing but reprimanded her distraction reminding herself to do her job. Mia stopped and reminded Kirk he had been warned not to come there and asked why he had as it was for his own safety. Kirk said he saw no danger and Mia replied "The danger exists. Nevertheless, you are here. It would be morally incorrect to do less than extend our hospitality. Anan 7 and members of the High Council await you. If you will come this way, please."
They walked into a council room and Kirk introduced everyone "I'm Captain Kirk. This is my first officer, Mister Spock, Lieutenants Galloway, Osborne, ." The leader of the councilmen introduced himself as Anan, then asked what they could do for Kirk and Kirk told him "My mission is to establish diplomatic relations between your people and mine." The man told them it would be impossible because of the war.
Kirk asked if they were still at war and Anan told them they had been for 500 years. Kirk said it was well concealed and Spock informed them "Sir, we have completely scanned your planet. We find it highly advanced, prosperous in a material sense, comfortable for your people, and peaceful in the extreme. Yet you say you are at war. There is no evidence of this."
"Casualties among our civilian population total from one to three million dead each year from direct enemy attack. That is one reason, Captain, why we told you to stay away. As long as your ship is orbiting our planet, it is in severe danger." Anan informed them and Spock asked who they were at war with. "The third planet in our system, called Vendikar. Originally settled by our people and now a ruthless enemy. Highly advanced technologically." Was the answer.
An alarm started sounding and Saya looked around and saw a door open with many view screens on it. She wondered what it was for when Anan said "Please excuse me. Vendikar is attacking. Mea, care for our guests."
They looked to see what was happening and Mea told them it would not last long. Kirk asked if they took shelter and Mea said there was no shelter. She informed them that the attacks were frequent and they would retaliate immediately. At her sad Oh, Kirk asked what it was and Mea informed them it was a hit in the city. Kirk asked if Spock heard any explosions and Spock instructed Saya to take tricorder readings.
Saya informed him that there was no evidence of damage and Kirk asked what weapons were being used. Mia informed them Fusion bombs that were materialised by the enemy over their targets. Kirk called to the bridge and asked Scotty if anything unusual was happening on the planet's surface. Scotty informed them that nothing was going on.
Another spot on the map lit up and Saya wondered if it was some kind of virtual thing. It was the only conclusion she could come up with. The people's reactions just didn't make sense. Anan told them "It's a vicious attack, extremely destructive. Fortunately, our defences are firming, but our casualties are high. Very high."
Kirk informed him "Sir, I have been in contact with my ship, which has had this entire planet under surveillance. All during this so-called attack of yours, we have been monitoring you. There's been no attack, no explosions, no radiations, no disturbances whatsoever. If this is some sort of game you're playing" Saya was glad to know that she wasn't alone in her conclusions.
Anan informed them it was no game and that half a million people had been killed before ordering the attack units to be activated. Spock informed Kirk that they fought the war entirely with computers. At Anan's of course Kirk said that computers don't kill half a million people. Anan informed them "Deaths have been registered. Of course they have twenty four hours to report."
Kirk asked what he meant by reporting and Anan answered. "To our disintegration machines. You must understand, Captain, we have been at war for five hundred years. Under ordinary conditions, no civilisation could withstand that. But we have reached a solution."
Spock said that that meant the attack was theoretical and Anan corrected him "Oh, no, quite real. An attack is mathematically launched. I lost my wife in the last attack. Our civilisation lives. The people die, but our culture goes on."
Saya wanted badly to say that the culture shouldn't live if it encouraged suicide. Kirk asked "You mean to tell me your people just walk into a disintegration machine when they're told to?" Anan told them that the people had a high sense of duty.
"There is a certain scientific logic about it." Spock stated and when Anan said he was glad Spock approved Spock clearly said "I do not approve. I understand." Saya wanted to smile at the almost passionate response that no one was likely to notice. She had developed a fondness for his minute expressions and almost non existent, emotionless emotions.
"Good. Then you will recall I warned you not to come here. You chose to ignore my warning. I'm sorry, but it's happened." Anan told them and Kirk asked what had happened. Anan motioned to his guards and they moved around the group. "Once your ship was in orbit about our planet, it became a legitimate target. It has been classified destroyed by a tricobalt satellite explosion. All persons aboard your ship have twenty four hours to report to our disintegration machines. In order to ensure their co-operation, I have ordered you, Captain, and your party held in custody until they surrender. If possible, we shall spare your ship, Captain, but its passengers and crew are already dead."
More guards entered and Saya watched as Spock just observed everything without acting. Saya's nerves were on edge but she tried her best to remain calm and succeeded in appearing calm. They were taken to a room and locked in. Kirk started pacing, Spock sat thinking making a pyramid with his fingers and the guards stood waiting. Saya sat in another chair wondering what would happen.
Mea came in to ask if they needed anything and kirk demanded to talk to Anan. Mea started to mention their duty and Kirk frustrated said "Your duty doesn't include stepping into a disintegrator and disappearing." Mea said it did as she had been declared a casualty and had to report by noon the next day. "Is that all it means to you? To report and die?" Kirk demanded.
"My life is as dear to me as yours is to you, Captain. Don't you see? If I refuse to report, and others refuse, then Vendikar would have no choice but to launch real weapons. We would have to do the same to defend ourselves. More than people would die then. A whole civilisation would be destroyed. Surely you can see that ours is a better way." Mea explained.
Kirk said he didn't see it at all and Mea said it had been their way for almost 500 years then asked if there was anything Kirk needed. He again requested Anan. Saya could see how that would have been a good solution for a short time for a war torn planet but then it took all the mess out of war and decreased the desire to stop it.
Spock had come up with a plan to get them out of the room. Kirk asked if he was sure he could do it and Spock answered "Limited telepathic abilities are inherent in Vulcanians, Captain. It may work. It may not." Kirk told him to do his best and Spock started at the door seeking the mind on the other side of it. Finding the guards mind he concentrated and managed to get the guard to open the door. Everyone stayed out of sight and as soon as the guard was in reach Kirk took his weapon and knocked him out.
Kirk thanked Spock who said it was his pleasure as he handed Kirk the key for the door. Saya asked "what now?" And Kirk told her "We get our communicators back and try and contact the ship. , we'll need more weapons." Spock understood and Kirk said they would try to take it easy but may be forced to kill. Kirk lead them all into the corridor.
A guard started past the intersection with their corridor. Saya and Spock hid behind one sided decorations and Kirk and the guards hid on the other side. At that brief moment of contact, Spock felt in Saya her well controlled fear and alert calculation.
They started moving again and Saya did her usual shadowing of Spock finding an odd humor about it's usefulness in a dangerous situation. At another junction they saw a woman then a guard go into a booth but each time it opened it was empty. It was easily determined to be the disintegration machine. "That evil needs blown up." Saya muttered in a whisper.
They came across Mia and Kirk grabbed her wrist and wouldn't let go. She was clearly reporting to be disintegrated and Kirk told Spock to take the guard. Spock walked nonchalantly up to the guard in charge and Saya marveled at his calm. She heard Spock tell the guard "Sir, there's a multi-legged creature crawling on your shoulder." And when the guard went to look Spock neck pinched him. Saya wanted to laugh but didn't, she did hear the soft nose laugh Kirk gave though.
Spock calmly walked back to them backwards with the gun he had gotten from the guard, trained on the people waiting. Once back with Kirk they shared a look and walked out from their hiding spot. Kirk ordered everyone to clear out of the way before he fired at the booth destroying it. Mea asked what he was doing and Kirk answered that he was throwing a monkey wrench into the machinery. Mia said they couldn't do that and Kirk said he had already done it.
They headed back to the room, Kirk having Saya keep Mia in tow. As soon as they entered the room Kirk said "the last place they'll look for us is the place we escaped from." He then gave one of the guards his gun and told him to cover the door.
Kirk asked how their little raid worked and Spock informed him "We captured four of their disrupter-type weapons, two complete outfits of male clothing, and perhaps most important of all, one of their communication devices." Kirk asked if it could reach the ship and Spock answered "Not at this time. Its range is restricted in comparison with ours. I may be able to alter its components, but it will take time."
Kirk ordered him to work on it and then asked for a complete layout of the building from Mea. When she refused he said "Now listen to me. I'm trying to help you. To save your life and the lives of millions like you. If you help me, maybe I can do it. If you don't, you'll die, we'll die, and the killing will go on. Or are you that fond of the war?"
She asked what they were going to do and Kirk used his charm and gave a vague reply to get her cooperation. Saya sat by Spock watching him work with their communicator hoping to learn by watching it done.
Kirk left them to try again with Anan and Spock continued to work. The 2 guards managed to change into the Eminian guard outfit. Saya was holding the gun Spock had gotten off a guard carefully and mildly concerned about messing up with it. As Spock worked she commented "I really need some kind of weapons training so I at least won't be a danger when handed one of these."
Spock heard but said nothing as he finally managed to get the communicator to work. Calling the ship Scotty replied. Spock asked after the ship and was told it was managing. Scotty asked after the captain and Spock said "The Captain is overdue. We've suffered no casualties among us. This is important. Under no circumstances shall any one beam down from the Enterprise. They'd be killed the moment they arrived."
Scotty frustrated said "That ties it. That popinjay Fox went down a couple minutes ago." Spock clarified that it was the ambassador and Scotty confirmed saying "I knew it had a rotten ring to it."
Spock heaved as much of a sigh as a Vulcan would and ordered "Orbit out to maximum phaser range and stand by for further orders. Spock out." Saya asked what they were going to do and Spock answered "Find the Ambassador and the Captain. , you stay here and prevent this young lady from immolating herself. Knock her down if necessary. This is a killing situation. Do what you must to protect yourself. Clear?"
Saya nodded and took the key to the door as Spock and the guards left. She knew her job and was determined to do it. "Well, you know I don't really know how to use this." She said indicating the gun. "However I can and will fight and this may come in handy as a club if nothing else so it'd be best to just sit there and be good." She told Mia flatly. Mia turned away ignoring her and Saya leaned against the wall ready to move.
They sat in relative silence for near half an hour when Saya heard some explosions. Though she nearly jumped out of her skin she did her best to look passive and unconcerned as Mia jumped, looked around, and asked what was happening. "I know as much as you on what is happening. However i can guess that the landing party is ending your silly war." Saya answered.
Saya was suddenly beamed back up to the enterprise with the rest of the landing party. She immediately walked with Spock and Kirk back to the bridge and started working on the report she was to write up. Saya listened to the captain order a course for Argona 2 and Spock say that he took a big chance.
"Did I, Mister Spock? They've been killing three million people a year. It had been going on for five hundred years. An actual attack wouldn't have killed any more people than one of their computer attacks, but it would have ended their ability to make war. The fighting would have been over permanently." Kirk replied. McCoy pointed out that he didn't know it would work and Kirk answered "No. It was a calculated risk. Still, the Eminians keep a very orderly society, and actual war is a very messy business. A very, very messy business. I had a feeling that they would do anything to avoid it, even talk peace."
Spock said a feeling was not much to go on and Kirk answered that a feeling is sometimes all humans have to go on. Spock answered "Captain, you almost make me believe in luck."
Kirk smiled and said "Why, Mister Spock, you almost make me believe in miracles." Spock raised an eyebrow but said nothing as he returned to his seat.
Saya kept writing and without looking up commented "I'd be inclined to agree. Kirk is luck and You, , are a miracle. That's why you work together so well." She looked up feeling Spock's eyes on her. As soon as their eyes met he went back to his station and she went back to writing.
*END*