"Therefore, we expect [transmission unclear] ... and
without any further [transmission unclear] ... likely
that there will be no [transmission unclear]... Tell my
father he was right the first time. Kahreg out."
Fragment of transmission intercepted from Klingon ship,
Stardate 1629.3
Starbase 34 was ready for its inhabitants. In the time
it had taken the Enterprise to travel to Starbase 9 and
back, First In had created an entire habitat for tens of
thousands of people where there had been nothing but
empty space before. The Starbase hung, blazing light,
outshining the dim white dwarf which provided the
navigational target for any ships heading here. Kirk
stared for a moment, still fascinated by the speed with
which the whole thing had been brought about.
"Last passengers away, sir." Uhura said. "Time to
final load of goods: nineteen minutes. Incoming message
from Commodore Whittaker, sir."
"On screen." Kirk said with what he thought was
commendable restraint. When Whittaker's pallid face
appeared Kirk gave himself extra points for smiling
politely. "Commodore, what can I do for you?"
"Immediate transport to Starbase 9." Whittaker said.
"Just me, not my men. I'm ready to board now."
"Commodore, it was my understanding that you would be
remaining here until the Starbase set-up was complete."
"Change of plans." Whittaker said. "I will be leaving
immediately."
"The Enterprise is bound for Starbase 18." Kirk said.
"We have a schedule to make, Commodore. I understand
that the Elliot Ness is heading out towards sector 9. I'm
sure her captain would be willing to drop you at the
Starbase."
"Impossible!" Whittaker said. "The Ness is a freighter,
Captain, as I'm sure you're well aware. I cannot
possibly travel on it. The Enterprise is the only ship
in this convoy suitable."
The only ship in the convoy, Kirk guessed, where the
conditions met Whittaker's view of what was due to him.
"We cannot take the time to deviate from out planned
route, sir." he said. "We have a number of crew due
to sit command examinations at Starbase 18, and
detouring to Starbase 9 would prevent us reaching 18 in
time for the tests starting date. That would mean
waiting as much as another year for these officers,
given the nature of the Enterprise's duties."
"Really, Captain, that is hardly a serious
consideration!" Whittaker said.
"Sir, I believe it is a very serious consideration.
Starfleet personnel commit their lives to the Federation's
service. They go into danger willingly, they are called
on to face death and to undergo considerable privation
and hardship at times, and it is only reasonable, in my
opinion, that in return-"
"Are you refusing an order, Captain?"
Kirk was still, and then he smiled. Ten extra bonus
points, he thought to himself. Fifteen if I get to the
end of this conversation without raising my voice. "I
didn't realise it was an order, Commodore. I
understood it as a request." And a request was
certainly the level of officialness this demanded, not an
order: ferrying around a Commodore who had changed
his mind about his travel plans was not the sort of
thing flag officers would consider worth exercising their
full authority over.
Most flag officers.
"It *is* an order, Captain." Whittaker said.
"Then we will prepare to transport you aboard as soon
as we have finished unloading our cargo. Stand by.
Kirk out."
There was a great and terrible silence on the bridge.
Kirk could feel the attention of his command officers,
although all kept their eyes to their stations. He
turned in his chair.
"Uhura." he said. "Before we finish unloading, find me
a ship going to Starbase 18 or as near as possible."
"The Lady Grace is headed there, sir." she said
promptly.
Kirk smiled again, this time with warmth. "Get hold of
Yeoman Rand. Tell her to round up every officer on
the examination lists - she'll know, she helped draw
them up - and get them to the transporter room on the
double, packed for travel. And open a channel to the
Lady Grace."
"Yes sir!" she said.