Sol System
Earth
Orbiting Space Dock Area

A shuttled containing Bones, Sulu, Uhura and Kirk who sat, reading the book Spock had given him, was on approach to the drydock holding the Enterprise. Kirk looked up and nodded.

Sulu activated a comm button. "Enterprise, this is Admiral Kirk's party on final approach."

"Enterprise welcomes you. Prepare for docking."

Kirk stood up from his seat, approaching the window to get a better look. "…I hate inspection."

"I am delighted." Sulu admitted. "Any chance to go aboard the Enterprise."

"I'm grateful to have you at the helm for three weeks." Kirk replied with a small smile. "I don't believe these kids can steer."

Sulu simply laughed as the shuttle approached the mammoth airstrip. As they neared the ship, a few work-crew in space flit about her hull, working. The shuttle made its way to the Docking Lock of the mother ship and settled in place.

USS Enterprise
Docking Bay

A reception group awaits, led by Captain Spock. Saavik and Thrawn at his side, in company of the Trainee crew. Also, present was Chief Engineer Mr. Scott and members of his staff in their distinctive uniforms.

"Docking procedure complete." The computer announced.

"Prepare for Admiral's inspection." Spock stated and the group came to attention. "Open the air lock."

The doors opened and Kirk and his staff were piped aboard by an electronic version of the boatswain's traditional whistle.

Kirk steps forward to speak with Spock. "Permission to come aboard, Captain?"

"Welcome aboard, Admiral. I believe you know my trainee crew." Spock glanced at the assembled crew. "Certainly, they have come to know you."

Kirk looked dryly to Saavik. "Yes, we've been through death and life together."

Saavik stiffened slightly.

Humor was not her forte.

Kirk then looked to Thrawn. "Mr. Thrawn, I've heard a lot about you. You surprised everyone at Starfleet with your Captain's test."

"I've heard much about you as well, Admiral." Thrawn replied, cordially but emotionlessly. "I am pleased to have this opportunity to serve on your ship."

"Even if it's a simple training cruise?" Kirk asked curiously.

"Even among my people we would have such simplicities, even if we would treat it as more than that. At the most, I intend to operate fully as if this were a true mission." Thrawn admitted.

Kirk nodded. "You are the first person from the other galaxy, Skyriver to be commissioned on a starship. That's a great achievement. I look forward to seeing you and the rest of our crew in action."

"I believe we both do, Admiral." Thrawn stated with a small smile.

Giving one last nod to Thrawn, Kirk continued to Scotty. "Mr. Scott, you old space dog. You're well?"

"I had me a wee bout, but Dr. McCoy pulled me through." Scotty admitted.

"Oh? A wee bout of what, Mr. Scott?" Kirk questioned.

Uncomfortable, Scotty exchanged a glance with McCoy who answered. "Shore leave, Admiral."

"Ah." Kirk moved on, stopping before a bright faced fourteen-year old, standing so stiff he looks like he'll break in an engineer's uniform. "And who is this?"

"Midshipman First Class Peter Preston, engineers' mate, SIR." The young man answered quickly and stiffly.

"Your first training voyage, Mr. Preston?" Kirk asked with an amused smile.

"Yes, SIR." Preston answered as quick and stiff as before.

"I see. Well, shall we start with the engine room?" Kirk asked, followed by his staff.

"I believe you'll find all in order." Scott stated.

"That'll be a pleasant surprise, Mr. Scott." Kirk replied as he left.

"We'll see you on the bridge, Admiral." Spock said before turning to the assembled crew. "Company dismissed."

Saavik remained as the rest of the crew scattered and departed.

Spoke approached her and she spoke to him in Vulcan language. "(Translation: He's not what I expected, Sir.)"

(Translation: What did you expect, Lieutenant?)

(Translation: He's very human.)

(Translation: We can't all be perfect, Saavik.)

USS Enterprise
Engine Room

The inspection party was dwarfed by the size of the ship's engine room and silent as Kirk looked around, even running a finger for dust, etc. Scotty, his team and Preston, stood at attention as Kirk glanced at the power room separated by glass from the rest of the facilities.

Bones, Sulu, Uhura, and some trainees watched as Kirk inspected one console, clearly the responsibility of the bursting Midshipman Preston who could not help but blurt. "I believe you'll find everything shipshape, Admiral."

Kirk sternly put him on. "Oh, do you? Have you any idea, Midshipman Preston, how many times I've had to listen to Mr. Scott on the Comm, telling me his troubles? Have you any idea the ribbing I've had to endure in the officers' mess to the effect that the Enterprise is a flying death trap?"

Preston now looked scandalized. "Oh, no, sir! This is the finest engine room in the whole Star-"

The repressed grins of the others, and a smile on Scotty's face was enough to tell Preston that he was being had.

He stops, confused. "If the Admiral can't see the facts for himself, then, with all due respect, he's as blind as a Tiberion bat…Sir."

Approving laughter came from the officers while Kirk looked amused. "Midshipman, you're a tiger."

"My sister's youngest, Admiral. Crazy to get to space." Scotty stated.

"Every young boy's fancy. I seem to remember it myself." Kirk muttered briskly. "Very well. Mr. Scott, are your engines capable of handling a minor training cruise?"

"Give the word, Admiral." Scotty confidently replied.

"Mr. Scott, the word is given." Kirk stepped onto a nearby open turbo-lift.

"Aye, sir." Scotty said as the lift took Kirk up to the next level.

"Admiral, what about the rest of the inspection?" McCoy called up to Kirk who mouthed a silent 'later' as an answer.

Orbit
Dry Dock

All around the Enterprise, lights flashed to life, signaling the ship's activation, especially when its deflector dish showed its signature glow.

USS Enterprise
Bridge

Kirk and McCoy were greeted by winking and blinking displays, all hands at station, a hum of activity, Uhura and Sulu in their familiar chairs while Spock was in the Captain's chair and Saavik was in the First Officer's position. In the meantime, Thrawn was seated at the tactical station, ensuring everything was in order.

"This is Starfleet Operations. Enterprise is cleared for departure."

"Admiral on the bridge!" Sulu called out but no one stood at attention, given that they were all preparing to launch the ship.

Kirk was only greeted with quick glances to acknowledge his presence, but he was fine with that.

"Very well, Mr. Saavik, clear all moorings." Spock ordered his student and First Officer.

"Aye, sir." Saavik punched data into her console.

Outside, the dock slowly folded away from the ship.

Saavik watched instruments, punching data in response. "All moorings are clear, Captain."

"Thank you, Mr. Saavik." Spock cast a glance at Kirk, then, to Saavik. "Lieutenant, how many times have you piloted a Starship out of Spacedock?"

"Never, sir." Saavik answered.

Kirk tried to conceal his reaction.

If the Admiral didn't know any better, Spock seemed to be enjoying it as he stood up and stepped away from the Captain's Chair. "Take her out, Mr. Saavik."

Saavik glanced at Spock, then at Kirk and then replied. "Aye, sir."

Saavik got up from the Fist Officer station and settled herself in the Captain's chair, looking again at the console.

"For everything there is a first time." Spock glanced at Kirk. "Don't you agree, Admiral?"

Kirk simply nodded. They all stifled their responses. Kirk was like a father watching his kid drive the family car for the first time.

"Aft thrusters, Mr. Sulu." Saavik ordered.

"Aft thrusters, sir." Sulu replied.

McCoy glanced to Kirk started to say something but didn't.

"Would you like a tranquilizer?" The ship's doctor asked, and Kirk shook his head, taking a deep breath.

With the aft thrusters, the Enteprise slowly and majestically left the dry dock, heading out into space.

USS Enterprise
Bridge

Kirk quietly let his breath out.

"We are clear and free to navigate." Sulu stated.

"Course heading, Captain?" Saavik asked.

Spock turns inquiringly to Kirk.

"Captain's discretion." Kirk simply said.

Spock digests this and glanced to Sulu. "Mr. Sulu, you may…indulge yourself."

Sulu nodded with a smile. "Aye sir."

Kirk simply smiled, folding his arms behind his back while McCoy continued to glance at him.

Gathering up speed, the Enterprise sped into the vastness of space.

Location Unknown
USS Reliant

"Steady on course. All systems normal."

Khan occupied the Captain's chair. In the last several hours, the crew of the Reliant had been replaced by Khan's followers in their odd-looking clothes. At the helm was Joachim, Khan's lieutenant. He was in the largest and brightest of Khan's group.

Terrell sat in the First Officer's chair, Chekov at the Comm Console. Their behavior was normal, save for subtle hesitation, symptoms of their mind-controlled state.

"It's not much different from Enterprise." Khan stated. "When I was a guest aboard her some years ago, Captain Kirk kindly allowed me to memorize her technical manuals. And now, Mr. Chekov, let us review: You say you have no details of Project 'Genesis'?"

"Beyond what I told you, sir, it is classified information." Chekov stated.

"Umm." Khan mused. "And would Admiral Kirk have access to such information?"

"I would think so, sir. He's on the Fleet General Staff." Chekov blankly answered.

"Then to whom do you report directly regarding Genesis?" Khan asked.

"To Doctor Marcus, the civilian director of the experiments on Space Laboratory Regula I."

"I see. Helmsman?" Khan turned to Joachim who immediately answered.

"Aye, sir."

Beta Quadrant
Mutara Sector
Regula System
Space Station Regula 1

The laboratory inside Space station Regula 1 was huge and busy. Among the scientists going about their tasks are Jedda, a Deltan; March, thin intense; Madison, black, easy going. They were all young and earnest. Meanwhile Carol and David were huddled over a computer console.

"Does that about do it?" David asked.

"I don't think there's another piece of information we could squeeze into the memory banks. Next time, we'll design a bigger one." Carol said as David switched the computer off.

"Who-"

"Dr. Marcus. " Jedda at the Comm Console called out. "Comm-Pic coming in on hyperchannel ... It's the starship Reliant."

Carol moved forward as the others closed in. "On the screen, please, Jedda."

Buttons were punched; the screen ebbed, flowed and crackled before Chekov appeared on the screen. "... come in, please. This is Reliant calling Regula I. Repeat. This is USS Reliant."

"Commander, we are receiving. This is Regula I. Go ahead."

"Ah, Dr. Marcus... good. We're en route to you and should be there in three days."

"En route? Why? We weren't expecting you for another three months. Has something happened?" Carol paused. "Has something happened? Do you read us?"

Chekov had a strange smile on his face. "All went well. Nothing has happened. Ceti Alpha VI has checked out."

This brought a pleased reaction from the scientists.

Carol however was still confused to the matter of Chekov's transmission. "I still don't under-"

"We have received new orders. Upon our arrival at Regula I, all materials of Project Genesis will be transferred to this ship for immediate testing at Ceti Alpha VI." Chekov continued.

This caused consternation in the lab. David was especially livid, the words 'Bullshit' were overlapped by his mother.

"Will you please be quiet!?" Carol turned back to the console. "Commander Chekov, this is completely irregular. Who gave the order you are quoting? Who gave the order?"

"The order comes from Starfleet command, Dr. Marcus, direct from the General Staff." Chekov replied, still smiling.

"But Genesis is a civilian project, under my control-"

"I have my orders."

David leaned forward. "Pin him down, mother! Who gave the orders!?"

Chekov hesitated, seeming to be listening to someone off the monitor. "The orders come from Admiral James T. Kirk."

"I knew it! I knew it! All along the military has wanted to get their hands on this-" David exclaimed, starting to press a button but Carol pushed his hand away and communicates herself.

"This is completely improper, Commander Chekov. I have no intention of allowing Reliant or any other unauthorized personnel access to our work or materials."

Chekov paused; seemingly listening to someone again. "I'm sorry you feel that way, Doctor. Admiral Kirk's orders are confirmed. Please prepare to deliver Genesis to us upon our arrival. Reliant out."

With that, the image faded.

"Commander Chekov - !"

USS Reliant
Bridge

"Well done, Commander." Khan said, having been next to Chekov as he spoke but remained hidden from sight.

Chekov turned to face him. "You realize, sir, that they will attempt to contact Admiral Kirk and confirm the order."

Khan simply smiled.

Deep Space
USS Enterprise

Kirk waited for the Turbo Lift, which opens at last.

Just as he got in a voice called out. "Hold please!"

Kirk held the door open and Saavik dashed in. She looked surprised to see him as she was not wearing her uniform at the moment, wearing civilian clothes instead and her hair was down.

"Thank you, sir." Saavik quickly said.

Kirk nodded as the doors closed. There was an uneasy forced intimacy between them.

"Lieutenant, are you wearing your hair differently?" Kirk asked even though it was plainly obvious.

"It is still regulation, Admiral." She reached out and touches a button, causing the lift to stop. "May I speak, sir?"

"Lieutenant, self-expression does not seem to be one of your problems." Kirk mused.

"I wish to thank you for the high efficiency rating." Saavik stated.

"You earned it." Kirk simply stated.

"I did not think so."

"You're bothered by your performance on the Kobayashi Maru." Kirk observed.

"I failed to resolve the situation." Saavik admitted.

"There is no correct resolution. It is a test of character." Kirk reminded.

"May I ask how you dealt with the test?" Saavik questioned.

Now Kirk was amused. "You may ask, Lieutenant."

She stared.

"That was a little joke." Kirk clarified, pushing the button and the turbo-lift resumed.

"Humor... that is a difficult concept... it is not logical..." Saavik stated, trying to understand the humor.

"We learn by doing, Lieutenant."

The lift stopped and the doors opened, revealing an irate Dr. McCoy. "Who's been holding up the damn elevator?"

Saavik exited demurely. "Thank you, sir."

Bones entered and the doors closed. "Has she changed her hairstyle?"

"Hadn't noticed. " Kirk simply said.

"Wonderful stuff, that Romulan ale-" McCoy sighed but was cut off by the intercom.

"Admiral Kirk."

"Kirk here."

"I have an urgent CommPic from Space Lab Regula I for the Admiral. Dr. Carol Marcus."

Kirk shared a glance with McCoy before answering. "I'll take it in my quarters, Uhura."

"Yes, sir."

"It never rains but when it pours…" McCoy started but stopped when Kirk threw a dirty look at him.

"As a physician you of all people should appreciate the danger of re-opening old wounds."

The elevator stopped and Kirk left as soon as the doors opened.

McCoy looked annoyed with himself as he muttered out. "Sorry."

The door then closed.

Admiral's Quarters

A scramble of interference and noise as Carol Marcus' broke through now on the main computer screen at Kirk's desk, barely heard by a frustrated Kirk. "Uhura. Can't you augment?"

"I'm trying, sir. Stand by..."

Carol's face appeared but image was not stable and her voice could barely be heard. "Jim... read me? Can you read me?"

"Message breaking up, Carol. What's wrong?" Kirk asked.

"Why are you taking Genesis away from us?" Carol asked in a moment when the transmission was clear.

Kirk however was puzzled. "Taking Genesis? Who? Who is taking Genesis?"

"... see you but can't hear."

"Carol…"

"Jim, did you give order...?"

"What order? Who's taking Genesis?"

"... Please help us, Jim... won't let them have... without proper...repeat... on whose authority...can do they do this?"

"No one's authority!" Kirk said loudly enough, hoping Carol would hear him.

"Jim please-"

By now the picture was irrevocably scrambled now.

Kirk pounded the Comm in frustration. "Uhura! What's happening?"

"Transmission jammed at the source, sir."

"Damn. Alert Starfleet Headquarters. I want to talk with Starfleet Command."

Beta Quadrant
Mutara Sector
Regula System
Space Station Regula 1

Everyone was talking at once in frustration as Carol turned away from the console, having lost contact with Kirk.

"Will you please be quiet! We must have order here." Carol called out and they finally subsided. "This has to be some sort of mistake."

"Mistake?" David scoffed. "We're all alone here. They waited until everyone was on shift-leave to do this. Reliant is supposed to be at our disposal, not vice-versa."

"It seems clear that Starfleet never intended that." Madison said, just as upset.

"I know, but-"

"I've tried to warn you. Scientists are always pawns of the military." David snapped.

Carol spoke, loud and angry. "Starfleet has kept the peace for a hundred years, I cannot and will not subscribe to your interpretation of this event."

There were a few seconds of silence before Jedda spoke up, calmer than the rest due to being a Deltan. "You may be right, Doctor, but what about Reliant? She's on her way."

Carol reacted as this was certainly true. "Get your gear together where it's handy."

"Where are we going?" March asked.

"That's for us to know and Reliant to find out. We have only three days. Let's not waste time."

They split off in different directions as ordered.

Sol System
Earth
Paris
Palais de la Concorde

"This meeting will now come to order."

Padme Amidala took a deep breath as she stepped into the Supreme Assembly of the United Federation of Planets, with the Federation Council, the President and the Assembly all waiting for her.

"The chair calls on Senator Amidala of the planet Naboo." President Hiram Roth called out.

Padme stood up from her chair, allowing everyone to see her.

"Senator, you are of course why you are here." The President stated.

Padme nodded. "To review the petition for Naboo's membership into the Federation."

"Yes. Never before has a planet from an entirely different galaxy ever made a petition for membership into the Federation. It is an auspicious occasion and one surely to be remembered." Okeg stated. "That said, there are some of Assembly and of the Council that believes it may be premature to fully welcome Naboo as a member of the Federation for the following reasons. The biggest reason would be espionage on a non-aligned Republic or Federation world that later became the opening battleground for the start of what many have called the Clone Wars."

Padme remained silent as the President recalled her actions.

"As you are no doubt aware, Senator that the Federation has a principal of non-interference in the affairs of worlds and states not aligned with us, even if they are considered allies. If your actions had happened after Naboo had been granted membership, your actions would be interpreted as the Federation siding with the Galactic Republic, and we would potentially be forced into the very war your galaxy is now facing. A clear violation of the Prime Directive in every sense of the word and demonstrates a clear lack of respect for the very coalition you are seeking to join." Roth stated. "As of now, that shows a complete disregard to our non-interference policies and thus Naboo's petition for membership has been put on hold until we have determined the consequences of your actions. Do you have anything to stay in your defense?"

"Mr. President," Padme cleared her throat. "I will admit that my actions could be seen as a disregard for your policies, but I would argue that I am not just representing my planet here in your galaxy but also back home in the Galactic Senate. I was attempting to prevent a war from starting given the Separatists were already building an army and preparing for war. Given that I was the target for assassination by one of their leaders, Nute Gunray, I had to make at least one appeal for a diplomatic solution."

The Tellerite Councilor tapped a switch his desk light lit up, signaling he wish to speak which the President allowed. "As I recall, Geonosis was not aligned with your Republic even before the Separatist movement was formed thus, they were under no obligation to consider your attempt at diplomacy. As matter of fact, you made no attempt to announce your arrival as a Senator and instead was caught like a spy and a saboteur. You would argue attempting a diplomatic solution when you did not even act as a diplomat?"

Padme glanced at the Tellerite, having noted that Tellerites were famous for starting arguments just for the sake of arguing and knew she was likely going to be sporting a headache when this review was over.