The Men from the Boys
Even though he would never admit it to his face, McCoy had indeed been right- there was certain risks involved in letting Ensign Chekov take over the navigator position on his first day of duty. After all, they were on a tricky rescue mission and the exact circumstances regarding the Cassiopeia's disappearance were still unknown.
Spock leaned over his viewer at the science station. He was looking for any signs of human life on the surface of Adelous 4 or of any traces of the crashed shuttlecraft, so far without success. Captain Kirk had welcomed Ensign Chekov two hours earlier to his first shift on the Bridge and introduced him to the personnel. Spock was last to be introduced. The Captain and Chekov had stepped towards the science station where Spock was seated and the young navigator started to beam. He awkwardly expressed his honour to work with Mr. Spock. But as he hadn't reacted towards the outstretched Russian hand - shaking hands wasn't a Vulcan custom- the young man had quickly taken his seat next to Mr. Sulu at the navigational console. Since then the ensign had been focused and was giving all the correct replies to his own and Captain Kirk's enquiries or orders. Spock was pleased to note, that apart from Chekov's brief display of excitement when he had arrived on the Bridge, he hadn't shown any of the exaggerated human emotions McCoy had predicted. But Spock knew precisely what the statistics were regarding significant human errors committed during a starship's mission. 55.56 % of significant errors were committed by a crewmember during their first year of duty.
Spock reminded himself that it was illogical to ponder the relevance of this statistic, as they had no other choice but to 'throw Chekov in at the deep end' as the Captain had described the situation. It was a calculated risk they had to take, as the circumstances didn't allow alternatives. However, Spock admired Jim Kirk's ability to view apparent disadvantages in a positive light, as the Captain believed that Chekov could only benefit from shouldering responsibility straight away. Kirk had left his chair and put his hand on Chekov's shoulder shortly after he had taken his seat at the navigational console. He communicated the information they had gathered so far about the Cassiopeia's disappearance to him. With quiet but certain words Kirk had then informed Chekov that he was trusting his abilities unreservedly, without even referring to the fact that the young man had just graduated from Starfleet Academy. Like usual, Spock had been highly impressed with the Captain's excellent man management skills.
Suddenly, the iron indicator on Spock's sensor screen showed an unusual reading. For a few brief moments he investigated the measurements further until he had formed a clear conclusion.
'Captain'.
'Yes, Mr. Spock' Kirk turned around quickly in his chair as a subtle change in Spock's voice indicated that he must have made a significant discovery.
'I have identified a large metallic object on the planet's surface. A thick mass of cirrocumulus is currently obstructing my viewer of getting a clearer image. However, I'm getting exact readings via the sensor readings on the object's material and structural components: 49 % iron, 26.45 % copper, 25, 99 % delicium' at this he briefly looked up to give Kirk a meaningful look before he continued '2.04 %...'
'All right Spock, but no signs of human life?'
Spock shook his head. 'Not at the moment, Captain'.
Kirk sighed and got out of his chair. He took the few steps towards the science station in a few strides and joined the First Officer's side.
'Could this be the Cassiopeia, Spock?'
'Yes, Captain. It is a strong possibility. However, due to the current obstruction of my viewer, which according to my meteorological measurements will last at least one day, 23.50 hours, only a landing party would be able to confirm this hypothesis at the moment. Furthermore, as Adelous 4 doesn't feature any life, apart from certain bacteria, it would also be necessary to investigate this object, its origins and possible purpose further if it turns out not to be the Cassiopeia.'
'Purpose, Spock?'
'If this object is not the Cassiopeia, hypothetically it could be linked to the shuttle's disappearance.'
'Another space craft?'
'A possibility. I strongly recommend to beam down to investigate this object further while continuing our search for life forms via the ship's sensor readers.'
Spock's face was as neutral as ever, but Kirk had to smile at the slight hint of curiosity in his First's tone. Of course, Spock couldn't resist to investigate such an abnormal finding further if indeed it didn't turn out to be the shuttlecraft they were looking for.
Kirk grinned benevolently at the Vulcan: 'I'm happy to give you the opportunity to satisfy your curiosity Mr. Spock, and will agree to a landing party.'
Spock's eyebrows disappeared into his hairline.
'May I remind the Captain that curiosity is a human phenomenon'? Spock deemed it necessary to remind Kirk that he didn't approve of being accused of possessing such an unfavourable character trait. 'I merely aim to fulfil my purpose of constantly attaining new information and data, Sir'.
'Haven't I just said that?' Kirk replied with a smile, well aware he was using one of Spock's own phrases against him. As the Vulcan looked stubbornly past him and didn't give the impression of offering a reply, Kirk attempted a friendly gesture and put his hand on the Vulcan's shoulder:
'I'm aware of your purpose, Mr. Spock. On Earth we would call a person with such an inclination... curious'.
Kirk smiled benevolently at Spock but as his friend seemed to stiffen even more under his touch he quickly withdrew his hand from the Vulcan's shoulder. Kirk turned around and nodded towards Scotty at the engineering console:
'However, as this is most likely the Cassiopeia down there and as the delicium crystals on board need to be secured in a complex technical fashion only Mr. Scott is familiar with, I will send our Chief Engineer and two of his assistants down before I agree to an additional landing party.'
Kirk could detect a hint of disappointment on Spock's face, but he had made it a policy to only send absolute essential personnel on landing party duty. Too many crew members had already lost their lives on previous planetary missions and Kirk always asked himself if the deceased had really been essential to the landing party in the first place.
'But if this is notthe Cassiopeia and Mr. Scott deems the circumstances save for further investigation, I know who I will send down next'.
Spock nodded dutifully, turned around and sat back down at his science station to continue his scan for human life forms on the planet.
Scotty, his technical right hand man Lieutenant Brown and delicium crystal expert Lieutenant Monet assembled in the transporter room. Brown and Monet were carrying specially prepared containers, which they would use in case the Cassiopeia awaited them on the planet. The Chief Engineer had briefed his assistants to secure the delicium crystals as soon as they would reach the shuttle. The crystals only maintained their energy in an air-locked environment and could under no circumstance be exposed to the planet's atmosphere. Otherwise, they would loose their energy charge and turn into worthless stones in an instant.
With a relaxed smile, Scotty turned towards transporter engineer Kyle who was waiting for the coordinates from the Bridge. This was going to be an interesting mission, the Scotsman thought. He loved the nitty gritty of retrieving and securing delicium crystals, a skill he didn't share with too many of his colleagues as it required an extremely still hand and years of experience in handling the precious material. It would be a great opportunity for Brown and Monet to practice their skills. If only the Cassiopeia crew could be retrieved as easily...Scott's thoughts were interrupted by a voice from the com unit on the transporter console.
'Spock to Transporter Room'
'Kyle here, Mr. Spock. Ready to receive coordinates'
Scotty nodded towards his assistants to follow him onto the transporter platform. He took the first step onto the platform when suddenly a massive force hit the whole ship. The impact was accompanied by a deafening bang that came from the crunching outer shells. Scott knew instantly that the Enterprisewas under attack.
The whole Bridge crew was catapulted out of their chairs the moment the ship was hit by the unidentified force.
'Shields are up, Sir' Chekov shouted towards the Captain with his voice raised a little too much. Kirk was steady on his feet first, helping Lieutenant Uhura back onto her chair.
'Red Alarm! Report, Mr. Spock!' Kirk quickly joined the Vulcan's side at the science station.
'Unknown force has hit the ship frontally, Captain.'
Sulu: 'Velocity down to impulse power, Sir.'
Kirk: 'Increase speed to maintain orbit, Mr. Sulu'. Sulu nodded, his fingers quickly flying over the colourful buttons in front of him 'Orbit maintaining, Captain.' He exchanged a quick look with Chekov to his right that said: Welcome aboard!
Kirk checked the large viewing screen in front of them that still showed the planet they were orbiting. 'Any information from our viewers, Mr. Chekov?'
Chekov quickly switched through all the directions and angles the viewers did cover: the front of the ship, back of the ship, above, below, to its right, to its left-without any sign of an alien vessel or power source on the planet.
'Negative, Sair, our viewers detect no signs of any space wessels or of any abnormalities on Adelous V.' Chekov turned around to face his CO with a rather helpless look.
'Keep scanning the planet and our spatial vicinity, Ensign'
'Aye, Sair!'
Kirk looked over to Uhura who just shook her head. With one hand adjusting her earpiece and the other pressing buttons on her station, she confirmed her gesture with words:
'No subspace communication and no communication from the planet either, Captain. Medium damages to outer shells, assessment and repairs in progress, 12 crewmen treated for minor injuries.'
'Thank you, Lieutenant'
Kirk turned back to his CSO: 'Spock, who or what hit us, and from where?'
Spock rose from his station to face the Captain: 'All I can confirm at this moment is that we were hit by a powerful wall of energy at the front of the ship, which reduced our speed by 70% to impulse power. However, it is certain that the ship wasn't damaged by an energy we usually associate with interstellar spaceship weaponry as the outer shell is not burned or melted, rather it is crushed.'
Kirk gave him a puzzled look: 'Crushed?'
'Captain, this yet unidentified power is most fascinating in its direct effect on the ship's exteriors. Any known possible impact on the ship, hostile or from natural causes such as space debris or a meteor shower would have resulted in the outer shells being burned or radiated to a certain degree. Judging from our damage, we have crashed into an invisible buffer.'
'A buffer? You're saying this was no natural cause, it was a power with a purpose, like someone trying to push us back, or to...' Kirk searched for the right words ..to stopus?'
'This is the most logical conclusion at the moment, Captain. I shall continue my scanning of the ship's outer shell to ascertain more facts on the nature of its damages'.
'What about the landing party, Spock?
At that precise moment, Scotty called the Bridge.
'Scott here, Captain.'
Scotty had followed the events on the Bridge during the last 5 minutes or so from the transporter room. The channel was still open since Kyle's communication with Mr. Spock had been interrupted by the sudden impact.
'Yes, Scotty!'
'We were following yer conversation with Mr. Spock right naw and I can tell ya I dun like it! Our remaining delicium crystals are already drained as it is and the ship wasn't prepared for combat Sir, just to undergo a rescue mission! And I know what yer going to say Captain, but I urge you to send us down to retrieve those crystals immediately as our shields will not be powerful enough for many more of those funny bangs! Ready to beam down, Sir!'
Despite the puzzling and dangerous situation, Kirk gave Spock an amused look, wondering about Scotty's ability to talk like this without taking a breath. Spock replied with a raised eyebrow.
'May I remind you Mr. Scott, that we have no prove yet if this object on the planet surface is really the Cassiopeia. And I won't transport anyone during an attack.'
Chekov exchanged a worried look with Sulu who gave him an encouraging smile that seemed to say: don't worry, we've been in such situations before- and we're still here, aren't we?
'Aye. But we should take our chances, Captain, we won't withstand many more of those attacks.' Scotty's voice sounded through the com onto the Bridge, its personnel exchanging worried looks at the CEO's grave assessment of the situation.
Kirk didn't like the idea of sending down a landing party while being under attack from an unidentified, yet clearly hostile source. Spock read Kirk's thoughts correctly and knew that with his next statement he wouldn't ease the Captain's concerns for his crew but would at least help him to make the right decision. He tilted his head slightly towards the communicator so that Mr. Scott could hear as well:
'Even though I have to disagree with you insofar Mr. Scott, that 'taking chances' is an irrational way of action, I agree that your argumentation is logical. As I have computed the probability of the Cassiopeia being the object I have identified on the planet to be 85,43% certain, it would be illogical not to beam down in the light of possibly retrieving the delicium which would guarantee protection for the ship.'
Kirk sighed and managed a nod. Scotty and Spock were right. He couldn't risk the Enterprise remaining vulnerable for much longer. He couldn't just assume there wouldn't be any more attacks. That would be foolish.
Just then the Enterprise was shook by three consecutive massive jolts, stronger than the previous one. Each jolt was accompanied by a loud, high-pitched whinging noise as if the engines were being tortured. The Bridge personnel stumbled around, trying their best to keep at their stations, the noise of the third and loudest jolt tormenting everyone's ears.
Scotty and his assistants tumbled away from the transporter console. The Chief Engineer helped Lieutenant Kyle up who had fallen to the floor.
'We're losing orbit, Captain. Speed reduced further to sub-impulse power'. Sulu's professional tone couldn't hide his concern, Chekov wasn't pleased to notice.
'Divert all engines to impulse power, Mr. Sulu, maintain orbit!' Kirk reached Sulu's side as if his physical proximity would help the helmsman to follow his command. Sulu's hands flew over his keyboards:
'Negative Captain, the engines are working correctly but...something is in our way'.
Uhura was first to realise that the officer who had manned the engineering station next to the doors, had knocked his head on the console during the turbulence and was now unconscious on the floor.
'Dr. McCoy to the Bridge, one crew unconscious'. Uhura ordered before she went over to the injured man.
Kirk directed a swift, grateful look towards Uhura who had knelt down next to her shipmate.
Chekov looked at his hands. To his surprise he noticed that they were sweaty. He quickly wiped them on his trousers and put them back on his console.
'Sulu?' Kirk put his hand on the helmsman's shoulder.
'Our orbit will decay in exactly 44.3 seconds Captain, if we can't resume impulse-power.'
'Shields holding at 56 % Keptin' Chekov chipped in.
'Give it all you can to maintain orbit, Mr. Sulu!' Kirk spun around to Spock: 'Prepare emergency thrusters to catapult us out of orbit.'
Spock rushed to the engineering console, seemingly ignoring the injured engineer on the floor who until a few minuets ago had looked after this station.
McCoy arrived on the Bridge just as Sulu turned around to face Kirk: 'No use Captain, I can't proceed any further without imploding our engines'.
McCoy rushed to the engineer on the floor who was bleeding form a nasty cut on his forehead. Unaware that the extend of their predicament necessitated immediate action, McCoy frowned at Spock who stood above the injured crewman, eyes fixed on the engineering computer, apparently ignorant of his shipmate's condition.
'Thrusters ready in 22.79 seconds, Captain. Time to orbit decay 25.67 seconds.'
'Captain, it's now or never, giv'us the coordinates!' Scotty banged his hand on the transporter console and shouted into the com unit.
Jim Kirk had to make a crucial decision in a split second: keep the landing party on board and thrust out of orbit to only relative safety. They would no longer have the ability to beam men onto the planet to retrieve the crystals as they would be out of transporter range. If they were attacked then, they would have no energy left to maintain the shields.
Or take the chance of beaming down three men during an attack for an 85% chance of finding the Cassiopeia and retrieving the crystals. After the landing party had been beamed down, the ship would still have to thrust out of orbit but the range would be sufficient to beam back the crystals. With the delicium on board, the Enterprise would be able to maintain their shields and retrieve the landing party.
But a beaming process under attack was extremely dangerous and he would have to risk the lives of three men.
'Coordinates, Mr. Chekov!'
Chekov jumped up from his seat and rushed to the science station where Spock had stored the coordinates that would beam the landing party into the direct vicinity of the metallic object. Without the time to double check the coordinates were still correct, Chekov transferred them directly to the transporter by the touch of a few buttons.
'I'm sending ze coordinates now to ze transporter, Mr. Kyle.' Chekov shouted into the com. His unnecessary loud voice made his blood rush into his head and to his dismay Chekov realised he was blushing.
Kirk kept on looking tensely in the ensign's direction. A brief moment later, that felt like an eternity to Chekov, Kyle replied:
'Beaming process completed'.
Chekov unnecessarily repeated this information to Kirk who had already turned back to Spock:
'Thrusters, now!'
Another powerful jolt made everyone sway. But this time the Bridge crew had been prepared for the sudden increase in speed and everybody was holding on to their consoles. Spock turned around to Kirk, an almost inaudible sigh escaping his lips:
'Out of orbit at 44 201 kilometres, Captain. Impulse power...' Spock checked the engineering console.
'...restored'.
Kirk looked over to Spock with an undisguised smile of relief.
'So is this man' said an equally relieved looking McCoy at the sight of the engineer on the floor. He had just regained consciousness thanks to his emergency treatment. The Doctor helped the man back into his seat.
Lieutenant Boateng held his head but otherwise he looked relatively relaxed as he was blissfully unaware of the tension his shipmates had endured during the last few minutes. Uhura informed Kirk of substantial but not critical damages to the ship's exteriors and a handful of minor to medium injuries amongst the crew. Kirk quickly checked on Boateng and the rest of the Bridge crew to confirm their well-being and was relieved to find them unharmed. Keen to get back to his own station as soon as possible, Spock left the engineering station and passed Boateng and McCoy without a word or any sign of relief regarding the engineer's fate - or all of their fates for that matter. Combined with the stress of the previous minutes, McCoy was infuriated by the Vulcan's reaction, or better, the lack of it. He directed his gruff Southern drawl towards the CSO:
'Oh, it's good to see you are unharmed too, Mister Spock!'
Back at his station, Spock turned towards McCoy, eyebrows skywards:
'Why, thank you, Doctor'.
With amused smiles all around, with the exception of McCoy, Kirk felt that a good old Spock-McCoy quarrel was exactly what the crew needed right now, just to release the tension a little. But then he noticed that Chekov, who was still sitting at the science station, wasn't joining in the laughter. Pale as a sheet he looked up from the scanner.
'Keptin, Sair...' he started, lost for words. Kirk came up the steps towards him. Chekov looked for the right words but the knot in his throat seemed to suffocate him.
'What is it, Ensign?' Spock got hold of the back of the chair Chekov sat on and gently turned the young man towards him.
'Ze landing party, Sair...is not on ze planet.'
Thanks for all of your lovely feedback so far, please keep it coming! Reviews are always welcome. The next few chapters shouldn't take too long!