Happy June! Here is the next installment. I hope you're all enjoying it. Haven't had a ton of reviews so I'm taking a guess you're silently enjoying it :).
I may not be able to post again until July. There's only 3 chapters left (can you believe it?) but I have several work trips in the coming weeks and a week long conference so it may be a minute. Please let me know your thoughts!
Chapter Seventeen: Diplomacy is the First Form of Defense
The bright, full moon illuminated the grounds of Starfleet campus as a small contingent of darkly-clothed individuals scurried across the lit pathways. They moved silently, checking over their shoulders periodically, each persons' head on a swivel. At the entrance to Starfleet's main headquarters, a green light illuminated quickly as an ID badge was flashed, and like mists each person slid inside the glass doors. Security had already been alerted to expect the group, waving them on with a cursory glance at each badge slid under their nose.
Another security officer stood at the entrance to a specially marked elevator, his badge opening the doors to send them to the top floor. Before anyone could blink, the lift doors opened again. The pristine hall was silent, only the ticking of antique clock on the white wall echoed. The dark, hardwood floors did not show a speck of dust, and the translucent divider walls were free of fingerprints and smears. The group scurried down the hall to the large oak doors standing imposingly at the end. Before anyone had a chance to knock, they swung open, a petite redhead in a Starfleet uniform standing in greeting. Her smile was inviting but her green eyes flashed steel. She was the gatekeeper, known for making lesser admirals squirm, and a strict controller of schedules and appointments. While used to urgent calls, ones at midnight and this secretive were a novelty, even for her.
"Hello, Captain Kirk. Commander Spock. Ensign Chekov. Cadet Noland." She addressed each with a slight nod, gripping the PADD in her hands having learned who they were on the drive over. "The Admiral's been expecting you."
She stood to the side, her hand gesturing out in welcome. As soon as Chekov passed, she shut the door with a quick glance outside and locked it.
"If you would follow me."
She led them down another hall to a corner office, the city of San Francisco illuminated through the huge floor to ceiling windows spanning two walls. The other walls held shelves of various medals, art, rare books, maps, and model spaceships. In the center a large, white desk cut the room in half. Two leather chairs sat in front of the desk with a smaller, dark table and cloth covered chairs to the right. Behind the desk, a severe-looking woman sat, her nose in a PADD as the blue light illuminated her sharp cheeks and chin. Hair that was once black now had streaks of grey, thrown into a high bun. She was thin of frame, but her movements as she turned to regard the group were controlled and strong. Her eyes were dark, darker than Charlie's and piercing as she considered each person standing before her. While she wasn't frowning, the severe line to her mouth brokered no argument.
"At ease," she commanded, each crew member spreading their legs and tucking their hands behind their backs. "Ensign Chekov." The young Russian visibly swallowed as Admiral Jemison's gaze shot to him. "I thought I ordered you to report anything in regard to the attack."
"Ah, da, Ma'am, you did," Chekov choked, staring out at the city over her shoulder.
"And while I am happy to see you, Captain," she nodded to Kirk, "and to know your crew returned safely, I would like to know why, Mr. Chekov, you didn't report immediately they had returned?"
"Ah, well—"
"I ordered him not to," Kirk interrupted, his eyes meeting hers briefly before he too, stared at a spot over her shoulder.
Jemison's dark gaze snapped to Kirk, even the brazen captain shrinking slightly under the admiral's glare.
"My order outranks yours."
"That may be, but we had information you didn't," Kirk continued.
"Oh? And what would that be?"
"That you've been infiltrated by the very people you're trying to find," Charlie blurted out. "You're compromised, and until a few hours ago, we didn't know we could trust you. Still don't."
The admiral's attention moved to Charlie, the cadet meeting the unspoken challenge without a single flinch. Jemison smirked slightly before her features returned to their resting façade.
"What do you mean 'infiltrated?' And make sure you add a 'ma'am' or 'sir' in there, Cadet."
"Admiral, if I may?" Spock drew her attention as Kirk sent Charlie a warning glare.
"Yes, Commander?"
"We believe that under the guise of Section 31's restoration, the Black Sun, the group that attacked us, has been covertly laying the groundwork for a new war, one that could very well end the Federation as we know it."
She blinked a few times. "And who is leading this resurgence?"
Spock glanced to Jim, who dipped his head in agreement. Spock's gaze jumped back to Jemison. "Admiral Mitchell."
Jemison's eyes flashed, moving between each person.
"Admiral Mitchell?" Jemison drawled. "Awardee of the Medal of Honor, Starfleet's Award of Valor, the Star Cross, and the Silver Palm?"
"Da, Ma'am. Zat is why I didn't approach you," Chekov said while ringing his hands behind him. "If someone like zat could be corrupted, we didn't know how high it'd go."
She laced her long fingers together, leaning forward to plant her elbows on her desk, her back ramrod straight. Charlie didn't think anyone could make their gaze sharper, but Jemison had it down pat.
"Bullshit," she growled, the others shocked by her response as her eyes flashed. "You want me to believe that one of the best Admirals in Starfleet is behind these attacks? That they are planning a war that would destroy the very faction they work for?"
"I don't know why you're so surprised," Charlie argued. "Look what happened with Marcus and the augments. Ma'am," she added last second.
"Admiral, we understand how difficult it could be to see this," Kirk cut in. "But the Black Sun have a power even they don't understand. They were able to take us back to the 21st century, and what we learned in that timeline directly corelates to what's happening now."
"And I am just supposed to trust everything you've said with no evidence?" Jemison shot back. "That you went back in time, discovered who the group was that's attacking us presently, and managed to make it back here, within an astronomically lucky shot, two weeks after your disappearance?"
"Oh, you didn't think we had the receipts?" Charlie quipped. While she knew the admiral would be skeptical, the urgency of what they were facing made her temper short, even to her own detriment. Pulling out a PADD from the bag at her side, she quickly drew up the list of names and slid the device to the admiral. "Take a look. You can see where we got the information, and who is on the list. Spock and Chekov both cracked it. Ma'am."
Jemison picked up the PADD, a skeptical glare at Charlie, and began scanning the contents. Slowly, her eyes began to widen. "This is not a good list," Jemison echoed Uhura while her fingers dragged name after name.
"No," Charlie agreed. "Which is why we came to you. You're not on it. Which we only hope means you aren't one of them. At this point, there's not a lot of command we can trust, so I'm hoping we aren't making a mistake trusting you."
Jemison met Charlie's gaze, recognizing something in her. "Until you spoke the name, I have never heard of the Black Sun. Of that you can trust. But that's not the only reason you came here, is it?"
The crew glanced at each other.
"No, it isn't," Charlie sighed, reaching up to rub the tension in her forehead. "Without going into a whole bunch of detail that will be really hard to explain, we think that the Black Sun is trying to create a galactic war in order to bring forth their idea of Revelations called the Rising. They're using Section 31 to antagonize both the Romulans and the Klingons to this war."
Jemison paused, absorbing the information.
"What happens during this 'Rising'?" she asked.
"We are not yet aware," Spock answered.
"But we all agree it's not something we want to find out," Jim added. "Their ideas are radical, almost cult-like."
Charlie bit her lip before she took a breath and said, "But I have an idea to stop the war before it can start. With your permission, we would like to go to Qo'nos to try to bridge an alliance with the Klingon Empire."
Charlie didn't know she had it in her to shock the Commander in Chief of Starfleet, but she was now going to add that to her resume. Jemison's brows practically disappeared into her hair line as her mouth dropped open.
"You want to . . . do what exactly?"
"I know it sounds absolutely crazy," Charlie blurted out. "And it is. It's downright mad. But we are nowhere near having any type of relationship with the Romulans. If we can bring the Klingons onboard to resist what the Black Sun is doing, we have a chance of stopping them.
"We're already at a disadvantage. There's at least twenty percent of Starfleet compromised. We don't have the numbers to stand alone. Strategically, we need them."
"And why do you think you, a cadet, has the power to bring the Klingons to the table when others with a hundred times more experience than you have failed?"
Charlie glanced between Spock and Kirk. They knew the question would come up. Hopefully Jemison would by her answer instead of the real reason.
"I'm sure you're aware of my history." Jemison dipped her head in acknowledgement. "Then you're aware I wasn't born in this century. I was brought here from the past. And in that process, I spent quite a bit of time among a legion of Klingons, even participating in one of their rituals. While the experience itself wasn't the most pleasant, my weeks with them gave me an insight into their culture Starfleet hasn't had. I've also endeavored the last two years to learn their language, so the combination of my cultural and linguistical knowledge makes me an asset you haven't had for the Klingons."
Jemison considered what Charlie said, dipping her head in agreement.
"Interesting," she responded, her dark gaze narrowed. "So what evidence is there that Section 31 is engaging with the Romulans?" she asked, turning to the others, Charlie breathing a small sigh of relief.
"Our question as well," Spock acknowledged. "Please open the file marked RS31-47C."
Jemison's fingers flew across the PADD, opening the requested file. The PADD immediately flashed, the map Carol had created displayed in a holographic image above the device, the various instances Section 31's movements, attacks by the Black Sun, and border raids popping up in chronological order. The spiral from the Sol system was even more apparent, the blue glow increasing on their faces with each added dot.
Jemison rose to stand then, setting the PADD on her desk as the map continued to grow filling the space from desk to ceiling. She walked around, following the patterns, her eyes narrowed in concentration and her arms crossed.
"How did you get this information?"
"A former agent of Section 31 got it for us," Chekov answered. "Her contacts were able to prowide the data, and between Mr. Spock and myself, we were able to decode the information."
"So this comes from inside Section 31 itself?"
"Yes," Kirk nodded. "Everything we have, everything we are showing you comes from the source. We didn't want to come unless we knew what we are dealing with. I agree Cadet Noland's plan is insane, but it's insane enough to work."
Jemison paused, and turned to Charlie, sizing her up. Her dark gaze narrowed, her mind running through every scenario. The admiral turned back to the map, reaching up to tap her lips in concentration.
Dropping her arms, she reached forward and turned off the PADD, then spun toward the others. Leaning back against the desk she addressed them. "Were there any members of the Federation Council or the President on that list?"
"No, Ma'am," Kirk answered. "Admiral Mitchell, while not the only member of Starfleet, appeared to be the highest ranking of top brass."
Jemison nodded. "Good. I will call an emergency meeting of the council. Tonight. What you brought back, has implications I don't even want to consider." She turned to Charlie. "I cannot authorize going to Qo'nos, Cadet. Not without speaking to the council first."
"But Ma'am—"
"We understand," Kirk interrupted, a clear warning flashing as his gaze slid to Charlie.
Charlie clenched the fists at her side, but dipped her head in acknowledgement. This was the world she was stepping into. While out in the frontier, captains were given authority on the decisions they needed to make, in the heart of the Federation, there was a chain of command that had to be followed. And if there was only one thing Charlie understood, it had to be that.
"Good," Jemison nodded. "I will check back with you all in the morning. Go back to wherever it is you are hiding. Get some sleep. And stay there until I call for you. Let no one else know you are here. I understand your secrecy now. You did your job. Now let me do mine."
With a round of "Yes, ma'ams" the crew left Jemison's office and headed back across the empty campus. They had done all they could do. Now, they had to wait.
The sun rose bright and early over San Francisco. Inside the hotel suite, the bridge crew of the Enterprise slept sprawled out across sofas, chairs, beds, and in some cases the floor. Rima had Lucy stay with her in the main bedroom, Lucy more than happy to have her mother's comforting embrace nearby. The crew agreed to let Kirk and Charlie have the other bedroom while they divvied up the pullout couch and other sleeping places.
Although the others passed out the minute they came back from seeing Admiral Jemison, Charlie tossed and turned. Her mind wouldn't quiet, so many thoughts, plans, ideas, and hopes all jumbled together. Was it her own brain? Was the Brethren trying to speak to her? If they were, what were they saying? Could she even hear them? Even the calm breathing of the sleeping captain next to her couldn't relax her nerves.
Once the golden rays peaked between the curtains, she sighed and threw the covers off. She was used to this feeling of bone-deep tiredness. Wrapping a robe around herself, she slid into the chair next to the window, letting the warm morning light give her some relaxation since sleep wasn't going to do it for her. The minutes passed, Charlie lost in thought as her mind continued to throw every worst case scenario at her.
With a groan, Jim reached out to Charlie's side of the bed, the cold, empty space surprising the captain. He sat up on his elbows, his hair mused and his sky blue eyes squinting around in search of the brunette.
He found her staring out the window, her bare feet up on the windowsill with a robe draped around her shoulders. Her gaze was far off, the dark circles under her eyes giving her a haunted look. He peaked at the clock on the nightstand. 6:12 am. They had had maybe five hours of sleep. Rubbing a hand down his tired face, he swung himself out of bed and padded over to her, placing a hand gently on her shoulder.
Charlie jumped in surprised, her dark gaze snapping to his.
"Jesus Jim!" she exclaimed. "We really, really need to get you a bell."
Kirk smiled, although it didn't reach his eyes. "Are you alright? Did you get any sleep?"
She shrugged. "A little. I couldn't turn my brain off. There's too many variables; too many things going on between what my family told us, what Chekov and Carol found. I just, I feel like I'm the one that has to fix it and I don't know how."
Jim frowned, reaching up to rub his dry eyes as he leaned his hip against the same windowsill.
"You're not the only one, Charlie," he said dropping his hand. "We're going to do this. Together. Like we always do."
"That's the thing, Jim. This doesn't feel like always," she said sitting forward and dropping her feet. "This is different. What you're going through. What I learned. This isn't like anything I've ever come across, fictional or otherwise. It's like you said on the Enterprise when we were stuck between obliteration, and you weaving your way to the Vengeance. What we're about to do, it doesn't make any sense, it's not logical, but it's a gut feeling. I feel like I'm meant to stop whatever it is that's happening. Like Sybok said when he made me get us home. And I'm scared, Jim. I'm so scared I'm going to fail."
She felt the tears build, glancing to ceiling to will them away. Those tears were because of the lack of sleep and the stress. Not because she was finally admitting how much she was feeling lost. She'd learned so much about her family and her history it was going to take a year process and she'd barely had 48 hours. Now she was jumping off a cliff by proposing to go to the Klingon home world, a mission admirals with decades worth of experience had failed at. What made her think she could do it? Because she watched a TV show and a few movies? The more she thought about it, the more the doubt crept up. Was she even Starfleet material? What the hell did she know?
"I'm here, Charlie," Jim emphasized, kneeling down next to her, taking her hand in his. "With you, beside you. It's you and me to the bitter end, and I promise nothing will hurt you. Not while I breathe."
Charlie sniffed, bringing her gaze to his and proud the tears didn't fall. "You can't promise that. We don't know what the future holds."
"I know it holds you and me together. That I feel with every cell in my body. You talk about a gut feeling? That's mine. We're going to win. We're going to get through this, and we're going to do it by each other's side. I know what it's like to feel alone, Charlie. This isn't it."
Charlie stared in Jim's cerulean gaze, his eyes fierce and for the first time in weeks without a hint of red irises.
"If you can only trust one thing," he continued, squeezing her hand. "Trust this. Trust us."
She let his words wash over her, the healing balm to her torn heart. She took a deep breath, letting it out in a woosh before leaning over to meld her lips to his. They hadn't had a moment in weeks to be alone like this. To confess their fears that only each other could help rectify. While they loved their crew, it was nice to be able to shut them out for a couple of hours.
Pulling back, Charlie whispered, "thank you."
Jim reached up, tucking a loose strand behind her ear. "For what?"
"For grounding me. Listening to me. Loving me."
It was Jim's turn to smile, leaning forward to rest his forehead against hers. "Doubt is natural, especially when you're in command. And it's my job to make sure you know when to trust yourself. You've taken care of me when I've gone into the darkest places. It's time I return the favor."
Charlie reached up, laying her hand to the side of Jim's face, feeling the stubble of growth under her fingertips, basing herself in that moment. Maybe she didn't have all the answers. Maybe she wasn't sure her plan would work. But she did trust the man connected to her, and while she still had doubts, those doubts felt manageable now.
"I love you. Sometimes I feel like I don't say it enough," she whispered.
He smiled under her hand, turning to kiss her palm, before leaning back into her. "And I love you. More than I feel like I could ever show you."
She leaned forward, intent on capturing his lips again, maybe even seeing where it took them when Jim's communicator beeped. With a sigh, the captain rose and snatched the offending piece of machinery off the nightstand.
"Kirk here," he answered, slipping it open.
"Captain Kirk," Admiral Jemison's voiced echoed in the bedroom.
"Yes, Ma'am?"
"I am here with the Federation Council. Is there any other members of your crew with you? I understand the hour is early."
"Uh—" Jim's eye's snapped to Charlie's and she shrugged, nodding for him to continue. It's not like no one knew about their relationship. "Ye-yes. I have Cadet Noland here."
"Excellent. Would you both explain to the council what you told me last night."
Both Jim and Charlie's brows rose to the sky, surprised by having to address the Federation Council at 6:30 in the morning wearing a robe, and boxers, and nothing else.
"Sure," Jim answered, his confusion masked in his voice. "Where would you like us to start?"
"Oh, the beginning is fine." You could practically hear the smirk through the communicator.
"Right, well—"
They spoke for over an hour, explaining as much as they could remember about falling into the 21st century, what they learned, and how they came back. Charlie would interrupt to add a detail here, or a different perspective. They explained as best they could the Vril, the Black Sun, their history, and their plans, leaving out Kirk's recent challenge and Charlie's direct ties. It was fantastical enough without adding another layer to the mix that the Council may find fault with either of them. They included the information from Carol and Chekov, the reemergence of Section 31, the list of Starfleet officers in the Black Sun, and the connection to possible Romulan and Klingon attacks.
The sun was high above the horizon when they finished, their voices rough from all the talking.
"And that's when we made the decision to come to your office, Admiral," Kirk finished. "The rest you know."
"Thank you, Captain. Cadet," Jemison's voice said. "We appreciate your service and dedication to this matter. I will now speak with the council more on this, and will reach back out with further directions. Dismissed."
The line went dead.
"She's really something, isn't she?" Charlie derided, crossing her arms.
Kirk snapped the communicator closed, reaching up to rub his eyes again. Remembering everything they went through, and everything left undone, Kirk could feel the demon rise again, the red around his irises growing with each minute.
"There's a reason she's in the position she's in," he remarked. "And that's a position I never want to have."
"Oh? You don't want to be the Commander in Chief of Starfleet?" Charlie teased.
"Hell no," Jim shook his head, stretching with a yawn at the end. "There's not enough whiskey in galaxy for me to take that job."
Charlie laughed, tossing off her robe to head to the adjacent shower. They could hear the others beginning to rise, and the promise of coffee in the air.
"Funny. I could totally do it," she grinned over her shoulder, sending an inviting wink his way.
Jim snorted, reaching up to rub the tightness of his neck as he followed her into the bathroom.
"You know what? That doesn't surprise me."
Charlie laughed, shutting the door behind her. A hot shower. Some coffee. And possibly some aerobics was what she needed for a day as unpredictable as the captain she would share it with.
Later that morning, after informing the rest of the crew of Jemison's call, Kirk's communicator rang again, Jemison's yeoman on the other end.
"Hello, Captain Kirk. The admiral would like to see you at your earliest convenience."
Jim snapped the device closed, pointing to Spock, McCoy, Charlie, and Chekov.
"You four, with me."
They continued to dress in civilian clothing, the couple of degrees of anonymity needed as they crossed the busier campus.
The same path felt longer this time around for Charlie, her anxiety a dead weight in her stomach. What if the council didn't believe them? What if they said no to her plan? What if they grounded the crew?
Then she'd do it without them.
She don't know where the thought came from, but the conviction of it gave her spine some added rigidity, and her certitude a boost. She stood by with Marcus. She dipped her head to Kirk with Khan. She wouldn't do it again.
The ride up to Jemison's office on the lift was silent, the tension palpable to all. Even the stoic Vulcan with his clenched fists and small line near his mouth couldn't stop his display of concern.
Instead of a silent hallway like the night before, the lift opened to a bustling and chaotic throng of Starfleet personnel. Groups hurried from one meeting to the next, conferences in rooms to the left and right, some of the glass transparent, others fogged. The noise was loud as conversation happened while scurrying from one crises to the next, some barely stopping to sip a cup of coffee or a quick bite.
Charlie and the other dodged around the horde, trying to keep up with the yeoman who navigated the chaos with the ease of someone born in it.
This time, they were told to wait outside, the door to the admiral's office shut tightly. Charlie paced as the others leaned against the wall, her thumbnail between her teeth and her gaze turned inward.
"Charlie, it's fine," Jim tried to sooth.
"We don't know it's fine," Charlie answered.
"She wouldn't summon us to the tower of Sheba if it wasn't, Spitfire," McCoy added. "Probably just wanting to give us a warning before patting our heads and sending us on your way."
"She could do that by communicator, McCoy," Charlie snapped.
"I zink it'll be ok, Charlie," Chekov tried. "Our ewidence is owerwhelming."
"But what if someone is a Black Sun member and we missed it? What if there's a spy? What if—""
"At ease, Cadet," Spock ordered with a firmness he didn't usually direct at Charlie. Chekov, Kirk, and McCoy's eyes widening in surprise.
"But Commander—"
"I said, at ease."
Charlie's training kicked in, falling in next to Jim with her feet planted and hands behind her back. It actually calmed her, to have those of higher rank remind her of her place. There was order to chaos, and Spock knew just the way to let her know.
"Damn Spock, you'll need to teach me that," Jim tried with a smirk.
"Just try it," Charlie growled.
Before Jim could let out another quip, the door to the Admiral's office opened, a lower ranking commadore rushing out as if they couldn't leave fast enough.
"Ah, Captain Kirk. Commander Spock. Please, come in." Admiral Jemison gestured her arm to the side, allowing the crew to file in. She was dressed in her uniform this time, her many bars highlighted on her yellow cuffs.
"I have some good news, and I have some bad news," she began, turning to address the crew. She leaned her hip against her desk, the crew coming to stand before her in a line. "First the good news. The council has authorized a special task force to address this issue around the Black Sun. Through the provided information and that very helpful list, we are addressing the issue as we speak. You should congratulate yourselves. Without your work, we may never have found this group. Now we will shine light into the shadows and root them out for good."
"Thank you, Ma'am," Kirk acknowledged.
"Now the bad news." Jemison stared straight at Charlie. "The council has come to a decision, over some of my objection in regard to the Klingons. They will not authorize you to leave Federation space. They do not feel there is enough evidence that a war is evident."
"What do you mean they are not authorizing us?" Charlie barked. "What are they waiting for, and invitation? Another attack? How else could we have spelled it out for them?"
"I'm sorry, but the council has made its decision."
"I understand the council has made a decision, but given that it's a stupid ass decision, I've elected to ignore it." Spock and Chekov looked horrified while Kirk and McCoy tried vainly to suppress their grins. They had spent the morning trying to generate another idea, but the crew agreed, bringing the Klingons to the table was the only hope they had.
Jemison raised one brow in challenge. "Do you intend to go to Qo'nos without authorization?"
A decision clicked in Charlie's head. "I'll do what needs to be done to stop what's coming. With or without your permission."
"If you do this, it will be the end of your career, Cadet."
Charlie took a breath, "There's more to this world than my career," she asserted, her eyes flashing. "I'd lose everything I have to save the innocent, rather than protect my own interests. If that's not what the Federation means to you, then you better be evaluating your own career choices."
Jemison smirked. "I will have to deploy everything in my arsenal," she argued. "You will be hunted across every quadrant and star system. No space station will house you, no planet your haven. There will be nowhere you can hide."
Charlie threw back her shoulders, refusing to backdown from the challenge thrown at her feet.
"You do what you need to. It won't stop me."
"Is she always this stubborn, Captain?" Jemison turned to Kirk, a brow raised expectantly.
Kirk crossed his arms across his chest. "This is pretty tame, actually."
Jemison's smirk morphed into a grin. "Good. It needs to be if you're going to go through with this. Klingons are just as stubborn."
"Wait, so you agree with this?" McCoy barked, pointing at a surprised Charlie.
"Never be limited by other people's limited imaginations, Doctor," Jemison smiled at McCoy, pushing off her desk, she made her way around the back, leaning on her knuckles as she turned back to Charlie. "We've never been successful in bringing the Klingons to the table. Every envoy has been dismissed, rejected, or run out of Klingon space. What you are asking borders on the impossible, but if what I've read about you is true, you might just be what we need, Cadet."
Charlie blinked, astounded by the declaration by one of the highest Admirals in the Federation. "Not that I don't appreciate it, but I expected a, ah, bigger fight."
"You don't get to my position without great instincts, Cadet Noland," Jemison explained patiently, grabbing the PADD next to her fist. "I've kept a cursory eye on you since you entered the Academy. Admiral Pike was my, how do you say it, inside man for finding me the brightest talent we have. He had much to say about you, as well as you, Captain Kirk, and your crew. My instincts say you are what we need, and you made a compelling argument. Pike seemed to think that you may know more than you let on. How did he say it? You know how to play the cards right." Jim and Charlie caught each other's glances. Did Pike know?
"And if I were to be frank," Jemison continued. "You're the opposite of what we would ever use for starting any diplomatic communications, especially with an adversary like the Klingons. But these attacks, and what you've told me, I think it's time for us be a bit more unpredictable."
Charlie stood tall. "I won't let you down, Ma'am."
"I know you won't," she smiled, inputting her authorization code for the mission directive before handing the device to Charlie. "This will be covert. I will only permit three of you to go. Choose your crew wisely, Cadet. I've already arranged transport to the Klingon home world for you. Please be to those coordinates by 18:00 hours tonight. I'll coordinate with the rest of the Enterprise crew to root out those loyal to this Black Sun. At this moment, you all are the only ones I can trust."
"I'll go with her," Jim said immediately. "With your permission of course."
Jemison's grin turned into a smirk as she crossed her arms. "I was almost going to suggest you stay and assist me, Captain." She paused, noticing the horrified expressions across the room. "But it may be better if you accompany the cadet. Provide the suitable rank for a diplomatic emissary so the Klingons don't take the sending of a cadet as an offense."
The relief was immediate. "Thank you, Ma'am."
"Commander Spock," she turned to addressed the Vulcan. "As the Enterprise's second in command, I would like you to stay and assist me. Take command of the Enterprise in Kirk's absence."
"Of course, Admiral," Spock dipped his head.
"Ensign Chekov," Jemison addressed next. "While disobeying my direct order should have landed you a court martial," Chekov blanched, "I see now why you didn't come to me. You were right verifying that this chain of command remained unblemished. I would like to have you stay and assist Commander Spock. Your detective work would be of great value to us currently, and you're a damn good shot on that ship when needed."
Chekov swallowed his, his face moving from white to red faster than a firework. "Da, Ma'am, Th-thank you."
"Now, you all have your orders. Keep calm. Keep focused. Do your job, and we may make it out of this alive. Dismissed."
The five crew members swiftly made their way back to the hotel suite to prepare, Jemison's orders echoing in their ears. Charlie was surprised she had managed to convince the admiral as quickly as she did. She really expected to fight for it, and fight hard. To be trusted with something as important as this was both humbling and terrifying. Thank God she'd have Jim with her. She really didn't want to try to do this without him. She glanced in his direction as he held the door open to the hotel.
Kirk looked relieved there wasn't more of a fight. He really didn't want to have to step in-between Jemison and Charlie. People get hurt that way. He gave her a small smile when he caught her gaze. Like Charlie, he would have done his best as ordered, but was much happier to be going with her. He wasn't sure he'd be able to control the demon if he knew she was going into danger without him.
Once back in room, Kirk caught the rest of the crew up to speed, Uhura and Carol locked in a discussion in the main bedroom with Rima. Apparently they got a call right before the team returned.
"Well that went better than I thought," Kirk remarked, glancing at the others.
"Da, I thought she was going to rake me across ze coals," Chekov admitted.
"You and me both, Chekov," Charlie agreed.
"Jemison agreed to send a small group to the Klingons," Kirk resumed. "The Enterprise has been ordered to support her efforts routing out the Black Sun. Charlie and I will be going to Qo'nos. Spock will be commanding the Enterprise in my absence."
"She actually went for it?" Sulu remarked.
"Surprised the hell out of me too," Charlie admitted.
"So you are you taking with you, Spitfire?" McCoy asked, leaning against the far wall munching on an apple.
"Glad you asked, Bones." She grinned evilly at the doctor.
He dropped his arm holding the apple, his eyes shooting heavenward. "Ah hell."
"When do we report?" Sulu directed his question toward Spock.
"The captain and cadet are reporting to hanger thirteen at 18:00 hours," Spock answered. "I believe once they depart we will—"
"Captain!" Uhura's voiced shouted, her and Carol rushing from the main bedroom, Rima following close behind. "We have something you should see." The urgency wasn't lost on the others.
"What is it, Uhura?" Kirk asked, taking the PADD from her outstretched hand.
"Rima managed to get the rest of the data from her contact," Carol announced, coming to stand next to Uhura. "We were right. They are trying to bring an army. A big one. And we know where they're bringing them through."
"It was coded in Romulan," Uhura added. "That's why I went to help. No one knows the dialects better than me. But the code wasn't hard to crack once we figured out the key."
"What was the key?" Sulu asked.
"Well I thought about that alter we saw back in Edinburgh," Uhura said, turning to answer Sulu. "Carol said her and Chekov found one exactly the same here. It took a little manipulation, but they use sun imagery for most of their markings. And they have symbol on their hands and forehead."
"An eclipse," Charlie breathed out.
Uhura nodded. "Eclipse in their second dialect cracked it."
"So where are they mobilizing?" McCoy asked, resuming his apple munching.
Uhura's eyes flickered to Charlie's, something swirling in their depth. She bit her lip for a second, trying to get the courage, but Kirk answered for her, throwing the image on the PADD onto the main screen.
"Nimbus III," he said, the planet highlighted with the map of the quadrant to its right.
It felt like the floor dropped out from under her.
"Wha-what?" Charlie asked, her eyes going huge. "But, but it's—"
"At the corner of Romulan, Klingon, and Federation Space," Spock interrupted. "A perfect location to launch an attack on all three powers without the others knowing the originator."
"What's so important about Nimbus III?" Carol asked, her brows low as she glanced between the main Enterprise crew.
"It's where I first appeared," Charlie answered. "It was my first interaction with the 23rd century and it's where I first met this crew."
"More like saved this crew," Kirk remarked. "And took on five Klingon's in the process."
"Well isn't this just a small universe," McCoy derided.
"And getting smaller," Charlie mumbled. The way everything was lining up, the connections that seemed to keep coming back to her, verified what she knew. Whether she liked it or not, whatever was happening revolved around her. And while it was nice ego stroke, she was ready for anonymity.
"Spock, get this information to Jemison," Kirk ordered, handing the PADD to his first officer. "If she agrees, I think the Enterprise needs to remind the Black Sun what they're up against."
"Agreed, Captain," Spock dipped his head. "There are at least another ten ships in that area of the galaxy as well. Their support would be warranted."
"Bring the arsenal."
Spock stood taller turning the rest of the crew. "I believe it is prudent that if you have not been assigned to Cadet Noland that we make our way to the Enterprise and make ready for departure."
"Let's go get them," Uhura proclaimed, the rest of the crew standing in agreement, their conviction reaffirmed.
"Ack, the lass is probably missin' us anyway," Scotty voiced. "I know it's been too long since I laid eyes on her sweet nacelles."
They all laughed as Scotty, bewildered, questioned, "Was it something I said?"
Kirk turned back to Spock, his hand outstretched, "Take care of the ship, Spock." The Vulcan hesitantly took the offered appendaged. "I know she'd in good hands."
"May you be successful in your mission, Captain. Cadet." Spock nodded to Charlie, dropping the captain's hand, his grasping his hands behind. "I do not envy the Klingons you will face. Your determination is a force unseen in this galaxy. They are indeed in for, how have you put it, Captain? A hell of a time?"
Charlie laughed softly, the Vulcan's words some of the kindest he had given her, and it warmed her heart. "Thank you, Commander. May we meet again on the other side." She held her hand up in the Vulcan salute, her fingers splayed. "Live long and prosper."
Spock echoed her gesture. "And you. We will wait to hear of your success."
The crew quickly said good-bye to their captain, following their commander out and to their waiting ship.
Soon it was just Kirk, Charlie, McCoy, and Rima.
"We can't thank you enough for everything you've done to help us," Charlie began. "Your contact and the information you've provided is the only reason we have a leg to stand on right now."
"I should be thanking you," Rima emphasized. "Without your help, I never would have gotten my daughter back. Everything I've done barely compares to that gift you've given me."
"What are you going to do now?" McCoy asked.
"Admiral Jemison reached out to me," Rima said. "Lucy and I are staying here for the time being. We will also have a few discreet security assigned. At the moment, we don't believe the Black Sun know we're here, but we're taking no chances for them coming for Lucy again. Not until all of this has been delt with."
"That's smart," Kirk agreed. "Keep your head down. We'll take of this as soon as we can."
"Thank you, Captain. Cadet, I don't know everything going on…" Rima bit her lip before taking Charlie's hand in her own, squeezing it briefly. "Carol only briefly filled me in, but please, stay safe. What I've found about the Black Sun, just . . . just watch your back out there."
Charlie smiled sadly, squeezing the offered hand back. "I will. I have a plan, and I haven't had one go wrong yet."
"Debatable," McCoy mumbled, Charlie shooting him a glare.
"Take care of yourself," Kirk smiled. "Tell Lucy good-bye for us. But we need to be going if we're going to make the rendezvous in time." He directed the second part to Charlie and McCoy.
Charlie glanced at her watch. Jim was right. It was time to go.
As they made their way over to the hanger bay, shifting the case in his hand to the other, McCoy asked, "So who's our pilot anyway?"
Charlie shrugged. "No idea. Jemison just said she arranged it."
"You've got to be kidding me," Jim growled the minute they entered the empty hanger where a lone Vulcan ship sat, twice the size of the one they arrived in. And standing outside was none other than Sybok.