A/N Here is the next chapter. I want to thank NevemTeve for the thoughtful review. It means a lot to me. I also want to thank anyone who has or is now reading my story.
I do not own Big Bang Theory or any of the related characters. The Big Bang Theory series was created and owned by Chuck Lorre and Bill Prady. All rights of Big Bang Theory belong to them. This story is a work of fanfiction and is meant for entertainment only. I am not making profit from this story.
"My name is Penny; I am from the Republic planet Celaria. I am afraid Captain Nord and the rest of the bridge crew were somehow rendered unconscious by the Syndicate when the shields failed."
The other Captain looked stunned but then recovered, "Did they cover their ears when it happened?"
When Penny nodded, he went on, "This has happened before. They should be all right in time. I am beaming over with a medical crew."
It was not long after that the Captain and the medical crew arrived.
After sending some of them to the lower decks, they turned their attention to the men on the bridge. Penny was a little surprised at the extra attention Captain Nord received. It was true that he was the commanding officer but it still seemed his share of the attention was a little overboard.
After the Captain of the other vessel appeared satisfied the medical crew had the situation in hand, he approached Penny and the others.
"Thankfully, Captain Nord and the others will be okay. It will be some time though before they awaken."
He paused, "Doctor Sando tells me it has been several hours since they were rendered unconscious. Can you introduce these two men and tell me why this ship was not boarded long ago?"
After Penny introduced Leonard and Sheldon as humans and from the pre-warp planet, she told him how they had been able to use the helm and weapons to buy time.
When she finished, the Captain could not hide his amazement. He finally found his voice, "I admit that if I could explain what has happened in another way, I would never believe what you have told me." He turned toward Sheldon and Leonard, "It appears that humans must be a rather interesting species."
He continued, "The Empire owes you all a huge debt of gratitude. I must return to my ship. Would you all accompany me?"
Penny had managed to keep Sheldon and Leonard apprised of what was going on. She was about to agree when she was stunned to realize that in all that had gone on, she had forgotten about Tort and Fomac.
She quickly filled the Captain in about their circumstances and asked if he could check on them.
He immediately called down to the head of the team that had gone below.
After listening for a time, he turned back to her. "I am afraid I have some bad news. The lower deck crew was also affected by the attack, but it appears as was true of you three, the two men you spoke of were spared."
He paused, "I wish there were an easy way to say this. It appears there was an exchange of Phaser fire." He paused again, "I am sorry, but both men are dead."
Penny stared at him in shock and found herself tearing up. Although Leonard didn't know what was happening, he saw that Penny was upset and put his arms around as she put her head on her shoulder. After a few moments she recovered enough to tell Leonard and Sheldon what had happened.
As they told her how sorry they were, the Captain asked if they wanted to be alone.
When Penny nodded, he informed a nearby soldier they were returning to his ship. After they beamed over, he had someone show them to guest quarters so they could talk.
When they were alone, Penny told her more about Tort and Fomac. She asked them to remind her to be sure that they arranged to have their bodies returned to their home planets.
Finding themselves to be exhausted, they all laid down and fell into a fitful sleep.
They were awakened by a crewman who informed them the Captain wanted them on the bridge. Quickly straightening themselves up, they followed him.
When they reached the bridge, they were informed that a Republic Fleet was on the way and should be in communication range in less than an hour.
After a quick reaction of excitement, Penny suddenly recognized the position she was in. The realization of what she had done in bringing Leonard and Sheldon with her. So it was with some trepidation that she awaited their contact with the Republic.
The time passed quickly and they were soon hailed, "Attention, Imperial Fleet, this is Captain Ortag of the Republic ship Victory."
The Captain answered, "This is Captain Nodan of the Imperial Starship Sardon."
"Where is Captain Nord and Notanna?"
"Captain Nord was injured during a battle with the Syndicate but is well on his way to recovery. We were able to destroy the enemy ships before they reached the planet Earth."
"Do you know if the Notanna was able to rescue two of our citizens from Earth? Are they all right?"
Captain Nodan sighed, "Actually, he retrieved five individuals." He hesitated, "Three of them are here with me. I will let them discuss it with you."
Penny stood by him, "Captain Ortag, it is good to see you again." She took a deep breath, "While you were gone Agent Tort and I located Fomac and brought him aboard." She sighed, "And I also brought two inhabitants of Earth with us."
She saw the shock on Ortag's face. Before he could say anything, she hurried on, "I deeply regret to tell you that Agent Tort and Fomac are dead. It appears they shot each other when Fomac escaped from his cell."
All of them saw the difficulty Ortag was having trying to absorb what he was hearing. Finally, he managed to say, "It appears we have a lot to discuss. We should join with your fleet in approximately four hours."
Captain Nodan spoke up, "You should know that Penny and the two humans were responsible for saving the lives of the Captain and crew of the Notanna."
Once again Ortag found himself nonplussed, "It seems we have even more to sort out when we meet."
During the time they were waiting for the Republic fleet to reach them, Penny and the others worked with the Captain to prepare for the bodies of Tort and Fomac to be transferred to Victory.
Leonard and Sheldon waited apprehensively with Penny as they prepared to beam over to Victory. They had come to understand how much trouble Penny could be in. Although they had not necessarily had a choice in being taken from Earth, they could not help but feel a little responsible for what she faced.
When they arrived aboard the ship, before Ortag could speak, they informed him that the bodies of Tort and Fomac were ready to be beamed aboard. After Ortag arranged for their transfer and he had Sheldon and Leonard escorted to another room, he took Penny to the Conference Room.
After they sat down, he sighed, "I must admit, Penny, I am not sure how to proceed." He hesitated, "What were you thinking?"
"It was not so much what I thought but how I felt. During my time on Earth, I became very close to both Leonard and Sheldon. When I realized that Earth could be in danger, I felt I needed to try to protect them." She hesitated, "I also realized that I love Leonard and he loves me."
Ortag was stunned. He struggled to accept what he was hearing. After a long awkward silence, he finally managed to say, "I can't believe what I am hearing. It is shocking enough that you have allowed yourself to become romantically involved with a human, but to ignore the most basic principle of the Republic..."
He sat back, "It will be up to the Council to determine what will happen to you." He leaned forward, "But now we must decide how we are going to fix the mess you have created."
"Fortunately, they have not been missing for an extended period of time. We can have you clear their minds and return them to Earth. As for Tort and Fomac, their disappearance will have to just be a mystery."
Penny found herself shocked but realized she shouldn't be. She had let herself believe she could be with Leonard. But what choice did they have? She selfishly wanted them to stay with her, but they belonged on Earth. But that didn't stop her heart from breaking. At least Leonard would never remember what they had. He could find love again.
As for what would happen to her, it didn't seem important for now.
As she was about to say that she would do whatever was required, they were interrupted by the communicator in the room.
When Ortag answered, he was informed that Captain Nodan was requesting permission to beam over. He also asked that Penny, Sheldon, and Leonard be available when he arrived.
Wondering what was going on, Ortag agreed and arranging for him to be brought to the Conference Room, had Leonard and Sheldon brought there as well.
Captain Nodan arrived bearing a small box. When they were all seated, Penny stated that she would translate for Leonard and Sheldon. That it would be easier for the others to speak in their native languages.
With everyone looking expectantly at him, Nodan took a deep breath, "The actions I am about to take would normally need to be approved by the Emperor himself, but we are not able to communicate with him. I also feel I need to do this before any decisions are made. I do believe that he and Captain Nord will no doubt sanction my actions when they learn of them."
He then surprised them by asking if Penny, Leonard, and Sheldon could all stand up. They stood by one side of the table as he moved in front of them.
Again taking a deep breath, he reached into the box and took out what appeared to be a gold medal.
He approached Penny and to her shock, placed it around her neck, "For your actions in saving the Imperial ship Notanna from falling into enemy hands, for saving the lives of the crew and Captain of said ship, I hereby in the name of the Emperor, present to you the Imperial Medal of Honor, the highest honor the Empire can bestow. With this honor comes honorary citizenship in the Empire, and the ability to travel with honor throughout the empire, even into the presence of the Emperor himself."
As Penny tried to grapple with what was happening, he had her translate as he repeated the ceremony with Leonard and Sheldon, who just stood in shocked silence.
Even more shocked was Captain Ortag, who being more acquainted with Imperial mores, knew what an incredible honor this was.
He finally managed to get out, "I cannot believe you have taken this action without checking with the Emperor. I know how much of an honor this is. I understand they apparently did a valiant act but from what I know, it would not be close to what is required to earning this award."
Nodan turned to him, "There is one fact I have not revealed." He smiled, "Captain Nord is not just Captain Nord. He is Prince Nord, beloved son of the Emperor and heir to the throne!"