CHAPTER 5

The Enterprise came out of warp at Caleb 4. Jim was standing on the Bridge looking at the space station. Spock sat in the captain's chair. "When we're docked, I want to find Michael right away," Jim said.

"I am certain she will not be hard to find," Spock replied.

Sulu docked the Enterprise with the station. Admiral Winston met Jim at the docking tube. "What is your plan, Admiral Kirk?" Winston asked.

"We're gonna find Michael Burnham on this station," Jim replied. "We think she might know who those people are."

"Possibly."

"I'll let you know, Admiral."

Jim left the ship. He hoped maybe he would not be so conspicuous since he was not wearing his Starfleet uniform. He was not at all sure where Michael Burnham would be on this station, nor McNeil. "Jim!"

Jim looked around to see Solan coming after him. "You shouldn't be out here alone," Solan said.

"Okay," Jim replied as Ajah walked up too. "Let's go then."

Jim walked on, followed by his two bodyguards. He thought he would look for them first before he used the communicator. As he walked down the corridor, Admiral John Coates met him. "Admiral Kirk," he said.

"Admiral Coates," Jim replied.

"What brings you to Caleb Four?"

"I have a little business to take care of here."

"You bring chaos everywhere you go, Admiral Kirk. I hope you aren't bringing any trouble here."

Jim scowled slightly at that. "I'm here to pick up two of my people," he said. "They've been here on a mission."

"Two of your people have been here? Why didn't I know about it? I like to know when there could be trouble."

"They didn't come here to cause trouble, and neither did I."

"What was their mission?"

Jim folded his arms. "I'm not ready to disclose that information," he said.

"I'm over this station, and I have a right to know what's going on here."

"Well, Admiral Winston is here, so you can ask him. If you'll excuse me…"

"Did you say Admiral Winston is here?"

"Yes, and we won't be here for long."

Jim walked on. "What was that all about?" Solan asked.

"I'm not sure," Jim replied. "But let's find them and get out of here."

Jim took out his communicator. "Michael?"

Jim waited a moment but did not get an answer, so he switched frequencies and started to call McNeil, but he suddenly stepped out beside him as he passed by one of the bars. Jim put his communicator away. "So, were you looking for me?" McNeil asked.

"Yes," Jim replied. "We've run into a new problem. Where is Michael?"

"She's aboard our ship. We'd like to dock back on the Enterprise and let you know what we know."

"Good idea. I'll go with you."

Jim, Solan, and Ajah went with McNeil to the ship. Michael Burnham was aboard. "Admiral," she said. "It's good to see you again."

"Good to see the two of you," Jim replied. "Let's get to the Enterprise. We have some things to discuss."

They were soon docking on the Enterprise. Spock was waiting for them when they disembarked. "That was quick, Admiral," Spock said.

"I think they knew we arrived," Jim replied. "Admiral Coates wasn't very accommodating, and he was just a little too curious about why I was there."

"Explain."

"He said I always bring chaos wherever I go."

Spock raised an eyebrow. Jim narrowed his eyes at Spock. "I think you agree with him," Jim said.

"I did not say a word," Spock replied.

"Funny. Let's go to the conference room first and get this ship on the way to Delta Vega. Try to be inconspicuous."

"Yes, Admiral."

Jim went to the conference room, and by the time everyone was there, they were on their way. "First of all," Jim said. "We think we may have found out where the secret lab is."

"We have an idea too," Michael replied. "Delta Vega."

"Exactly. And it seems that there are those in Starfleet who are in on this as well."

"Yes."

"And we have spies on the ship. They are in the brig. Michael, I would like you to go down there and see if you recognize any of them, because we believe they are from the Terran universe."

Michael frowned. "I'll be glad to," she said.

"Did the two of you find out anything else?"

"You're right about the corruption in Starfleet. There are definitely those who want to take over and they will do it by any means."

"Let's go to the brig and find out who these people are."

They walked down to the brig. As they entered, they stopped at the first cell. Michael frowned as she looked at the being inside. "How did you get here?" she asked. She looked at Jim. "I definitely know who this is. This is Perry Hopper. He's the captain of one of the Terran ships." She looked at the others in the cells. "And this is his crew. They are some of Captain Kirk's bounty hunters. They hunted us for years. They capture people for Kirk so he can make examples of them."

"So, how did they get on this ship?" Jim asked. "All we can guess is that they got aboard when Kirk and his bunch got aboard, and they were able to get into our systems."

"That's most likely it. I don't know what their angle is, but I think they believe they can bring the other Kirk here and try to take over. You know the Scrin can travel back and forth, and they think they can use that technology to get to their universe and back."

"Can they?"

"I don't know, but they may know."

Jim looked at the captain standing in his cell. Perry folded his arms and stared at Jim through crystal blue eyes. "I suppose you're not going to talk," Jim said.

"Not a chance," Perry replied.

"Well, you won't be causing any more trouble because you won't be getting out of this brig."

"You can't stop us."

"You already said that. Is that your only line?"

Jim turned to the others. "Anyone around here want to talk?" he asked. "Now is your only chance." He got just what he had expected…silence. "Okay." He and the others with him walked out of the brig. "As far as we can tell, there are no others aboard the ship."

Anakin walked up next. "Admiral, I don't know how that one in there can know when I'm around or when I'm tracking him."

"I don't either," Jim said. "But he's not going to tell us."

"He most likely learned it from the other Anakin," Michael said. "He could teach them how to hide themselves and other things that those evil Jedi could do. They are most likely slightly sensitive to the Force and it's enough that they could learn. That's why they are so stealthy in their profession. And also the tiberium has enhanced that ability."

"That would explain it," Anakin said. "They know enough to know how to hide themselves in the Force. So what do we do about them?"

"I'm not sure right now," Jim replied. "Do you think they know enough to be able to get out of that brig?"

"I would think they would have already done it if they could."

"Maybe they're waiting for the right moment."

"And when would that be?" Solan asked.

"When we get to…Delta Vega. I want plenty of security here, Spock."

"I'll be on guard," Anakin said. "They can't manipulate Qui-Gon and me."

"Good. We'll be there in two days. Between now and then, we have to make a plan."

"That would involve knowing what our goal is," Spock said.

"We will get to that. I have some thinking to do. Right now, let's eat something."

Everyone went their own directions. Jim went to his quarters looking for Carol. She was there with the two kids. "Hey, you ready to eat something?" Jim asked.

"Yes," Carol replied. "So, what's happening now?"

"Let's discuss it over food. I'm hungry."

"We can get something and bring it back here. I don't want to eat in the mess hall today."

"Alright. I'll go get us something."

Jim left the quarters and went down to the mess hall. Bones was there with Andrea. "Hey, Jim, you feeling okay?" Bones asked.

"Yes," Jim replied.

"So what's going on?"

"I'm here to get food."

"Did Michael know who our intruders are?"

"Yeah. The captain in there is Perry Hopper. He's a bounty hunter in that other universe who is sensitive enough to the Force to be able to hide in the Force and to detect Anakin."

"Oh. Great. So what are we going to do about that?"

"Anakin and Qui-Gon are guarding them. We have to get up a plan for Delta Vega. We have to figure out how to get onto that planet without them knowing it."

"I'd like to know how you're going to do that. If they intend to keep this secret, you know they have security."

"I know, but we have Artie."

"How's he going to know their frequencies or anything?"

"They're using a Starfleet base. It shouldn't be too hard to figure out."

"You could be right. Still, they could have contaminated the planet with Tiberium already. And what about all those creatures that live down there?"

"We'll worry about that when we get there. I'll see you later."

Jim got some food for himself and his family and went back to his quarters. As they ate, he still thought about the situation they were going into. He looked at his children. He wished they were not here, but he could not have left them on Earth. He thought about that a moment. He knew where they would be safe…

"Carol, we need to discuss something before we get very far," Jim said.

"Like what?" Carol asked.

"We'll talk after dinner."

When they were done eating, Jim and Carol sat on the sofa. "So, what is so secret?" she asked.

"I was thinking, we don't need to take the kids into this situation, nor Padme and her newborn. I think we should leave some more vulnerable people on New Vulcan."

Carol considered that. "You think they would be safe there?"

"I do. Don't you?"

"Safer than if they're on this ship in this situation."

"So you agree?"

"Yes. Talk your mom into staying with them because I'm going with you."

Carol could tell by the look on his face that he had wanted her to stay too. "You wanted me to stay with them," she said.

"Well, I don't want them to be without us both if something happens," Jim said.

"I understand that, but I want to go with you."

"This may be one of the most dangerous things we've done."

"You always say that. Jim, it probably is…I do know a little about Section Thirty-One."

"Let's talk about that after I get Spock to change course. I'll be back."

Jim went to the Bridge and met Spock as he was leaving the Bridge. "I need to talk to you," Jim said.

"Yes, Admiral," Spock replied.

They went into the conference room. "I think we should make a stop by New Vulcan," Jim said.

"Explain."

"I think we should leave the more vulnerable people there…like children and Padme, who just gave birth."

"I see. You think they will be safer there."

"Don't you?"

"I agree, Admiral. I would prefer not to take Spura into a situation such as this."

"Good. Let's change course and try not to let anyone know but Sulu."

"He is taking a break at the moment, but his pilot is at the helm."

"Make that change, and then we will talk about who will be left there."

"Should we leave our prisoners there in the Vulcan prison?"

"I'm not sure about that. We'll discuss all that."

"Yes, Admiral."

Jim left there and walked slowly down the corridor. He had not considered leaving the prisoners on New Vulcan. He thought these decisions were too much for him to make, but he knew someone who had more authority than even he did. He went down to Admiral Winston's quarters. He stood there a moment thinking of the fact that he had never actually gone there. Was it rude of him to visit the admiral? He shook his head and rang the door chime.

"Enter," Admiral Winston said from inside.

The door opened and Jim walked in. Admiral Winston's quarters were extensive and set up for a family since his wife and daughter were there. "Come in, Admiral Kirk," Winston said.

"I'm sorry to bother you, Admiral," Jim replied. He also did not think he had ever seen the admiral when he was not wearing a uniform, but normal clothes.

"Nonsense. Sit down."

Jim sat down in a chair across from Admiral Winston and his wife, Elissa. "How are you, Admiral Kirk?" she asked.

"I'm fine, Ma'am," Jim replied. He looked at Admiral Winston. "Sir, Spock and I have been discussing some things, and I wanted to get your opinion about it."

"Go ahead," Winston replied.

"We're making a stop by New Vulcan, Sir. I thought it would be best if we didn't take children and more vulnerable passengers on such a dangerous mission."

Winston considered that. "I agree. You intend to leave your kids there?"

"Yes, Sir. I'd rather not take them into a battle. I mean, that's most likely what it will be, and I know the Vulcans will protect them and care for them. My mom will stay as well and anyone else. I'm hoping Padme will stay in her delicate condition."

Winston nodded. "That sounds like a plan. Have you discussed this with everyone?"

"Not yet, but I wanted to run it by you first."

"Do what you think is best, Kirk. You're in charge of this mission. If I didn't think you could handle it, I wouldn't have given you that rank."

"Yes, Sir. Thank you. I also wanted to know if you think we should leave the prisoners there."

"No. We will take care of our own prisoners."

"Yes, Sir."

Jim stood up, feeling rather awkward. "I'll let you know if there are any changes, Sir."

Jim left the room and went back to his own quarters. "We're on our way to New Vulcan," he said as Carol met him at the door. "I have to have meetings."

"Now?" Carol asked.

"I suppose I can do it in the morning. We won't be to New Vulcan for three days."

"Good. I'd like to have your attention for a little while."

Jim looked at her and smiled slightly. "Undivided?"

"Oh yes. The kids are in bed, and you belong to me."

"I like it."

The next morning, Jim left his quarters on a mission. He had to get everything in order so they would be ready for everything that was coming. He met Spock in the conference room. "Have you talked to everyone about staying on New Vulcan?" he asked.

"Yes, Admiral," Spock replied. "Anakin and Padme were particularly relieved that she would not be taking their newborn into this."

"Good. I talked to my mom too and that is all settled. Let's just make sure we have everyone. Admiral Winston said we would not be leaving any prisoners there, so they're going with us. You got everyone ready for a meeting so we can make out a plan?"

"Yes, Admiral. The meeting will take place at o-eight-hundred."

"Okay, so that gives us time to think. So, I have a beginning question…where is our Mac?"

"I do not know, Admiral. Did Michael mention him?"

"No. He was tracking down the other Mac, and he also helped Anakin and Qui-Gon to find those hidden bases, and he disappeared after that. Does she know where he is?"

"I have not asked. I have been occupied with other matters."

"I feel like I'm losing track of things. When we get to Delta Vega, we have to find a place to hide in the Vulcan system so we won't be detected by any sensors they have," Jim said as he was looking at the Vulcan system.

"There are uninhabited planets there," Spock said. "The moon of T'Khut would be a good destination since it does have a magnetic center. It would hide the Enterprise."

"Good, then that's where we will hide it. We'll have to figure out how to get onto the planet without them knowing. That's the hard part."

At 8am, everyone who would be going on the mission or who needed to know about it, was in the conference room. Jim sat down at the end of the table. "So, we have a lot to discuss. We will be making a stop at New Vulcan to drop off a few passengers who shouldn't be on this ship in the middle of a battle," he began. "Then we will be off to Delta Vega. All we're doing is guessing right now about the fact that they're there, but I think it's a pretty good possibility."

"I agree," Admiral Winston said. "We have intelligence who suggest that they have moved there, and it is highly likely that they would want the knowledge of someone who knows so much about the tiberium."

Jim nodded. "According to what we've learned, not many people know more about it than Petrova, so if she is looking for a place to hide, and they want her knowledge, then it is likely that they're in cahoots."

"I agree," Michael Burnham said. "All the information we found points to that conclusion as well."

"We also believe that she intends to help the Scrin perfect their mechanism…whatever you want to call it, using the knowledge that Cabal gathered when he created the Borg. We believe they're going to try and do that same thing in their universe or galaxy. Not sure where they came from, but if they can travel from one galaxy or universe to another, we also believe that they may try to help Mac bring the other Enterprise crew here from the Terran universe."

"You do not want that to happen. We have to stop them at all costs."

"I know that, and we will. So, that is just about all we know, or that we speculate. We have to make a plan to get onto that planet." Jim brought up a map of the Vulcan system. He pointed out Delta Vega. "That is where they are," he said. He pointed to a small moon. "According to Mister Spock, this would be the best place to hide because this moon has a magnetic center, and it will hide signals from the Enterprise. Once we are there, and I'm sure Mister Sulu can bring us out of warp as close to that moon as possible."

"Yes, Sir," Sulu replied. "Just like Titan."

Jim nodded. "Once we are there, we will take a smaller ship down to the planet, and we also still have the cloaking device on the Enterprise, and they will be waiting for us in case things go wrong."

"Like they usually do," Bones murmured.

Jim glanced at him. "We'll have a contingency plan," he said.

"Admiral, we must prepare for the event that they capture the away team, or that they escape from the planet. We do not know how far they have progressed in their research."

"That's true. That's why we have to get down there and find out. If they do escape the planet, we will have to do whatever is necessary to stop them from achieving their goals."

"And what are those goals?" Admiral Winston asked.

"As far as we can guess, they want to bring people from the Terran universe here, and they want to help the Scrin perfect their technology, and they are the ones who can go from one universe to the other. I think Kane's goal is to take over Earth, and if he could get the Borg on his side, he could take over a lot more than that. Our goal is to stop them."

"What do we do when we get into that lab?" Solan asked.

"We'll have to figure that out when we get there, but Scotty knows more about that lab than any of us, so he can give us a layout and where they would most likely be if they're using equipment there. We'll discuss that and you'll all have a schematic to study."

"Admiral, has anyone actually talked to Kane about why he is doing all this?" Michael asked.

"That's irrelevant," Jim replied. "I've had a few words with him, and he's about as unreasonable as Khan, maybe even more so."

"What about the Scrin?"

"We're past the talking stage. It's time for action. Scotty."

Scotty went to the front of the room and showed them a schematic of the facility. He pointed to a blinking area on the map. "If they are using the facilities for research, they would be here towards the center, and there's also an underground facility," he said. "It has plenty of research equipment that was abandoned. This place is supposed to be locked down."

"Yeah, but they have Starfleet codes and everything," Jim said. "It was no problem for me to get in there when I was on that planet."

"But it will be more difficult this time I'm sure."

"Yes, it will, but we don't know what kind of security they will have except they have people like Khan there most likely, they have the other half of Cabal, and they have Legion too, and most likely the tiberium enhanced Mac." Jim scowled. "Which reminds me that we have not located our Mac yet."

"If he made it down to that planet, he could be in grave danger," Michael said. "If they captured him, he would be made a science experiment."

Jim frowned at that suggestion. "Let's just hope he wasn't if he's there."

After the three days, the Enterprise came out of warp in the Nibiran System, which was where New Vulcan was…not far from the infamous planet Nibiru. Jim could see that planet in the distance, and he wondered how it was getting along. However, they were on their way to New Vulcan. Admiral Winston stood on the Bridge beside Jim as they looked out the front windows. "Admiral Kirk, you saved that planet," he said.

"Obviously not one of my better decisions," Jim replied.

"I don't agree."

Jim looked at Winston. "Sir?"

"Do you know what Nibiru really is?"

"A planet?"

Winston smiled. "It's more than that, Admiral Kirk. Admiral Marcus was one of those people who felt impending doom. But we'll talk more about that later. Right now, we need to complete what we're here to do."

Jim looked around at Uhura as they walked back around behind the helm. "Hail the planet," he said.

They got an almost immediate reply from New Vulcan. Sarek, the ambassador to Earth, appeared on the screen. "Greetings," he said.

"Ambassador," Jim replied.

"We are ready to receive everyone who will be staying with us."

Jim thought Vulcans always got straight to the point. "We'll have them ready in a few minutes. We thank you for your hospitality."

Sarek bowed slightly. "Let us know when you are ready."

The transmission ended. Jim looked at Spock. "Well, that was brief," Jim said.

Spock raised one eyebrow. "As usual," he replied.

Jim wondered if Spock and his father got along, but he did not ask. "Let's get everyone to the transporter room."

Soon, everyone who was staying on New Vulcan was in the transporter room. "I guess I don't need to go down there with them," Jim said to Spock.

"Perhaps one of us should," Spock replied.

"Are you volunteering, or should we flip for it?"

Spock looked at Jim a moment. "I will go if you prefer that I do."

Jim shook his head. "No, I'll go," he said. "It was my idea anyway."

There were several people going to stay on New Vulcan, so it would take more than one transport, but Jim went down on the first. Ambassador Sarek was waiting when they arrived. "Welcome," he said.

Jim stepped down from the transporter pad, along with his mother and kids. "Ambassador," he said. "I wanted to come down and thank you in person."

"We are happy to accommodate everyone." Sarek was silent a moment. "Are you willing to share your mission?"

"I think the fewer people who know, the better, Sir."

"I understand. I wish you luck."

"Thank you."

Once everyone was down on the planet, Jim went back to the Enterprise. "Let's get on our way, Spock," he said.

Spock nodded and went to the Bridge. Jim walked down the corridor thinking of the mission they were about to tackle. It was not going to be an easy mission and could result in casualties. Anakin met him in the corridor. "Admiral," he said. "I have to say that I'm relieved that Padme and the kids are on New Vulcan, but I kinda feel like I'm abandoning them."

"We're not," Jim replied. "They will be well cared for there. The Vulcans are very accommodating."

"I'm trusting in that. So, now we're on our way to Delta Vega. You know, I think there is only one thing that's worse than a desert planet."

"What's that?"

"An ice cold one."

"Don't worry, we'll have gear for that."

"Yeah, heavy stuff that will hinder us when we get into some sort of scrap."

"We'll deal with that. Besides, we probably won't have to wear heavy stuff since we have our electro-suits that can withstand even space."

"Oh…yeah, I forgot about those."

"They will make things a lot easier."

Jim and Anakin arrived at the Bridge. "We're on our way?" Jim asked.

"Yes Admiral," Spock replied.

Jim looked out the viewport at the warp field. "Now the planning begins."

"Jim, Doctor Kirk and I have made some modifications to the electro-suits. It was quite easy since the nanotechnology was added to them."

"What kind of modifications?"

"I will be happy to show you."

Jim and Anakin followed Spock to the science lab. "I will demonstrate, Admiral," Spock said. "Excuse me."

Spock soon came out with one of the suits on…however, it had changed from what it normally looked like. The suit was as white as the planet Delta Vega as Jim remembered it. "Doctor Kirk and I believed that it would benefit us to blend into our environment better," Spock said.

Jim smiled slightly. "I agree," he said. "When did you do this?"

"While we were on the way to New Vulcan. However, this is not all." Spock pressed the button on the chest of the suit, and Jim watched as the "scales" rotated and the suit was back to the color it had been before. "Once we are inside the facility, we can change colors much like a chameleon."

Jim was dumbfounded for a moment. "So, wait a minute," he said. "Are you telling me that this can adapt to any environment we're in?"

"Not particularly. However, it can adjust to darker areas and lighter areas."

"That's…really good. I like it."

"I am pleased that you approve. Artemus also helped us."

"I'm not surprised at that."

"That looks really good," Anakin said. "So we'll all have one of these, right?"

"Yes," Spock replied.

"Maybe this mission just became a little less dangerous. If they can't see us so clearly in that frozen world, maybe we can get close before they know we're there."

"Exactly," Jim said. "And these suits will protect us from the cold too so we won't have to wear those heavy coats. We just have to make a plan for when we get inside. We don't want them to escape."

"Admiral, I do not believe escape is their plan," Spock said.

"You never know. They may be preparing to go to the Scrin world and come back here. You know they're going to test their technology. We have to prevent that even if we have to follow them there."

"It would not be the first time we left our universe."

"No it won't so we should be used to the unknown. Make sure everyone going on this mission has one of these suits."

"Yes, Admiral."

Jim and Anakin left the science lab. "Admiral, are we just going to barge in and…go into aggressive negotiations?" Anakin asked.

"We're past negotiations," Jim replied. "We're not negotiating with anyone anymore."

"I think you're going to have to explain that to Michael Burnham if you take her along."

"What do you mean?"

"I don't think she likes to shoot first and ask questions later."

"Well, if she stays around this party long enough, she will learn. You can't negotiate with people like this. She has no idea what has already happened, although she has been informed and helped figure out some of this."

"Who all are you taking on this mission?"

"The usual people. People I can trust."

"Were you surprised that Qui-Gon stayed on New Vulcan?" Anakin asked.

"Not really. Maybe he wanted to help Padme while you run off to save the galaxy."

"I suppose. You think he's getting old and just doesn't want to show it?"

"Maybe. I think it's wise when someone admits they need to slow down. No shame in that."

"What about you? When you get old, are you going to slow down?"

"I'm not there yet, and I have to concentrate on this mission."

Jim entered the medical bay and immediately heard an argument happening between Doctor McCoy and Michael Burnham…

"Don't you think we should try to talk to people before we obliterate them?" Michael asked. "You're a doctor."

"Yeah," Bones replied. "I am a doctor, but I have learned that you can't always talk to people, and you can't always use stun. I used to say I'm a doctor, not a…well…" Bones noticed Jim standing and listening to them. "Jim, what brings you to the medical bay?"

Jim thought every time Bones saw him, he reached for a tricorder. "I thought I would talk to you a minute about our mission," he said. He looked at Michael as Bones started doing his usual medical scan every chance he got. "This is not a negotiation," he said.

"I know how you do things, Admiral Kirk," Michael said as she walked over to him. "Jump in the middle and work your way out? Am I saying that right?"

Jim glanced at Bones. "I see you've been talking to Doctor McCoy," he said.

"You seem to approach all your missions that way."

"Not all of them, but this one…we will, and if you don't like that, you don't have to go with us. No one is forcing you."

"Are you just going to shoot them in cold blood?"

"It won't be cold blood. It will be kill or be killed. Nothing else."

Jim looked at Bones who had finished his exam. "We have some improvements to our suits," he said. "Have you seen them?"

"Not yet," Bones replied. "I heard about it."

"Am I the only person who didn't know about this?"

"No. I didn't know," Anakin said.

"I want you to be prepared for anything," Jim said to Bones. "I don't know everything we're facing…"

"Admiral, I wanted to talk to you about that," Michael said. "I mentioned this to Doctor Kirk."

"What?"

"You have to be cautious about Control."

"What's that?"

"It's an artificial intelligence…I guess you could call it a being. It has become self-aware and can take over anyone. If it does, that person is doomed. From what I've talked to Doctor Kirk about, it was being created at Section Thirty-One, and if they have it, this Doctor Petrova could have perfected it with the help of the Scrin."

"You mean, it's something like Cabal?"

"Worse. Cabal cannot take you over, although with the technology they are creating, they could create a body for him, but this Control thing can take you over."

Jim remembered what had happened to Ajah before when Cabal tried to take him over. "If that thing took over Ajah…"

"What exactly happened to Ajah, and why do you think it would be worse if it got him?" Michael asked.

Jim frowned but he knew she had not seen what Ajah could really do. "Ajah is very dangerous," he said. "When we rescued him, he was considered the perfection of their experiment. I still don't know what that means, but he's much more capable than Helek. Although Helek can manipulate electricity, Ajah can handle it at a much higher volume. That was how Cabal almost took him over. He absorbed all that energy from the attack, and Cabal just rode the energy into his body."

"Maybe Ajah shouldn't go on this mission."

"We can't go on this mission without him and Helek. They are very valuable in situations like this because they can absorb a few laser shots and they can shut down equipment quicker than we can…and clear out rooms. We have some time to wrestle with this problem, so maybe we can figure out something to shield him, although I think the suits will do that."

"I hope you're right, Admiral, and just remember we have never found Mac. We have not heard from him. If he was captured…"

Jim's frown deepened. He did not want to think about killing someone like that. "Isn't there a way to save them from Control?" he asked.

"Not as far as I know. We may be able to consult with our Cabal, and with Artemus Gordon, but we have to act fast."

"Let's get busy then. Bones, you are on this too."

Bones nodded. He would have a lot of studying to do…