STARTREK NOTES: HI FELLOW FANS--THIS IS MY FIRST ENTRY ONTO THE STARTREK NEWS GROUP.

HERE, FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION, IS THE FIRST PART MY STORY, PART ONE, WHICH IS REALLY THE PROLOGUE. I CAN BE REACHED PREFERABLY AT EMAIL ADDRESS 35002_4035@UWOVAX.UWO.CA OR ON THE NEWSGROUP FOR ANY COMMENTS YOU MIGHT HAVE.

ALLIANCE STARDATE: CLASSIFIED LOGS: CLASSIFIED The council room was furnished sparsely, with only the bare necessities--a large black table and seven chairs. There was the smell of ancient death, of cold steel stained with the blood of a thousand warriors. It was exactly the same as the planet: Klinzhai, or Klingon as it is known by the United Federation of Planets. Every Klingon now in the room had known nothing but struggle in reaching their positions, the highest of the Empire. From their birth, they had understood only hardship, but that hardship had brought survival and honour, scraped and clawed from their brothers, just as they had from their unforgiving home world. It was these seven Klingon warriors supreme who decided the next moves of the Empire, moves that could send it in war, as every Empire planet had known only too well, or move further into peace and cooperation with the Federation of Planets, and with humans. Kaarg, impetuous as most young Klingons are, spoke first. His was the ambition for Klingon to return to the old times of glory and honourable death. The way Kahless the Unmerciful One had shown their planet: 'Fear but one thing--to die a coward's death.' Kaarg spoke with that fear, not just for himself, but for his Empire. "We have lost all honour in this alliance with the Earthmen. They weaken the Empire with their soft flesh and feeble bodies. We must be made strong again, we must purify ourselves against these Humans. They are treacherous, spineless creatures like the Romulans. We have seen how alliances of the past take away from the power of the Empire. We must be strong! Kahless would laugh in our faces...we act as old women!" Two other commanders, Kotal and Klorg, nodded their heads and grunted, their lips raised showing a row of dagger teeth. Like Kaarg, they were young, having succeeded through extreme ruthlessness and, of course, bravery. Kahsa and Kohja remained silent, for they were old, and had gotten that way by waiting to see who would be the strongest, then yielding their full support to that side. Khohli, who had been raised in the worst part of Klinzhai, the outreaches, reacted angrily. "It is well to speak of old ways, and of glory. But there is much to gain from the Earthmen. They show us ways of changing dead soil into living, of medicines--" Kaarg swore then spat, "What does a warrior need of medicines or food? Our little ones already begin to be spoiled. They spend their time watching little video screens and not learning the ways of the warrior. They refuse to join the Empire's army. Is this

what you wish, Khohli? Why not put on a woman's 'rehal' and sit on the Earth planet tending for their little bloodworms!" Khohli's eye's grew large and black, as black as the brows above them. He angled his head down, pointing the long crest at the top of his head towards Kaarg, as if he were about to impale him with it. Kor, the Supreme Commander, had been silent until now. With anger, he smashed his fist into the table. "Enough!" Even Kaarg jumped at the sound of the commanding voice. "We are a people of honour! Even Kahless proclaimed honour to be foremost. We have made a treaty with the Earthmen, signed by this council!" Eying each Klingon slowly, carefully, Kor continued sternly, "Do not underestimate these 'spineless people'--I have fought them, time and time again! They are equal to ourselves in battle--" Kaarg grunted loudly in disgust, growling to himself that no Earther was equal to him in battle. Kor smiled at the young commander. "So, there is one here that does not believe. Let the one fight Kirk..." Kaarg became livid. "Kirk! Kirk! All I hear of is this Kirk! Who is this 'straave' that he makes the Empire bow like 'kuve'? All Earthmen are dogs! They are to be used for sport. No Klingon can lose honor dealing with the worm that crawls at his feet!" Kor brought his face close to Kaarg, until his breath fell heavily upon his face. "He is Kirk, the one who has beaten the finest of the Empire. His ship is the Enterprise, and all know of it." Kaarg felt a sickness rising in his stomach. To see the Great Kor, who had singlehandedly destroyed three Romulan ships with a burned out cruiser be so in awe of an Earthling, made him utter the worst of the Klingon insults. "You are weak, Kor! You dishonour us all!" Everyone at the table looked at Kor, and waited. Kaarg's insolence was growing daily, but this insult could not go unpunished. He would have to be dealt with, or he would become Supreme Commander, and that meant either him or Kor would be dead by next day time. "Kaarg," started Kor diplomatically though if one were to know Kor, they would fear being addressed so, "you are still as yet young in years. There are other ways of dealing with the Federation, other ways of defeating an opponent worse than giving death, for death would bring honour to him." "More so to the one who killed him," interjected Kaarg, boldly, "if he is as worthy a warrior as you say, Kor." Kor smiled once again, then continued. "The Federation wants closer ties to Klinzhai. To achieve this, they will yield considerable power. They will give us enough power to take Kirk's ship away, to drive him into shame. Nothing could bring more torment to Kirk then to take his ship away, to disgrace him." Kaarg halted for a moment in consideration of such an unthinkable end for a true warrior. Kor pressed his advantage. "I have fought Kirk, and know him well. Think Kaarg! What would you do if your

ship and your command were taken away?" Kaarg was nervous at the thought, especially the way Kor was staring, as if that fate might also be meant for him. The others around the table, even Kotal and Klorg, murmured their appreciation. Warily, Kaarg did not answer. He still was of two minds, divided by his respect for Kor and the glory he had brought Klinzhai, and the screaming of his blood for a warrior's death. "Well?" growled Kor, awaiting for a response from the council. "Kai, Kor!" came five voices of appreciative commanders. "Kai," added Kaarg quietly, still deep in thought. * * * * * As the Klingon council was ending, on a lonely planet at the intersection of Federation, Romulan, and Klingon space, a thin, sharp toothed man was watching carefully for a particular human to come out of large, star shaped building. He stood in the shadows, waiting patiently. It was not until two hours later that a short, grey-haired man finally exited the building and looked around. The sharp toothed man stepped towards him, a large hat hiding his eyes completely. "Looking for a grav unit?" The question was cold, without emotion. "Yes, yes," remarked the man gratefully. Speaking nervously, he commented, "I don't know where everyone is today." The sharp toothed man did not reply, but he did note with satisfaction the briefcase the small earthman was carrying. Beneath a Federation symbol was printed, 'Scientist S. Kennedy, Babylon. The Gravity Equations'. He turned for the shadows, motioning the owner of the briefcase to follow. "The Grav car is around the corner." A lean finger directing the way. The man followed. "Say, are you new around here? I don't recognize you." Through the shadows, an anti-gravitation rider appeared. "I am called Callix, Mr. Kennedy," replied the sharp-toothed driver as he opened a door. "The scientific board wanted to have someone to ensure your safety." The words were edged with sarcasm, but the scientist, too concerned with the heat, wiped his brow and grunted, "Home in a hurry." I HAVE TRIED TO INTEGRATE THE STORY WITH THE CURRENT LINE OF THE ORIGINAL STAR TREK AND IF I HAVE MADE A FEW ERRORS, PLEASE ACCEPT MY APOLOGY. THE FIRST PART WAS THE PROLOGUE (GREAT STORY PART 1) AND NOW I GIVE YOU PART 2, SET AT THE GREAT HALL OF THE FOP. "There is a new age upon us. Klingon wants peace, our Empire

wants peace." The deep voice reverberated throughout the vast hall. "The Federation has proven its worth and trust to our peoples, and we honour that worth. We value that trust. We ask one simple thing in return for our full union with the Federation: That James Kirk be dismissed from the Enterprise and forced into retirement." The entire hall stirred, a thousand different voices from a thousand different Federation planets murmuring to one another. The large blue 'Federation of Planets" flag seemed to waver in agreement. The Klingon ambassador waited for silence. He continued, "We have asked, in the past, for the death of this man. For his imprisonment. But now, we ask only that he, and the legend he has created, be forgotten. James Kirk has angered every Klingon commander in the Empire...and there are bitter feelings." Deep black eyebrows knitted together almost passionately. "He has angered many others as well, some from your own Federation." A few scattered grunts of approval could clearly be heard. "Is it not time that you allow us to forget the past conflicts between the Federation and our Empire? Please realize that the embodiment of those conflicts lives as a man--as James Kirk. We can never truly have peace until those wounds are healed." The Klingon ambassador played his final card. "What is most disturbing of all, however, is the gathering support for a renewed Klingon/Romulan treaty, and I, though a Klingon warrior in my own right, dread of what consequenses such a treaty would bode for the future place in the galaxy of the United Federation of Planets should our pleas come to no avail this day. Therefore, I ask humbly, for the peace of the galaxy and the promised union of two great Empires, for the Federation and for Klingon, help us to forget the battles of yesterday, help us to forget James Kirk." The entire hall of the Federation Council was buzzing. The ambassador, head bowed for effect, returned to his seat. He had been very effective, he knew it. Now let his words go to work and achieve what no other being in the galaxy could do: the separation of James Kirk and the Enterprise. * * * Kirk's eyes fell. They shouldn't have, not after all these years. He should have expected it from Starfleet, they had never given him anything but problems. "...so it must be considered. Jim...we won't force you, you've done too much for us, but if you think about it, it is for the best. The times of war have passed." 'Jim'...how many admirals, how many Council seaters have all called him Jim, as though they had been childhood friends. There were only a very few people in this universe that he felt good about calling him Jim, and Admiral Stralk was not one of them. "Admiral, if Starfleet has decided, then I won't put up a fight. It just would be nice-" "No one will force you, Jim," the Admiral continued, placatingly. It will be your decision, no one else's. But there is the very real possibility that what you decide will affect galactic peace for the next thousand years. Is one man's pride

worth the risk of a galactic war, worth billions of lives? In the end, you will have to decide. Starfleet out." 'Starfleet out', there was a little irony in signing off that way. The captain's quarters door buzzed. "Come." "Well, Jim?" "Bones, if I ten billion miles a sailing ship, a to be found, what told you that I have an overwhelming need to be away from here, in a place where there's only me, big wide ocean, and a remote, admiral-less island would you think?"

"So it's true." Kirk's mouth curled up to one side and McCoy knew. "Blasted Starfleet! They can't ask you to do this, Jim! You can't ask a man to give his entire life saving the galaxy every other week and then take it all away from him!" Kirk smiled inwardly. He knew McCoy would react that way and he was grateful. "Bones, am I so important? Is it so much different than giving your life to stop a war? I was prepared to do that countless times." "But this is different, Jim! They want to rewrite history-like you and everything you did never existed, just to soothe the honour of a few Klingons. You beat them, and since they couldn't destroy you, they have to wipe your memory clean away! Damn it, Jim, it's not right! You know it's not!" Kirk sighed. McCoy was right, but he was wrong too. "I know what you would do if given the same choice, Bones." McCoy felt a point scored. He tried a new strategy. "So you let them wipe out the name of James T. Kirk. The Federation council erases all the computer records of every mission you led so the Klingons can be happy. Now peace reigns supreme in the galaxy, and all the bad things the Klingons ever did are forgotten. Then what do they do with you? Wave you away so they don't have to give you a pension?" McCoy was breathing heavily. He leaned over his Captain and placed a hand on a stiff shoulder. "Jim, you stood for something. You're a legend--a hero to countless beings across the universe. What will they think when there's no more Jim Kirk? Will they understand?" "The universe is a big place, Bones. And people forget..." McCoy let Kirk's words trail off without a reply. Instead, he went over to the cabinet, punched a few buttons, and pulled out two glasses and a bottle of Saurian brandy. Just what the Doctor ordered, McCoy thought to himself as he poured two full drinks. * * * The Romulan war room was extremely hot, by earth standards. Much like Vulcan, Romulus cracked and sputtered under the nearby

sun's rays, unless under the shadow of its companion planet, Remus. Tulak, the acknowledged successor to the Praetor spoke, his voice grave. "We have confirmation now, there is no doubt. The Federation scientist Kennedy has discovered a method to convert gravimetric force into utilizable energy." The Romulan commander halted for a moment as the others murmured amongst themselves. The sun gleamed strong behind him in the window. Remus was not yet visible, nor would it be for another hour. He continued after quiet fell. "Yet further, there is a major 'koti stal', a black star, nearby. The scientist Kennedy's next step was to build a functional converter using the black star's enormous gravitational force. If his theory is indeed correct, there would be enough convertible energy to move an entire planet." The war room erupted in a fervent discussion. Tulak waited until only a few whispers could be perceived. Someone shouted, "We must act quickly, before the Federation and the Klingons use the device to destroy our Empire!" The room erupted again in loud discussion. Tulak waited until it was appropriate to speak again. "I agree that we must act quickly and with force." There were several murmurs of endorsement. "But we must also act honorably first and foremost. There can be no question of threat if the scientist Kennedy's equations can be used to utilize the black star's great gravitational force. Yet we must remember, the Earthmen have made no secret of their work. Why would they develop such powerful knowledge on a planet with Romulan, Klingon and Federation scientists? It does not seem logical." Another member spoke out. "Perhaps the Earth scientist discovered the knowledge by accident?" Tulak acknowledged the comment with a smile. "This may be so, but the scientist Kennedy worked with a fellow Romulan scientist. It may indeed be possible that we are the first of the three Empires to have full knowledge of their work." "Then we must take this scientist Kennedy and develop the weapon for ourselves!" cried another. Tulak raised a hand to silence the room. "Unfortunately, an agent destroyed the scientist in an escape attempt. It was not intentional, nor was it discovered by the Federation. He is presumed missing somewhere past outer Babylon. Our Romulan scientists are only now beginning to understand his equations and their military applications. There is much doubt as to their actual capacity for use with a black star. Even so, to start another war with the Earthmen would be foolish at this point. They are said to be fully allied with Klinzhai, but we do not know the strength of this alliance. As Praetor-to-be, I will personally command a full squadron of Birds-of-Prey. We will go to Tridare, and we will wait for the Earthmen to come. Then we shall see. Perhaps it is best to study the situation before acting rashly." "What if the Earthmen attack?" someone asked. Tulak nodded gravely. "The responsibility will be mine alone. If we are destroyed, then we will know the Earthmen are the stronger for the moment. This will give us time to prepare. But

it is my hope that we too may form an alliance with the Federation, perhaps to the disadvantage of the Klinzhai. The Earthmen have one point in their favour: The strength of the alliance with our brothers the Vulcans. Perhaps there is a place for us as well. We will go to Tridare and we will wait." * * * "Status, Mr. Chekov." Kirk eased into the captain's chair. In the background he could hear the continuous calls of each section reporting in. He listened, but only with his sixth sense. "Everything's operating within normal parameters, Kaptin. We are due to rendezvous with the Avenger in two hours, twenty-six minutes." "Thank-you, Mr. Chekov." Without even looking, Kirk could feel Spock would be over to side within a few seconds. "Well, Spock, what's going on now?" Spock was there and he was ready. "The Avenger is a prototype class 1-D. We're to observe it in a mock battle situation and note its performance." "A 1-D, Spock? That's fighter class. What's the Federation doing building 1-D fighting ships?" "An excellent question, Captain. From Starfleet reports, it was built in anticipation of increased Klingon and Romulan hostilities. But with the onset of peace with the Klingons, it appears it will be the only one of its kind." "So it was built before the admission of Klingon to the Federation?" "Officially, yes." "Officially, Mr. Spock? And of course they just couldn't scrap her once she was built. Let's have a look." Kirk slid out of the captain's chair to a screen near the science station. Spock's fingers graced several buttons and a schematic of the Avenger immediately appeared. "I've never seen anything like it. Look at that, Mr. Spock!" Kirk's face registered his admiration. The Avenger was clearly an attack ship, with its hawk-like front and lean design, a design partial to speed and maneuverability. "It is state of the art, Captain, with warp 9.98 capacity." "Who's her Captain?" Spock shifted his feet unnaturally but did not respond. "Spock," the Captain remarked, failing to notice the Vulcan had not answered his question, "doesn't the lower shell look a little too close to an old style Romulan bird of prey? And look at the bridge! Spock, that's the most menacing ship I've ever seen-are you sure that's one of ours?"

"Indeed, Captain, the Federation wanted a pure fighting machine. The Romulan resemblance is no mistake. Nor is the hawklike projection which contains the bridge--in its beak, you might say, Jim." "Did they go as far as a cloaking device?" "Not precisely. Although the basic colour is white, as all Federation starships, the Avenger contains a unique sensordistortion field enabling the ship to project, or to be more precise, register a blurred image on a sensor scan. On a screen, the ship would appear a hazy blue." "So if it were to be fired upon..." picked up Kirk. "...the attacking vessel would have great difficulty managing a direct hit," finished Spock. "It was basically a trade off between power consumption and cloaking capability. With this system, the Avenger is able to attack while in distortion mode, unlike a cloaked vessel." "You sound as though you approve, Spock." "Not approval, Captain. Purely a scientific interest." Kirk nodded an "of course". The military part of him watched the specs of the weaponry with fascination, and he felt a rush of power at the thought of controlling such a ship. With the improved phaser and torpedo capacity, there was also a new proto-plasma energy cannon. Spock observed the Captain's interest in the device. "Yes, Captain, much like the older Romulan version. While its dissipation potential was only marginally decreased, delivery time was reduced by thirty-seven point three six two percent." "You get hit more than once by that thing, and I don't care what kind of shielding you have, your ship is in trouble." "Quite, Captain. It appears to be a most efficient fighting machine." "Do you think it will ever see action, Spock?" "In the interest of peace, I hope not." "Hope, Spock?" Spock's face appeared grave. "Even the knowledge of its existence could bring about an undesirable escalation in military capability." Kirk understood. It was a ship that should not have been built. It was not the Federation way to advance an arms race, even if the Avenger had been built in a period of strained galactic relations. "And they still want us to test her out, Spock?" "Evidently, Captain. Those were Starfleet orders." "Starfleet..." muttered Kirk, as if swearing.

"Captain, I believe you are overdue for a meeting with Mr. Sulu in the simulation chamber," reminded Spock, halting Kirk's present train of thought. "Yes, Mr. Sulu. See that we arrive on schedule with the Avenger, Mr. Spock. You have the conn." * * * Two ships hovered near the Enterprise with anger. They were full Romulan battlecruisers, and they meant trouble. With deft fingering, Sulu guided the Enterprise with the standard evasive manuevers. Two streams of light issued from the ship on the right. Even Sulu, with his experience, could not bring the Enterprise about to avoid being struck. The bolts shook him in his seat. Starboard shields were reduced by fifty percent. There was no alternative. Destroy the two Romulans, or be destroyed. He could not run. With icy calmness, Sulu plotted a micro-second warp burst. Then another. Then another. An almost perfect ellipse about the two alien warships. He shook again from two more hits. Forward shields down seventy-five percent. It was time to engage the plotted course--but would the ship do what he asked? Scotty would be spitting nails if he knew. The Enterprise shifted from being stationary to warp one then a dead stop. It was a micro-second of power. Sulu hit the phaser button. A stream of light ripped into the Romulan on the left creating a burst of rainbow colour on contact with its shields. Another micro-warp, another blast. This time the phasers cut into metal. Micro-warp. Sulu shifted his hand to the torpedo release, shot one, went back to the phasers, fired a burst at the other Romulan, fought back his rising nausea, and went into another warp burst. There was a spectacular explosion almost blinding him. But he didn't need his eyes. His hands continued mechanically. A phaser shot, then a warp burst. There was only one Romulan ship left. He came out of the final warp burst with the ship's guns blazing. The Romulan ship was cut to pieces, several parts of the engineering section falling away to the empty space leaving the main portions of the alien ship and the surviving people within, helpless. Sensors read multiple explosions within, life supports systems inoperative with weapons capacity and ship maneuverability long since lost. Smiling coolly, Sulu programed another torpedo for release. Without hesitation, he blew the near-dead ship to pieces. "Sulu!" The lights came on and Kirk charged into the room. "What happened to the concept of surrender?" he demanded, more shocked than angry. "Captain--" Sulu began hesitantly. He had not realized Kirk had been watching. Kirk waited for an answer. He wasn't going to let Sulu off the hook.

"As you know, Captain," the helm master continued awkwardly, "Romulans have a strict code of honour. They would have destroyed themselves rather then surrender. I only wanted to save them the embarrassment." Kirk lifted his head with suspicion. It was a lame excuse. "Mr. Sulu, I will assume that you would not perform as such under actual circumstances. But the question remains, how did you do that?" "Do what, sir?" "Sulu, I've never seen anything like it!" It was the second time Kirk found himself saying those words. "Oh, you mean the attack strategy. It would not have been possible if Mr. Spock had not programmed the gravity compensation units to withstand the short warping." "Of course." Kirk looked puzzled for a moment. "Did you think that attack strategy up on your own, Mr. Sulu?" Sulu did not respond except for a small release of facial surprise. Of course he did, answered Kirk to himself. "Mr. Sulu, those were some of the most brilliant and original battle tactics I have ever seen." Sulu glowed. He considered his Captain the best battle strategist there ever was, and if James Kirk felt moved enough to give a rare compliment, he would allow himself some self-gratitude. Kirk went over to the console, inspecting it closely. It was an exact duplicate of the one on the bridge. "The programmed ship response, is it realistic? The Enterprise could actually perform under battle conditions in a similar manner?" "Mr. Spock programed the simulator himself." Kirk was more than satisfied with Sulu's answer. If Spock programmed the computer to react the way the Enterprise would-"But Captain," offered Sulu, interrupting Kirk's thoughts, "I wouldn't want to do it on a full stomach." "I will keep that in mind, Mr. Sulu," mulled Kirk. "Unfortunately, I don't think we'll ever get a chance to implement your strategy." "Captain?" questioned Sulu at Kirk's unexpected words. "Never mind, Mr. Sulu, just a private observation. Be sure to log your work with StarFleet." "Yes, sir." Kirk's eyes twinkled in a sudden mischievous thought. "And Mr. Sulu, be sure the Enterprise could, if called upon, perform the same maneuvers. Maybe we'll decide to take over the universe ourselves--starting with a new Federation ship." Sulu laughed and said, "I'll leave you to tell Mr. Scott what

you want to do with his engines." With a chuckle, Kirk left him to the simulator. PART 3 There was the large table, twelve chairs, and the omni-present blue and white flag behind the table's head. It was the Cabinet room of the United Federation of Planets. "There will not be true peace until the Klingon proposal is put through. Almost every race in the galaxy, including the Vulcans, have had their fill of James Kirk." Chief Admiral Dunn pointed his finger at an imaginary target to accentuate his last point. The eldest Cabinet member, Vice-president Barrett, addressed Admiral Stralk. "What did he have to say, Bill, when you asked him?" Stralk rubbed his chin, then answered, "He didn't like it, to put it mildly." Dunn jumped in. "Of course he didn't like it. He's been in a Captain's chair far too long--far too long. He's a soldier, nothing more. There should be no question about the Klingon proposal, none. Kirk should have stepped down long ago." Barrett turned his seat to face Dunn directly. "James Kirk should have a universe named in his honour after all he's done. The man has literally saved this planet! I know what he has given to the Federation, and I will not be party to his dismissal!" "He did what he was trained to do," retorted Dunn. "Any member of Starfleet would have done the same." "But this is James Kirk--" "Yes, James Kirk," cut off Dunn, sitting forward in his chair, "the same James Kirk who has broken every Starfleet regulation in the book!" He relaxed back into his chair, easing the tension between him and Barrett. The other Cabinet members watched closely, the outcome of the proposal clearly drawn between himself and the Vice-President. But Barrett was not the politician he was. "I'm not saying, 'Let's get Jim Kirk'. This is not a courtmartial," continued Dunn smoothly. "The Klingons are not asking that he be remanded into their custody. They are just asking that Kirk be gently retired, a few logs amended here and there. Klingons have a strong tradition of pride and honour. Kirk has time and time again rubbed into that tradition, making the entire Klingon race look foolish." Dunn was ready for his final, winning point. "In other words, Gentlemen, they can't join the Federation with honour if it looks like they are being forced to because they have lost to Starfleet. And that loss is embodied by James T. Kirk." Dunn folded his hands onto the table, satisfied. The final count was close, 7-5, but it was still for the motion. There was only the matter of Presidential approval which

would take a week at most. The final arrangements perhaps another. In the end, it meant James Kirk's career was officially over. * * * * * The Avenger's Captain shifted his weight once more. "Status, Lieutenant Dearla." Dearla winced. It couldn't just be her--the Captain must be asking every five minutes. Once more she checked her chronometer. It had been only four minutes. "Enterprise rendezvous in one hour six minutes." They were nervous, all of them, but none more so than the man seated in the command chair. "We're well within direct hailing range, Captain," noted his First Officer. "No, Mr. Manluk, I'd rather wait." Manluk sensed this would be the response he would receive from his Captain. He could perceive his friend's nervousness, a curious emotion that he felt himself, and did his best to suppress. "Engineering to Captain Kirk." "Yes, Marty." "Captain, we're getting a malfunction warning down here with the distortion matrix. Anything up there?" 'Damn', Kirk swore to himself, 'I don't want this. Everything has to be perfect.' He turned to his navigator. "Lieutenant, the distorter?" "No malfunction indicated here, sir." "Marty, there's nothing showing up here. Are you sure there's a problem?" "I'll double check, Captain. I didn't mean to worry--" "Understood, Marty. Report your findings. Captain out." Varien tried not to sound strained, but everything had to be perfect for the Avenger's rendezvous with the Enterprise. He brushed at a lock of his light brown hair which immediately fell back into its original place on his forehead. He was young and very handsome with a pair of blue eyes and a smile so devilishly sweet he could disarm the most wary of men and the coldest of women. He sat back and waited tensely for his Chief Engineer's report. * * * "Status, Mr. Chekov," Kirk asked as he slipped once more into his Captain's chair. After watching Sulu's demonstration in the

simulator, he had gone directly to his quarters to think. It had been an interminably long hour alone in his cabin; his thoughts were as confused as ever--Starfleet asking him to retire, or rather, disappear from all records except the basic mission reports. No citations, no medals, just a clean, sanitary record. Even his personal logs would be exterminated. At least here, in his chair and on his bridge, he could put away his personal struggle. "Contact with the Avenger in two point seven minutes, Kaptin," reported Chekov. "Get me ship to ship, Uhura." As Uhura sauntered out a joke. Sulu he sat down. reached for the communications tie-in, McCoy and Sulu of the turbo-lift, both smiling from the remnants of went directly to his post, giving a nod to Chekov as McCoy went to stand beside his friend.

"Well, Jim, what's up? Has Starfleet got us diaper training new ships now?" Kirk smiled. "Look's that way, Bones. A new ship design and they want us to give her a work-over." "Well, they got the best." Everyone one on the bridge took in McCoy's compliment. Spock came over to stand on the other side of Kirk's chair. "They have their distortion field in operation, Captain." "Evaluation, Mr. Spock." "It appears to be operating efficiently. The sensors read intermittent images." "I have ship to ship now, Captain." "Put it on the screen, Lieutenant." The screen began to fade into the bridge of the Avenger. "This is Captain James T. Kirk of the Starship Enterprise," Kirk began automatically. With a smile he added, "Welcome to space." The bridge of the Avenger stood mesmerized. Everyone, including her Captain, was sure now...seeing them together, there could be no mistake. "This is Captain J. Varien Kirk of the Starship Avenger. Thank you, Captain, this is a great honour." The young man's words rang with pride. At the mention of the name 'Kirk', everyone on the Enterprise bridge immediately brought their eyes to full attention onto the screen. Uhura gasped. Sulu and Chekov exchange glances. McCoy took turns staring at both Captains. Only Spock remained unmoved, both Vulcan and human parts. Jim Kirk smiled for a moment, almost embarrassed. "Would you like to come over for a briefing...Captain." He stopped himself from asking the obvious--are we related?

With his palms sweating, the younger Captain answered, remaining as cool as possible, "Fine, sir. My first officer and I will be over in five minutes--that is, if that's convenient for you." "That will be fine, Captain. Until then." The screen vanished leaving in its place a magnificent warship. Only Sulu took any real notice of its design. The rest of the crew kept their eyes on James Kirk. "Captain," began Uhura, "is he...?" Kirk responded hesitantly, half chuckling. "I'm not sure. Maybe somewhere down the line, but I don't think we're directly related." McCoy burst forth. "The hell you're not. That boy looks just like you, Jim!" Kirk turned to Spock and noticed for the first time a slight nervousness in his first officer. "Spock, do you...?" "Yes, Jim, he's your son." Spock's words stabbed into Kirk's heart. Another son? Could it be? McCoy broke out again with a grin a parsec long. "Well, haven't you been a busy little bee these past few years, Jimmyboy." Kirk felt everyone's eyes closing in. He had to get out, he had to leave the bridge. Not even they, his closest friends, could understand. "Spock, McCoy, come with me. Mr. Sulu, you have the conn." The orders were snapped and quickly obeyed. Kirk was already in the turbo before McCoy could turn to Spock. McCoy spoke first as they turned to leave. "You knew Spock?" the Doctor asked, curiously. Spock nodded. He wanted to say that his knowledge was selfevident therefore McCoy's question was illogical, but the face of his Captain told him silence was the best policy for the moment. McCoy followed him into the turbo-lift, shaking his head in disbelief. As the turbo doors slammed shut, Kirk turned to his first officer. "Mr. Spock, I want an explanation." He was angry. "Now, Jim," McCoy started to drawl in his country doctor voice. Kirk was harsh in response. "That's enough, McCoy. I'm waiting, Mr. Spock." "Jim, I--" Spock had sputtered uncharacteristically, as if surprised at his Captain's abruptness. Kirk did not let the Vulcan continue. "Why didn't you tell me before, Spock? Dammit, why? I've already lost one son I never

knew I had...and I never got to know. I blame myself for that. Now I find out I have another one who's Captain of an experimental warship?" Spock and McCoy brought their eyes to the floor. They both felt the pain in Kirk's voice. And they both remembered. The turbo-lift halted and was about to open its doors when Kirk commanded it to stop. "Dammit Spock, why didn't you tell me?" "Jim," the Vulcan murmured slowly. He was hurt from the pain of his friend's voice, and hurt that he didn't handle the situation better. But it had always been this way for him. Even as close as he was to Kirk and McCoy, he still found it difficult to communicate on a personal level, at least not until the last possible moment. Was it only yesterday when he had to suffer the time of 'pohn farr' for the first time on the Enterprise--not being able to explain even to Jim? Had not the bridge of the Enterprise met his wife T'Pring much the same way Kirk had met his other son? And his parents, Amanda and Sarek. Not until they had come off the shuttle did Spock tell Kirk and McCoy they were his parents. 'Only on a need to know basis', was that not how all his personal life was given? Yet he knew of the Captain's pain from the loss of one son. And yet, logic dictated that it was not his place to divulge the knowledge. Was it not Varien's, his son? Yet the Captain's pain was self-evident. His voice echoed the awkwardness with which he was dealing with his emotions. "Captain, I wanted to spare you..." "Spare me, Spock? Spare me what--the embarrassment of finding out about another son? Did I have to see him for the first time on my own bridge?" Kirk's voice fell as he icily asked, "How long have you known, Spock?" "Jim!" interrupted McCoy again. A pair of burning hazel eyes turned to him but the Doctor ignored them. "Jim, don't you think there's a better place for this? Spock's your best friend--if he had his reasons for not telling you, you can damn well bet he thought it was for the best." Kirk opened the doors. He didn't say a word as he stormed out of the lift and headed for the transporter room. Spock turned to McCoy. "Thank-you...Leonard," he said slowly, sounding awkward at McCoy's so little used first name. McCoy nodded and smiled. He had a look on his face of understanding, a look he only shared with his Captain. For this moment, their walls of friendly hostility, so long understood by both, fell. And both knew this moment would only last until they saw Jim again, and then they would return to their normal places. Reaching out an arm, McCoy gently ushered Spock to the transporter room. For once, the Vulcan did not stiffen at his contact, and seemed...almost grateful for it. "Ready, Captain." Scotty's tone was the same as it always was. He knew who he was transporting, but he did not let it show in his voice. News travelled that fast on the Enterprise. Kirk nodded and the room immediately glowed in light. A second later, two figures stood on the Enterprise transporter pads.

"Welcome, Captain," James Kirk said diplomatically. His voice was cold. Varien Kirk stepped down followed by his first officer, a large, broad shouldered man with dark brown skin. "This is my first officer, Mr. Manluk," he introduced. Spock and McCoy stepped forward to meet them. Kirk remained sullen beside the transporter console. "Hello, Spock," Varien greeted familiarly. "This must be Doctor Leonard Edward McCoy. It's an honour to meet you sir, Mr. Spock had told me a lot about you." "Captain," McCoy acknowledged with a smile. "I hope its not too late to repair my reputation." Varien laughed. Manluk came forward to Spock. "Live long and prosper, sir," he greeted, giving the characteristic Vulcan hand salute. "Live, long and prosper, Manluk," greeted Spock in reply. McCoy did a double take at Manluk's ears. "Why, he's a Vulcan!" he exclaimed out loud to no one. "Not entirely correct, sir," replied Manluk. "My mother was a Vulcan. My father was a Terran." McCoy's eyes widened. "That's all this universe needs-another blasted Spock." It was an automatic reaction, and he regretted spitting the words out immediately even if they were meant to be harmless. Manluk's eyebrow went up. "If you make a comparison of myself with Mr. Spock, then you do me great honour." McCoy smiled at the young Vulcan's reply despite himself. "If you're half as good an officer as Spock, you'll be just fine, Manluk," he replied softly. Varien turned directly to his father for the first time. He had felt so at ease around Spock, but now--now his stomach tightened as he neared the great man who was his father. "Well..." Kirk cut him off. "The briefing room is this way, Captain. Please follow me and we'll run through the test exercise for the Avenger." Varien stopped short. The clear decisiveness of his father took him by surprise. Their first meeting was not meant to be this way. He wondered if he had angered the famous man in some way. "Uh, Captain, I had hoped I could have a look around...I've heard so much about the Enterprise. Besides, my Chief Engineer would like to meet with Mr. Scott, if that's possible." "Fine. Arrange it with Mr. Scott. I'll be in the briefing room in thirty minutes. I'm sure Mr. Spock will give you the ship's tour if you want it." With that, James Kirk left the transporter room without a look back.

Varien turned awkwardly towards the closing door. "He's mad at me, isn't he Spock?" Everything seemed to going exactly the opposite to the way he had dreamed. Spock hesitated and McCoy took the opening. "Now don't you worry, son, your being here has taken Jim a little by surprise. He'll be fine." Varien smiled weakly, lost for a moment. He gathered himself quickly and addressed the Enterprise's renown heart. "Well, Mr. Scott," asked the young Kirk, "have you the time to compare ships' engines with my engineer?" "Aye, lad, that I do," smiled Scotty. "He's of Irish descent, Mr. Scott. Martin O'Shean, but we call him Marty for short." "Well, he's not quite a Scot but if he's a good engineer, he'll be more than welcome. You leave it to me, Captain, I'll give him a call and invite him over." "Thank you, Mr. Scott. He's a great admirer of yours...and so am I. The Enterprise...," Varien whispered, still taking in the flagship of the Federation. McCoy spoke, breaking Varien out of his trance. "Well Spock, how about you show Mr. Manluk around while I acquaint Mr. Kirk here with the Enterprise." Spock nodded and the four of them departed together out of the transporter room. The turbo-lift left Spock and Manluk off near Spock's quarters while McCoy and Varien went to the control centre of the ship. Uhura's smile was the first thing that greeted Varien as he stepped out onto the Enterprise bridge. All heads turned toward him and he smiled to greet the faces he knew so well from computer logs. "This is Lieut--" began McCoy. "Lieutenant Uhura," recognized Varien as he touched her hand. "And Mr. Sulu, and Mr. Chekov." "A pleasure to meet you, Kaptin," welcomed Chekov as Varien turned toward them. Sulu repeated the salutation then turned to the viewer. "That's a beautiful ship you have there, Captain, I've never seen anything like it." "Thank you, Mr. Sulu. Perhaps you might give her the pleasure of taking her around a bit." Sulu's mouth watered slightly. "The forward section--that's Romulan style, isn't it?" "You know your ships, Mr. Sulu. Yes, and its designs came

from the Enterprise records of old style Romulan birds-of-prey. But as you can see, the engines are not contained in the main section but are in the cylindrical projections just like the Enterprise." Varien felt a rush of pride explaining the Avenger's design to the Enterprise's navigator. "The bridge is in the narrow projection from the front of the ship--just at the hook at the end." "And Mr. Sulu," he finished, "she has near warp ten capacity." "It does not look like a ship that would fire last," put in Chekov. "That, of course, depends on her Captain," smiled Varien, a smile indistinguishable from James T. Kirk. It sent chills up the spines of the helmsman and navigator. McCoy took the opportunity of the following pause to say, "Well, if you're finished looking around the bridge, Varien, we should be getting to the briefing room." "Yes, of course, Doctor. But first..." With a mischievous twinkle in his eye, Varien Kirk eased over into the Captain's chair and sat as though he belonged. "Status, Mr. Sulu," he snapped, but with smile. Sulu reacted instinctively. "Everything reads clear, sir." "Distance from the Avenger, Mr. Chekov." "We're two thousand six hundred and fifty-six point five metres away, sir." Varien laughed in delight at the efficiency of the two. McCoy broke in. "If you're finished playing your father, we'd better not keep the old man waiting or you won't be allowed to play later on." Varien turned with a wink to McCoy. "Ok, Bones, let's get moving." McCoy tried to look gruff as Varien passed him but a smile broke out just the same and spread to the rest of the bridge. "Damn, he's just like his father," the Doctor said to the air, and everyone on the bridge laughed. * * * "You have learned much since we met last, Manluk." Manluk bowed his head graciously. "Thank-you, 'moso wan'. Still, it remains so difficult to suppress emotion when one sees the reaction of humans to half-Vulcans for the first time," he said almost ashamed. Obviously his interactions with the rest of the Avenger crew had not been exactly perfect. Spock folded his hands together in thought. "I understand what you go through, Manluk. But you must remember, Vulcan philosophy does not demand the suppression of emotion but the

mastery of it. There is a great difference. Every Vulcan experiences emotion to some degree. It is how that individual manages the emotion which enables him to adhere to logic and fact. Even so, you and I have a special gift, Manluk. We border on two great cultures, accepted by neither, nor rejected. Humans have capabilities that Vulcans have long considered illogical thus inferior. But I have found this not to be so. Do not let your human half control your intellect, but do not ignore nor discount what it says." Manluk looked puzzled for a moment. Spock continued, "I do not wish to confuse you, Manluk, merely enable you to accept your differences and rejoice in them. You are a unique individual as every living organism is. Do not forget this fact, but most importantly, do not let it separate you from the others. I speak from experience and I save you much pain if you remember my words." Large black hands, tinted a soft green, reached out to Spock's. Minds touched for a moment and became one. Until Manluk had met Spock, he had felt alone in the entire universe, alone, different, and cursed. His Vulcan mother had died giving him life on a planet thousands of parsecs from that of her homeworld, an outpost with a harsh climate fostering harsh people. There was no place for logic or considered thought, just how to survive the next day. What became of his father Manluk did not know. Perhaps killed by a Ferengi or an Orion raid, perhaps dying in the outer caves where the Terrans often went looking for rare crystal deposits hoping to "make it big." He often wondered how the mating came to be between his parents. There was no logic in his mother's decision to couple. Yet Spock had conjectured that even Vulcans could succumb to loneliness, and to desire. Perhaps this had been so with his mother. Her family on Vulcan refused to even acknowledge her existence, and thus his. Once there had been anger within him, anger for leaving him alone, anger for not being like the Terrans. Ears that were different, a mind that could read thoughts and feel overwhelming passion at a touch--yes, he was different, but there was no reason for shame, shame that he had known so well because he was so different. But Spock had demonstrated another way, the proper way. Rejoice in the infinite diversities of life, for this is the way of a Vulcan-Their minds separated. Manluk felt the peace of Spock's disciplined mind, controlling thoughts, channelling them to logical ends. "I thank you, Spock. Though it may be illogical, my heart is glad that you are my sponsor." Spock nodded, smiling softly. Steepling his fingers, he said softly, "Manluk, it is the way of our people to honour the name of Surak, the founder of modern Vulcan philosophy." Manluk, silent, obediently awaited further explanation. "Every Vulcan male, in respect of Surak and his founding principles, has a name that begins with the consonant S. Though it is of little real importance, you have earned the right to realize that respect."

"Then I shall cherish the saviour of our people, and myself. I shall be known as S'Manluk in his honour, and my own." The black Vulcan's dark brown eyes went deep into thought. He was a large person, even by Vulcan standards, yet no less handsome, and he had cut his long, black hair exactly as Spock's, not coincidentally. Spoke regarded Manluk carefully. S'Manluk he was now, and worthy of it. There would be no repeating the mistake he had made with Saavik, his greatest disappointment. Perhaps he was not the proper one to have sponsored her. His human half had deceived him, blinding him to the signs, the hidden thoughts she had guarded so carefully. But there was no error with S'Manluk. So much about him had changed since Spock had found him in the detention cell in a self-induced catatonic state, the colony's lone "psychiatrist" having long since given up the possibility that this mix of genetics could possibly lead a normal life. But how could the human have conceived the pain Manluk endured or understand how deep his Vulcan roots went. When ponn farr came, the time of mating, his Vulcan half took over. There was no one to comprehend, not even Manluk, of the mind-wrenching emotion and desire he experienced. And so there was only two choices for him. Complete madness leading to an early death, or the rejection of the reality about him and the creation of his own world existing in his mind alone. What Manluk had achieved on his own, with no teaching, was his own corrupt vision of the world of Vulcan, yet how could it not be corrupt, for his mother had but a few precious moments to implant the seeds of a rich and glorious culture, the way of Vulcan. Those seeds finally bore fruit after his first meeting with a mind truly like his own, a half-Vulcan/half-human who gave him understanding and compassion through the touch of his fingers. Only those empathetic hands could have pulled him out of his mindrealm and back to the outerworld. From the harsh colony outpost of confusion and pools of hate-filled emotion to the strict discipline of Starfleet academy, to a purpose in life, and a 'moso wan', a foster father. It was Spock who had introduced him to Varien Kirk...Varien his friend with whom he had studied during his academy training. And now he had just been accepted fully into the Vulcan fold by its secondmost honoured citizen... Spock nodded to himself then arose and started out the door. "In two point six minutes," he announced clearly, in order to capture S'Manluk's attention, "the briefing session with Captain Kirk and Varien shall commence." S'Manluk stood and followed his mentor into the corridor. "Your Captain Kirk, he is angry with Varien?" he asked curiously. Spock's eyebrow rose. "I believe he is angry with me, S'Manluk." Into the turbo-lift, S'Manluk commented, "This does not seem logical. Should he not rejoice in his offspring? Can you explain?" Spock hesitated for a moment, meditating on the question, then replied, "Human response is difficult to predict. Even after many

years, one cannot accurately forecast human emotion. I believe however, that Captain Kirk is suffering from both the fear of becoming a father once again, and self-guilt. He has witnessed the murder of a son he never knew, and he has great feelings of culpability for that loss. He wishes to forget what he believes was his greatest failure, however illogically arrived that conclusion is. With Varien, that may no longer be possible now." The turbo-lift doors opened and they exited. "I find both father and son to be somewhat similar in emotional character. Do you agree?" asked S'Manluk. Spock almost sighed. "Your observation is indeed correct. Both are stubborn, unpredictable, and yet excel at commanding a starship. However, this universe may not be large enough for two Kirks of such similar disposition." He almost smiled, showing S'Manluk that the comment was meant to be taken humourously. They turned for the briefing room, catching sight of McCoy and Varien coming down the hall. The doors opened. Inside sat a lonely James T. Kirk deep in thought. Spock's eyebrow rose. He motioned S'Manluk to a seat next to himself and sat down. Varien and McCoy sat directly across with Jim Kirk who was seated at the accustomed head of the table. There was silence in the briefing room as everyone waited for the Captain of the Enterprise to begin. "I take it you had a satisfactory tour, Captain?" Varien's eyes turned toward the Enterprise Commander. "Yes, thank-you, I did. You have a magnificent ship, sir. You must be very proud of her." Though Varien's words were honest and true, they did little to impress his fellow Captain. "Thank-you," Kirk replied icily. "I have been informed that your engineer is in conference with Mr. Scott. Once they have finished, we will start the testing of the Avenger." Kirk's tone was strictly professional. "You'll run through the basic manoeuvres while Mr. Spock observes, after which weaponry and shielding will be tested in the Annas asteroid field. Are there any questions?" To Kirk, the query was meant to be rhetorical and this fact registered plainly on his face. As he was about to rise, Varien spoke out. "Captain, I had hoped we could run through a mock battle. The Avenger was, after all, designed as an engagement vessel." Kirk's eyes lasered toward the man. Spock agreed however. "The request is quite logical, Captain. The Avenger is--" "Now I want this to be perfectly clear," Kirk enunciated coldly, rudely cutting off his First Officer. "This is strictly an evaluation exercise. There will be no engagement of any kind between the Enterprise and the Avenger. This is a Federation starship, not a testing dummy. Is that understood?" It was. Every person in the briefing room remained silent. "Fine, I shall be in my quarters. Mr. Spock, you will direct the testing." Kirk turned and left, his face flushed red.

"Damn..." mumbled McCoy in half disbelief. He shifted his teeth together as if just eating indigestible food. * * * Kor was sitting in his private chambers when the news came. A massive Romulan build-up near the scientific planet of Tridare. He grunted at the communique. Tridare, a worthless piece of rock near a black star. One of the Federation's experiments in racial co-operation. Klingons, Romulans, and Federation scientists. Kor had thought the other Empires had only sent spies, as he had. No one would dare work on something of importance, no one could be that stupid. Still, the Romulans were there and in a force to be reckoned with. His private door buzzed. On a private screen, he saw Kaarg standing outside. Kaarg. While he was still young, he was prone to rash behaviour, thus quite easily manipulated. But Kaarg was thirsty for glory, and power. Kor would have to watch him. Curious as to why Kaarg was at his quarters so late, he let him in. Kaarg burst forward, initiated the appropriate salute, and immediately sat down at Kor's table, an impertinence Kor did not overlook though he said nothing. "Commander," the young warrior growled, "the Romulans--" Kor smiled and waved a hand. It was interesting how Kaarg had gained such top priority information. He thought of several procedures with which to begin his investigation, the mind-sifter set on full, of course. "The Romulans are fools. They test us," he said to Kaarg aloofly. "They wish to see our response, and the Federation's." Eying the young commander carefully, he vocalized, "They fear the strength of our alliance with the Earthmen." Kaarg did not seem satisfied. "They prepare to attack! We must go now and destroy them! We can use the Earthmen to our advantage. Let them fight the Romulans while we wait. Then we shall destroy both. Think of the glory for Klinzhai!" Kor chuckled to himself. "The Earthmen are not as foolish as you make them out to be, Kaarg. They will send Kirk." Kaarg reacted as if he had eaten a disruptor. "Kirk! Kirk! That is all I hear!" An accusing fist came towards Kor. "Your great plans of peace were to take Kirk away from his ship. Now he will go and destroy the Romulans...glory will go to him while we 'kuve' await his commands. Soon he will run Klinzhai, itself!" Kor bolted upright in fury. "Silence! I am still in command here! You will do as I say or I will see you stuffed and mounted on Kirk's ship!" 'I am still in command here', rang in Kaarg's head. The Klingon before him had once stood for honour and the might of Klingzhai. He had been greatly admired by Kaarg. Now it was time for him to die. Making out as if turning for the door, Kaarg pulled out a small disruptor. Kor saw the movement but was too late to pull out his own. There was a flash of light then Kor crumpled to the floor. He did not scream, nor make any sound.

This pleased Kaarg, for he had wanted the Supreme Commander to die like a warrior. The intercom light went on. Kaarg went over and pressed the button. "Commander--" It was Kor's security. They had heard the disruptor fire. "This is Kaarg. Kor is dead. I am now Supreme Commander. Do you understand?" There was only a moment's hesitation, then came the submissive reply, "Kai, Supreme Commander Kaarg!" "Yes", mused Kaarg, "I thought you would." * * * "It's not bad, sir," Marty O'Shean observed, having another drink. "Not bad? Scotch is what Starships run on, lad." "Now Mr. Scott, there can be nothing smoother than Irish whisky. It's the water, you know. Irish rain is the sweetest on the whole of the Earth." Scotty took back his bottle of Scotch whisky, cradling it like a baby while he staved off a near heart-attack. With bottle in hand, he arose carefully and said, "Now, now, I'll excuse your words because of your youth. You've tasted the best drink in the universe, now it's time you saw the best engines in the universe." Marty burped in discomfort. Needing the support of the desk, he pushed himself upwards. "All right, Mr. Scott. Let's take a look at this dinosaur." The Irish Chief Engineer staggered ungracefully outside the hall nearly taking out a crewman in the process. With a deep Scottish sigh, Scotty turned and held the bottle to the light. "Dinosaurs are we?" he grumbled, drank deeply and then smiled. Putting the bottle down, he burred distastefully, "All right, let's show who, who's a dinosaur." PLEASE NOTE: THIS IS PART 4--IF YOU MISSED EITHER PARTS 1,2, OR 3, PLEASE EMAIL ME A MESSAGE AND I'LL SEND YOU THE MISSING PARTS. THE ENTIRE IS STORY IS COMPLETE AND IS ABOUT 11 PARTS LONG.

PART 4 OF A GREAT STORY The cabin door buzzed. Somehow, Kirk had a feeling it would. He put his book down. He hadn't been able to read anyways. "Come." Inside stepped Varien. Kirk lifted himself off his bed and put on a face devoid of emotion. "Well?" His voice matched his face.

"I thought we should talk," Varien said softly, glancing about the quarters. There were several old-style books, antique sailing implements... "We have nothing to talk about," came a sharp reply. "I think we do." Kirk put his book down and crossed his arms. "What do you want from me, Captain? Do you want me to come dashing across the room and give you a big hug? Then ask 'How I can make up for lost years?'" Varien hesitated then said with a slight grin, "That could be a start." "You're not funny. And as far as I'm concerned, you're not my son." The words hurt. "Now look here," Varien demanded, his eyes blazing. "I didn't come here to say, gee dear old Dad, let go play catch and you can tell me a story--" "Then what did you come here for?" "Respect. Captain to Captain." Kirk's voice lowered, almost to a whisper. "Why did you take my name?" "I had the right. Like it or not, you are my father." Varien stopped to watch the reaction from the words. If they had bothered Kirk, he could not tell. "I assume you don't remember Mom either." Kirk swallowed. "Say what you have to say then leave." Varien came closer to his father, trying to capture his eyes. "I will. Vayenna Dorlane, bar singer from Toronto--Canadian sector. Not too smart, but very beautiful. Falls in love with a dashing starship Captain named James Tiberius Kirk. To him, she's just another conquest, another night he won't be alone." Varien stopped for a moment. He sounded angry and bitter, but he really didn't mean to be. Still, James Kirk had it coming. "She sent you video discs, but I'm sure you never played them. But I'll tell you something, Captain, it made no difference to her. 'Oh, he's too busy on a mission son, we just have to understand.' In twenty-seven years, she saw you only three times, but still she loved you, and she still loves you." Kirk shuddered. He felt old, and he felt guilt, guilt he did not want to feel. "You don't understand," he began slowly, the coldness leaving, "I'm a starship Captain..." Varien smiled. "I do understand, sir. I'm a starship Captain myself." Kirk turned away and leaned on the bed. Varien followed. "You don't need to feel bad about this, about me. I took the name Kirk. And it was an honour. You are the greatest Captain that

ever lived. You've dedicated your life to the service and to your ship. I know what that means. I know what the sacrifice is. I am going to have that same life." Jim Kirk turned to his son. "But you don't really understand. I have given everything to this ship. I don't think I have anything else left for another person...for a son..." The intercom whistled sharply, then Uhura's voice came through. She was worried. "Captain Kirk...and Captain Kirk, there's a fight down in Engineering. Captain, it's Scotty...and the Engineer from the Avenger." The two Kirks exchange puzzled glances. "I'm on the way," responded the elder one. It was a crowded scene that greeted the two Captains in the Engineering room. Scotty was being held by two engineering techs while Marty O'Shean lay sprawled on the floor, his lip bleeding. "Attention!" Kirk snapped. Everybody in the room stiffened except for Marty O'Shean, who simply moaned at the words. Varien immediately kneeled down to his bruised Engineer. "Scotty, what happened?" demanded Kirk. Scotty, seeing his Captain's face, turned his downward. "Scotty?" "He, uh, he insulted the Enterprise, sir." Kirk's eyes rolled to the ceiling. Varien had helped his Engineer to his feet. "He hit me, Captain," the Irishman mumbled in disbelief. Varien started to chuckle. "I should have warned you about Mr. Scott, Marty. He's very sensitive about the Enterprise." Scotty's chin went up into the air at Varien's words of understanding. "These young ones, they don't have any respect. Cawlll," he grumbled, "telling me my engines should be replaced. You should watch how quick dinosaurs can bite, laddie. There's no better ship than the Enterprise." Varien smiled. To placate the elder engineer he said, "Well, there is no finer ship for exploration than the Enterprise, but the Avenger is a true fighting ship with the engines to match. No ship can out-manoeuvre her." Jim Kirk smiled. "There's a lot more to a ship than just power, Varien, there's her Captain too. You'll learn that." Varien should have been pleased that his idol had actually addressed him by his first name, but for the moment, he was not able to focus on the acknowledgement. The words were too condescending for his taste. "Captain," he said, trying to laugh, "our crew has been specially trained and selected. Manluk and I went through the academy together. There is no finer crew, or

ship, to be found, no disrespect intended. That's why we were chosen." Marty turned to his Captain. "That's telling him, sir." Varien nodded smugly to his Engineer. "Well, I can see how capable the Avenger's Chief Engineer is at handling himself," Kirk returned mockingly. "I sure hope your ship's engines perform better in a fight than he does." Scotty chuckled and looked down at the Avenger's Captain and Engineer as though they had just been able to take their first step. For once, it was Varien's face which became a mask devoid of emotion. He smiled for a moment, a smile meaning trouble for an enemy vessel or captain. A smile that Jim Kirk should have recognized, for he had used it often enough. Varien snapped open his communicator. "Kirk to Avenger." "Lieutenant Dearla here, sir." "Lieutenant, please beam myself and Engineer O'Shean aboard. Oh, yes, Lieutenant, locate Mr. Manluk and have him beamed aboard as well." Varien flipped the communicator back and with selfsatisfaction, smiled again at the Captain of the Enterprise. The room shimmered and the two men disappeared. "Scotty, I think we hurt their feelings," mused Kirk. "Aye, sir," Scotty agreed, and then murmured, "Irish whisky better than Scotch--aach!" Kirk turned to his Chief Engineer. "Scotty, don't you think you're too old to be getting into fights?" Scotty appeared astonished at the remark. "Sir!" he replied, and then feigned throwing a punch at his Captain. Kirk laughed. "Scotty, I think you should be--" The ship lurched suddenly leaving everyone in the room to scramble for balance. The red alert signal flashed and then the intercom blinked on. "Spock to Captain Kirk, please come to the bridge immediately. We are under attack." Kirk's face went white in shock. Scotty stared at him in disbelief. Scrambling, Kirk dashed for the engineering doors and to the turbo-lift. "Status, Mr. Sulu," Kirk asked quickly, as he took his chair. "Deflectors are up and weapons stand ready." "Spock?" "It was the Avenger, Captain," the first officer declared officially. "Damage?" Kirk inquired with a glare towards the screen.

"None, Captain. We were hit with one-tenth phaser power. Just enough to jolt us, Jim." A look of amusement fell over the Vulcan's face. The attack was predictable, if you knew your Kirks well. "So, he wants a fight, does he? Sulu, if the opportunity arises, I want plan Sulu Simulation put into effect." "Captain?" questioned Sulu at the order of an untried battle strategy. "Nothing like the real thing to test it out, Mr. Sulu." Kirk pressed the intercom button on his chair. "Captain to weapons control. I want full phaser command at Mr. Sulu's discretion." A voice somewhere deep in the ship replied, "Aye, sir." Kirk pressed the button once again. "Mr. Scott, prepare your engines for a set of extraordinary manoeuvres. Think they can handle a little strain, Scotty?" "Aye, Captain, if it's gonna teach those young know-it-alls a lesson a two, I'll give you warp 15." Kirk smiled. He watched Sulu punch in several commands into navigational control. Chekov worked silently with him. "Captain," informed Spock as he viewed his sensor screen, "the Avenger has powered down her phasers to 1/100 capacity." He looked up at the command chair. "Standard mock-battle power, Jim." "Very good, Mr. Spock. We'll see just how good this Captain is." Spock returned to the sensor screen. "She's activated her distortion field and powered up her warp engines." "Let's see what she'll do, Mr. Spock. Mr. Sulu, take no counter action until the Avenger has completed its first run." "Aye, sir," acknowledged Sulu. Chekov rubbed his palms eagerly, waiting for the oncoming battle. The Avenger pivoted quickly about the stationary Enterprise. Then, in diamond fashion, the attack ship blinked in and out of view, firing at every turn. Phaser beams splayed about the Enterprise shields. "Spock, evaluation." "Computers read extensive damage to shielding in engineering and bridge sections. Had it been full power, the Enterprise would have lost most of her shielding capacity." The Vulcan left his post and went to stand beside the Captain's chair. "Deadly accurate, Captain. A most efficient machine." "And not a bad Captain," murmured Jim Kirk, almost proudly. "Okay Mr. Sulu, let's set up your manoeuvre." With quick fingering of Sulu's hands, the Enterprise roared to

life. "Course 763 mark 12," called the Captain. "763 mark 12," echoed Sulu. The Avenger followed hungrily. "Keep our strongest shields to her," soothed Kirk. "Now--80 degrees starboard and pivot!" Before Sulu could complete the manoeuvre, bolts of light issued from the Avenger. The screen lit up once more. Spock was already evaluating the damage with the computer sensors. "Damage to torpedo bays; shields completely inoperative. Minimal warp drive capacity. Open damage to decks six and seven." Kirk nodded. The damage was extensive. "Well, it appears as though we are beaten, Mr. Spock." Spock went to stand beside his Captain once more. "So it would appear, Jim. A most effective attack." This time Spock smiled fully, almost as if to rub the defeat into his Captain. "Incoming message, Captain," announced Uhura. "On the screen." The stars of the screen melted into Varien's face. The young Kirk was doing his best to conceal a smile. "This is Captain James Varien Kirk of the U.S.S Avenger. Our sensors read your ship is severely damaged, your life support systems on back-up. I demand that you surrender your ship and beam your survivors to our brig." James T. Kirk smiled--dangerously. "Thank-you, Captain," he replied with thick courtesy. "You will give us a minute to abandon the bridge?" "You have one minute, Captain, no more." "I thank-you, sir." With a stab of the hand, the defeated Enterprise Captain waved off the screen contact. Uhura complied immediately. "Sulu, program the ship for Simulation Strategy. Remember, I don't want them destroyed, just completely crippled. Spock, we still have phasers?" "Yes, Captain. They cannot be recharged once exhausted, however." "I think that will be most sufficient. Sulu?" "Ready in thirty seconds, Captain." Kirk clenched his fist and put it to his mouth. It was only a mock-battle but still, he hadn't felt this good in years. "Ready, sir." "Engage, Mr. Sulu." At the instant of Kirk's command, the ship stuttered from warp to a halt, blasting streams of super condensed light energy. Kirk was completely disoriented from the phasing in and out of warp and could only admire Sulu's capacity to function under the brain

pounding conditions. Three seconds later, the Enterprise came to a full stop having circumnavigated the Avenger. "Spock?" Kirk asked, trying to quell his excitement. "Even with the Avenger's advanced shielding, she was not able to withstand Mr. Sulu's unique attack. In fact, Captain, the interval between phaser fire was such that it built up a destructive resonance in the Avenger's shielding much like a disruptor." "Damage?" "The Avenger has been destroyed," the Vulcan announced grimly, then smiled. Kirk was about to comment on the recent overt displays of emotion his first officer was exhibiting when Uhura interrupted his observations. "Captain, the Avenger is hailing us." "On screen, Lieutenant." Varien's face appeared. It was filled with awe, complete awe. "Captain, I--" "Captain Kirk," began the elder Kirk smugly, "I believe you do not exist--your ship has been destroyed! How is it you are able to communicate with me?" Varien looked completely at a loss for words. Finally, he half-whispered, "How did you do that?" "Captain, you have just been treated to the expertise of Mr. Sulu." Varien nodded from across the screen as if to say 'I should have known.' "Permit me sir," continued James Kirk, "the honour of coming aboard the Avenger. I'd like to take a look at this ship of yours, Varien." Varien blinked. "Of course, the honour is ours--whenever you are ready!" "Fine. I'll be over in five minutes. Kirk out." The screen vanished into the stars. "Sulu," crooned Kirk as he placed a hand onto his helmsman's shoulder, "that was brilliant." As an after-thought, he added, "And I'm glad you destroyed her." Sulu smiled in reply. Then a wave a fear fell over him. "About Mr. Scott, Captain..." "I think, Sulu, that Mr. Scott will want to treat you to his finest Scotch when he finds out what his engines just did. The ship is yours Spock." Spock smiled lightly. Kirk opened his mouth to say something but thought the better of it, deciding instead to make for the turbo-lift.

A full honour guard awaited James T. Kirk aboard the Avenger. As he passed by the full-dress uniforms of the officers, their faces so young, Kirk was struck by the loyalty Varien seemed to command from his crew. So inexperienced, these crewmen. He wondered how many would survive a full tour of duty--if the Avenger was allowed one. Formalities were quickly dispensed and the green crew of the Avenger went back to their assigned posts, their eyes wide from the meeting of The James Kirk, the legendary father of their Captain. Kirk had never quite got used to being treated as a demi-god, always feeling uncomfortable shaking so many fresh, sweaty hands. The quiet of Varien's quarters would be better, but an unfamiliar nervousness had risen in his usually iron-cast stomach as he stood outside the door. Varien motioned him in. There were old-style books, several antiques from ships that sail with the wind, and log tapes, hundreds of log tapes neatly stacked by the viewer. Varien's blue eyes twinkled as he watched his father take in the surroundings. Hazel eyes turned and met his own. "Very interesting," noted Kirk, feeling somewhat at home. "We seem to share the same tastes." Varien smiled. "I'm glad you approve." He moved over to an old astrolabe, the wood carefully coated in plastic preserve. "This one is said to come from Horatio Nelson's ship. You like Nelson, don't you, Captain?" Kirk smiled and slowly shifted the instrument out of Varien's hands. "I used to read about his battles, his strategies...divide and conquer." Varien took up the conversation. "There is nothing better than to actually be on the water, the feel of the waves carrying you up and down, the wind blowing in your face. You used to go sailing on Georgian Bay when you were young, didn't you?" Kirk turned the astrolabe over in his hands, his eyes glued to the wood. Varien went over to the viewer and sat down, patiently awaiting a reply, studying his father in the meanwhile. What have those eyes seen...he wondered to himself. Kirk turned slowly and faced Varien. "You seem to have the advantage of knowing quite a bit about me." Varien waved a hand towards the log tapes. "It seems half your life is recorded for all time. Some of these are even personal logs..." "Mr. Spock, no doubt," Kirk said grimly, putting the astrolabe down. Seemingly at random, Varien picked up a tape and placed it in the viewer. A concerned James Kirk appeared, his face young in appearance but no less commanding: Captain's Log: Stardate 3227.2

Mr. Spock is in sickbay, still suffering the effect of stylamine gas. His bravery and courage has saved the Enterprise and her crew and I personally recommend him for the Medal of Valour. The award seems trivial to one who has put the ship and crew ahead of his own personal safety countless times and it is only because of his bravery that I am able to submit this log. I am grateful and honoured to consider him friend. Captain out. Varien amended the log with a personal observation. "I have never met a more loyal friend than Mr. Spock." Kirk did not respond. Varien continued, clicking off the viewer, "We met when I was in my second year of Acadamy training. It was quite by accident. He was with S'Manluk." Varien paused for a moment when he saw Kirk's face sour. "I see that you have found fault with Spock. And you are probably wondering why he never told you about me." Varien stood, placed both hands on the table and leaned towards Kirk. "It's because I told him you were not to know." He eased back. "It was, of course, the logical thing to do." Kirk shot him a glare at the words. "Think about it," Varien shot back. "You already had your family--your ship, your crew. Long before I met Spock, I knew that this was true. Even Grandma Kirk knew." "What?" Kirk's face was incredulous. "You've met my mother?" Varien sat back down. "Yes. She lives only a few kilometres away from Mom. She moved into Aunt Patricia's cottage on Georgian Bay. The farm in Iowa was too much for her to handle. Actually, her and Mom are quite close. She understood what it was like to be married to a man of space--to have two sons following their father, and she helped me to understand." Kirk turned away. Varien pressed on. "How much different would it have been if you had known? Did it make any difference for you and Sam? Your father had a place in the stars, and in some ways, you grew up just like me. A visit every year or so--he could never get close to you or Sam except in a letter. And what about your other son--David?" Kirk's emotions were swirling. So much, so fast--"So you even know about David?" "Spock told me." "Spock," murmured a distraught Kirk. He moved over to the chair opposite Varien and slumped down. For the first time, he looked old and tired, and alone. "I'm sure he understood too, if he was anything like you and me." Varien's voice was soft and low. "From what I heard, he was." Kirk put his hands to his face and slowly slid them down. He looked very, very tired. "So what do you want, Varien? You seem to have all the answers, where do we go from here?" Varien smiled mischievously. "Take me sailing." IF YOU DON'T KNOW ABOUT JIM'S FATHER, THIS PART WILL GIVE YOU A

LITTLE INSIGHT INTO HIS CONNECTION WITH THE ENTERPRISE AND HER FIRST CAPTAIN, ROBERT APRIL. PART 5 The wind was warm and comforting. The Sea Witch had full sail and was tacking a course up the lake. Two men were aboard, and they worked the ship with quiet precision, needing no words to appreciate their surroundings. Each was lost in private thoughts about boyhood, and the magic of spending a summer on a sparkling strip of water, the sun glinting rainbows with every wave crest. As the Sea Witch turned for home, Jim Kirk stole a glance at Varien, who was already beginning to take in the fore sail. Space and the Enterprise were so far away from here, almost as if they had never existed: or if both did, they were only ghostly memories of a glorious time past. At Kirk's request, Starfleet had granted them both an indefinite shoreleave, and this was not unexpected. He again was assaulted with a diplomatic barrage of the importance of creating a lasting peace in the galaxy. 'Would he retire quietly with a pension in some small corner of the universe, his legend taken away? Exchange anonymity for the future of untold generations?--"I need some time, Admiral Stralk...with my family." "Of course, Jim, however long you need." So now he was here, with his son, guiding the Sea Witch towards the dock. Yet something in Stralk's voice worried him. The admiral was almost glad about the request for shore leave for his crew. "Not bad, Pops," Varien teased as he reached out for the front post. Clad only in a tee-shirt and shorts, his easy nature reminded Kirk of his older brother Sam when he was a boy, though Sam was long dead on Deneva. He had Sam's blue eyes as well, but with Sam, one never knew whether those eyes were twinkling with the thoughts of a devil or a saint. Often as not, it would be a devil, as a young Jimmy Kirk would awaken in his sleeping bag to find himself hanging from a tree, or feel a mass of cold, slimy worms crawling over his stomach, or sewn in completely... "Did you boys have fun?" called an older woman from a chair near the water. "You bet, Grandma. It was a perfect day for sailing." "Jimmy, you take Varien in and start the barbecue. Vayenna's gone to the store for extra food." Her voice became impish. "You'll never guess who's coming to dinner." Kirk grinned knowingly at his mother. Her eyes, blue like Varien's, were still bright and clear, especially remarkable for a woman who has been through what she has. A missing husband, a dead son and daughter-in-law, another son who left her alone so that he could brave the universe, left her to wonder when some man from Starfleet would knock on her door to apologize again for the loss of another loved one. Now a grandson to follow that same path. Looking at her, small and frail in the lounge chair, Jim realized that she was probably the loneliest of all the Kirks--at least Varien and he had a ship and a crew. "Okay, boss," he waved with a smile.

Varien deftly jumped onto the dock. "Need a hand, Pops?" he baited, as he held out a hand across the space of the dock and the Sea Witch, his blue eyes sparkling devilishly. Kirk brought out a battle smile. "Why sure, sonny." With a quick thrust, he grabbed Varien's wrist, pushed his foot out against the dock for leverage, and sent the startled young Kirk into the water. "Jimmy!" admonished his Mom lightly. "Sorry, Ma--don't know my own strength!" Varien lifted his head out of the water and laughed hard. "I should have known..." Kirk threw him a towel. "C'mon, kid, they'll be plenty of time to swim later." Varien replied with a splash from his hand. * * * * * Everyone had eaten, the barbecue just a small pile of dying coals. Spock, not consuming meat, had enjoyed the fruit salad Mrs. Kirk had made especially for his and S'Manluk. Everyone else had gorged themselves on low fat steaks, leaving McCoy to remark how much the two Vulcans were missing. A large fire was crackling, competing with the goldern orange light of the setting sun. Spock controlled the conversation, speaking as usual of Vulcan history and Surak. "Spock," interrupted McCoy tenderly, "the way you speak of Surak borders on worship. Aren't you being a little too glorifying?" Spock halted. "He is the founder of logic and the most revered of our people." McCoy, who was sitting in a large wooden chair, was feeling somewhat combative, especially after having several glasses of his favorite Kentucky bourbon. "I don't know, Spock," he grumbled, "a whole planet of would-be Suraks. Doesn't make for a fun time to me." Spock watched him drink. "Very well, Doctor, perhaps you might have a particular subject to put forward." "Well, Spock, as a matter of fact I do..." Jim Kirk's mind wandered as he heard McCoy begin a long history of Spock's displays of emotion on the Enterprise. His eyes fell upon Vayenna Doyen, Varien's mother. With a quick turn of his head and a smile, he motioned her towards the lake. Varien saw him wave to her and felt something stir inside, a good feeling, as he watched his mother rise and take Kirk's hand. McCoy noticed but did not cease his bantering with Spock. As soon as they could no longer hear the chief surgeon, Kirk

explained softly, "It's such a beautiful sunset, Vayenna, I thought it such a shame to waste." Vayenna eased up beside Kirk and put an arm into his as they neared the moon-lit water. "It seems like yesterday, Jim, when I heard you talk like that." He smiled. "I'm glad to be here...and I'm glad you decided to come." They walked in silence for several minutes until they reached the beach at the edge of the lake. Kirk turned and faced her. "Has it been hard, raising Varien on your own?" There was a tinge of guilt in his face. Vayenna turned towards the orange fire near the horizon. "No, not really, Jim. Your mother has helped us both, and Spock. You see him, Jim--so much like you, ready to conquer the universe and make it safe for everyone. He loves you so much. You could do no wrong in his eyes." "And you?" he wondered, turning her towards him. Her eyes were large and moist. There were wrinkles at the sides of them, but in the fading sunlight they were difficult to notice. She was still slim and still looked very young--still desirable. "I could love only you, Jim Kirk, regardless of all the other women you've had...and of course your ship. I always thought I was the biggest dreamer in the whole world, but even so, one day I had hoped you would come back to stay with me." Strangely, he did not turn away at her words, though she had more than expected it. Looking at him carefully, she asked, "I know what Starfleet wants, Jim. Are you ready to give up your Enterprise?" Her eyes searched his face and saw uncertainty growing. "Even if you're not, I'll still be here...waiting." He hesitated for only a moment and then took her in his arms and kissed her hard, making love to her on the little strip of beach by the dock as though it was thirty years ago. Somewhere in the stars above, a ship circled in orbit, patiently waiting. * * * * * McCoy was winding up another you-can't-tell-me-that-wasn'temotion-Spock story when Kirk and Vayenna finally returned. The fire was low, a few burning embers glowing red on their faces. Varien was the first to notice their return, and he could readily discern by the relaxed look on both that something pleasant had transpired between them. And they sat very close together, holding hands. "Well, Jimmy-boy," McCoy drawled mischievously, "you've been gone quite awhile. I wonder what you could have been--" Spock cleared his throat in interruption, startling McCoy when he saw the source. "Why, Spock, that was a human reaction! You don't think I'd embarrass Jim, now do ya?" Spock waved a hand quickly in front of his face. "It was only

a momentary inhalation of smoke causing me the need to clear my throat." Varien reached over and placed a log on the embers. "I remember growing up on a lake not to far from here," he related introspectively, winking at mother. "There was a girl I used to see every summer. What was her name, Mom?" "Wendy, Wendy Emerson," Vayenna recalled, winking back. "Yes, Wendy. Curly chestnut hair and beautiful eyes--she had the nicest--" Varien looked around him, almost expecting someone else to clear their throat, "smile of any one I ever knew. And when she laughed, you thought the secrets of the universe were about to unfold. Sometimes I dream of just ordering the Avenger to slingshot back in time just so I can see her once more." McCoy looked over at Kirk to see if there was any reaction. At another point of time, the irony in Varien's words might have been too much for him, but the Captain's mind seemed to be far from past history. McCoy then looked at Spock as he said, "That's the gift of emotion, Varien, to be in love, something no Vulcan will ever know." "Ahh, yes Doctor, so you have said many times." Spock nodded slowly to himself. "But I have been in love, and I know what it is to be happy." S'Manluk regarded Spock curiously. "Please explain, Mr. Spock. Did you allow these emotions to overcome your logic?" McCoy couldn't have asked the question better, although S'Manluk's query did not have the obligatory baiting tone McCoy's would have had. Spock did not hesitate. "The specific reference I was giving, S'Manluk, was while we were investigating Sanderval's planet. I was introduced to the effects of a symbiotic organism which suppressed my Vulcan mastery of emotion and logic. Yet it is as I told you, S'Manluk, Vulcans do indeed feel emotion, perhaps more deeply than humans, nonetheless, we strive not to let it rule our lives. But there is no shame in having those emotions." McCoy shifted his jaw in memory and said softly, almost apologetically, "You do have a nice smile, Spock, when you want to use it." Spock regarded McCoy carefully, the two locked in eye contact. There was no expression of hostility in the Doctor's eyes, and Spock was not bothered by the intimacy of the contact. Again came the feeling of friendship without the need of concealment in verbal insults or criticisms. Kirk broke the silence. "Well, it looks as though it's time to head in." "Yes," agreed Mrs. Kirk. She had been strangely silent the entire evening. Cheerfully, she added, "And there are plenty of beds for everyone, so no one need do any beaming anywhere for tonight." Kirk went over and slung an arm around his mother's shoulders.

"Who knows, Ma, maybe before the winter comes, we'll turn the boat house into a guest room." Mrs. Kirk laughed. Spock and McCoy both raised an astonished eyebrow at their Captain's remark and what it meant. ********************** The air was crisp and clean. The sun was creeping above the horizon but remained partially hidden by a line of trees. Jim Kirk had been up at least an hour, sitting alone in the boat shed in an upper storage loft, feet dangling in the air. It had been some time since there had actually been anything stored in the loft, regular cottage things like smelly fishing equipment and air mattresses. The tackle was long since gone, but the smell of the prize fish it had hooked had seeped into the wood itself and would remain there for as long as the shed was standing. Nothing aroused his memories more than a smell, especially this one. Sam and him arguing over whose fish was bigger, or once, when their Dad had spent a few days with them, and he had caught a twelve pound smallmouth. 'Why Jimmy, that fish looks like its big enough to fit you in its stomach...' With a creak of a door, Varien appeared below. "Hey, watcha doin' up there, cowboy?" Kirk grunted to himself. Varien's call was so casual, so boylike, he could have been an older brother. "Come on up, if you're not too scared of heights, pardner," came a responding taunt. With the ease of his youth, Varien shimmied up the loft ladder as if he'd done it a million times before and jumped over by Kirk. "Grandma sure looks, good, eh?" "'Eh?', that sounds like the Canadian in you, Varien." "Hey, this is my home country. I grew up here, Iowa-boy." Kirk grinned. "It is beautiful here, isn't it? I remember Dad building the Sea Witch for Sam and me. I used to sit right here and watch him. What a time we had bringing her out to the water--she sank within the first five minutes of launch!" They both laughed together, Kirk gazing longingly at the floor of the boat shed where the Sea Witch had been built. A sad look crossed Varien's face. "I wish I'd known him. Grandma says he was a lot like you, hot-tempered, rash, stubborn, all wrapped around a good heart." Kirk nodded. "That was Dad, all right." "Whatever happened to him, Jim? I've done my best to find out, but no one seems to know, or want to remember." Kirk became quite solemn. "He disappeared on an ambassadorial mission. They never found him nor a trace of his ship." "Do you think he might still be alive? Out there, somewhere?" Kirk eyed his son carefully. "If I thought there was even a

remote chance, I would have turned this galaxy upside down looking for him." Varien sighed sadly, then turned to Kirk suddenly. "Do you know, I heard a rumour about Grandpa. It was from a old friend of Robert April's, the first Captain of the Enterprise." "April," murmured Kirk, "I remember him. They tried to force him into retirement. Because of him, there is no longer any mandatory age of departure." "Well, this gentleman says he knew Grandpa, and said that George Samuel Kirk was the very first, First Officer on board the Enterprise. It was on some top secret mission to rescue a colony ship trapped in an ion storm. The Enterprise's initial run, unnofficially. She didn't even have markings then." Kirk looked at Varien for a moment, a set of chills running down his spine. "Are you sure, Varien? He wrote to Sam and me about some mission he went on, but I never dreamed it was the Enterprise..." "It seems the Enterprise and the Kirks have had a long history together." Varien paused for a moment in thought. Finally, he admitted, "It was my dream to take over from you, Dad. The Enterprise, flagship of the Federation, captained only by Kirks-could you imagine the Romulans and Klingons having to forever see a Kirk captaining the Enterprise?" Kirk smiled for a moment, then stopped in reflection. "Varien," he said slowly, "I like you. If I could chose the way a son could turn out, it would be you. But I want you to be sure what you're getting into...I want you to hear something my Dad once wrote to me and Sam. I'll never forget it: 'Don't love something that doesn't love you back.' Lately, it's been running in my mind." "Does that mean you, or the Enterprise?" Varien asked quietly. "'Cause I can't help not loving you. And I know that the love given by a ship is a cold one--that it seems to go only one way with only the ship taking, but in the end, what that love translates into is the willingness to give your life so that others can sleep in peace." "You sound like McCoy..." After a moment of silence, Varien asked quietly, "Are you thinking of giving it up, Dad?" Kirk rubbed his forehead with a hand. "Have I given enough, Varien?" "More than anyone else ever has. But whatever you decide, know that Spock and McCoy, and your mom, and Vayenna and me, we will always be here." Smiling smugly, he added, "Greatness attracts greatness." Kirk gave him a smile. Mrs. Kirk and Vayenna peeked into the boatshed. "C'mon you two, everyone's waiting for breakfast," Mrs. Kirk called.

With a quick slap on his father's shoulder, Varien was up and heading for the ladder. "C'mon, Dad, let's eat." With a roguish grin, he added, "I still owe you a swim, don't I?" Breakfast had just finished when Spock's communicator beeped. A second before, the room was loud with the competing talk of arguing voices, like any family after a meal. A second later all was quiet. "Spock here." "Commander Spock, this is Admiral Barrett. Please inform Captain Kirk that he is to immediately return to the Enterprise. All shore leave is immediately cancelled for both Enterprise and Avenger personnel." "Commander, may I ask why?" "You'll have your answer once aboard the Enterprise. There will be a Priority One communications awaiting. Barrett out." McCoy gritted his teeth. "Damn Starfleet! First they want Jim out, and now they have some Priority message and need him to save the universe one more time." Kirk had to laugh. "Well, gentlemen, I don't have to go, do I?" "Indeed, none of us have to go, Jim." "Right, Jim," McCoy added, agreeing with Spock. Varien reached over to a knapsack and pulled out his communicator. "Kirk to Avenger." "Avenger here, Captain. What's up?" "Sorry Briggs, but shoreleave is cancelled effective immediately. Recall all personnel and standby to beam up myself and Mr. S'Manluk." "You mean Manluk, sir?" Varien made a mental note to officially log S'Manluk's request for change of name. "Yes, Briggs, on my order." He turned to face the others as S'Manluk rose automatically to stand by his Captain. "Well, gentlemen, whatever you decide, we'll have to do this again. Bye, Grandma. See you soon, Mom. I love you both. Energize, Mr. Briggs." Kirk saw Vayenna almost reach out to the fading lights in anguish. Mrs. Kirk looked on, and understood. "Well, Jim?" asked McCoy, knowing the answer. "We're going back to the ship, my friends." Vayenna's face showed a quick shadow of dispair. She turned to him, regaining composure. He grinned at her. "Don't worry, Vay, I won't let anything happen to him. It's probably nothing,

anyway. We'll both be back before you know it, and this time I think it will be for good." "I'll be here, Jim, you know that." Kirk reached out a hand and touched her on the shoulder. "C'mon, gentlemen, let's get the ship in order. Kirk to Enterprise, three to beam up." An unfamiliar voice responded with an 'Aye-sir.' Obviously it was someone new that had got stuck on ship's duty while everyone else was enjoying shoreleave. Kirk rose followed by Spock and McCoy, the three standing in an age-old familiar pattern. There was sadness in his words when he said, "Good-bye Mom. Good-bye, Vay." Spock and McCoy nodded in farewell. The energizing lights shone and through the whine, the two women faintly heard, "I love you both." NOTE: THIS IS JUST PART 6 HERE'S PARTS FIVE AND SIX EVERYONE. I'LL REPOST UP TO SEVEN ON MONDAY. PARTS FIVE AND SIX Dunn had the option of speaking directly to Kirk, or prerecording the Starfleet directive. He was tempted to give the orders in person, but thought better of it. He didn't feel like fielding any questions, questions Kirk was bound to have. Even Barrett was surprised when he agreed to let the gung-ho Captain in command. The Klingons hated him. The Romulans hated him. To Dunn, the irony was inescapable. War would have to happen, and chances were Kirk would be right in the middle of it. Klingon and the Federation would have a common enemy, and therefore a common bond. Just in case, he included the Avenger prototype in the starship array. The Klingons would respect it, and the Romulans would fear it. He wondered if her Captain was as warlike as the ship's design. No doubt Starfleet had chosen someone in the Kirk mould. Yes, war was inevitable. The two Kirks, side by side in the Enterprise briefing room, calmly waited for the computer to decode the Priority One message. Finally, after voice code authorization, Admiral Dunn appeared behind the blue seal of Starfleet. Jim Kirk was not surprised the message was pre-recorded. Dunn, nor any other Starfleet Admiral, dare not face him in person. Not after so soon asking to see the legend of James T. Kirk forgotten. "...sector seven where you are to rendezvous with the Starships Potemkin, Lexington, and Excalibur. The D-1 prototype Avenger will accompany the Enterprise as a deterrent to potential hostilities. The Klingon Ambassador has assured me that there will also be three Battlecruisers at your disposal." A holograph appeared in the centre of the desk. "This is the planet Tridare located at the edge of the neutral zone where the Federation-, Romulan-, and Klingon-claimed space meet. For the past ten years, Tridare is where scientists from all three respective parties could exchange cultural and scientific information. There is only one main city, Babylon."

The holograph faded and Admiral Dunn's face appeared once more. Kirk had known Dunn when he was a Captain, and not a very good one at that. From what he had heard, the man made a worse Admiral. "Reports from Babylon state there is a massive Romulan force present. Seven state of the art birds-of-prey. We don't know why they are there, and if they are using Tridare as a prelude to invasion. Regardless, the Federation recognizes this as an opportunity to cement ties with the Klingon Empire. While the Federation would regret if hostilities were to occur, Federation and Klingon ships fighting side by side would assure peace and cooperation for both, not to mention assuring Klingon's place as a full partner in the Federation..." Jim Kirk turned to his son. "Fighting side by side," he echoed sceptically. "It also seems contrary to what the Federation stands for, Dad. Since when did we need a war to have peace?" Kirk gritted his teeth. "Romulans are ruthless soldiers, but frankly, I find them more honourable than Klingons. It doesn't look like a good trade off." "...Commander Kaarg. Utmost co-operation is required with the Commander, Kirk, I can't stress that enough. He won't be in charge of the Federation force, but if he has any worthy suggestions, I strongly recommend you listen. The eyes of the Federation and the Klingon Empire are upon this mission. I know you'll do your best. Good luck, Captain. Admiral Dunn out." "So now the Klingon's entry into the Federation seems dependent on starting hostilities with the Romulans...Varien, I am really starting not to like the Federation." Varien shrugged his shoulders. "Looks like it's time we informed the crew." Varien started to rise but Kirk put his hand on the young Captain's shoulder, gently pushing him back into his seat. "Varien," came the words slowly, "I really don't like the idea of you coming along on this mission." Varien's face immediately turned defensive. "Wait," his father said, looking equally defensive, "I don't mean you're not qualified, you've shown that you are, it's just that you have a ship still in the testing stage, not to mention the fact that the Avenger is going to be under the direct scrutiny of both the Klingons and the Romulans." Varien nodded, waiting for more. Kirk continued, "What I want you to do is stay back, draw as little as possible attention to your ship as possible. And by no means engage your distortion field unless its absolutely necessary. I don't think it's a good idea to have you coming, but Starfleet has ordered you into the response fleet, so I'm sure there is good reason for you to be here."

"I understand, Captain," Varien returned officially. Jim Kirk looked at his son. "I want you to be careful--for your Mother...and for me. I don't know what I would--" Varien cut him off. He saw the worry, saw how difficult it was for his father to express his concerns. "Dad, its okay. Whatever happens, I'm where I want to be. Always remember that. I'm just glad I'm with you now...serving together, that's all I ever wanted when I joined the Academy." The two men rose together, an unsaid bond between them, Captain to Captain, and Father to Son.

There were nine officers in the Enterprise main briefing room. At one end of the table sat Varien Kirk surrounded by the two highranking officers of the Avenger, S'Manluk and Lieutenant Dearla. At the other, James Kirk, with Spock, McCoy, Sulu, Chekov and Scotty. No one was enjoying the Priority One orders. "Damn, Jim, how much more are you gonna take from Starfleet?" McCoy's question was vague enough that only a very few knew what he was asking. "Bones, they put me in charge, whatever that means, and I'll be damned before I start a war. But if it is a fight the Romulans are looking for, I won't back away either. We'll wait until we reach Tridare to fully assess the situation before deciding." McCoy nodded, mumbling something that was best kept to himself. He knew there was no one he'd rather have than Jim Kirk in charge. The question was more to voice his own frustration at Starfleet for the way they were treating his friend. The seriousness of the situation didn't help to relax him either. Spock played with several tapes between his fingers. "Captain, it has been our experience that the Romulans are a people whose basic precepts are structured around honour and duty. Indeed, we both know that several overtures of peace have recently been made by the Romulan Empire, particularly where Vulcan is concerned. For them to begin a war at this juncture seems quite illogical." "I know Spock, it doesn't make any sense to me either. Why would the Romulans even bother to wait at Tridare? What could be so important there?" "Captain," mentioned Sulu, "they have attacked first before. Perhaps they want to test the new design of their warbirds, only setting us up for a trap this time." "That's right, Kaptin," followed Chekov. "From what we know, the Romulans only attack if they believe they have the upper hand." Lieutenant Dearla spoke for the first time, and everyone turned to face the only female of the group. "I have studied Romulan culture and I have spent time on Romulus. I can tell you

that Romulan history with earth precluded any later peaceful missions. In the first Romulan/Earth war, neither side was able to see the other, hence there was a greater terror from the ignorance of what the attacker might appear to be. In fact, in Romulan lore, Earthmen are portrayed as monsters--baby-killers. From the time of that war, Romulans have striven to perfect battle technology in order to protect themselves from the threat of Federation attack. Remember, gentlemen, it was us, out of our own fear and lack of knowledge, that began the first Romulan war." Kirk looked at the Lieutenant first as a woman. Long black hair, pale skin, smooth lips, with eyes of chocolate brown. But those eyes were not warm. They were ice. Cold, efficient, and academy trained. "What's your recommendation then, Lieutenant? We have to deal with the situation today, regardless of past wars or who started them." Cool eyes stared into his own. "Simply this, Captain. Going to Tridare with a combined force of Federation and Klingon ships is going to make the Romulans very nervous. Talk to them, be open with them, and you will find them to be reasonable people." Spock nodded. "I agree, Jim. Romulans are indeed very reasonable. Perhaps in time, they will even re-adapt to the Vulcan philosophy of logic, peace, and respect for diversity. We did once share Vulcan with them." Kirk pursed his lips in thought then glanced down the table. "Varien, what are your thoughts on this?" "I agree with Lieutenant Dearla, sir. Leave the battle force behind and offer them some cake. There's more than enough universe to go around." "Sir," ventured a puzzled S'Manluk to his Captain, "Romulans do not enjoy Terran cake and in fact detest foods of sweetness. I would recommend a meal more desirable to their tastes." Varien smiled. "It was a figure of speech, S'Manluk." S'Manluk raised an eyebrow in response. "I see." "So it's agreed," finalized Kirk at the other end of the table. "We'll leave the battle contingent outside the Tridare system. Mr. Spock and myself will then shuttle to the planet to show our good intentions and set up a diplomatic discussion. Are there any further questions, gentlemen?" Scotty came through for the first time. "Uh, sir, are you forgetting someone?" "And who would that be, Mr. Scott?" "The Klingons, sir. I'm sure they are not gonna sit back and play fizzbin while you meet with the Romulans." "Yes, Mr. Scott, you're quite right. I suppose this Commander Kaarg will want a piece of the action. Kirk to bridge." "Uhura here, sir."

"Let me know when we are within visual contact with any Klingon battlecruisers." "Aye, sir." "Mr. Spock, please inform the Starships Potemkin, Excalibur, and Lexington of our plans. Better code it as well. Once we reach Tridare, we'll assess the situation further and finalize our plans with a general meeting." Kirk eyed everyone around the table. "I want no mistakes. No hostile action is to be taken under any circumstances. I want that made clear." Sighing audibly, the Captain finished, "As to the Klingons, I'll take care of Commander Kaarg. Meeting's adjourned for now, everyone." Dearla departed for the Avenger, S'Manluk escorting her, while Chekov and Sulu left for the bridge. Scotty went to his engines. Kirk had asked Varien to stay for a moment, motioning Spock and McCoy to remain as well. "Spock, estimated time until we reach the Tridare system." "Two hours, twenty-seven minutes at present speed of Warp six, Captain. Fifteen point three minutes to the Klingon rendezvous." "Jim," asked a concerned Doctor McCoy, who was also feeling a bit left out, "are you sure you don't need my company on the shuttle?" "No, Bones. If anything happens, I want you here on the ship." 'But that's exactly why I want to be with you, if anything happens...,' McCoy thought. But he answered, "Sure, Jim." Four figures strode out of the briefing room heading for the Captain's quarters. A young crewwoman nervously came up to Kirk. "Here's the reply from the three starships, Captain, sir." Kirk scanned the response without so much as a look at his crewmember, his mind formulating possible stratagems to complications which might arise. Varien, however, stared openly at the woman's face, and how tight-fitting her uniform appeared to be. "Fine, yeoman," Kirk said tersely with a quick initialling of the report. Varien's eyes remained transfixed on the crewwoman as she started down the hall. "Varien, you don't have to ogle," admonished Kirk as he observed his son's actions, "it's not becoming of a Captain." McCoy's mouth dropped. "Geez, Jim, aren't you being a little stiff? Varien is just emulating his father, that's all." Spock remained coyly silent at the comparison. "I was never so obvious as that, Bones," denied Kirk with a finger at Varien, who was still watching as the crewwoman turned past a corridor.

Varien bounced several times up and down on his toes and then mumbled, "Uh, excuse me, gentlemen, I believe I know that girl...Yeoman!" "Varien, you come back here! Varien!" A disapproving James Kirk shouted to no avail. Varien had already disappeared down the corridor in pursuit of the yeoman. "Whatsamatter, Jimmy, feeling a little old?" teased McCoy. "He's just like you when you were his age. There wasn't a woman safe within--" "McCoy," returned Kirk sharply at the needling, "No matter what you say, I'm still too young to be a grandfather!" Both McCoy and Spock exchanged bemused glances and then turned to follow their Captain. The four starships broke out of warp and eased up toward the Klingon triad. Kirk, on the Enterprise bridge, had ordered full stop while Uhura patched in a visual with the lead Klingon vessel. Kirk noted it was a young Commander who appeared, and a frown crossed his face. All he needed was a glory-hunting Klingon Captain as an additional problem, and it looked as though this is exactly what he had on his hands. "This is Captain James T. Kirk of the U.S.S. Enterprise. Are you Commander Kaarg?" "I am Kaarg, newly appointed Supreme Commander of the Klingon Empire." The Klingon commander smiled shiftily. Like most Klingon warriors Kirk had dealt with, he was large, swarthy, and seemed particularly untrustworthy. No doubt Kor, who had held this post the last Kirk knew, was dead, and more than likely assassinated by the ambitious Commander before him. "On behalf of the United Federation of Planets, I bid you greetings." For Kirk, it was a well-rehearsed line. He did not think he could say it if he had to think about it. Kaarg nodded as if obeisance had just been offered. "You will accompany us to Tridare, Kirk. You and your ships will follow behind--" "Commander," interrupted Kirk to the distaste of the Klingon, "it was my understanding that we would be leading this peaceful expedition with myself in command. It has been decided, with your approval, of course, to leave the starships just outside the Tridare system while two representatives, myself and Mr. Spock, shuttle to the planet to see if things can't be settled peacefully. Two representatives--perhaps yourself included--can follow us down to the planet once we make contact." Kirk waited for a comment. The Commander nodded, as if he had expected as much from Kirk. He condescendingly spat a reply. "You Earthmen always speak of peace. Negotiation. It is a coward's way. I have heard so much of you, Kirk, the great Federation Captain. Worthy to be a Klingon, it is said." Kaarg put a hand to his chest. "I see the

truth for myself, as I have always known. Very well, great Kirk, send your two 'representatives'. 'Discuss'. I will await your word--if the Romulans do not decide to destroy you first. Then we will see." Kirk smiled, pleasantly. "Fine. We'll finalize our plans once we hit the Tridare system." Kaarg's screen went blank as a response, replaced by the three Klingon vessels. Kirk sighed audibly then ordered, "Mr. Sulu, get us to Tridare, best possible speed. Let's get this over with before Kaarg decides to start shooting at us instead." "Best possible speed, sir. We'll reach the Tridare system in two hours, six minutes." "Lieutenant Uhura, notify our fellow starships of our plans. Tell them we'll finalize our plans once we are at the Tridare system. And could you have, I mean, request, Captain Kirk of the Avenger to meet me in my quarters. He's somewhere on the Enterprise--that is, if he's not too busy." Uhura smiled. "Aye, sir." Spock drifted over before Kirk made it to the turbo-lift. "Captain?" "Yes, Mr. Spock?" "An observation. Tridare is a scientific planet. It has no defense shielding, no weaponry. It would be a great loss to the galaxy should it be damaged in any way." "I understand, Mr. Spock. Should things get nasty, we'll try to pull away from Tridare to avoid injury to the planet and the populace." Spock nodded. "I would also request that you allow me the company of the Avenger's first officer until arrival." Kirk turned to face Spock. "Of course, Spock." Not realizing exactly what he was saying, he observed inquisitively, "He seems to be a bit of a son to you, does he not?" "I have taken him into our family. I am his 'moso wan', his foster father in earth terms." Kirk eyed his first officer with surprise inducing Spock to explain further. "He was without living relations, alone, without direction. I quite know what that is like--to be alone. Indeed, Captain, while I was genetically engineered, S'Manluk was not. His birth, I would say, was miraculous." "Miraculous?" "The odds of a non-genetically engineered birth between a human and a Vulcan are over three billion to one."

Kirk smiled. "He appears to be a fine Vulcan, Spock." "Thank you, Captain." It was the best compliment anyone could say to Spock regarding S'Manluk. "And Spock. You've done a fine job looking after Varien. I wanted to say I'm sorry for the way I reacted before." "Not necessary, Jim. I understood." Spock gave him a warm smile which left the Captain of the Enterprise feeling more a part of the universe than he had since his childhood; since Sam and since his father. He had a family again, a very large and very unique family. He left Spock off at the transporter deck and made for his quarters. Once inside, he punched his recorder and began, "Captain's Personal Log: Stardate 9400.5 Recent events have delayed my decision on retirement as requested by Starfleet. To accept means virtual exile, and yet with the knowledge of having another son, James Varien Kirk--" Kirk pressed the pause on the log recorder. With the touch of a button, he visualized Varien's service record. Honours with everything he did, outstanding commendations, Varien's record read like a young James T. Kirk's right down to his first assignment as ensign on board the U.S.S. Farrugut. He flipped over to another part of Varien's file. Access denied with proper identification, blinked the screen. "Kirk, James T., Captain U.S.S. Enterprise. Code Avenger One." The screen opened up to a picture of the Avenger and a list of her crew. On a certain Vulcan's recommendation, Varien had the honour of being selected as the Avenger's first Captain. Not surprisingly, a half-Vulcan, half-human first officer had also been selected on Spock's personal recommendation. Kirk pressed the log recorder button once more. "Mr. Spock, First Officer of the Enterprise, the finest in the Fleet, and my longtime friend, has selected Varien to captain a new-style Federation ship, The Avenger. While I still feel the sting of the death of David Marcus, another son of mine whose mother was Scientist Carol Marcus, I did not know him in the short time we had together. With Varien, I feel I've known him all my life, and he is more like a brother than a son. He appears indestructible, as I once did. Yet I can't help but feel worried for his safety. I have the fear of losing someone that is almost as close to me as Spock and McCoy. Given a little longer, Varien would surely mean even more. I am so...worried for him, yet I trust Spock and his judgement with my life. Therefore, I am left with no choice then to trust that same judgement with Varien's, as Spock has done by assigning his adopted son S'Manluk to Varien's command. May he have the same luck the Enterprise and her crew seems to have had. Kirk out." With a sigh, Kirk slid back into his chair. So this is what it means to be a father, to worry for the safety of a child. What Mom must go through--

"Come," Kirk immediately responded to the door buzz. Varien strode in, two white robes tucked under his arm. "Well, howdy, Pops." He sat down on the bed as if it were home. Grinning, Kirk said, "I thought you might be too tired to make it back to your ship with all the exercise you've been getting lately. " "Hey," laughed Varien, "I have to keep up the family line." Separating one of the robes, he tossed it at Kirk. "There's another matter to settle, as well. I want another chance. One on one, in the rec room. Ke Lei--for the pride of the Avenger." Kirk smiled in disbelief. "You can't be serious..." "What, are ya too old, Jimmy-boy?" The accent was clearly Irish. "Then just think of me as Finnegan--that might change things." Kirk glanced at the robe than looked carefully back at Varien. "Yes, you would make a good Finnegan. You can't beat the Enterprise so you want to fight an old man." "Oh, I gave strict orders that the next time we battle the Enterprise..." Varien paused for effect, then snapped, "we take no prisoners!" Kirk laughed, rose with the robe, and pushed Varien out the door. * * * * * "Spock, tell me more of Vulcan." Spock looked deeply into S'Manluk's eyes of gold. The young Vulcan had on a black robe, as did Spock, and both were seated in the traditional position of Vulcan meditation. Spock thought for a moment what it was like to be a Vulcan and never touch the home world. "Vulcan is a world of contrast, S'Manluk," he began reflectively. "There is the desert, Vulcan's Forge, where every Vulcan when he is of age earns the right for the kahs-wan, the time when a Vulcan child is recognized as an adult." Spock detected a faint glimmer of dismay in S'Manluk' eyes. "Yet it is purely ceremonial. Its purpose is to allow the individual to find within himself the seeds of manhood, and turn his back on his time of youth. You have surpassed all facets of kahs-wan, S'Manluk, in your trials of youth. You have survived what might have driven a lesser Vulcan mad." S'Manluk understood and felt comfort in Spock's words. A Vulcan, even though he was only half, and he had never touched the planet of his roots except through Spock's mind. To never have been watched by T'Khut, Vulcan's moon of one eye, or felt the sting of the winds in Vulcan's Forge, the place of harshness where every Vulcan heart yearned to be, where the very first Vulcans, with their minds filled with emotion and war, had initially tread after the great burning. "There is beauty to be found in everything," continued Spock,

"but no where more so for a Vulcan than the ancient desert about Mount Selaya. It is there where kohlinar is found, the finding of the true self, separated from all emotion. The finding of the truth of the One and the All--Nome." Spock's fingers reached out to S'Manluk, touching specific nerve points on his smooth, dark skin. "Our minds are one...as one we journey into the roots of Vulcan, to the roots of ourselves..." Together, they shared the history of Vulcan, living it as only two half-Terrans could. "Not bad, Junior, not bad at all." Kirk feinted once more, but Varien did not shift at the movement. "Who taught you Ke Lei, Varien? He must have been very good." Kirk circled his opponent looking for an advantage. "Very...very...good," he murmured more to himself. "It was an old Soltarian master, dear Father. He was halfblind, but no man dared challenge him. He had this one move..." Varien crossed his hands over and moved towards Kirk's head. The natural reaction to such a move in Ke Lei was to step back and wait for the attacker to strike. Then, utilizing the opponent's momentum against him, the defender was to strike the right shoulder while placing the right foot out for him to trip over after the blow. But as soon as Kirk had moved his leg out and brought his hand back to strike the oncoming shoulder, Varien ducked, uncrossed his arms into a surprised and off-balance father's legs, and pulled back. The net result was a Starship legend flat on his back, the wind knocked out of him. "Score one for the Avenger," shouted Varien, pumping his fist. Kirk reached out and kicked a leg from underneath Varien who immediately fell unceremoniously to the mat beside his father. "Hey, you don't play fair," Varien chided, sidling over to see Kirk's view of the rec ceiling. "You should know I hate to lose." "Yes, I have to remember that...Pops." "Will you stop calling me Pops, Varien! You make feel old." "What would you like then--Captain?" Kirk quickly flipped Varien onto his backed and grabbed an arm, pulling it upwards. "How about Uncle?" Varien shouted as though in a Klingon mind-sifter. "Oww, oww, Pops, you're hurting me...owww!" McCoy walked into the rec room, hurrying a bit to see the source of the commotion. "Hey, Bones," came a playful call, "you got any of those old wooden paddles doctors used to use on naughty kids?" McCoy chuckled. "No, I broke the last one on you, Jim." The two Kirks rose grinning. The Doctor handed each a towel. "You wouldn't think the Enterprise was going out on another save-

the-Federation-mission the way you two are acting." "C'mon Bones, a little play before the storm to ease the tension," returned Kirk while wiping off his face. "We still have thirty minutes before Tridare. That's enough to make a pretzel out of Varien." Varien forcefully choked. "A pretzel! Why I've fought Tyrrenian Barsk tigers with one hand behind my back, and you think you're going to make a pretzel out of me?" Kirk put a hand to his chin. "A Tyrrenian Barsk tiger...Bones, didn't we make Spock a pair of ear-warmers out of one?" McCoy laughed at the picture. With his best country drawl, he commented dryly, "Jim, I'm gonna hafta see if you all have caught some space sickness--it be a Starfleet first to have one Chief Medical Officer declare two Captains unfit for command in one sitting." With a wink, Kirk said, "Well Varien, I guess its back to business. I hope your Chief Med isn't as big a rain cloud as ours." "Hmmm, then I think it's time I left." Varien added hastily with a wink at McCoy, "I better get back to my ship before I get thoroughly soaked." With a quick look to the ceiling to check on the weather, Varien left McCoy and Kirk to themselves. "He's quite a boy, Jim." Kirk nodded and went to sit on a bench in the corner. McCoy leaned on the wall nearby. "Bones, tell me how that kid got to be Captain of Starfleet's first actual warship?...He seems so young. Will he be able to make the right decisions? Will he know what to do in a real life and death situation?" "Jim, you saw how he did against the Enterprise and you've seen his record. He's more than capable, I think you know that." McCoy edged off the wall and sat down. "Jim, it sounds like you have gotten a bit protective of Varien. Is it because of David--" Kirk felt a rush of emotion at McCoy's words. "Dammit, Bones, no! David's gone and buried. But Varien is different." He felt strange saying those words--gone and buried. Has his pain truly left him? McCoy had the answer. "Different because you know him?" Kirk's face momentarily winced. "Jim, this is what being a father is all about. Caring about someone...loving them. It's hard, maybe harder than being the Captain of the Enterprise." "Then what do you suggest?" Kirk's tone was cold, a lot colder then he meant it to be. "Treat Varien as the Enterprise. Care responsibilities too. did, and he knows the you would me or Spock, or any crew member on about him, but understand that he has He said the same Starfleet oath that you risks. And I think no one knows those risks

more than you and him." Kirk turned to his friend, the one who he knew would give him the best advice in all the universe. "Bones, do you think I should retire?" "I can't answer that for you, Jim. I will tell you I don't like the way Starfleet is going about it...more like exile than retirement. But if you can sit on the bridge of the Enterprise and say to yourself 'I can leave here and never regret it', then I think you have your answer already." "And what about you, Bones? Have you thought about getting out of the service?" McCoy sat back against the wall. "I can't Jim, not without you, not without Spock. As long as one of you are out here, then I have to be here too. And don't think I wouldn't be happy being a hundred years old and still keeping our pointed-eared friend in line. I just can't imagine being anywhere else except with the two of you. If it's on the Enterprise, that's fine. If it's taking the tonsils out of your grandchildren, then by God, I'll be just as happy." The two sat in silence together until Uhura called down to inform Kirk that the Enterprise was nearing the Tridare system.

"Status, Mr. Sulu," Kirk inquired naturally as he took his seat in the Captain's chair. "We'll be within the Tridare system in one minute, Captain." Spock left his science post and went to Kirk's side. "Captain, the Roylan black hole is near the Tridare system. With its near infinite mass, it makes a formidable sensor distorter." "Understood, Mr. Spock. It seems we now have a device large enough for us all, not just the Avenger. Lt. Uhura, try hailing one of the Romulan vessels. See if you can reach their Commander." "Aye, sir." Uhura began hailing the space ahead in standard Romulan. A light flashed on her board. "I have ship to ship, Captain." Kirk pursed his lips. "Very good. On screen, Lieutenant." The main viewer faded for a moment, then became the distorted face of a Romulan commander. Uhura apologized for the effects the black hole was having on visual communication. Kirk made the best of the situation. "This is James T. Kirk of the Starship Enterprise representing the United Federation of Planets. We come in peace." He halted for a moment then said, "It has come to our attention that there is a large Romulan force by the neutral planet Tridare. Is there any difficulty and if so, is there any way we can assist you?" The screen went sharp for a moment giving both Kirk and the Romulan clear images of each other. It quickly distorted but the

Romulan's words could clearly be heard. "This is Commander Tulak, of the Romulan Empire. Greetings Captain Kirk, it is a great honour to finally meet you. In response to your question, the only difficulty we our experiencing is of Federation design." Confused, Kirk regarded the Romulan with his eyebrows knit. "Surely there must be some misunderstanding. Can we not meet to discuss the situation? If not on the Enterprise perhaps at a neutral site? To show our peaceful intentions, myself and my first officer will shuttle to Tridare. We will be unarmed. Perhaps there, we can discuss any misunderstandings." Tulak seemed to smile through the distortion. He felt a great respect for Kirk, but he did not want that respect to interfere with the safety of his Empire. Coyly, he replied, "Perhaps." The screen went dead. Kirk muttered to himself, "Well, at least he didn't say no." Addressing his communications officer, he directed, "Uhura, inform all ships to make for the Roylan black hole, keeping it between us and the Romulan fleet. Also have the Captains of the Lexington, Excalibur, Potemkin, and Avenger beam over. We'll meet in the main briefing room. And Lieutenant, invite Commander Kaarg. I don't think he'll come but ask anyway." Uhura nodded. "Aye sir." "Kirk to engineering--Scotty?" "Scott here, sir." "Scotty, I need you to modify a communicator so that it can reach the Enterprise from Tridare." An ordinarily formidable task for the best of engineers, Kirk was quite at ease with the demand, especially as it was Scotty he was asking. "All the way from Tridare? And with us hovering about a black hole?" There was a momentary pause leaving Kirk to smile. He could almost here Scotty muttering under his breath. "It will take some doing, Captain. It'll have to be a very tight beam to make out here. Even then I can't guarantee if it will have the power to make it past that beastie of a black hole's gravity." "Fine, Scotty. Do the best you can. See if you can give it an extra boost, and give Lieutenant Uhura the frequency when you're finished. Kirk out. Mr. Sulu, come with me and Mr. Spock. Mr. Chekov, you have the conn." One by one the Captains of each starship filed in with their respective first officer. Jeffrey Lee, of the Lexington, and his first officer Musar, part Andoran part Tellarite; Susan Fuller of the Potemkin, and her Vulcan first officer T'lar; Tomas Sandstrom of the Excalibur, and his first officer Korlak, a Burloin; and finally James Varien Kirk and his first officer, S'Manluk. Kirk nodded and exchanged pleasantries with each one. Strange, he thought to himself, how young each face appeared to him. Where were all the Captains he knew? "As you have been informed," began Kirk, noting the absence of

Klingons, "Mr. Spock and myself will shuttle down to the Tridare in an attempt to get all three parties to begin peaceful negotiations. We don't know why the Romulans are here, but we do know they have taken no hostile action whatsoever. We'll wait until directly fired upon. If that occurs, we'll take up Delta formation with Varien's ship at the centre, the Enterprise in the lead. The most important thing is that we don't get separated. I want a tight formation--the Romulans are notorious for attacking in force on one ship. As to the Klingons, let them handle themselves as much as possible. I don't want to lose one of our ships to a Klingon rash act." Captain Fuller commented, "It seems strange that the Federation would have three starships and a war prototype meet up with three Klingon warships just to start peaceful negotiations. Isn't that a little intimidating?" Kirk turned to Fuller. He could not just bluntly state that the Federation wanted a battle to cement ties with the Klingons. "I guess it's simply a show of force to ensure the negotiations remain peaceful." Every Captain in the room knew that Kirk's excuse was extremely uncharacteristic of the Federation and its tenet of peace first and foremost, even at the cost of lives. "Interesting the Federation would find it necessary to ensure a peaceful negotiation with a show of force," noted T'lar. Kirk brought the comments to a halt. "We're not here to question Federation reasoning, at least for the moment. Our first priority is to avoid war at all costs. While Mr. Spock and myself are on Tridare, Lieutenant Sulu with be in charge of the Enterprise. My Chief Engineer is modifying a communicator to allow us direct contact from the planet to the Enterprise. Let me make it clear that myself and Mr. Spock are completely expendable. No ship is to endanger itself or its crew on our behalf. There will be--" The briefing room doors slid open. Inside stepped Commander Kaarg and his first officer. They immediately found seats on their own. "Commander Kaarg," greeted Kirk diplomatically, "I'm glad you could make it. As I was saying, there is to be no war here, at all costs." Kaarg emitted a low growl, akin to a chuckle for a Klingon. "So, that is your 'order' is it Kirk--no war? I am disappointed, for there is much glory in war...that is, if you are not a coward. But I see you have a new ship with you. Surely you have not been making new warships with Romulan help?" Kaarg scowled suspiciously at Kirk, waiting for an answer. 'Yes,' thought the Captain of the Enterprise ruefully, "the Avenger.' Without pausing, he responded, "It is simply a prototype sent in case of need." Almost half-believing it himself, Kirk added, "If we wanted to keep it a secret, it would not be here, Kaarg. It is for defensive purposes only. We never provoke attacks, only answer them." Hopefully that would satisfy the Klingon's curiosity. It would have to.

Kaarg nodded as if he understood. "Defensive only," he mimicked derisively then turned to his fellow Klingon and commented, "Why Klingon should want peace with the weak and the cowardly of the Federation, I do not understand. They are truly 'kuve'." "Commander," reasoned Spock, "for you to describe the Federation as 'weak' and 'cowardly' is incorrect. All species must work together to obtain mutual understanding and appreciation for their existence. To desire war in this instance is not only illogical, it would also result in chaos for several hundreds of year for both Klingon and the Federation." "Vulcan has long been the puppet of the Federation. Where are your strings, Vulcan? Or have you been pre-programmed? Do you also clean the floors?" Kaarg erupted in deep laughter at his insult. "Kaarg!" roared Kirk. "You are under Federation orders. If you do not like that fact, then take your ships back home. We do not want war with the Romulans. Or if you like, once we have obtained a peaceful understanding, we'll leave and you can face the seven Romulan warships on your own. The choice is yours, but until that time, you will follow my orders. Is that understood?" Something in Kirk's stare caused the Klingon to cease his ridicule. "Three against seven, it would bring great glory to Klingon," he replied seriously. "But we will do it your way for now, Kirk. Speak, I will listen." Kirk nodded. "Mr. Spock and I will take a shuttle to Tridare. You will stay behind the Roylan black hole until you receive word from us. Under no circumstances are you to leave your position from behind the black hole. The gravitational distortion will not allow the Romulans to know how many ships we have, nor their exact location." This seemed to be good battle strategy to Kaarg and he nodded to his fellow Klingon officer. Kirk wanted the Klingons to stay put, and he used the reasoning to give himself enough time to negotiate with the Romulans without Klingon interference. Kirk finished. "Once you have received word from us, have two Klingon representatives shuttle to Tridare to ensure a three-party negotiation. Once done, we'll shuttle back to our respective ships and then return to our respective duties. Is this agreed, Kaarg?" The Klingon commander waved his hand as if brushing of a k'stat insect. "Agreed, Kirk, you may negotiate to save your fleshy skins." The words seemed to come a little too fast, a little too easy. Kirk stared right into Kaarg's eyes, letting the silence in the room thicken. Kaarg stood abruptly and spat out, "But know this Earthman, if there is battle, do not expect Klingon rescue." He turned to leave, feeling uncomfortable in the dry air of the Earthship, and the burning gaze of its Captain.

"If there is battle," echoed Kirk, halting Kaarg in mid-step, "we will not be the ones needing help." HOPEFULLY I'VE GOT THE DESCRIPTION OF THE BLACK HOLE RIGHT. I HAD A LITTLE HELP FROM STEPHEN HAWKING. THE LAST OF THE STORY WILL BE ON BY THURSDAY AND I'VE REPOSTED THE FIRST FIVE. TOMORROW'S PART IS...WELL, YOU'LL SEE. LOOK FOR PART SIX AS WELL. P.S., DOES ANYBODY REMEMBER THE NAME OF THE VULCAN FEMALE FROM STAR TREK VI THAT BETRAYED SPOCK? PART7 The magnificence of the Roylan black hole was laid out before Kirk and Spock on the port view screen of the shuttle. Parts of an interstellar gas cloud were being sucked directly into the event horizon, its molecules stretched to infinity and then disappearing forever. The black hole itself was not visible, but the particles directly in front of it glowed a faint red, infinitely hot from being dissected into the very essence of matter. The funnelling of the gas cloud into a limitless density made for a spectacular vision, a brilliant cosmic drain perhaps into another dimension, perhaps into the ultimate annihilation. A voyaging ship without the barest medium range sensors would not be capable of detecting the fore-warning x-ray emissions and would not ascertain the point of singularity until it was too late. The gravitational pull would be so strong, not even warp drive could give the vessel the power to escape. The experience of the Vulcan now at the helm of the shuttle heading into the Tridare system made the possibility of the Columbia falling into the Roylan black hole almost incalculable. "We will reach Tridare in fifteen point six minutes, Captain." "Fine, Spock. Let's send another welcome to our Romulan hosts." Kirk pushed a sequence of buttons, tying in the universal translator with communications. "This is Captain James T. Kirk aboard the shuttle Columbia. On behalf of the United Federation of Planets, greetings to the many Romulan vessels in the Tridare system." Spock raised an eyebrow at Kirk's tongue-in-cheek humour. "We request landing permission on Tridare." They waited for a reply. The main viewer materialized into the bridge of a Romulan warship. "This is Commander Tulak of the Romulan Empire. Greetings Captain Kirk, from all our welcoming ships." Kirk shot a glance at Spock. The Romulan Commander was almost being tonguein-cheek himself. "And an special greeting to the three Klingon ships with you, and you new prototype, the Avenger. Of course you may land on Tridare, after all, it is a planet shared by three cultures." The reply was much better than the one he had received on the Enterprise. Kirk noted just how well-informed his Romulan host was, but did not let the fact interfere with the diplomatic game they were playing. "Thank-you, Commander. I thought it best to ask seeing such a large Romulan honour guard." Kirk smiled courteously, then inquired, "Commander, is there any particular reason seven Romulan warships are all bunched together in one

system? I hardly think Tridare is that nice a place for shoreleave." The Romulan Commander regarded Kirk curiously. Perhaps he does not know. Perhaps, but this was Kirk. He would find out soon enough. "Captain Kirk, I agree that we should meet on Tridare. I believe there are several matters of importance we need to discuss." "Well," began Kirk, relieved to hear an opening for a peaceful dialogue, "since we are in the neighbourhood--" The Romulan lost his geniality, and became quite formal. "Yes, you are. In two of your earth hours, the main science hall." The viewer faded. Hmmm, mused Kirk, just when I thought we were becoming friends. "Mr. Spock, inform the Federation officials on Tridare of our arrival time." Tridare was a dry, old planet, completely reddish brown even at the poles. Most indigenous life lived inside the planet's surface where vast stores of water collected. In fact, the entire planet had no surface water, it having percolated through the thick dust layers and gathered in large pools in underground lakes and rivers. No intelligent life had ever been documented, but there were rumours of large, carnivorous sand creatures with very sharp teeth which discouraged any would-be travellers from roaming the planet. There were also the weak areas of the crust where one might fall a mile down into a black pool of water, and no one knew or wanted to know what interesting life might reside in the dark liquid. The only known sentient life was not indigenous and resided in the one city on Tridare, Babylon. It was there Spock landed the shuttle in the Federation terminal, a large dome with openings for incoming supply ships. As Kirk stepped out of the shuttle and waited for Spock to stand down the shuttle, the first thing he noticed was the temperature of the air. "It feels like a furnace in here," he murmured, looking around the large bay. A nearby terminal worker glanced over and shook his head. "You ain't been outside, yet. I wouldn't stand under the sun for too long. Your skin will never be the same." Kirk undid a few buttons on his uniform as Spock stepped out of the shuttle. "It feels quite pleasant here, Captain. The air is somewhat reminiscent of Vulcan." "Mr. Spock, I'm glad you approve. Now, where is our reception committee?" Kirk rubbed his hands together and looked around, but no one of an official nature could be seen. "We seem to have been snubbed," he pronounced glumly, still looking around once more. "You're sure you notified the Federation department of our arrival?" "Yes, Captain. Perhaps there has been a mis-communication." "C'mon, let's find the landlord. Time until the Romulan

meeting?" "One hour, thirty-two minutes, seventeen-seconds." "Right, let's go." Spying a central door with the blackened notice, "Terminal Office", they made their way through the loading bays of the port. Once through the door and into the small office, they found an obese, bespectacled man, his bald head shining with grease and sweat, hunched over a scheduling computer. He did not move as Kirk and Spock neared him, his acrid smell offending both their noses. "Excuse me, I'm Captain--" "Yea, yea, your ship's ready. Bay 4." "No, I'm Captain James T. Kirk of the Starship Enterprise, I'm here--" The man still did not take his eyes off the screen. "I don't have no starship here. Check the Rom term." Kirk let out a sigh and glanced at Spock. "Where's the main science hall?" The fat man ignored him, punching a few buttons on the computer. Kirk tried again. "Look, if you could just tell us where--" The man finally turned to face Kirk and Spock, the folds of his neck jiggling. With a sharp look, he glared at them both. "Hey, I'm no directory, and you better get that Rom out of this bay before he gets blasted." Kirk stared at Spock, then his ears. Of course, he thinks Spock is a Romulan. Turning to the fat man, Kirk said coolly, "Have you ever heard of the Romulan touch of death? All he has to do is touch you right--" The fat man jumped back, away from Kirk and Spock, probably the fastest he had moved in all his life. "What do you two want? Keep that Rom away--I'm an important man here. You could start a war if you hurt me--" "All we want to know is where the damn science building is!" shouted Kirk, verbalizing his frustration. "Science building? Everything is a science building, this whole place is for science." Spock interjected. "Would you have a main science building?" "Main--?" "Dammit, where's the biggest building on the planet?" roared Kirk. They had wasted valuable time in the sweating inferno of the terminal office. "That would be the Star Hall. It's five miles that way, but

you can't get there from here." Spock's eyebrow stirred while Kirk let out a long, slow sigh. "Then how do you get there?" A fat, stubby finger pointed towards the far wall. "Through those doors, then to the neutral terminal. You'll have to take a grav-taxi." "Fine, thank-you very much." Kirk turned to leave then stopped, lifted his arms and roared like a wild mugati seeing a juicy meal. The fat man's arms gyrated furiously, his eyes bulging. Kirk laughed after receiving the desire response. "Let's go Mr. Spock. Obviously we can't get anywhere from here." The two went out the door much to the relief of the large man inside, and followed the direction in which they had been pointed. A door stood out, its windows having long since been rendered impenetrable to light by the dust of a thousand supply ships. Entering, they found themselves inside the main lobby of the terminal where there were several parties of crews gathered together in chairs around tables, much like a bar. The multicoloured liquids they were consuming in the bottles set on the tables completed the effect. One man glanced up at the out of place Kirk and Spock. "Hey lookit, it's a Rom!" All eyes turned to Spock. "Hey Rom, can I use your ears to barbecue my steaks?" called a rather bulky looking man from a corner. There was a chorus of laughter inside the lobby. Spock was about to engage the man in polite debate over why he would want to use his ears for such a function when Kirk grabbed his arm and headed out the door across the lobby. "Hey Rom," they heard as they neared the door, "is it true you have a green--" The door shut closing off the man's question. They were outside, a large overhang from the terminal covering them from the sun. Kirk gave a pained look at his first officer. "Spock, your ears are apparently causing us some difficulty." "Indeed, Captain. Vulcan's roots with Romulus." "Indeed." While looking around for something to the 'Neutral' terminal, Kirk heard a voice from the shadows of a far wall. "You 'Fleeters want to go somewhere?" Out from the shadowed wall appeared a tall, thin humanoid, heavily clothed for the climate. His face was narrow and angular, his teeth pointed. Kirk smiled pleasantly, carefully studying the man. "Well, we seem to have some recognition at last, Mr. Spock. I am Captain James T. Kirk of the Starship Enterprise, and this is my first officer Mr. Spock."

Kirk waited for the man to reply, but his mouth simply curled up at the edges. Kirk decided to go to the direct approach. "Who might you be, and how is it you know we're from Starfleet?" "I am known as Callix," came the even reply. "Your uniforms are 'Fleet issue." "Fine, Mr. Callix. Would you know where the main science building is, possibly the Star building?" Kirk tried to capture the man's eyes, but a large hat kept them from view. "Sure, I know the place you want. I'm a 'Grav operator, I'll take you. Thousand credits." Kirk's mouth dropped. "A thousand credits? I could buy a trip to earth for that price!" The man started to edge back into the shadows prompting Spock to say, "Captain, since our time is limited, I suggest we bargain with the gentleman." "Look," offered Kirk sounding more reasonable, "we don't have any money with us, but if you take us to where we want to go, I'll see that you get your thousand credits." "I have heard that before," the man said smugly. With extra sarcasm, he added, "That's okay 'Captain', I think it is time for my meal break." Kirk turned to Spock then back to the man already invisible in the shadows. "Let's try it another way. Maybe we can reach the Federation representatives directly." Reaching in a back pocket, he pulled out his communicator. "This is James Kirk of the Starship Enterprise, is there anybody there?" Music could clearly be heard. "This Captain James T. Kirk," he shouted into the communicator, his frustration reaching a boiling point. Spock noted calmly, "The tight band, Captain, seems to be on the exact frequency of what I believe to be called 'the local radio station." A voice came from the shadows once more. "Give me that comm unit and you got a ride." It was Callix. "I can't give you my--" started Kirk, then thought again. He'd had enough of this planet already. "Fine, Mr. Callix, it's yours..." Teeth gleamed in the shadows. "...once we reach our destination." Callix nodded then motioned them to follow. Around the side of the terminal, a gleaming anti-gravitational rider stood ready. Callix edged into the pilot seat leaving Kirk and Spock to cram together into the back. The Grav rider was only a two-seater. While Callix lowered the darkly tinted hood, Kirk could be heard mumbling out loud at the discomfort of having to sit with Spock on his lap.

"...damn planet...nobody knows a damn thing...hot... communicator..." "Captain, please," interrupted Spock with obvious discomfit, "try to control your thoughts. They are most disturbing." Kirk, realizing that in such close contact with the Vulcan, his current reflections could easily be read, tried to think of more pleasant things. From the look on Spock's face when they finally pulled in front of a large, hexagon building, he had little success. "Ohh, geez, I don't think I ever felt so good in my life," sighed Kirk, as Spock was finally off of him. He turned to Callix. "I thought these things were supposed to give a smooth ride!" Callix feigned an apology. "It is an old model, and there are pockets of air that give it trouble." He then put out his hand expectantly. Kirk gave him a close look. For a moment, he hesitated. Then, reaching slowly into his pocket, he handed over his communicator. Callix smiled evilly. As if to be irritating, he opened the communicator up, adjusted the gain to full, and blasted off around a corner to the strains of music. "My communicator..." "I believe it is now an old style frequency modulation receiver, Captain." "You mean a radio." "I believe I said that, Captain." Kirk put a hand to his sore back and started into the building. Hearing voices, they went through an adjoining lobby into a large room where three men sat behind a large, black desk, their faces pictures of despair. Kirk burst in. "I am Captain James T. Kirk of the Federation Starship Enterprise. This is my first officer Mr. Spock who is a Vulcan, and not, I repeat, not a Romulan. I want to know who is in charge here." The three exchanged hurried glances. The one in the centre, his grey hair straggled about his head, spoke first. "I am David Stantial, head administrator for the Federation sector on Tridare. Thank God you got here. We think the Romulans have it." "Have what? I don't understand?" Turning quickly to Spock, Kirk snapped, "Time?" "Six minutes, seven seconds." Kirk went right to the table and faced the three men. "In six minutes, there will be two Romulan delegates beaming down. Between

now and then, I want to know what's happened. Why are the Romulans here?" Stantial exchanged looks with the two beside him and began. "Then you don't know?" Kirk made a face visually saying that was obvious. Stantial continued nervously. "Tridare is a scientific planet, we're supposed to share knowledge with the Klingons and Romulans equally. About a year ago, Professor Kennedy--Scott Kennedy--began testing a new theory in gravitational force centralization. He worked with a scientist from Romulus." Stantial swallowed giving Spock a moment to comment. "I am familiar with Scott Kennedy's work, Captain. A brilliant astro-physicist, his theories are quite remarkable. His last scientific logs detail the potential of utilizing the gravitational force of a large mass and converting its emitting graviton particles to usable energy. The technology today makes the theory quite feasible." "Yes," nodded Stantial, "but Kennedy under-estimated the potential. The force of a medium sized planet's gravity gives a viable energy source well above break-even, but that power was only convertible to usable energy on a small scale. But take something with infinite mass, with an immeasurable gravimetric field..." "The black hole," murmured Kirk. Stantial nodded his head vigorously. "Yes, the Roylan black hole. Kennedy's equations show the power potential is virtually unlimited. The only drawback is to build an energy converter capable enough to survive powering up. If that is possible, once operating, it simply draws the unlimited gravity potential of the black hole to control its own power intake. Do you realize what this means?" demanded Stantial, his eyes wide with fear. "Directly used, one could move entire planets. Gravity power conversion could also create rips in time and space, specifically applied--any where in the universe." "Then the Romulans must know about Kennedy's work," stated Kirk. "With the presence of seven warships, there can be no question," observed Spock. Kirk directed a question back to the administrator. "Mr. Stantial, where is Mr. Kennedy? We need to talk to him." Stantial swallowed. "I don't know...no one does. He's been missing for weeks. He was an eccentric, taking trips to the outlands past Babylon. Nobody goes there, ever. We figured he must have had an accident out there or something." Kirk nodded as if to say the reply was expected. "Mr. Stantial, is there a private room where discussions can be held, preferably with a security screen?" "You can used this room, it's as good as any, but you'll find no security screens anywhere in Babylon. They would violate the Tridare treaty of scientific collaboration."

"Of course," responded Kirk, "I should have realized. Time Mr. Spock?" "Any moment, Captain," replied the Vulcan. On cue, the Romulan commander Kirk had seen on the screen of the Enterprise appeared accompanied by a large officer. "Greetings, Captain, we meet again. this time face to face." "Commander Tulak," acknowledged Kirk. He motioned to Stantial and the two other men to leave. "I believe we have booked this room, gentlemen," he said casually. Stantial exchanged a fearful look at Kirk, avoiding the gaze of the Romulans as he left. "Well Captain, shall we be seated?" offered the Romulan. He was dressed in gold with a white sash and presented a striking presence. The Commander sat down while his companion, dressed in black with a silver sash, remained standing behind him, his eyes alert on Kirk and Spock. "Fine," said Kirk, taking a seat. "What brings seven Romulan warships to a harmless scientific planet like Tridare?" "Come Captain," admonished Tulak, "let's not play games. You know of the scientist Kennedy's work as do I." The Romulan put a hand to his chin. "I find it interesting that you remain behind the black star, you and your ships. Is it perhaps that you already have a gravitational converter? Are you employing it now as we speak?" Kirk gave the Commander his most serious face, his tone of voice matching it. "The Federation does not build super weapons, Tulak. We want peace for all races, not just for humans. We established Tridare as a show of our capacity to work with Romulans and Klingons alike. I can assure you, if we did have a gravity converter, it would be used for the benefit of all, not just the Federation." Tulak smiled craftily. "Does Federation gestures of peace include the building of superior warships?" Kirk swallowed. "Yes, we do know of your ship, the Avenger. It has a familiar design to the main body...Romulan, I believe." Kirk thought of the irony of the situation, and his own tenuous position in Starfleet. "Commander, I won't deny that the Avenger is a ship of war. But it was built as a result of the escalation of tensions between the Federation, and Klingon and Romulus. If memory serves, the design of your old ships came from Klingon!" Tulak almost grimaced. "We did not know of Klingon treachery and deceit. The alliance of Romulus and Klingon was an illconceived one on the part of our Praetor. But just as we were deceived by the Klingons, so will you be. They give no honour to anyone but themselves and even then, that honour is at the cost of another's life. We Romulans have respect for other races Kirk, especially Vulcan." The Commander nodded to Spock. "Humans and Vulcans have benefited significantly from their alliance. Perhaps

there is a way for Humans and Romulans." Spock felt compelled to speak. "Commander, we have much in common. Romulus rejected the philosophy of Vulcan once, but before that, we were all brothers sharing Vulcan. There are many roots upon which could be forged a union which would add greatly to the Romulan Empire. Do you not have a saying, Commander, there is much glory in war, but none compares to the gaining of a trusted friend?" The Commander chuckled. "Yes, you are quite right, Commander Spock. You and your Captain are well-known throughout the Romulan Empire. We have a great respect for you and your ship, and would welcome you as friends. Many would long to hear the tales you must know. But we do have a problem. The gravity equations." Kirk looked back to the Commander. I could like this person, he thought. "Do you have any suggestions, Tulak?" "There are three courses, Captain. One, we fight for the equations. Two, we share the equations keeping the balance of power. Three, we destroy the information or at least keep it secret. Can your Federation be trusted to follow the last path?" "I've got another wrinkle, Commander," informed Kirk, "there are three Klingon ships waiting to hear a reply from us." Tulak's face soured completely. "It is most unfortunate that they must be included. Klingons will desire one thing, the use of the equations for war. Their presence will also create difficulties for us, Captain. They will not be willing to negotiate. The hatred between our races is insurmountable." Kirk pursed his lips. "The Federation once thought so, with both Klingon and Romulus. You do have scientists here on Tridare, as does Klingon. Perhaps we can obtain a far reaching peace for all parties concerned." Tulak hesitated. Kirk pursued. "There comes a time when one man can change the destiny of the universe. There is plenty of galaxy for us all. And we can all benefit from a full co-operation in technology. Federation advances in--" "Kirk, I agree. You need not continue your 'sale' of the Federation. I am Tulak, next in line to be Praetor, and with his age, that will be soon. Any agreement reached here has the assurance of full Romulan co-operation." "And so with myself and the Federation," returned Kirk. "For one with such honour, I cannot question your word. You must be greatly revered in your Federation, Kirk." Kirk managed a covering smile. "If you would be so kind, Commander, as to request the Klingon presence. I seemed to have lost my communicator...which was only capable of getting music anyway." Tulak smiled. "That was Callix...one of Romulus' representatives on Babylon. The music was the result of a jamming device from our ship." Tulak reached into a pocket of his gold tunic and pulled out a communicator. "Tight frequency to enable

penetration of the gravitational effects of the black hole. Very impressive." Kirk grinned and took the communicator. "Kirk to Enterprise." "Uhura, here sir. Is everything okay?" "Fine lieutenant. Call our Klingon friends and have them shuttle over to the planet. We'll meet them in the main science building," added Kirk with a glint in his eye and no further elaboration, "Kirk out." Newsgroups: alt.startrek.creative Path: newserv.ksu.ksu.edu!moe.ksu.ksu.edu!zaphod.mps.ohio-state.edu!howland.rest on.ans.net!torn!newshost.uwo.ca!uwovax.uwo.ca!35002_4035 From: 35002_4035@uwovax.uwo.ca Subject: GREAT STORY PART 8 Organization: University of Western Ont, London Date: Tue, 20 Apr 1993 23:07:04 GMT Message-ID: <1993Apr20.190704.1@uwovax.uwo.ca> Sender: news@julian.uwo.ca (USENET News System) Nntp-Posting-Host: hydra.uwo.ca Lines: 676 WHAT DO YOU GET WHEN YOU MIX ROMULANS, KLINGONS, AND JIM KIRK... ...PART 8 Kirk and Spock had just returned from eating a meal ordered from the science hall cafeteria dispenser, Kirk grumbling about the lack of choice, when an angry Kaarg burst into the appointed discussion room. Thankfully, Tulak was still off in another part of the building and had not seen the Klingon commander's outburst. "Kirk," threatened Kaarg, "you have taken long. What treachery have you plotted with the Romulan dogs?" "Commander," replied Kirk diplomatically, "I see you've made it to our little gathering. I trust you are unarmed and have come to negotiate in good faith?" "I have no time for games, 'Verguul'. I demand to know what has been said. Why are Romulan ships here? What have you learned, Kirk?" Kirk glared at the Klingon. "Sit down, Kaarg. I've no time for your pettiness towards the Romulans. Whatever has happened between your two peoples, I want it left out of these discussions. Is that understood?" Kaarg said nothing. Kirk continued, "I suggest you sit down, Commander. We have a lot of things to discuss. But if you're not in the mood to talk with honour, then leave now. Do one or the other, but if you stay, it will be in the spirit of goodwill." Kaarg stood silent, debating within, then motioned to his second to sit. Taking a seat himself, he said dramatically, "Very well, Kirk. Again, I will listen. Then I will decide what action the Klingon Empire will take."

Kirk looked to Spock. The Vulcan's face was clearly concerned, but he was also curious to see what direction the discussions would take once the Romulans returned. Spock also knew, from many past experiences, if one man could reconcile three warring races, that man was Jim Kirk. "Kaarg," began Kirk slowly. trying to explain with empathy, "the Romulans are here because they are worried about a discovery one of our scientists made." Spock's eyebrow rose while Kaarg began to take a keen interest. "What discovery, Kirk?" asked the Klingon as politely as a Klingon could. "A way to utilize gravimetric fields, converting them into a source of power." Kaarg and his second exchanged a quick barrage of words in Klingonaase. Kaarg turned back to Kirk, forgetting for the moment his dislike for the human. "This must be a powerful weapon, Kirk, for the Romulans to send seven warships. Have they this weapon?" "No," replied Kirk sternly, "they do not. No one has as yet." Kaarg's dark eyes lit up in thought. Kirk saw what the Commander was thinking and said, "Kaarg, do not misunderstand. This should not be considered a weapon. It is for the development of planets which could not be colonized before. Or the saving of worlds which might otherwise die. We must share this knowledge with all races, Kaarg. It cannot be used as a weapon." Kaarg laughed from his gut. "Earthmen are weak, afraid to use power. They are not fit to join Klingon in battle. While Romulans have proved to be treacherous dogs, they know when to strike, when to take the advantage. That is why they are here in such force. They mean to take this weapon and destroy Klingzhai!" Kaarg's second let loose a guttural of language, obviously he was in agreement with his Commander. Sharp words came from the door of the room. "You see Kirk, this is the race you wish to have an alliance with." It was Tulak. Kaarg turned and saw the Romulan commander. "Conspiracy!" he shouted to his second and rose. Kirk stood, slamming his fist into the table. "There's no conspiracy!" His voice was commanding and caused all parties to stop and turned their eyes on him. "Everyone, sit down. Nothing will be gained if we end up killing one another." Tulak smiled craftily, making sure Kaarg noticed. He designed to keep the Klingon guessing as to how much, if at all, he and Kirk had joined together. "The Captain is right, as usual. We must sit and discuss. There is much to gain or lose for each Empire." Kaarg waited until Tulak sat, his Romulan guard standing behind. The Klingon's blood was rushing, his every instinct told him to leap into battle, but he waited. If the Federation and the Romulan Empire had formed an alliance, he must see that the home world be informed of this new treason.

Kirk took the initiative as moderator, introducing the pair. "Commander Kaarg, Commander Tulak." Both of their faces caught a look of disgust. Tulak spoke next, addressing Kaarg but looking only at Kirk. "The Klingons are mistaken about our desires. Had we wanted this 'weapon of war', we would have taken it by now. But we delayed until representatives from the Federation worlds came. We wish only to be satisfied that the use of the gravity equations are not for war against the Romulan Empire." "Lying dog!" growled Kaarg. "You were not able to discover the weapon's whereabouts. You try to trick us into giving you its location!" Tulak turned to Kaarg, regarding him coldly. "That is not logical. You do not have this weapon, nor does one exist on a usable scale. You are here because we allowed Babylon to call you. Perhaps that was a mistake in judgement." "Now listen, both of you," injected Kirk before things got too heated. "This planet was designed for the benefit of three races. Scientists from all three worlds are here in an effort to help our worlds, not destroy them." Spock spoke for the first time. "Indeed, gentlemen, we do not know for certain the gravity equations will hold for anything other than small scale use. This argument over their applicability as a design for an instrument of war may be completely unfounded." This seemed to settle both Kaarg and Tulak. Kirk pressed on from Spock's words. "There, you see gentlemen, what's the sense of risking a war for an untested set of equations?" He smiled amicably. "Why don't we set up a tri-party system, with chosen scientists from Babylon, to supervise further development, if any, of the gravity equations for peaceful use?" Kirk had them both now, and he was enjoying his lecture. "Each world will be kept informed of the progress simultaneously. The Federation is a vast collection of races from all over the galaxy, including Klingon. All benefit from the others." Half joking, he said, "One day, even Klingon and Romulan will sit down together in friendship, as they did once before." Kaarg's eyes lit up once more. "Never! We will never allow these scavenging cowards to sit with even the unworthiest of Klingons." Tulak Federation alliance? advantage, eyes as if Kor. smacked his lips at the comment. "Captain, why does the allow such a dishonourable people a place in their They are mad hounds ready to attack at a moment's even upon themselves." Tulak stared right into Kaarg's he knew Kaarg had personally murdered his predecessor,

Kaarg could not withstand his fury at the insult. Taking out a dagger from within an inner pocket, he flung it at Tulak's head. The Romulan commander ducked, easily avoiding the missile. His companion, who had been standing behind him, took the knife in the centre of his chest.

Tulak leapt up to his fallen guard. "You see, Kirk," he spat viciously, "never trust a Klingon." He pressed a signalling device within his vest, and seconds later disappeared in a shimmer of light. Kaarg laughed. "Coward!" he shouted into the light. "Run, we will find you in space." Kirk turned to Kaarg, his face livid. "Damn you, do you know what you've done, Kaarg? You've started a war!" Kaarg laughed again. "I did not come here unprepared, Kirk. My cloaked ship is close, within transporter range. I knew the Romulans would not attack us, at least while you remained on this planet, so I brought my ship into orbit. Now there shall be the glorious battle for the galaxy every Klingon has long hoped for. The Federation will side with us of course, until the Romulan dogs are beaten. Then we shall destroy the Federation and become the rightful masters of all." He pulled out a communicator and called to his ship. Even in the light of the transporter beam, Kirk could hear his laugh. * * * * * "The Romulans are attacking the Klingon vessel!" Sulu shot Chekov a look of disbelief. "Are you sure, Pav?" Chekov turned from the science post after checking again. "There's no mistake, Mr. Sulu, they should be within visual now." "Sulu, there's an incoming message from the Klingon flag ship. It's commander Kaarg." "Put it on the screen, Uhura." The starfield faded into Kaarg's face. "Enterprise, this is Commander Kaarg. Your Captain has been stranded on the planet. He may be dead. The Romulans have set a trap. They had no intention to negotiate. We must attack now!" Kaarg ended the transmission without allowing Sulu to reply, to ask what happened. Concern was on every face, the air tense on the bridge. "Go to red alert. All hands, red alert. Shields to maximum. Uhura, inform the other Captains what has happened. Tell them not to fire unless fired upon." Sulu swallowed nervously, wishing Kirk and Spock were here. But they weren't and he couldn't risk the ship to find them, that would be disobeying the Captain's direct orders. "Mr. Chekov, tactical station. Helm, come about the black hole. Take us in towards the Klingon ship. If the Romulans continue to attack, we shall be forced to engage them." "Mr. Sulu," exclaimed Chekov from the tactical post, "this is war!" Sulu gave him a return look, one they shared many times as helmsman and navigator. 'I know friend', it said. Aboard the Avenger, a large, black Vulcan confirmed the Enterprise report. "They are indeed attacking the Klingon vessel."

Varien swore under his breath. What could have happened down on the planet? His communications officer reported an incoming message from the Enterprise. "Enterprise to all ships. Red alert. Red alert. Do not engage Romulan vessels until ordered to do so. Maintain full alert and be careful. Enterprise out." "What's going on out there," Varien said aloud to no one. "All hands, red alert. Prepare all weapons, and stand by. Shields to full, Lieutenant." "Aye, sir," replied Dearla coolly. The Avenger's Captain pushed an intercom button on the side of his command chair. "Marty, put the distortion field back on line." On the view screen, the Enterprise began to manoeuvre into the Tridare system towards the Klingon vessel. "Follow her helm, but keep a good distance," directed Sulu. The Avenger's impulse engines glowed to life as she slid past the Roylan black hole and followed the flagship into the Tridare system. Aboard the Enterprise, Uhura was desperately trying to contact the Romulans. "Romulan vessel, please come in." Photon shots flew out of the attacking Romulan vessel once more hitting the Klingon ship directly. Uhura looked to Sulu and shook her head. Sulu pressed a button on the conn chair. "This is Commander Sulu to attacking Romulan vessel. Please disengage immediately and explain your actions." While Sulu waited, Chekov came in with a tactical of the Klingon vessel. "Number four shield's down, Mr. Sulu. She's beginning to overload on shields one to three." Sulu waited a moment longer for a response from the attackers. None came. "Take a shot across the Romulan bow, Mr. Staler." The young ensign on Chekov's left fingered the phaser control producing two beams between the Romulan and Klingon vessels. The Romulan cloaked and disappeared. "Sensors, Mr. Chekov?" asked Sulu calmly. "No trace, sir." Immediately, two Klingon vessels uncloaked and fired into the projected heading of the Romulan vessel. Most of the disrupting phasers carried through into space, but one shot struck the Romulan ship causing it to become momentarily visible. Four Romulan ships appeared in a circle about the Enterprise and the three Klingon warships. Empty space became charged with disruptors and torpedoes with seven ships firing simultaneously, the Enterprise caught in the middle. * * * * *

"Dammit, Spock, we've got to get up there." Desperation was evident in Kirk's voice, his brow knit in worry. Spock fingered the controls of an anti-grav rider, bringing it full into life. With his Vulcan memory, he easily guided the rider back to the Federation terminal, stopping directly in front of the doors where they first met Callix. Kirk jumped out and ran through them. There were no laughing cargo crews to be found in the lobby now. It was clear and quiet. Obviously the men had found out about the Romulan contingent near Tridare, or worse, there was a war going on above them, and they had left for safer parts of the planet. The emptiness of the bay fuelled Kirk's concerns. There was only the Enterprise shuttle Columbia. "Let's get out of here, Spock," he shouted to his Vulcan friend as the shuttle doors opened. * * * * * "Evasive action, now!" ordered Sulu. He had to get the Enterprise some manoeuvring room and out of the deadly fire of the Romulan ships. "Damage?" he barked to Chekov. "All shields are down, Mr. Sulu, and we won't have them until we get the warp drive back on line. Even so we were very lucky." Their luck was graphically evident. One of the Klingon vessel's engine nacelles had been cleanly sheared off, the point of amputation sparkling with uncontrolled energy. One Romulan ship had taken severe hits and was veering off, its hull having been breached in several places. Scotty called up from Engineering, his voice bristling. "Sulu, what's happening? We must have taken torpedoes at blank point!" "We've got a war up here, Mr. Scott. For some reason the Romulans have attacked, and we have no choice now but to fight back." "What about the Captain, Sulu?" Scotty's voice was clearly alarmed. "I don't know, Scotty, but we better have his ship in order when he gets back. I'd rather face the Romulans if it isn't." Scotty almost chuckled. "Right, Mr. Sulu. At least he knows he left the Enterprise in good hands. Scott out." The confidence Scotty showed in him made Sulu feel proud. "Uhura, patch me in to all our neighbours." Uhura's fingers played over some buttons and nodded to Sulu. On the screen, the damaged Klingon vessel burst into a blinding light having taken another photon from a Romulan ship. After the glow faded, all that was left was a few large pieces of space debris. "This is Commander Sulu of the Enterprise. All ships to battle formation. Attack the Romulans at will. Sulu out."

* * * * * The Columbia eased out of the landing bay and headed for the reddish sky. Kirk was furiously working over the shuttle's limited sensors in an attempt to discover what was occurring out in space. "Orbit in one minute, Captain." "Good, Spock. Maintain orbit until we find out what's going on out there," ordered Kirk. "Captain, I am picking up numerous bursts of communications," notified Spock. "Can you tie us in to the Enterprise?" Spock adjusted several dials. There was a burst of static. "...battle formation. Attack the Romulans..." The transmission faded into static. "Spock, that was Sulu's voice! Damn, they're attacking the Romulans--Spock, we've got to get out there!" Kirk's voice was urgent, emotional. "Jim," answered Spock slowly, "we would only make things worse. The Enterprise won't be able to drop its shields to enable us to enter the landing bay without risking serious damage. I suggest we remain in orbit and try to contact the ship. The logical course is to gain as much knowledge as possible from here." Kirk's fists shook with fury, not at Spock for he knew the Vulcan was right, but at his frustrating incapacity. He fingered the sensor dials once more while Spock attempted to penetrate the static and contact the Enterprise.

The Potemkin fired first, after seeing a Romulan decloak and shoot disruptors upon the Excalibur. Two more Romulans decloaked and spurted disruptors on the Potemkin. Captain Fuller shook under the double blasts and ordered the Potemkin into evasive manoeuvres. The two Romulan ships continued to pursue, firing in unison. Captain Sandstrom, his forward shields on the Excalibur overloaded, ordered a parallel course to the Romulan pursuers, firing starboard phasers at both ships. As the two returned fire, aft torpedo bays on the Potemkin lit up sending photon shots at the Romulans. Both were direct hits, sending one vessel spiralling away. The other Romulan fired again, first taking out the shields, then putting the Potemkin in complete darkness, disabled and vulnerable, her Captain dead. Jeffrey Lee on the Lexington saw the Romulan warbird coming in for the kill on the Potemkin. Simultaneous bursts of phasers and photon blasts erupted from his weapons bay, hitting the Romulan ship full in the engines, blasting the nacelles into debris. With only its momentum to propel it through frictionless space, the warbird fell directly into the nearby Excalibur. Tomas Sandstrom saw the main viewer fill immediately with the greenish hue of the Romulan warship, and knew a collision was imminent. Death was a

second away to the Excalibur, but it was a tribute to the bridge crew that no one screamed before that death. Both ships exploded in a brilliant flash of white light sending an expanding ball of debris into space. Just as the bright luminescence of the explosion was clearing, the emergency lights aboard the Potemkin came on. T'Lar sat in the Captain's chair, her uniform splattered with the red blood of her dead Captain, mixed with the green of her own. Tactical showed structural damage to the Potemkin mainly in the bridge section, the rest of the ship experienced a number of overloaded systems which had left the engineering crews scrambling to bypass the damaged circuits. All weapon's systems were functional, and forward shields were at twenty percent and climbing. The Avenger was at optimal weapon's capacity, the distortion field in full operation. The Potemkin, Lexington, and Excalibur had engaged three Romulan vessels while Varien had ordered the Avenger to move in near the damaged Enterprise. Two Klingon ships had been destroyed, and one Romulan. After the initial engagement, the lone surviving Klingon had moved off, finally cloaking after a minute of repairing the warp drive to nominal operation. The three warbirds also veered off, one of them cloaking out, the others having sustained too much damage to power into invisibility. "Enterprise," called Varien, "this is the Avenger. Can you give me a status report...how are you, Mr. Sulu?" Sulu appeared through a thin smoke of burned out circuits. "Enterprise here, Varien. Our shields are down, estimated ten minutes before warp drive is back on line. Scotty's pretty busy. but we came off lucky. Those disruptors pack quite a punch." Varien sighed in relief. "Understood, Enterprise. We will stand guard till then. Kirk out." The screen faded into the majestic Enterprise. Damn, Varien swore to himself, James T. Kirk should be on that bridge. He turned to his first officer. "Mr. S'Manluk, let me know the instant you detect an ionization trail. I want to know where the Romulan is before he materializes to fire. Lieutenant Manson, keep your fingers on the phasers. Target Romulan weapons areas." "Aye, sir." Varien detected a tinge of anxiety in his weapons officer's voice. "Everybody, I know things are tense, but if we maintain our concentration on our duties, everything will turn out just fine. Don't forget we're the best, that's why we're here." All eyes were on Varien, and he smiled warmly at their stare. "We've got a good ship and crew, let's do ourselves proud." 'And one hell of a Captain,' thought Lieutenant Dearla to herself as the tension on the bridge dispersed completely after seeing Varien's confident smile. "Captain," reported S'Manluk seconds later, "the two Romulans have cloaked out and are veering off." "It seems they have able repair crews aboard. Stay ready, we

should see something soon." Each member on the bridge returned their attention to their stations. Nervousness came once more, but it was from waiting, not from a lack of confidence. They did not have to wait long. S'Manluk's deep voice rang out. "Captain, I read two separate ionization trails. Courses 124 mark 16, and 975 mark 26." "Project course and fire," Varien commanded. High powered phasers shot out from opposite sides of the Avenger. They stopped abruptly in empty space which then materialized into two Romulan warbirds. Severe damage to both was evident by the fact that they had both stopped dead in space. "Helm, take us in an elliptical intersect course with both. Stand by photon torpedoes." "Course laid in," responded Lt. Dearla an instant later. "Torpedoes ready," called Manson. "Fire when weapons area targeted," ordered Varien. The Avenger swooped onto the first bird of prey which had still been reeling from the unexpected phaser attack. Two deadly points of light glided out of the Avenger and hit the Romulan ship. Varien turned to S'Manluk as the Avenger approached the next Romulan. "Direct hit in disruptor bays, violations in several areas of the outer hull." Varien nodded. On the screen, the second Romulan ship began to slowly move off. "Compensate course," ordered Varien, although Dearla had began to do so before he spoke. The Avenger emitted two more points of light, S'Manluk echoing his first damage report. "Excellent, Mr. Manson," commended Varien to his weapons officer. Manson nodded back with a slight grin. "Take us back to the Enterprise, Lieutenant Dearla." "Aye, Captain." As Dearla obeyed the order, a corner of the screen lit up in a small nova. "S'Manluk?" asked Varien, biting his lip. S'Manluk adjusted his sensors. "We have just witnessed the destruction of two ships, Captain. One Romulan, one Federation." Varien stared at the screen and felt a lump in his throat. "Lt. Dearla--" "Aye, Captain." The Avenger moved in towards the source of the light. Two Romulan ships were trailing away from the Lexington. The Potemkin sat motionless in space while the Excalibur was no where to be seen. "S'Manluk, scan the Potemkin," Varien ordered softly. "How bad?"

S'Manluk scanned momentarily then turned to Varien. "Shields at forty-percent, warp drive nominal. Extensive damage to the bridge area." "Get me Captain Fuller," Varien directed his communications officer. A smoking bridge appeared, a large section of casting lying beside the Captain's chair, a chair which First Officer T'Lar occupied. From the graveness of her Vulcan face, Varien knew Captain Fuller was severely injured if not dead. "Status, Commander?" T'Lar answered through a scramble of voices with typical Vulcan control. "Captain Fuller has been killed. Several bridge personnel also sustained injury. Tactical indicates warp engines are now operational." Varien nodded. "I'm sorry about Captain Fuller. I know she was a good Captain." T'Lar's eyebrow rose as if she were surprised at Varien's comment. A voice called out to her, causing her to snap out several commands. "Captain Kirk, we have detected two Romulan ships closing. Obviously they are not at full power capacity or they would be cloaked." "Confirmed," S'Manluk said. "Do you need any help, Commander?" Varien asked, meaning to keep the Avenger nearby until the Potemkin was fully operational. "This is not necessary," T'Lar responded. "Warp drive is restored." Varien nodded. "Fine. We'll handle the two Romulans. I suggest you stay with the Enterprise until she has been repaired. Kirk out." The Potemkin powered off towards the Enterprise leaving the Avenger to fight the incoming Romulans. "Let's move towards them," Varien said, "I don't want to give them a stationary target." Almost immediately after his order, the Romulans disappeared. "So they weren't as damaged as it seemed. S'Manluk, any reading?" Varien queried, looking at his first officer. S'Manluk gazed deeply into the sensor screen. "None, sir. Space debris is interfering with the sensors." Varien shifted back to the front screen. "Where's the Lexington?" "Twenty-seven mark 14." "Helm, let's see if she needs some help." Under Lt. Dearla's guidance, the Avenger shot into space and then slowed to a parallel course beside the Lexington. "Ship to ship," ordered Varien.

Captain Lee appeared momentarily on the forward scanners. "Captain Kirk, we were just heading back to the Enterprise. We were unable to catch the two Romulans. The Excalibur has been destroyed along with a Romulan warbird." Varien grimaced and replied, "Our sensors picked it up. We've disabled two Romulans. Two Klingon ships have been destroyed and with them, another Romulan. I think there might be three out there still capable of battle--" "Captain," called S'Manluk forcefully, "sensors are picking up two incoming ion trails. Closing fast." "Got it Captain," voiced Captain Lee, "I'll take the one coming in on 675 mark 19. Wait till they materialize." "Acknowledged, Lexington. Avenger out." The screen faded to the stars. "Lt. Manson, prepare a full plasma ball. I want no mistakes. Release it as soon as the Romulan materializes." "Aye sir." Manson brought the plasma cannon up to full. Even with the improved versions of the Romulan warbirds, the plasma ball would either destroy the Romulan ship, or render it forever inactive. "A hundred thousand kilometres and closing, Captain," informed S'Manluk. "Eighty. Fifty thousand--they are well within disruptor range. Thirty. Twenty. Ten--Captain, I don't think--" "Manson, fire now!" shouted Varien. A large ball of energy issued from the Avenger. A second later the screen became filled with blinding light. Another second and the light intensified further, then waves of energy began to batter the Avenger's hull. The entire ship pitched in space. Operating through touch only, Dearla kept the ship as steady as possible. Several panels erupted in a shower of sparks. When the light faded, the Lexington was gone. "Suicide!..." murmured Varien. "Indeed, Captain," concurred S'Manluk, "the Romulans had no intention of attacking. They ran straight for us. We barely detonated the approaching Romulan within safety limits." S'Manluk lowered his voice and continued. "The Lexington was destroyed completely. If I were to guess which ships came at us..." "The ones on which we destroyed only their disruptor bays," finished Varien sadly. "They sacrificed the only thing left..." S'Manluk nodded as he approached the Captain's chair. "Since they could no longer use their weapons, the Romulan ships headed straight for us. An effective but final strategy." Varien stared at his first officer. Did the Vulcan realize what he was saying? But he knew S'Manluk did not mean to be so cold--on log taps of the Enterprise he had seen Spock react the same way under similar circumstances. An appropriate response

would be, 'Would you try to feel for a moment, S'Manluk?' But Varien already knew S'Manluk felt, perhaps more than he imagined. Right now, however, he just wished he had completely destroyed the Romulan vessels instead of only taking out their weapons capacity. The Lexington might still be here... "Fine, S'Manluk," he finally replied. "Stay at your post and keep alert. As we have just seen, the Romulans will do anything for the final victory. Damage control parties to all sections." S'Manluk nodded in acknowledgement and went to the sensor station. "Damage is minimal, Captain. No major circuits. Repairs are already underway to the minor ones." Without sounding as drained as he felt, Varien said, "Take us back to the Enterprise, Lt. Dearla." Something inside him told him there was still more war to be waged. * * * * * "Fascinating." Interference from the explosions was already breaking up the image on the shuttle screen. "Spock, did you see that? A suicide run." Kirk's voice was heavy with sadness. "The Lexington is gone, Jim, but the Avenger was able to destroy the Romulan. Varien saved the ship in time." Kirk felt a stab of pride even through the sickness he felt in his stomach. Watching the battle rage, not being in the thick of it, he saw the senseless waste of life for so very little. It was all so unnecessary. And all so painful. "He's a good Captain, Spock. I'm glad to be leaving such an able successor." Spock raised a curious eyebrow. The screen broke up in static. Newsgroups: alt.startrek.creative Path: newserv.ksu.ksu.edu!moe.ksu.ksu.edu!zaphod.mps.ohio-state.edu!howland.rest on.ans.net!torn!newshost.uwo.ca!uwovax.uwo.ca!35002_4035 From: 35002_4035@uwovax.uwo.ca Subject: GREAT STORY PART 9 Organization: University of Western Ont, London Date: Wed, 21 Apr 1993 22:28:32 GMT Message-ID: <1993Apr21.182832.1@uwovax.uwo.ca> Sender: news@julian.uwo.ca (USENET News System) Nntp-Posting-Host: hydra.uwo.ca Lines: 830 THE BATTLE CONTINUES...PART 9, WHERE, AS ONE FAMOUS ROCK BAND ONCE SAID 'IT'S BETTER TO BURN OUT THAN FADE AWAY'. TOMORROW, THE END OF A GREAT STORY...OR THE BEGINNING OF A BETTER ONE. PART 9

The Enterprise's shields were back on line when the Avenger returned. The Potemkin was patrolling in a short weave pattern nearby in case the three remaining Romulans were still intent on further battle. T'Lar, now acting Captain of the Potemkin, reported all was clear. Varien informed both ships of what they knew already: the Lexington had been destroyed. From the backside of the Roylan black hole, the remaining Klingon vessel approached uncloaked. It was became apparent that is was the flagship, with Kaarg in command. Though the Klingon hailed only the Enterprise, Varien had his communications officer listen in. "...our weapon systems have been de-activated," reported Kaarg on his status, "we have only minimal shields." Chekov's sensors agreed with Kaarg's report. "There is no power registering in warp drive. There is no power in their disruptors either, Mr. Sulu." Sulu mumbled something to himself. It was strange the Klingon would give a report on the damage of his ship in so open a fashion. "Do you require assistance, Commander Kaarg?" Sulu already knew the response to the question. "No, Enterprise. We are enacting repairs." Kaarg seemed almost to smile. "We shall be battle ready in two hours." Any hint of a smile quickly faded. "Have you heard from your Captain Kirk?" There was apprehension in Kaarg's voice. Sulu doubted it was concern. "No. Since there have been no further signs of the Romulans, we will check Tridare now for the Captain's shuttle." Sulu had already made the helmsman lay in a course. Kaarg clearly smiled this time, but he did not look happy. "We shall be glad to locate your Captain for you, Enterprise. Since we have sustained damage, I suggest you allow us to locate him while you stand guard should the Romulans attack once again." It made sense, since the Enterprise was capable of taking on a Romulan attack and the Klingon vessel wasn't. "No, Commander, we have two ships for defense," declined Sulu regardless, "we'll find Captain Kirk ourselves. Thank you for the offer, Sulu out." The screen returned to the cold stars. Kaarg swore and glared at his officers on the bridge. He had hoped the Romulans would have fought better, at least damaging all the Federation warships. But the one, the Avenger warship. Its design was not like the others, it was more war-like, and its Captain fought well, as though he had Klingon blood. Kaarg would have to deal with that ship first, but he would have to wait...the Romulans would return and then he would use them to further the advantage. "Prepare to have all weapons charged at my command!" he growled to his weapons officer. The Avenger would have to be the first Federation warship to be destroyed. If Kirk made it back to the Enterprise, then so be it. He would deal with Kirk as well. As the Enterprise was about to engage a return course to

Tridare, the Romulans did come. The Potemkin's scanners were unable to detect them before they materialized and discharged their weapons. Three Romulan cruisers fired full disruptors focusing in on the Potemkin. Divide and conquer, thought Varien, Nelson would have approved. The Potemkin's lights went dark once more. Nothing remained of the bridge as the first salvo blasted it into space. The second severed both engine nacelles completely. The Potemkin was now a dead hulk. As fast as the three Romulans had attacked, they had disappeared. The Avenger and Enterprise could do little else but beam the thirty or so survivors that were left. The Enterprise sickbay and its Chief Medical officer had their hands full. "S'Manluk?" "No sign, Captain. The Romulans have disappeared. The sensors are reading too many ionization trails to co-ordinate an exact position." Varien thought immediately of the weakened Klingon ship. "Helm, after the Enterprise has beamed the last of the survivors up, take us back to the Klingon vessel. They'll probably strike it next and it's helpless without disruptor power." A minute later, Dearla moved the Avenger towards the battlecruiser. As the Avenger neared the motionless ship, a distortion pattern appeared on the star field directly ahead. "Weapon's follow the distortion! S'Manluk, ionization trail?" "One coming in at twenty seven point five--" "Weapons--" Lt. Manson fired the Avenger's phasers into nothing. They settled on a Romulan cruiser. An instant later, the Avenger rocked as two more Romulans appeared on either side. "Tactical!" "Only minor hits, Captain," replied S'Manluk coolly. "The distortion field has effectively prevented the Romulans from targeting direct hits. And Captain, the Klingon has powered weapons to full and moved off." Varien said aloud, "So he was only playing hurt, but why?" Snapping out of internal thought, he ordered, "Manson, target the visible Romulan with the plasma cannon. Helm, co-ordinate with weapons. Maybe if the other ships see what they're dealing with, they'll head home." Varien knew this was very unlikely. "We're within attack range of the Romulan now, sir" noted Manson. "Fire plasma cannon." The order came easily to Varien, even though it meant the destruction of the Romulan warbird. With the velocity of a phaser shot, the plasma ball overtook the Romulan and destroyed it instantly. It was a spectacular explosion of light, but Varien had already directed Lt. Dearla to bring the Avenger around. "S'Manluk, any sign of the Klingon ship?"

While S'Manluk immersed himself in the impossible task of locating the cloaked Klingon, the two remaining warbirds appeared and fired upon the Avenger. One disruptor shot was a direct hit. Immediately upon firing, they disappeared. The lights on the bridge faded for just a moment. "Damage?" "All shields down forty percent, Captain. From the close proximity of the Romulan vessel, it is remarkable that the shields still hold power at all." "Thank-you, Mr. S'Manluk." Varien hit a button on his command chair. "Bridge to engineering. How bad?" "O'Shean here, sir. We took quite a blast. You still have phasers, but I can't give you the plasma cannon and hold the shields up at the same time." "Fine, Marty. Keep it together for a while longer. We're almost clear." On the screen the Enterprise powered into view. "Enterprise to Avenger. Come in Avenger." Varien recognized Uhura's concerned voice. "Kirk here, Enterprise." "Varien, this is Sulu. We saw you take quite a shot. What's your status?" "Minimal damage, Enterprise. How many survivors from the Potemkin?" Sulu grimaced. "Thirty-two. Doctor McCoy says most of them are pretty bad. We're going to head for Tridare. There are some specialized medical facilities on the planet that will hopefully save some of the more severely injured. We'll also pick up Captain Kirk. He'll want to know what's happened." "Acknowledged, Enterprise. We'll follow you in. Kirk out." With the Enterprise in the lead, the two remaining starships made for Tridare. As soon as their courses were engaged, the Klingon vessel decloaked and appeared directly behind the Avenger. "Well," noted Varien, they seem to show up right when we don't need them." S'Manluk looked curiously at his tactical readout. "They have full shielding," he reported, "and are fully armed." Varien's brow had just knit in puzzlement at the information when the Klingon fired full disruptors and two torpedoes. The lights on the Avenger bridge went dim. There was a bitter smell of burnt circuits and human flesh in the air, as the emergency lights flickered on. Several bridge members lay scattered on the floor, some bleeding profusely. Ignoring his own injuries, Varien ordered a damage report.

S'Manluk replied quickly and efficiently. "No power to the shields. Warp drive out. Distortion field inoperative." "Kirk to engineering...Marty, are you there?" There was no reply. 'Damn', swore Varien under his breath. "S'Manluk, can you get me a tactical?" Lt. Dearla, her face burned, her uniform splattered in blood, lifted herself into the helmsman seat. Able to use only one hand, she hit a sequence of buttons and the front screen came to life. The Enterprise was firing at the Klingon ship. There were several direct hits before Kaarg veered off, his ship cloaking to ensure its escape. S'Manluk spoke, actually coughing once. "Several hull ruptures, Captain. Life support systems out in most of the ship. We have a small reserve of impulse power." S'Manluk stopped and looked again at the screen. For a moment, his tone registered a hint of emotion. "Varien, I'm reading a slow build-up in the matter/anti-matter pods..." Varien understood. He swallowed a lump. "Estimated time before explosion?" "Twenty-two point six minutes." There was an unnatural human silence on the bridge. Circuits crackled and hissed. Then someone moaned. Scrambling out of the command chair, Varien went to the communications chair. With care, he laid the man who once held the post on the floor and knelt beside him. He was dead, his face was almost unrecognizable, having been blackened from overloaded circuits. Varien could hear the skin sizzling, see it bubbling. It didn't seem real none of it, and he wanted to wake up and see his ship and crew healthy-proud once more. But it was real, and there was no time to dream it away. His duty pulled him to his feet. There was only one non-seared panel left on the board. With it, Varien was able to get the Enterprise through a field of static. "Kirk to Enterprise, have received heavy damage. We are forced to abandon ship. Request a medical crew to beam survivors over. Sulu's eyes widened in shock at the visual. Varien himself was openly bleeding in several places, his uniform torn, his face black from the smoke of burning circuits. Blood trickled from a gash near his eye. "Acknowledged, Captain," was all Sulu could say. There were not many survivors left on the Avenger, and those who were still alive were mainly in the forward sections. The rear of the ship had taken the full force of the Klingon attack from point blank range. Fifteen minutes later, Varien found himself staring up at the concerned face of Doctor McCoy in the Enterprise sickbay. "Well?"

McCoy was finishing a covering skin over the largest gash. "You should stay here, Varien. You've lost quite a bit of blood, but you'll be fine." Varien rose, doing his best to hide the rushing nausea from his effort. "I'm fine right now, Doctor McCoy. How is S'Manluk and Lt. Dearla?" "Lt. Dearla was hurt pretty bad. We're operating on her now...she should make it. S'Manluk is on the bridge. It's only 'logical' that he be there. Blasted Vulcans...I never know whether they're dead or not." Varien looked up at McCoy, and for a moment, the Doctor saw the hurt in his eyes. "How many were saved?" "The Klingons did a pretty good job, Varien." McCoy brought his eyes down to the sickbay floor. "Only eighteen are still alive." "Eighteen..." Varien's eyes misted. "I should have known--" "It wasn't your fault, Varien. How could you know the Klingons were going to attack?" McCoy could see the pain in the young Captain's face, and it was all too familiar. "Stay here now, and let Sulu handle things." Varien's face matted into concrete. "I'm going to the bridge. Don't try to argue with me, Doctor, I have a job to do up there." The young Kirk jumped off the sickbay table, took one look around at the injured bodies of his crew with those of the Potemkin, and left for the Enterprise bridge. * * * * * The tactical showed Kaarg had aimed well. The Avenger was completely incapacitated. He turned his sights on the Enterprise. Without Kirk, it should be an easy prize. "Action!" he ordered, and the ship uncloaked. Even as the last disruptor blaze at the Earthship, Kaarg had growled for a damage report. Their shields still held but were down fifty percent. His tactical officer reported two incoming Romulans both uncloaked. The Enterprise fired back at both, direct hits. He let loose a gutteral snarl that would sour Klingon ale. Still the Enterprise fought on as though Feklahr commanded her! But Kaarg did not mind. Everything had been as he had wished. Even Feklahr had to die to make to the Klingon underworld. "Cloak--Action! Helm, take us out of range." His commands were obeyed instantly. 'Yes', he chuckled to himself, let the Romulan dogs fight the Federation. Their new ships were nothing the Klingon Empire should be concerned about. Very soon, Klingzhai, and Kaarg, would have dominion. When Varien came to the bridge, his first sight was S'Manluk at Spock's station. Chekov was in his familiar navigations post beside a helmsman he did not recognize. Sulu was in the Captain's chair. On the main visual was his ship, the Avenger. As he strode to the centre of the bridge, Sulu turned and smiled warmly.

"Captain." As Varien nodded and went to stand beside Sulu, the Enterprise helmsman rose. The Captain's chair of the Enterprise was empty. Sulu motioned him in with a firm pat on the shoulder. Turning to his accustomed post, he relieved the man at the helm. Chekov settled in his navigation's chair a little more comfortably with his familiar friend at his side. Varien hesitated for a moment only, then took his father's place as Captain of the Enterprise. "S'Manluk, time before Avenger overload." "One minute, eight seconds," the Vulcan said promptly. Turning to his sensors, he continued, "Two Romulan warbirds are approaching once more. From opposite directions, this time, Captain." "Status, Mr. Chekov." "Shields down to half, Kaptin. Weapons at full power, torpedo bays stand ready." Varien's eyes flashed. "S'Manluk, is the Avenger's navigational computer still functioning?" "Yes, Captain," came the reply after a moment. "And it has port phaser capacity." "Punch in the Avenger's over-riding security code: 26543K1 Omega. Control to Mr. Sulu," Varien ordered quickly. "Time to explosion?" "Thirty-five seconds," replied the Vulcan. As Varien was about to speak again, McCoy exited the turbolift and stood at the side of the Captain's chair. Varien nodded to McCoy's warm smile and said, "Mr. Sulu, I don't think our Romulan friends know the full extent of Avenger's damage. Take her on a direct course to the estimated point at which the Romulan ships will converge." "Switching control now, Captain. Twenty-five seconds to antimatter detonation." "What are the Romulan headings?" "345.18 and 876.19." "Take her, Mr. Sulu." Sulu played over an auxiliary helm control. Varien watched as the Avenger began to slowly move towards the incoming Romulans. "Romulan ships have altered their course. They are coming right at the Avenger," announced S'Manluk. Sulu watched a small display board for tactical as he took the Avenger farther away from the Enterprise.

"Twelve..." S'Manluk began. "Sulu, fire Avenger phasers," directed Varien. "Don't worry about accuracy." "Ten..." Sulu danced with the controls. Phasers burst out of the Avenger's side, barely missing an oncoming Romulan. It was a miraculous effort. "Eight...Disruptors powering up...," read S'Manluk on several boards simultaneously. "Seven...Romulan ships are eighty thousand kilometres and closing...six...forty thousand and closing..." "Good-bye, my love," whispered Varien. "Two...one..." S'Manluk looked to the forward screen. There was a rainbow explosion of colour, then the Avenger was gone. S'Manluk and Varien exchanged a silent glance between each other, sharing their grief for a brief moment. "Damage to the Romulan ships, Mr. S'Manluk?" Varien asked quietly. "Severe damage to both ships, Captain. I read no warp drive, nor weapons capacity. They have been disabled." "Lt. Uhura, would you hail the Romulan ships. Perhaps..." Kaarg's vessel materialized by the two Romulans. Cold disruptor fire brought a quick end to both ships. The Klingon cruiser cloaked out once more. "Damn," swore Varien, "what is with those people?" Sulu turned to the young Captain. "The Romulan's would not have surrendered. The Klingon ship did them a favour." Varien regarded Sulu carefully, then turned to his first officer. "S'Manluk, projected heading of the Klingon vessel." "I read a direct course to Tridare, Captain. A faint ion trail confirms the projection." "Mr. Sulu..." "Course laid in for Tridare, Captain," replied the helmsman. "Lt. Uhura, try raising the Columbia. See if we can warn the Captain and Spock." Varien focused his full attention on finding his father. There would be more than enough time later to think about the Avenger and his crew. Uhura tried again. "Enterprise to Columbia, come in Columbia..." "Columbia here, Enterprise." Though the reply that finally came was distant and filled with static, everyone recognized Spock's voice.

"Enterprise, what's your status?" It was Captain Kirk. He sounded tense, and worried. Uhura waved to Varien and he answered, "We're fine, Captain. S'Manluk reports that the Klingons are headed your way...be careful of them." "What do you mean...Spock, is that--" The transmission abruptly ended. Varien shot a look to Uhura. "Blocked at the source," she said simply. Then putting a hand to another panel, she declared, "Another transmission coming in." Varien's eyes flashed with hope. "From the Klingon vessel," she specified. Varien felt the blood leaving his face. "On the screen, Lieutenant," he instructed hurriedly. "Enterprise, this is Kaarg. I have your Captain. Either you release your ship to me, or he and the Vulcan first officer will be killed." His message was short and succinct. Varien showed no emotion. He could hear McCoy and the rest of the bridge uttering curses. And he felt an incomparable loathing for the cold, reptilian-like creature on the screen before him. "This is acting Captain Ki--Varien. Please specify your terms." Several glances shot out from the bridge of the Enterprise at Varien's words. Kaarg laughed in response. "Watch, Earthling worm." The screen faded into a star field, then the Klingon cruiser appeared. Held firmly in a tractor beam behind it was the Columbia. Varien, puzzled, turned to S'Manluk as the Klingon cruiser passed by. "Heading?" S'Manluk looked up from his sensor board. "To the Roylan black hole, Varien." "Helm, follow them." Varien commanded, and then slumped in his chair, showing for a moment the tremendous strain he felt. McCoy spoke, and his words felt like acid. "Well, Varien, welcome to the world of Captain of the Enterprise. What are you going to do?" Varien straightened up, strength returning. "We're going to wait Doctor." McCoy's eyes glanced up and down Varien's face. "You can't let Jim and Spock die." "I know, but I can't give them the Enterprise. They'd kill us all anyway." McCoy became quiet. It wasn't Jim Kirk he was talking, but it could have been. "The Klingon cruiser has stopped, Captain," announced S'Manluk.

"Position?" "Critically close to the black hole. With their energy expenditure on the tractor beam, they will be unable to hold their position for more then three point six minutes. After that time, they will not be able escape the gravitational effects of the Roylan black hole themselves." Varien nodded. This Kaarg did not leave much to chance. The screen faded into Kaarg once more. "Acting Captain Varien, what is your decision? Surrender the Enterprise immediately, or we will release your Captain into the black hole where he will be crushed into infinity." Varien glared at the Klingon commander. Kaarg continued, almost in child-like ecstacy. "The great Captain Kirk and his Vulcan friend, squashed as though no more than annoying insects and all the universe will rejoice when it hears of their fate. Such a pitiable death, but no more than any spineless Earthman deserves." Kaarg laughed deep within his bowels. "You have thirty seconds, Enterprise, then Kirk will be no more." The screen faded into the Klingon cruiser and its tenuous beam holding the Columbia from certain death. "S'Manluk," burst Varien, "can you calculate the velocity necessary to intersect the released shuttle. If we could get close enough to transport them out..." S'Manluk raised an eyebrow. "Calculating now, Captain." "Hurry, S'Manluk, hurry." McCoy put a hand out to Varien's shoulder. The Doctor nodded in approval. Varien felt his heart racing. They would do it, he knew they would. "I have the figures now, Captain," notified S'Manluk. "If the Klingons maintain their present position, we will need warp one point two in order to escape the black hole's gravitation. However, there is only a forty-eight percent chance that we will be able to lock onto Captain Kirk and Mr. Spock. If we could contact the Columbia, they could co-ordinate with us and increase the probability to fifty-nine percent." S'Manluk did his best be master of his rising fears. Probability calculations mixed with thoughts of Spock, of a detention cell, the closed space, humans asking question after question...but he concentrated, and controlled his emotions, as his mentor would wish. "Uhura?," asked Varien, staring at the shuttle on the main viewer. "The Klingon cruiser is blocking all transmission, sir." Varien nodded. "We'll have to take what we've got. Sulu, stand ready. Mr. Chekov, plot our course. Make sure you give us enough space to reach warp 1.2. Kirk to engineering, Mr. Scott?" "Scott, here." "Scotty, we're going to needed all the power we can get to the transporters. Divert all unnecessary systems, including shields. All I want is warp 1.2. and two strong transporter beams."

"Aye, Captain, understood. Scott out." "Mr. Chekov?" "Course laid in sir." "Stand by helm. Co-ordinate with Mr. S'Manluk and tie the transporter beam in with the ship's computer. We're going to beat the odds. Uhura, get me Kaarg's ship." Uhura complied and Kaarg appeared, observably gloating. "Well, Enterprise?" he asked contemptuously. "Kaarg, go to the devil!" With a sharp wave of a hand, Varien had Uhura cut the transmission. "Now, Mr. Chekov, engage!" The Enterprise veered off into open space. Reaching the necessary distance, she pivoted back and surged into warp speed. S'Manluk spoke aloud what the screen before them showed. "The Klingons have released the shuttle and are moving off." "Sulu, stand ready. Uhura, get me the Columbia." Kirk and Spock appeared on the bridge screen. McCoy mumbled about a sight for sore eyes. "Dad," shouted Varien, "we're going to slingshot in and beam you out. Give the shuttle as much power as you can towards us." Spock turned to the shuttle engines and began to rapidly press a series of thrusters. Kirk said to Varien, "I'm sorry about your ship, son. The Enterprise?" McCoy broke in. "The Enterprise is fine, dammit! Get that pointed-eared Vulcan working on getting that shuttle out of there!" Spock raised an amused eyebrow. Kirk smiled. "Three seconds to intercept course," notified S'Manluk. 'C'mon,' Varien prayed silently, 'just this time, just this one time'. "Now!" announced S'Manluk. The lights on the Enterprise dimmed as the transporter beams shot out. For a moment, it grasped fully both Kirk and Spock, but the black hole seemed to reach out and push the one beam away from the shuttle the shuttle. The beam snapped back to the Enterprise leaving one occupant stranded in the shuttle. Varien did not want to believe his eyes. Sulu confirmed it. "We missed one." "Helm, all stop. Reverse course, now!" Varien gripped the side of the Captain's chair as hard as he could. "No, it can't end this way, I won't let it! It has to be both. Both!" The screen sparkled then settled on the Columbia. Any where else, and the shuttle would appear to be travelling normally in space. But the black hole, and its glowing outer edge was there,

and it was claiming the shuttle. Uhura managed to patch in a visual. Captain Kirk was sitting back in his chair, his hand thoughtfully supporting his chin. Spock had been saved. The Enterprise bridge was a confusion of shouts and cries. Kirk turned to his viewer. "Good try, Varien, you almost made it. Spock is safe?" "Dad!" Kirk smiled softly at his son's cry. "Take care of my ship, son. She's yours now." On a corner of the bridge, S'Manluk closed his eyes for a moment, then raised his hand. The dark fingers were shaking as he formed them into the familiar V. "Live long and prosper, Captain Kirk." Spock was on the bridge now. He went to Varien side, his eyes wide, almost with disbelief. "Jim..." Uhura's eyes let known what her heart was feeling. Sulu and Chekov both were shouting words that no one could understand. Scotty jumped out of the turbo lift and stopped dead in his tracks as he saw the screen. Kirk smiled at him. Scotty gave him a salute and a return smile. "Take care, Captain," he said softly. The lump in Varien's throat made it futile to try and swallow. "Take me sailing," he whispered softly. "We'll take Mom this time..." McCoy stared for a moment at his best friend, his mind fighting the knowledge that he would never see him again. "Jim, NO! Don't leave me alone! Damn you, don't leave me!" The image was beginning to become distorted, stretched. Jim Kirk lifted a hand in farewell to his friend. "Good-bye Bones. You and Spock look after my son." With a smile, Jim added, "And my grandchildr--" The screen broke up. McCoy screamed through his tears. "No! No! We're supposed to die together! Don't go! Jim! Jim!" McCoy shouted to Spock, believing the Vulcan could do something to make things right. The main viewer became clear, showing a shuttle gracefully heading into infinite space. A deathly silence fell over the bridge, each person alone in their agony. The shuttle seemed to lift up for a moment, its forward pointed to the stars. Then the black hole twisted the end around and the shuttle disappeared into the death star's glowing event horizon and was gone. McCoy slumped down to the floor, his face hidden in his trembling hands. Uhura turned to her communications console, tears burning her eyes. Sulu and Chekov stared at their own boards, too numb for emotion. Scotty stood silently by the engineering post, feeling out of place on the Enterprise for the first time in his life. Spock privately endured the inmost pain from the loss of

contact of his companion, but did not show any visible grief; Jim had been right, he had said he was meant to die alone. Varien was biting hard into his fist, still not believing, still trying to reason out how to save the shuttle, how to save the Captain of the Enterprise, how to save his father. A white speck appeared on the front viewer, moving amongst the stars. For a moment, Varien's heart skipped with joy. The speck grew into a discernable configuration. Varien's pulse raced with rage. "Mr. Sulu," he cracked, "there is a Klingon war vessel still out there. Please compute the Sulu attack strategy. Helmsman, I want that ship destroyed." The command was dry and cold, an excellent dish of Klingon revenge. Sulu nodded and began to move slowly. As he saw the Klingon warship grow larger, he moved faster and faster, anger rising in his veins. Chekov waved a fist at the screen, at the Klingons who had taken his idol away. Immediately he commenced working in tandem with Sulu, preparing navigations for the attack. Varien, his face impassive, kept his eyes on the screen as he vocalized, "Mr. Spock, see that Mr. Sulu has the full cooperation of the ship's computer." Mr. Scott, can you bring your engines to full power for one last time." Scotty nodded. "Aye, Captain, one last time." S'Manluk turned to the science station and gazed at Spock who had made no comment at Vafrien's commands except the raising of his eyebrow. Though he sensed Spock's grief, he watched as his 'moso wan' calmly fed the navigational equations into the computer, feeding the results to Mr. Sulu. Slowly, as if taunting Varien, the Klingon cruiser grew larger and larger on the screen. Sulu turned and signaled he was ready. The Enterprise waited for his command, hungry for revenge. "Mr. Sulu, prepare to destroy the--" "No!" Varien whirled in surprise at the harsh protest. McCoy rose slowly, his eyes bright red, his cheeks wet. "Don't destroy them, Varien." Varien looked carefully into the eyes of the ship's chief surgeon. He didn't want to feel, he didn't want to think, in case of breaking down on the bridge, yet he managed to say to the Doctor, "Why? Don't you realize what they've done?" McCoy saw all the faces of the bridge angrily staring at them, all except Spock's. "Is this what we're here for?" he cried hoarsely. "Is this what the Enterprise has stood for? What would Jim say if they saw this? If we destroy that ship out there, we're no better than they are...and that means we'll have learned nothing since the first day we brought the Enterprise out." McCoy's voice was trembling with pain. He directed a final gaze at Varien. "Jim might have made the same mistake as you when he was your age, Varien. But not now. That's why he went out in that blasted

shuttle. He wanted peace for all people, even if he had to give his life for it." McCoy's eyes fell to the bridge floor. "Don't let that life be wasted for nothing," he whispered roughly, and then left the bridge. Varien, after a moment of silence, applied his attention to the Klingon warship. "Mr. Sulu, belay that last command. Mr. Spock, what is the Klingon ship's status?" For a split second, Spock hesitated, still feeling the powerful words of Doctor McCoy. It was no wonder Captain Kirk had engendered so much respect for the man. "The Klingon vessel is still approaching us slowly, Captain. Fifty- thousand kilometers...they are arming their disruptors now." Varien nodded. "Apparently they are unsure of our status. Mr. Chekov, target phasers to overload their shields. Lt. Uhura, raise the Klingon Commander immediately afterward." "Phasers armed and ready, sir," responded Chekov. "Fire phasers." Several streams shot out directly hitting their target. The envelope of the Klingon's shields sparkled then faded, leaving them inoperative. "I have their Commander, Captain," informed Uhura a moment later. "On the screen, please," Varien requested with satisfaction. Kaarg appeared, his arms across his chest, his face smug. Varien felt an almost uncontrollable rage welling up inside him, but he was able to control it, enough so as to keep his face stolid. Kaarg spoke first. "Acting Commander," he acknowledged. Varien smiled with pride. "This James V. Kirk, acting Captain of the U.S.S. Enterprise. I order you to surrender your vessel in violation of Federation and Klingon treaty." Kaarg laughed. "You were in command of the earthship Avenger, were you not? You fight well for an Earthman, but we destroyed your ship regardless. And you also say you are Kirk. Quite remarkable for a dead man. I did not know falling into a black hole turned one into a boy..." Varien sat up in the captain's chair, icily regarding the Klingon. "Surrender your ship or we will finish what we started!" The smile left Kaarg's face. "Do not threaten me, Earthman! It is you who will be destroyed!" Varien waved a hand. Uhura responded by causing the screen to go blank. "Mr. Sulu and Mr. Chekov," he said casually, "disable the Klingon ship, please. Fire when you are ready." Torpedoes and phasers burst out of the Enterprise. There were no misses. The Enterprise passed by the reeling warship, firing

directly at the Klingon's engines. Less than a minute later, Spock was reporting the Klingon ship completely incapacitated. Thinking of Kaarg's face now, Varien matter-of-factly said to the Chief Engineer, "Mr. Scott, I believe we have some garbage to haul back to Starbase 1. Get a tractor beam on the Klingon ship." Scotty nodded. "Navigator, lay in a course for the Starbase. Three-quarters impulse, helm. Mr. S'Manluk, monitor the Klingon vessel closely for any energy build-up. I want to know ahead of time if they are going to destroy themselves." Everyone moved quickly to perform the commands. With their minds occupied for the moment, they could put off their feelings of emptiness and heartache. Uhura called to Varien. "The Klingon commander is hailing us, Captain. He demands to speak with you." Varien waved his hand across the screen and Kaarg appeared. "Kirk," he spat, "you attacked my ship without warning! You will pay for this! Your Federation will not be pleased to learn of this treachery!" Varien shook his head, wondering if the Klingon before him actually believed what he was saying. "Commander, you are formally charged with willfully murdering numerous Starfleet crewmen, not to mention the destruction of several ships. You have probably caused a war with the Romulan Empire which will result in the deaths of countless innocent people. You have destroyed my own ship and you have also murdered my father. Not bad for a day's work!" Kaarg stared through the space between the two ships. "So you are Kirk's son. I thought the one was dead." "That was another son which your people murdered without cause." Kaarg nodded slowly. "I will remember you Kirk, and we shall meet again. You are much like your father." The screen went dead. "Whoever wants the helm can have it, gentlemen," called out Varien weakly, "I'll be in my father's quarters." With that, Varien left the bridge exhausted, the rush of adrenalin gone leaving him with feeble legs and an exposed heart. Newsgroups: alt.startrek.creative Path: newserv.ksu.ksu.edu!moe.ksu.ksu.edu!zaphod.mps.ohio-state.edu!howland.rest on.ans.net!torn!newshost.uwo.ca!uwovax.uwo.ca!35002_4035 From: 35002_4035@uwovax.uwo.ca Subject: GREAT STORY--END Organization: University of Western Ont, London Date: Thu, 22 Apr 1993 23:28:24 GMT Message-ID: <1993Apr22.192824.1@uwovax.uwo.ca> Sender: news@julian.uwo.ca (USENET News System) Nntp-Posting-Host: hydra.uwo.ca Lines: 239 THIS IS THE LAST OF A 'GREAT' STORY. THE ENTIRE STORY WILL BE POSTED NEXT WEEK FOR THOSE WHO MISSED ANY PARTS. I MUST DEDICATE ANY WORTH DERIVED FROM IT TO GENE RODDENBERRY. FOR THOSE WHO HAVE READ ANY PARTS, I THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME

AND FOR SHARING MY EFFORT. IF EVEN ONE LINE MADE YOU SMILE, CONSIDER ME SATISFIED. FOR JAMES T. KIRK, WHO KNOWS WHERE OR WHEN HE IS. BUT HE'LL NEVER DIE, AND NEITHER WILL THE IDEA WE CAN ALL WORK TOGETHER IF WE REALLY WANT TO. EPILOGUE They were in Jim Kirk's quarters. The pieces of antique sailing artifacts seemed to bring the sound of the sea closer to Varien's ears. McCoy took another deep gulp of Saurian brandy and said, "Jim and I spent a lot of time in here drinking this stuff. He never liked it, but he always drank it." The Doctor's eyes were red and puffy, as were Varien's. A transmission from Starfleet came in, Uhura channelling it through. Behind the Starfleet seal sat an Admiral neither Varien nor McCoy recognized. "We have received and reviewed acting Enterprise Captain Varien Kirk's report. While we acknowledge the great loss of life and the destruction of several Federation ships, we must also recognize the mitigating circumstances and must respect Commander Kaarg's reactions to fears of a clandestine Federation/Romulan treaty. Therefore, as a show of good faith to our Klingon friends, all charges against Commander Kaarg are hereby dismissed and the Enterprise is hereby ordered to aid the Commander in any way possible. With regards to the planet Tridare, it must be recognized that the entire effort was indeed a mistake and the city of Babylon will forthwith be dismantled and all Federation and Klingon scientists and personnel evacuated immediately. Furthermore, acting Enterprise Captain Varien Kirk is relieved of all duties pending a full investigation. Starfleet out." The screen went dead, leaving Varien to shake his head in disbelief. McCoy put a hand on his shoulder. "Did you expect anything less, Varien?" "Perhaps not for me, but at least for Dad. To let Kaarg off..." "For the peace of the galaxy," echoed McCoy derisively. "Now the Klingons and the Federation have a common enemy." McCoy shifted to face Varien. "What will you do, son?" Varien shrugged. "Go home, look after Mom, and Grandma. It looks like my career is finished." A big gulp later, he added, "I don't think I want anything to do with Starfleet and their political games. It's hard enough worrying about your crew's lives...and their deaths." McCoy smiled. "I remember once, it was an early mission, our first meeting with the Romulans. Jim was sitting just about where you were on the old Enterprise, and I said to him something I heard them say to an old customer: 'In this galaxy, there's a mathematical probability of 3 million earth type planets and in all the universe, 3 million million galaxies like this. And in all of that, and perhaps more, only one of each of us--don't destroy the one named Kirk'." McCoy put a hand out to a weary shoulder and said softly, "You're that Kirk now, Varien." Varien fought back a rush of emotion. "Where do you suppose he is?"

McCoy bit his lip and looked into his glass. "I don't know, maybe in another universe somewhere...perhaps he hit a Hawkins' wormhole sending the shuttle off to another part of our universe." He did not want to say what they both really felt: that Jim was dead, really dead. Varien saw a mist in McCoy's eyes. "And what are you going to do?" he asked in return. McCoy kept staring into his glass as he replied, "It's time for this old country doctor to head home. I never liked these sardine can ships..." His voice trailed off, his mind lost in thought. Varien sipped the brandy until McCoy came back. "Varien, I want you to have something--something very special. I know Jim would feel the same." Reaching over to a compartment under the desk top, McCoy punched in a sequence of numbers on the lock. He reached inside and lifted out a gold shirt embossed with a command insignia, and passed it over to Varien. It was a Constellation class Captain's uniform shirt. "That was Jim's first ever Captain's shirt," explained McCoy. "It was the one thing he had saved from the first Enterprise." Varien held the shirt reverently, fighting back an urge to break down and cry. How many log tapes had he seen his father make in this very same shirt... The door buzzed. "Come," called Varien roughly. Spock and S'Manluk walked in, looking somewhat uncomfortable. Awkwardly, S'Manluk said, "Captain, uh, I received notification that you were relieved of duties..." Varien smiled. "Hmmm, news travels fast. Sit down, S'Manluk, Spock. We were just reliving old times." S'Manluk, looking stiff, sat down beside McCoy. "I grieve for you," the young Vulcan said unexpectedly to the doctor. McCoy brought his eyes out of the glass and said to S'Manluk. "Thank-you. And I for you, Spock," McCoy added, his words beginning to slur. "You lost your one and only friend. But now you are the one and only Captain of the Enterprise, to carry on her great tradition." Spock looked tired, more tired than McCoy had ever seen him. "I have resigned my commission, Doctor. I am going home. A Vulcan freighter awaits me now." "Home, Spock?" McCoy raised his eyebrow. "I didn't think you had a home." Spock studied McCoy carefully. Even to the end, the Doctor's sarcasm was surgically fine. The room was uncomfortably silent, Varien deep in thought, holding his father's first command shirt. Sensing the awkwardness of the situation, S'Manluk began to perform a Vulcan mind exercise.

McCoy put his glass down as he spoke to his Vulcan nemesis. "Spock I--I just can't believe Jim's gone. I--" At a loss for words, he just shook his head, still numb. Spock understood. They were strangers now, their common bond forever gone. He doubted that he and McCoy never meet again. But they did have something more than sarcastic barbs between them. Indeed, they were more alike than either would want to admit. With a time honoured raising of a hand, Spock gave McCoy a final salute. "Live long and prosper, Dr. McCoy, I shall remember you always." McCoy felt a sickness rising. He didn't want it to end this way. "Spock, I want to thank you for allowing me the privilege to serve with you. Next to Jim, you are the person I most admire." McCoy stood. "Live long and prosper, my friend." Spock watched as McCoy raised his hand in a poor attempt at the Vulcan salute. He never could do it properly. For a moment their eyes met and something warm was shared. "Good-bye, Doctor," he said finally, and then nodded good-bye to Varien and S'Manluk. Jim's door shut behind Spock. S'Manluk turned to McCoy. Pausing for a moment, he finally remarked, "Spock greatly admires you, Doctor McCoy, as equally as he did his Captain. He did not tell you this, which I find illogical. Yet you are as remarkable as he related to me. It was you who pointed out one of the highest of Vulcan ideals: that the taking of life for revenge is as incorrect as the initial injury." McCoy murmured, "The spear in your brother's heart is the spear in your own." S'Manluk's eyebrow raised. "Truly there is an honoured place for you on Vulcan if you so desired, Doctor McCoy," he remarked ironically. "Thank-you, S'Manluk, thank you but no, one Vulcan was more than enough. I sure wish Spock was here for what you just said..." "He would agree with me, Doctor." McCoy fought back the sweeping onrush of his emotions. He knew Spock would have.

Varien Kirk went to the bridge of the Enterprise one last time dressed in his father's gold command shirt. Those people on the bridge who had known his father, more so than they had known their own families, felt a surge of nostalgia overwhelm themselves. Uhura, Scotty, Chekov, Sulu--instantly they were transported to another time, another place, another ship...the first Enterprise. But something was not right. Spock was not here in his typical blue science uniform. And the bridge was different, newer... Varien made for the centre of the bridge, to the Captain's chair which stood vacant. One last time, he sat on the cushions which gave him the authority to command a starship, to command the Enterprise. Yet the cushions felt hard and uncomfortable, and Varien knew he did not belong. Sadly, he glanced at the main

viewer, and at the stars passing by. How many nights had he thought of flying through the stars. How hard had he worked to be the best, to be worthy of his father's name. The dream was over. He lifted himself out of the chair and into the turbo-lift. He wanted his last hours on the Enterprise spent in his father's cabin. With Varien gone, there was a heavy emptiness on the bridge. They all felt it. Scotty and Uhura, Sulu and Chekov, even the junior officers who had never known the first Enterprise. The ship would never be the same, and they knew it was time for them to go as well. In a far off section of the galaxy, where Federation and Klingon space collide with Romulan space, the only city on the planet Tridare was busily being evacuated, a large Federation Terminal Chief sweating even more than usual as he directed a hundred cargo ships. Because of the need for haste, the Federation workers cleaning out the office of one Professor Scott Bundus Kennedy, the late Federation astro-physicist of recent renown, quickly placed a set of hereto unnoticed scientific log tapes marked "The Gravity Equations: Large Scale Application" into a plain brown packing crate marked X1002-23. That crate joined numerous others for storage on Starbase 35, mainly a permanent warehouse facility. On a hot blistering planet, the war room was just now under the shade of a sister planet known as Remus. The group of Romulan heads of state assembled inside were solemn, a quiet rage burning inside each one. The Praetor-to-be had not returned from his mission to determine whether it was possible to negotiate with the Earthmen. They knew he had been destroyed. The newly appointed Praetor vowed never to make the same mistake again. The Romulan Empire would come together within itself and rebuild, and prepare until it was the stronger. Then there would be war with both the Federation and Klingons. Then they would have their revenge for a hundred years of Earth treachery. In a great hall of assembly on an oblate blue marble, the Federation council was rejoicing over Klingon's full acceptance into the Federation. Great circumstance was made over the official signing of the treaty by the Federation President Wilkons and the Supreme Commander of the Klingon Empire, Kaarg. Two-thirds of the known galaxy would now have peace. In orbit above Earth, the flagship of the Federation, the U.S.S. Enterprise welcomed its new Captain. No crew-person from the original remained on board to greet her. END