[story/btw-tos-tng/TheMoralsOfWar.zip] comment: ------------------------------------------------------------------- - This story came from the alt.startrek.creative archive on - - ftp.cis.ksu.edu (129.130.10.80) - - - - If you have any submissions for the archive, please either - - upload them to the /pub/upload directory on ftp.cis.ksu.edu - - or mail them to jfy@cis.ksu.edu INTERNET (preferred) - - rutgers!depot!jfy UUCP - - CBM2064@KSUVM BITNET - - 72427,1641 COMPUSERVE - ------------------------------------------------------------------- - STAR TREK ---------------------------------------------------- - MORALS OF WAR ---------------------------------------------------- Massive Disclaimer : I am very flattered that someone has decided to continue the storyline I began with THE ROMULAN DAWN nearly three years ago. I can't say much, since I haven't actually read the material, but my ego has gotten a massive boost from the continuance. I have been wanting to do something with the characters and the storyline for some time, and I finally got the chance to begin. This story is my REPLACEMENT for the ROMULAN DAWN. It is fan-zine material, which means that it's neither cannon nor seeking to be. I'm doing this for fun. I'll also apologize if this story refutes the continuance of ROMULAN DAWN. Like I said, I didn't have access to the material so I couldn't make things "mesh" with one-another. -------------------------------------------------------------------- PRELUDE The NOSTROMO quaked under the barrage she was enduring. The little frieghter was losing this battle, the Romulan Bird-of-Prey was winning. Hopelessly outmatched, the crew of the NOSTROMO fought valiantly. Even amid the blaring klaxxon and noise of disintgrating components, Captain Miquel Shatner maintained a cool and calculated composure. "Bring us about, seven nine degrees and plot course away from here," he barked as his navigator feverishly activated console after console. The navigator nearly completed her entry when yet another disruptor bolt slammed into the ship's hull. The bridge shook, and the naav panel exploded, sending millions of alloy shards into the navigator's chest. The captain noted her demise, but made no pains to show any emotion abouut it. Quickly, instinctively, he activated the manual drive on the panel and completed the maneuver himself. The klaxxon droned on. The NOSTROMO strained into a turn. Yet another desperate ploy to postpone her sending to oblivion. The Romulan ship, the IRON CLAW, allowed the maneuver, and then entered into its cloak mode. Captain Shatner grimaced, there was no telling what the enemy would do. "Cargo room, place the passenger into the escape pod, and standby to eject." The IRON CLAW shimmered into existance again, this time directly in the NOSTROMO's path. There would be no saving the frieghter this time. The Romulan death machine unloaded yet another plasma torpedo, ripping the single warp nacelle from the NOSTOMO's hull. "Grere to Captain," the voice panted, "we're losing air down here." Shatner clinched his fists together, not even paying attention to his crewmen. The Romulan was charging another bolt, the last bolt it needed to fire. "If we're going to eject him, we need to do it now." Shatner's eyes narrowed. The viewscreen's painted image of a firing Romulan bird-of-prey burned itself in his mind. "Eject" he commanded as the torpedo slammed into the bridge. Then the NOSTROMO was reduced to scraps. The IRON CLAW, confident that its work had been completed, soon left the scene. The report would be that NOSTROMO had violated instellar law, and was destroyed with no survivors. But there was one survivor. An escape pod running on minimal power had escaped the wreckage. Inside was a eight-year-old boy, a half-breed Romulan and Terran. Inside was the boy who would be Thomas William Riley, Captain of the Enterprise. CHAPTER ONE Captain's Log : Stardate 10149.4 Captain Lio Mazek Togura USS Enterprise, NCC 1701-B The ship and crew of this ENTERPRISE have performed remarkably well during her shakedown cruise. The new sheilding and warp technologies have function flawlessly. The sensor array system has performed beyond specifications. My only complaints about the ship is that little attention was paid to detail. Minor systems seem to be malfunctioning at every turn. Of course, this may just be a symptom of being fresh off the dock, but it does get a bit unnerving. ENTERPRISE is now headed home at warp three. We should be arriving at Space-Dock One in three days. The EXCELSIOR class ENTERPRISE sailed majestically through the black curtain of space. She was an impressive ship, larger than any other class of ship known, and faster than any other ship known. The ship commanded a great presence, and had inherited a great legacy. Sadly, Togura considered, the ship wouldn't be his too much longer. As a shakedown captain, Togura had learned not to get attached to any single ship. But the ENTERPRISE had effected him, just as her predecessor had. There was something about ships with this name that commanded an air of significance all their own. He rolled the names of their commanders through his memory. There was Robert April, who undertook the original ENTERPRISE's first two-year mission, and made many historic overtures during his stint as captain. Christopher Pike would be the next. Of all the captains, Pike intrigued Togura the most. Pike was a tough-as-nails commander who led the ENTERPRISE crew for two successive four year missions. And then there was his successor, James Tiberius Kirk. The maverick commander who could pull miracles from defeat. Even though three other captains would have the ENTERPRISE since he took her on the famous "five-year mission", it would be Kirk's legacy that the new captain would have to live up to. Togura considered that, and quickly decided that it would be best if he didn't try. Kirk had done a lot of things, and everyone would be expecting a lot from the next captain. "The weight of history, and of legacy," Togura muttered into the air. "Sir?" the helmsmen queried, wondering if she was supposed to enter some sort of command. With all the little things going on, she was beginning to wonder if her ears were giving out. "Say again?" "I was quoting some Andorian literature, Lieutenant," Togura replied with a knowing smile. "It's about a person chosen to replace a hero, and how hard of a time he had living up to people's expectations." "You mean the next Captain, don't you, sir?" She asked. It was obvious enough to her, and anyone else, what the Captain had been pondering. "From what I hear, Captain Saavik will do quite well," she began, "Her record under Kirk and Sulu was exemplary." Togura smiled at that, Saavik did indeed establish herself as an excellent officer. But she was an untried Captain, and definately not ready to inherit a legacy. Still, neither was Kirk when he got command of the ENTERPRISE. "She'll do fine once she's use to it." Two young officers, humans, strolled in as the port-side turbolift doors gently slid apart. Togura found it a bit unnerving that the doors were silent, but such was progress. If it were not for Deuce's rather pronounced footfalls, Togura wouldn't have noticed them coming. "Captain Togura, sir," the other, more slender human began, "We request permission to remain on assignment to the ENTERPRISE after this cruise, sir." You and about three-hundred others, Togura kept to himself. "Any particular reason, Ensign?" he managed as Ensign Ravis stood more at ease. "I need a reason why Fleet would honor such a request." Ravis expected as much, and, judging by Deuce's nervousness, so de he. But Ravis was, as usual, undaunted. "We have been chasing down the errors cropping up in the minor ENTERPRISE systems," he began with a marked self-assuredness. "I believe that we are the most capable in preventive maintanance, and would be the logical choices for such a job." It was then when the communicator buzzed, bringing more bad news. "Captain, sir, this is Matthews," the irate voice began as Ravis impatient awaited an answer. Togura thought for a moment and directed his next words to the Ensign. "I'll put you two for consideration, that's all I can do," he replied. Ravis gave a small grin and Deuce seemed to breathe a sigh of releif. "Meanwhile, I think the almost ever-pleasant Doctor Matthews is going to need your services," he concluded before activating his com-net. "Captain here," Togura finally replied. Of course Matthews would call, he's been complaining ever since he'd stepped foot on this ship. Maybe, the Captain dared to hope, just maybe he's got good news. Of course not. "Captain, sir, have you found out about the food-replicator systems yet?" Togura didn't answer, not in voice, at any rate. He simply let his blue-skinned head fall into his hand. "They've malfunctioned about an hour ago, just before lunch break. Half the crew's come down with severe cases of indigestion and we don't have the supplies aboard to deal with two-hundred cases." "We do have a galley aboard, Doctor," Togura muttered. "Tell them to eat some real food instead of fixing their meals by pressing buttons." Togura had only served with Matthews for three weeks, and he already hated him. Matthews will be Saavik's first test of command, he thought to himself. The turbolift once again left the bridge, and Ravis and Duece were on their way. Togura had some reservations about those two. There certainly were enough rumors going around. But those things weren't the Captain's business so long as no regulations were broken. Besides, they were very good at their jobs. "In the mean time," Togura finally continued, "I'm sending the Twin-Bees to fix you food dispenser, they'll get them fixed." "Twin-Bees," the navigator mused. The term had gotten commonplace with the two working together so much. Togura gave her a stern look and she once again monitored her station. Matthews continued his incessant droning. "Well, I'm glad someone is getting the things on the ship working. Next thing it will be the life support," he concluded without heed to logic. But that did hit something. The malfunctions, while mainly amusing, did seem to be increasing in number, if not severity. It was possible that since the ENTERPRISE was testing so many new systems that the ship's minor functions were overlooked. That was what shakedowns were supposed to be for. But what if there was something else, something more sinister. Togura dismissed the thought. The security on ENTERPRISE was kept incredibly tight. While some of the youngest crewmembers did come straight from the academy, all of them had exemplary records. Besides, who would deliberately sabotauge a food-replicator or a urinal? Togura decided that he would, so long as the urinal was Doctor Matthew's. It wouldn't be too long before the ENTERPRISE was home and the crew would be shifted around, anyway. Matthews would be out of Togura's hair and into someone else's. Besides, how many worse characters could there be in a starship crew. Without even thinking twice, she decked him. Lieutenant Grissom stood before the gaping, and distressed Ensign Barret who was trying to hide the fact that his nose was now bleeding. "Just what do you think you're doing, ensign?" she barked to the room. Embarrassed, the ensign began to stand, stepping carefully back from the overly-upset Lieutenant in front of him. "On my planet, it's called flirting," he weakly managed, still trying and failing to cover his nose-bleed. "It's called harrassment on mine," she blurted. "Pinching the butt of a superior officer is not looked upon well on your reports, ensign." Her tone wasn't meant to be a threat, it was too matter-of-fact. Barrett had just gotten his first black mark. "I thought that you liked me," he pleaded. It might as well have been on deaf ears. Lisa Grissom had played a heavy hand, both literally and figuratively. "I'm sorry, ma'am. I offer no excuse for my behaviour," the ensign finally, and mournfully, spoke before turning tail. Grissom smiled to herself for a quick moment. "Another would-be womanizer swept under the rug," she complimented aloud. Another man who won't be a threat, she kept to herself. Gahrut grunted softly near her, "A bit overplayed, don't you think?" The Horta sat next her stool in the EXCELSIOR's ten-forward lounge. Of course, there wasn't really any differnce in standing or sitting for a Horta, their rock-form pretty much resembled a rock no matter what position they say they're in. "Don't you start on me," she commanded. Somewhere along the line she had decided that Horta males were safe. This probably had something to do with the fact that Horta have very little libido to deal with, something that human males couldn't be accused of. "You saw what he did, he deserved it." The Horta spun around to the door Barret had scarpered through. "Yeah, he did. But I think public humiliation is enough. He'll never get a date on the EXCELSIOR now," Gahrut mused. "You don't need to slap a huge, massive, mega-black mark on his record." Grissom's eyes narrowed for a moment, "It's only innocent until someone gets hurt." "You know, Engineer Lisa," he began with a mimicing tone. "Lisa, the crew's been talking about you. I think 'Mankiller' is the term that they're using now," he laughed. But Grissom didn't entertain the comment, merely standing and strolling out the door. "Go eat a rock," she snided as she left. "I might just do that," Gahrut retorted before ordering some soft granite. "Die, you little schmeg," Tiber muttered softly as he pulled up the joystick controls to his sim. His opponent was being quite crafty, and possibly even beating him. Of course, no self-respecting Andorian male would ever admit defeat to a Terran female. But the sim-opponent performed another series of loops and curls that made Tiber's stomach quake as he watched. Tiber fired into the loop, hoping that a stray shot would get her, but none did. She was far too nimble of a player. Campbell was enjoying herself. Frustrating an opponent at this particular sim was fun enough, but the great and legendray Andorian helmsman Tiber. She performed another barrell roll away from Tiber as he struggled to get his craft at her tail. The maneuver didn't work, and Tiber got hit with a couple of well-placed shots. By this time the crew of the USS COLUMBIA was well engrossed into Campbell's programmed simulation. Campbell seemed to be a natural at computers and machinery, like she was in a particular rapport with them. Of course, Tiber wasn't actually a slouch, he had been the best pilot on the game. But one last, fatal shot from Campbell blew that prestigue away. "Yes!" she cried as Tiber's face fell into the screen in disappointment. "You owe me a full-course dinner at Starbase One, no filching!" she gleemed. Tiber reclined in his chair. She did program the game, he reminded himself, of course she would win. "Okay, one full-course dinner before our transfer," he managed. "But I'm not buying drinks," he warned. Campbell seemed undaunted, already programming the next simulation into the machine. "You never do," she responded. Tiber waited for a moment while the crowed changed monies and dispersed. "Listen, Julia," he began slowly, "I." Nope, that wasn't how he wanted to start. "Do you think that?" Nope, strike two. "So, which ship are you shipping on?" he wimped out, mentally cursing himself. "ENTERPRISE," she replied cooly, oblivious to Tiber's inner torment. "They've got some new computer systems over there that I can't wait to get cracking on. Oh wait, I just added a new class of fighter, want to try it out?" The topic switch nearly tore Tiber's head off. Why did humans have to be so damn fickle in their thoughts? "No, my masculine ego's taking enough pounding for one day, thanks." There was more to that than the dogfight. "Well, okay," she began with a curious look. "Hey, which ship did you get anyway?" she finally saw fit to ask. Tiber smiled, "ENTERPRISE." "Great, that means we can have a rematch over there on the new computer systems," she smiled. Why'd she have to have blue eyes? Tiber cursed to himself. "Captain Saavik," she said to herself. It was illogical to behave in this manner. It was probably even against allowed behavior for Vulcans. But she dismissed it as her Romulan half struggling to get through and let the little ego boost have its way. The years didn't harm her appearance. She was still quite attractive, and kept a good deal of yer youth on her. Besides, the Captain's pins looked quite nice as well. She certainly did deserve them, having served on ship after ship for the past six years. Her gear, what little there was of it, had already been packed, even though it was three days before the ENTERPRISE would return to Starbase. The ENTERPRISE, she thought to herself. It seemed so long ago when she had been on that ship, with David, against Khan. It was almost fifteen years ago. Of course, this was hardly the same ENTERPRISE. It was an EXCELSIOR class ship, armed to the gills, and filled to the brim with the latest state-of-the-art technology. She was the pride of the Star Fleet, right next to Sulu's EXCELSIOR. Good thing I'm not human, she thought to herself, otherwise I'd be extremely nervous right now. She didn't bother to notice that her hands were shaking. She had always sought command, and now that she had finally gotten it, she had almost no idea how to respond to the situation. "I must be calm, rational, and logical," she reminded herself. She was having a hard time imagining Kirk acting so nervous when Pike handed him the original ENTERPRISE. Kirk almost never seemed to be nervous. But then, thinking like that would be a mistake. The first rule of commanding a new ship is that it is your ship, and not some ghost from the past's. She would have to remember that, because there was always someone who would be ready to captain a starship, particularly the ENTERPRISE, if she failed. CHAPTER TWO Meditation was one of those few instances where Riley could relax. His job as intelligence officer for the Romulan Neutral Zone sector was taking its toll on him. So what if he was the best man for the job? A fat lot of good he'd do if he was burnt out. But, with the Vulcan incense burning, his body in yoga position, and his mind wandering, he was calm and tranquil. It was definately a rarity to get these chances, and Commander Riley was going to do his best to absorb all the relaxing currents he could while he could. That was because Admiral Nagura had another mission for him. There was another plot that needed uncovering, another ship that needed an intelligence officer aboard for a stint. He hadn't yet convinced himself that he needed to open his orders. He did know, however, that he had an appoinment to meet the Admiral in about fifteen minutes. Riley wondered how it would if he were to open his orders while attending the mission briefing. Riley let out a controlled sigh as he decided that he probably would not let out a good impression of himself if he were to do that. He slowly stood up and adjusted the lighting to human normal. He took the orders from atop his antique "frige" and pressed his thumb against the pressure-plate. The small envelope's lid opened as the mini-computer recognized the thumb's owner. He removed the orders cart and walked to his personal computer. He had the unique, and neccessary privilege of having a independant computer set-up for him. Neccessary because of the information the computer had on it. The orders cart slid smoothly into the computer console and the familiar insignia of Star Fleet Command lit the viewscreen. "Identify for retina-scan," a pleasant feminine voice chimed. "Riley, Senior Commander Thomas William, Intelligence Division, Security Clearance Eight," he droned. The computer responded by briefly shining a light into Riley's face. The computer was apparantly appeased as the screen changed to show the familiar, if not pleasant, visage of Fleet Admiral Nagura. "Commander, I'll be brief with this one since you're probably reading it at the last minute anyway," the animated figure began with a false smile. Riley responded by popping open a can of soda and making a "cheers" gesture to the screen. The image changed again to show the layout of the Neutral Zone and Triangle regions. "We've received reports of increase military activity near starbase seventeen. This isn't terribly unusual by itself, but the USS FEARLESS has been missing for several days in that sector as well." Riley punched up a side computer which then showed the statistical analysis of the FEARLESS, a medium cruiser similiar to the old ENTERPRISE. According to the charts, the ship was scheduled for decomission after her patrol mission was complete. She never made it into port. "Interesting," Riley admitted as he turned his attention back to the security viewer. The screen changed again to another map. This map Riley recognized right away as being the infamous Hellguard sector. "The FEARLESS was last reported near this area. Her captain made refernce to a ship called FIERY RAVEN and headed to investigate. That was her last transmission. A copy will be at your personal mission briefing." The screen changed once more to Nagura's flat face. Riley sat back in his chair, sipping slowing on what he called "Mister Pibb", from a recipie he discovered in the Federation archives. "Of course, the details will be explained if and when you accept your mission. I expect your answer as soon as possible. The formal briefing will be at fourteen-hundred hours. Nagura, out." The screen went black for a moment before the computer announced that the tape was being permenantly erased. When complete, the cart was pushed out of the terminal. Riley regarded it for a moment and pressed the com-panel. "Riley to Nagura, I'll be there," he commented. "Commander Riley's record in these matters has always been amougst Star Fleet's finest," Nagura argued to the room. "His intelligence work into the Romulan espionage newtork is unsurpassed by anyone." Admiral Jameson massaged his fist with his open hand. His dark black brow gave him a bothered expression. "I don't dispute his record, Nagura," he began in his trademark booming voice. "I just don't think that he's the best choice for this mission." Intelligence coordinator Sarok, a dark green Vulcan, sat and uncomfortably watched the two emotional Admirals bicker. How they could ever have attained the rank of Admiral in Fleet was beyond him. They were, quite simply, unbearable at times. "Gentlemen, if I may intervene." Nagura's flat, Iotain head turned to the Vulcan. "Do have something pertainent to add, Captain?" he warned. The Iotain's tentacles were shaking somewhat, giving Sarok the impression that he was nervous. "Commander Riley is regarded as the foremost expert on Romulan affairs," Sarok cooly began in characteristic Vulcan monotone. "He is also an exceptional tactician, as evidenced on his service aboard the USS HOOD last year," he continued. Jameson's face flushed. "I don't care, he doesn't belong in a battleship as first officer. It's a stupid assignment for him," he argued. Nagura sucked in his chest/torso a bit. "It's only a temporary measure until the ENTERPRISE reaches target, then he gets his formal assignment." His voice still did possess a slight edge, though he was trying to remain calm. "Besides, he's beginning to get a bit too public to remain a field operative." There was no denying that argument, Jameson admitted to himself. Every new mission was building onto Riley's already impressive reputation. The Romulans even knew his name, if not his identity. "You're saying that this is a transfer mission," Jameson concluded. "We're putting him out to pasture?" "I wouldn't go that far," Nagura saw fit to add. "It would be," he paused, regretting his choice of words while in front of Sarok. "It would be most illogical to dispose of such an asset as Riley." "Indeed," Sarok chimed in much as Nagura feared he would. "Retiring Riley would be a waste of material. Plus, with his above-norm security access, he would be dangerous to allow to roam free at the current time." The implications of the last statement were perfectly clear. Riley would be a great asset to the Romulans, Tholians, Cardassians, or anyone else who needed some quick intelligence on the Federation. Jameson again had to acknowledge the logic in his comrade's arguments. "Understood, Captain," he began after letting out a sigh to relax. "Then you two are in agreement on this mission?" "We are," Sarok replied as Nagura grabbed a plant-leaf to chew on. "This will be Commander Riley's final mission for the Intelligence division of Star Fleet," Sarok continued, placing particular emphasis on the word "final". "And provided that he survives, it will also be his first in the Patrol division." It was generally a ten minute walk through star base between his quarters and the conferenece room, but Riley once again halved the usual time. Riley didn't particularly look the athletic sort. Granted, he was quite large, both tall and somewhat musculature, but not overly bulging. His dark tan skin gave an unusual contrast to his decidedly Vulcan eyebrows. Of course, it was that simularity to Vulcans that gave him his job in the first place. When the doors parted to allow Riley into the room, he was taken aback to see the pronounced Admiral Jameson and Captain Sarok sitting at the round table alongside Admiral Nagura. "Reporting as requested, sirs," he snapped as the doors closed behind him. "Live long and prosper, Commander," Sarok saluted, displaying the Vulcan hand sign. Jameson simply pointed to the empty chair at the round table, indicating where Riley was to sit down. Riley moved to the chair. "Peace and long life, Captain," he returned. "I didn't not expect anyone else to be at this meeting," he continued, explaining his mild surprise. "You will forgive me for being apprehensive." "Despite your training, Commander, I do appreciate that you are simply not a Vulcan," Sarok commented. "Emotional displays figure heavily into your actions. I do not think any less of you for them." "Thank you, sir," Riley politely replied. It was, after all, the highest praise a person could recieve from such an impartial person as Sarok. "Let me start by saying that your services to the Federation have been most exceptional," Jameson began with a cold calculation which made Riley a bit nervous. "However, you are becoming too well known in certain circles, as my colleagues will point out." Riley considered the words for a moment. "I'm not sure if I'm being flattered, sir," he decided to say. "I wasn't aware that there was puublicity about me." Nagura smiled, revealing a bit of the plant he'd been chewing on for the past few minutes. "You know that there are security leaks in every outfit, Commander," he began. "Someone probably leaked your name and some mission details to other intelligence networks." Nagura swallowed. "Not the first time something like this has happened. Won't be the last." "This mission will be your last as an intelligence officer, Commander," Jameson continued. "Though your skill is highly valued, you are far too public to be effective in that area." Riley drew in a quick breath. "Am I being relieved, sir?" That wouldn't be the most desirable option. Going into reality from the Intel division was more difficult than any mission Riley's been on thus far. He'd seen too many lives destroyed out of boredom or the inability to adapt to civilian life. The though actually scared him. "No, we're transferring you to Star Fleet's patrol division. You will be shipped aboard the USS ENTERPRISE as her first officer," Sarok blurted. Riley felt a bit confused. "I don't have a great deal of experience working in a command structure, sir," he started. "I've never been much of a team player." "You must learn to adapt, Commander," Sarok continued. "The ENTERPRISE will be going into a situation that makes you the most logical choice as first officer." Nagura took the cue and activated the main viewscreen. "These are the sensor reports from the USS FEARLESS before she was lost," he started. The screen was mostly blank, except for the star patterns familiar to the Neutral Zone. "As you can see, there is nothing obviously extrodinary thus far." "Yes there is," Riley blurted when looking at the screen. "There's a distortion in the upper left quadrant." He pointed to a single star which was slightly red-phased. "Our tech boys noticed that as well, though we've got no proof as to what it is," Jameson replied. "We're going on the assumption that it's a cloaking device." Riley relaxed a bit. "Even if it is, it doesn't mean much. Romulan ships make a habit of shadowing Federation ships that close to the Neutral Zone," he continued. "It does raise some questions, Commander," Nagura commented. "If a Romulan ship did shadow the FEARLESS before she was lost, perhaps they know what happened to her." "Logical," Riley replied with a coolness that matched Sarok's. "You want me to find out what happened to the FEARLESS, then?" "Affirmative," Nagura concluded. "Use whatever means are available," Sarok continued, "So long as you don't break treaty. Relations with the Romulan Star Empire have been particularly tense of late, and we don't need another Khitomer incident." Riley stood, not asking to be excused. "I understand that the ENTERPRISE returns to dock in three days," he began. "Will I be shipping on immediately after arrival?" "Yes," Jameson replied. "The ENTERPRISE is officially being assigned patrol duty, so you'll be circumventing the chain of command a bit." "We've assigned a new captain to the vessel, a Captain Saavik," Nagura continued. "She's quite good, but she's not been cleared for security. Any questions about orders and actions should go directly to us." Riley closed his eyes for a moment. "The Captain won't like that, escpecially a new captain. But I'll do what's neccessary." He always did, after all. CHAPTER THREE "Shuttle designate ENTERPRISE SEVEN cleared for docking with Naval Constrction Contract one seven oh one bravo port side torpedo bay," the woman's voice called as Riley regarded Tiber's handling of the shuttle's flight systems. The ENTERPRISE definately was the most impressive ship Riley had ever seen. He had seen the design specs of this ship, but never a ship of this class itself. The smooth lines and sleek, impressive compactness of the vessel made this ENTERPRISE look like what starships were supposed to look like. "I'm impressed," he finally admitted to his party. Gahrut sat, or stood, behind, watching the ship with intense interest as the shuttle gingerly slid underneath the massive battleship. "She looks, different, from the EXCELSIOR somehow, but I can't put my finger on it." "Of course it would help if you actually had fingers," Grissom retorted, taking the Horta a bit by surprise. But now it was her turn to take in her new ship. She regarded it for a moment, then frowned. "I just don't know how they can call this thing a lady. It looks like a space-tank." "She's the fastest ship in the fleet," Tiber announced. "She also, supposedly, handles like a dream. I think that's why she's called a lady." Grissom flushed a bit of anger at that remark. "Are you saying that women are only ladies if they 'handle like a dream'?" she fumed. Tiber was about to reply when Riley, knowingly, gave him a small look of warning. "It's a tradition, Lieutenant," Riley answered for his Andorian helmsman. "All starships are female, as they are generally the Captain's only love." "What if the Captain is female, like Captain Saavik?" Grissom demanded. "Then the ship's a lesbian," Tiber laughed, illiciting a small chuckle from Gahrut as well. "I'm sorry, my lady," Tiber saw fit to add when he noted how upset Grissom was getting. Riley let out a controlled sigh, keeping himself from slapping Tiber's thick, blue head. "Better get it out of your systems now," he commanded. "Shore leave ends in about two minutes." Captain Saavik regarded the shuttle's gratuitous touring of the ENTERPRISE's exterior with a bit of envy. It was illogical to indulge in such trivialties when one has to oversee crew reports and systems reviews. But she couldn't help but feel a little remourseful about not taking the tour around the ship herself. "Crewmen Ravis," she called to one of the workers currently busy with systems controls, "after this party boards, are all key personnel accounted for?" Ravis looked up, a bit surprised that he would be asked about the crew compliment instead of repair systems. "I believe so, sir, but I can call up the bridge to confirm," he stammered. "No, that will be fine," Saavik replied after a moment's thought. "Star Fleet is wanting us to depart as soon as possible, please make sure that all systems are functioning acceptably." Ravis nodded and continued working on the panel. Saavik turned again to the window. The shuttle was just reaching out of view. She drew in a deep breath, feeling somewhat apprehensive about meeting her bridge crew. She had, of course, read up on all of their reports. But her first officer's was quite unusual, as if there was information missing. She quickly decided to ask him about it, once the ship had her minor problems worked out. The shuttle was in her longest arc now, preparing for the journey which would take her directly above the ENTEPRISE's bridge dome. Riley took in a deep breath as he regarded this particular view of the ship, he was left almost speechless. "It's the enigines," Gahrut exclaimed, "they're the new warp engine replacements. I didn't think ENTERPRISE was outfitted with those yet." Grissom smiled at that, she was looking forward to working on them as soon as she boarded. "I wonder how well they'll work," she commented to no-one in particular. "You'll get to find out soon enough, Engineer Grissom," Riley quietly commented. Grissom backed away from him, noting the pleasantness in his voice, scared of it somehow. "Well, I've got a few things to do first, anyway." Tiber gently slid the throttle control back to the shuttle, letting her gracefully reverse into the docking ring. Riley quietly regarded his old ship, the USS HOOD, and wished it a silent farewell. "Commander Riley to ENTEPRISE, starting final linkage routines for docking," he finally said as the shuttle's small tractor beams latched on to the massive starship's hull. So these will be part of the command crew, Riley mused to himself. For their sakes I hope Captain Saavik is as much a discipline fanatic as Captain Sarok lead me to believe. "Room, attention," Saavik commanded, snapping the welcoming committe into a proper posture. "Open the airlock Mister Deuce." Deuce quickly did as told, turning to activate the airlock doors for only a second before returning to attention. The doors slid open, and Riley's impressive form was the first to emerge. Saavik felt a little out-of-ease when eyeing him. "Permission to come aboard, Captain," he spoke in a distinctely deep tone. "Permission granted, Commander," she said, keeping her composure. "I apologize for not having a larger reception planned, but the ship is undergoing a number of last-minute systems checks." Riley signaled to the others to come aboard. "No aplogy neccessary, Captain, every new ships has to get the kinks out," he cheerfully continued. Gahrut emerged second, "I'd salute you, Captain," he began, "but I haven't quite mastered that maneuver yet. You'll must forgive me." Of course, the obvious joke went unnoticed by Saavik, but Ravis literally had to swallow back a laugh. Grissom was the next to emerge from the shuttle. "Cheif Engineer Grissom reporting for duty. It is an honor to meet you, Captain," she gleefully added. Saavik, without showing a trace of emotion, replied with as much honesty as she could. "I am flattered, Lieutenant. You are needed immediately in engineering, we have been having trouble with the short range sensors." "Short range sensors?" Riley queried as Grissom disembarked with her belongings. "My reports didn't tell me that there was a problem with the sensor array. Togura informed me that they had been working flawlessly." Saavik dismissed her assembled mass, letting them scurry away to a dozen more, more pressing, assigned duties. "We've had a small problem with an array unit, nothing of severe consequence," she failed to reassure. "Commander," Tiber finally piped up, "permission to return the shuttle to Star Fleet, everyone's off now and they need her for the EXCELSIOR's overhaul crew." "Affirmative, be back on ENTERPRISE by the end of the hour, Lieutenant," Riley replied. The air-lock doors gently slid closed and the shuttle unlatched. "At any rate, Captain, we'll need the sensors fully functioning when we get to the Neutral Zone." "I am aware of that, Commander, and the matter is being rectified," she began. But the whine of the klaxxon quickly drowned her voice. "Red alert, hull breach," the computer complained as the lights around the Captain and First Offficer switched to red. "Red alert, hull breach, port side torpedo bay." Riley's eyes widened, it didn't take much to know what was going on. "Transporter room one, beam the shuttle directly to cargo bay, emergency," he barked just as Saavik was hitting her own communicator slash insignia. "Emergency teams, report to torpedo room," Saavik directed to the ether. "Shuttle SEVEN has failed to de-latch." Saavik let slip signs of concern in her voice, but she hadn't been prepared for an emergency so soon. The ship hadn't even left dry-dock yet. "Transporter room three to Commander Riley, beaming of shuttle successful to cargo bay one," Riley's insigia quickly barked as he tore out the main control panel to the airlock. "Medical teams are arriving on scene." "There's been some tearing in the door control," Riley yelled over the klaxxon. "Looks like the ship's tractor system failed to shut off. I think I can get it," he paused for a momenet, reaching and pulling the manual override switch. The red alert canceled, and the lights returned to normal. Saavik stood stunned as the emergency crew arrived on scene to repair the damage. "You acted quickly," she managed before noticing the fact that Riley had a bit of an open sore on the arm he'd used to pull the switch. "Are you injured?" Riley placed his other hand over the wound. "It stings a bit, but it didn't go deep. Some of the circuits were going crazy in there," he continued. "Didn't anyone check these circuits out yet?" "They had never shown signs of malfunctioning before," Saavik replied cooly. "The airlock has been usued fourteen times previous to your encounter." Riley felt a bit of paranoia about that. "Could've been building up," he decided. Mechanical failures seldom happened all at once. "I'll be in sick bay if I'm needed, Captain," he continued. "You'll be missing the launch, then, Commander. Star Fleet has scheduled our departure for three hours from now," she stated. Riley looked a little bemused by the suggestion. "No, I'll be at the launch. But I would've thought that we'd remain in dry-dock until we've determined what weng wrong." The noise from the emergency crew started to become a bit deafening, so Riley stepped away from them, closer to Saavik. "None of the systems crucial for the ENTERPRISE's systems have been affected by any malfunction," she began. "I'm confident that we can get all systems in line by the time we reach the Neutral Zone." "So long as you are sure, Captain," Riley commented. She's nervous, he thought to himself. Not that anyone else would possibly notice, but Riley had developed a sixth sense about these things through the years. "Like I said," he continued, "I'll be in sickbay if I'm needed." At that, Riley headed to the turbolift. Saavik regarded him for a moment, a bit surprised at the presence he left behind. Had Tiber ignored her when he adressed Riley? Possibly, but that may have more to do with gender than with Riley himself. No, what was troubling was that this incident was the first real test she had had as captain, and Riley had simply outshined her. She should have given the orders to the transporter room, not Riley. The truth was, she was jealous of his quick action. It was as if Riley were more experienced in these matters than she. But there was nothing in his record to indicate that, but there wasn't much in his record at all. She was, quite simply, fascinated. Matthews wasn't pleased. "Damn fool thing to do, Commander," he whined. "Pushing your hand through the wiring like that." Riley grimaced, "It was either that or go on the mission with a big hole in the ENTERPRISE." True enough, hull breaches get worse as time goes on. "The emergency teams got her taken care of, though," he saw fit to add. The doctor finished using one of his many wonderous medical instruments on Riley's nearly healed arm. "You're gonna raise some questions about how that healed over so quickly," he warned. "I lied to Saavik," Riley replied with a bit of regret. "I told her that the burn was superficial, she didn't say anything." Lying to the Captain after five minutes, hope you're happy Sarok, Riley added to himself. "Anyway, I said I'm going to be on the bridge before we launch, I should be getting up there." "Commander, I don't like being kept in the dark about things," he began, obviously leading Riley into some serious questions. "But since you usually are," Riley added with a slight grin. "You know I'm not at liberty to discuss things, I'm a special case, that's all," he ordered. "Yes, sir," Matthews frowned as Riley stood to leave. "I'll warn you, things don't remain secret too long on a starship." "I am all too aware of that," Riley retorted, remembering an incident aboard the HOOD not long ago. "But you know what will happen to your carrer if certain things get out," he dared. Matthews went silent as Riley stepped off to the bridge. He had never actually been seriously threatened before, and that scared him somewhat. The next three hours had to be the longest three that Riley had ever spent as a bridge officer. There had been plenty to do, to be sure, but things were slowly building. Word of the airlock incident had already hit every deck of the ship, and half the crew were worried that something similar was going to happen to them. Fortunately, the only thing still reported as damaged were the food dispensers. Riley was thankful that he had requested his own food stocks and cooking supplies. He was also thankful that Admiral Nagura liked galleys better than synthesized food. Tiber entered the bridge, and Riley was relieved to see that he was all right. "Hell of a ride you had there," he called. "I'm glad to see you made it." The Andorian let loose a small smile at that, acknowledging the sincerity in his Commander's voice. "Thank you sir, but the medical team said that there was no reason to be concered. The shuttle didn't suffer any major damage." "Station, helmsman," Saavik commanded, noting that the departure time was only a couple of minutes away. "When we are underway I want a report of what happened." Riley had to bite back the fact that he'd already requested a report while in sick bay. Tiber didn't seem to mind circumventing Saavik before, but this was beginning to push things a bit hard. "I've already voice recorded my report," Tiber announced. "It will be at your eyes as soon as I'm off shift." Saavik nodded her acknowledgment and Riley once again felt relieved. Tiber's statement meant, of course, that the report was already on Riley's desk, waiting to be edited for the Captain's view. "Lieutenant Grissom," Saavik called as she pressed the com channel controls at her side, "are the impulse and warp engines available?" "Warp and impulse engines are available to new warp nine point zero four, ma'am," Grissom responded. "Will we be departing as scheduled?" "Affirmative," Saavik commanded. "Ensign Barret, get me space dock control." "Aye, sir," the young male engisn replied, pressing only a single button, long awaiting this order. "ENTERPRISE to space dock one, we are requesting permission to depart," Saavik stated as more of a command than a request. "Naval Construction Contract One Seven Zero One Bravo," the relayer in space dock replied cheerfully, "you are cleared for departure." Riley had been on several maiden voyages, but this one seemed to grip him a bit more than the others. The entire crew seemed to become dreadfully silent, as each let their expectations rise. Saavik wasn't unaffected. "Ahead, one quarter impulse power," Saavik commanded. Riley's left eyebrow went up at that. Regulations dictated the use of thrusters only when inside space dock. It wasn't logical to issue this command. But, Riley reminded himself, Saavik isn't an entirely logical Vulcan. The ENTEPRISE roared to life once more, jumping through the dock's huge doors and into the curtain of night. At long last, the starship ENTERPRISE was embarking on her first mission. In another moment, she lept into an array of color as she entered warp. CHAPTER FOUR It is painful to watch the IRON CLAW being stripped of her engines, Konok thought sorely to himself. Imperial Fleet had decided that the birds-of-prey's time had come to be replaced, but they surely could have shown more respect to the vessel than to use it for spare parts. But resources were scare, particularly now, with the Romulan's major trading partner, the Klingons, stripped from them by the Federation. Konok knew full well that every piece was needed if the Empire was to have any hope. ~Good-bye, old friend,~ Konok sadly muttered as the IRON CLAW lost yet another component. There should have at least been a ceremony, or something, Konok decided as he turned away for his reassignment meeting. What hurt most was that the IRON CLAW had only been in dock for six hours before the work crews started to tear her apart. It was the ultimate insult for a vessel that had so long and so well served the Empire and her goals. It was an unjust way to end a carreer. Konok very seldom let such feelings cloud his dark, battle-worn face, but this time, he felt, it could be allowed. He had served on the ship since he was an equitorium, almost twenty years ago, to be her commanding officer of six years. In his entire military carrer, he had never walked the decks of another ship. That would soon change, Konok mused to himself. The Empire had decided that Konok be place in command of a new vessel. They felt that the time had come only to put his ship out to pasture, ignoring the bonds a Commander develops with his vessel. He gently activated the control panel to the observation room's door. With the familiar hissing of pressure-controlled systems, the doors opened, allowing access to Defense Platform Sixteen's inner halls. The time had come for Konok to accept his new command. The battleship hung menacingly outside the station. It was slightly different than the Nova type battle-ships that he had seen in the past. Differenent, but not inferior. The only obvious difference was in the nacell design, with links attached to the warp pod on both the top and bottom of the main hull. The effect gave the ship a pronounced loop, with the head of the craft extending from its center. The head was only lightly retouched with the engineer's pen. It was somewhat blunter than her predecessor's class, giving it a somewhat meaner, more muscular look to it. Rohault was proud of this technological marvel, despite the immense sacrifices that were made to allow for its construction. The fleet had been stripped in many places, sometimes prematurely, to get the material and required crew compliment for the massive vessel. An experimental tractor-beam technology was sold to the Ferrengi in return for designs on improved weapons systems. And then there were the numerous intelligence agents sent to gather data on construction techniques from the Kligons, the Federations, the Kzinti, and even the Tholians. Would it be enough? Rohault had wondered when he ordered the operations to begin. Now, he was sure, that it had been. The unnamed battleship hung before him, apparantly eager to feed on the Federation fodder that would surely be trapped for it. This was far beyond a simple bird-of-prey, it was a deathbringer, Rohault mused to himself. It was a harbinger of war and victory. It was too bad that the names HARBINGER, VICTORY, and even DEATHBRINGER had been taken already by other ships, otherwise, Rohault would have surely christened the ship with one of them. That was the trouble with large fleets, he mused, all the really good names are taken. But someone would come up with one, and it was hardly neccessary to have one for her first mission. Besides, a name to the ship could make her more public. ~You wished to see me, Senator?~ Konok queried as he entered the room's doorway. Rohault turned to view the impressive Commander, daunted by his size and probable physical prowess. Konok stood, for once, in full glory, standing slightly over seven feet tall with a wide chest and definite masculine frame. Rohault quickly decided that Konok needed to be treated with respect. Rohault indicated a seat near the window in front of the massive ship. Konok regarded it, knowing that it would be his next command. Despite his prejudice against another ship, he did admit to himself that it was impressive. Rohault brightened the room a bit, dimming the image of the battleship somewhat. ~You are indeed viewing your next assignment, Commander. The new prototype battleship has been assigned under your command.~ Konok regarded the ship again, this time under a bit of reflection from the room's lights. ~I hope I prove to be worthy of your selection,~ Konok replied with false modesty. Rohault looked over the sparsley decorated room for a moment. ~I'm sure of that, Commander. But let's dispense with the formalities, please. We have important matters to discuss.~ Konok sat, then folded his arms. Rohault took his seat at his desk, trying to look official even though it physically looked like Konok should be the one in charge. ~The Senate has prepared a special mission for you, one that will stress even your profound abilities.~ Konok smirked, not impressed with the political layer placed on his mission orders. That generally meant that the mission was dangerous, usually uneccessarily so. ~I bet it will. Do you mind telling me what that mission is?~ This was it, Rohault frowned. Konok never was one for politeness or for long-windedness. ~Your mission is to engage a Federation starship to determine its strengths and weaknesses,~ Rohault finally admitted. ~It is a mission with some risk, Commander,~ he added, trying to explain his roundabout delivery. ~Attacking a Federation vessel could be considered an act of war,~ Konok stated, making it plain his misgivings about the directness of the mission. ~We do not wish to start a full fledged war,~ Rohault warned. ~We wish only to test our best vessel against theirs. It will be listed as a skirmish in a forbidden sector, where the Federation ship will violate treaty. For us, it will be a perfectly legitimate complaint.~ Konok considered this, and it was indeed true, so long as the Federation ship arrived in the sector first. ~Have you decided on the disputed sector?~ Konok queried. Rohault drew up a chart on his monitor, displaying the unusual sector on screen. ~This is the Genesis sector, only two parsecs from the triangle area. The unique protomatter energy signatures from that area will make long range communications and scanning difficult, but not impossible,~ he started, indicating a proto-star at the sector's core. It was a star someone had named Marcus. ~Difficult? How difficult?~ Konok demanded. If the mission were to go afoul, it seemed clear that the Romulan Imperial Senate didn't want to be blamed. These solo-style missions tended to mean that the Commander was on his own. Glory to the Empire if he succeeds. Branded a traitor if he fails. He was being tested, every bit as much as the ship he would be commanding. Rohault didn't seem daunted by the prospect of failure, however, placing his faith in a superb ship and an outstanding crew. He was confident when he spoke again, which didn't do much to reassure Konok's distrust. ~Transmissions about mission status can only be sent and recieved through a direct beam only. It would be impossible to determine the happenings within the sector unless one were to actually be looking there.~ Konok smiled at that. ~Hidden under plain sight? Amusing, Senator. I did not think that you had it in you.~ Rohault's confident smile was quickly replaced with a slightly angry growl. ~You don't think that we would entrust this mission to any Commander, do you?~ he snapped, taken aback with Konok's attitude. ~You're being given the ship-of-the-line with the best crew in our fleet, those are not resources we would callously throw away.~ Instead of returning anger, Konok let his grin become a bit more sinister. It only took a moment for the Senator to realize that he'd been emotionally manipulated. ~I never considered that you would have authorized such an action, Senator.~ Konok smoothly replied. ~But I have considered the political motivations behind this current mission, and I do not like what I find.~ The Senator sank back in his seat a bit, knowing that now was the time to come clean. ~The Empire is in desperate straits, Commander. When the Federation removed the Klingons from our alliance, they not only dramatically shifted the balance of power away from us, but our resources as well.~ Konok knew too well the politics of the last five years since the Khitomer conference. The Klingons had agreed to end hostilities with the Federation, as well as to end their alliance with the Romulans. While there had been numerous break-ups between the two empires, there was a note of finality in this last. Konok also knew that it was the Klingons who controlled trade for the Romulans. With the alliance shattered, the Romulans suddenly were without their best and most powerful trading partners. While certain other races, like the Ferrengi, were excellent in these matters, there was little that the Romulans had to trade with. ~So our only option is a desperate one,~ Rohault confessed. ~We must take some key worlds from the Federation, ones which will provide us with the resources that we need. To do that, we must be prepared to combat the Federation, again.~ Konok frowned at that. The Romulan Empire never fared well against the Federation forces. At best the two governments were at a stalemate, at worst, the Federation would slaughter them. The accursed Federation had vast resources and very capable members, despite what Romulan propaganda had said about them. ~Of course, we need to determine if we are yet ready to commit to such an action,~ Rohault continued, allowing some build-up to the true purpose of the mission. ~By testing their newest vessel, the ENTERPRISE, we can see how well their fleet has come along, and how we will fare against them.~ Konok considered the words for a moment, memorizing them, commiting them to his soul. ~And what if,~ he began dreadfully, ~What if my ship is not the victor in this encounter?~ Rohault's eyes widened at the thought. Of course, it was certainly possible that the ENTERPRISE would beat this new vessel, but it wasn't likely. ~We have made sure that the ENTERPRISE will not be a survivor in this contest, Commander. Wether you succeed or fail in battle, depends mostly on our skills and the Federation's advances, two very large unknowns in this equation. But, to succeed the mission, you must survive to tell the tale.~ Konok breathed heavily for a moment. ~In that case, I will not allow failure in my mission. I am to test the ENTERPRISE to their limits, best her if I can,~ he began, slowly choosing his wording to be clear of his meaning. ~But, most importantly, I am to return to you with the data I acquire.~ ~That is correct, Commander. I am glad you understand your mission objectives so clearly,~ the Senator commented as Konok stood. ~Your ship will be departing in four hours. From here, you will immediately depart for Genesis. Let no other Federation vessels detect you until you reach your target.~ ~Do we destroy them if they do?~ Konok asked, already expecting the obvious answer. Rohault simply nodded the affirmative, letting Konok quietly turn to exit. But Rohault spoke up one last time before Konok managed to leave the room, ~Commander Konok, we haven't yet named the new vessel and her class yet. Would you like to enter a suggestion?~ ~Yes, Senator,~ Konok smiled, seeing a chance to give his former ship the respect it deserves. ~I will call my new command the IRON CLAW II.~ Rohault smiled, accepting the meaning of Konok's words. The ship would be named the IRON CLAW II, at the behest of her Commander, in honor of another proud vessel which had just ended her carrer. CHAPTER FIVE Intelligence Officer's Log : Stardate 10152.3 Commander Thomas William Riley Executive Officer, USS ENTERPRISE, NCC 1701-B My first observations of the crew indicates that while they are, for the most part, well capable at their duties, I can't find myself fully confident with them. Overall there seems to be a severe lack of discipline with key crew members thus far. Even though it is still far too early to tell how my tour with the ENTERPRISE will benefit my being, I can make some basic comments on certain elements of the command crew. Captain Saavik, though exceptionally qualified, and certainly deserving of command, shows signs of intense nervousness. I can dismiss this in most people, but in a Vulcan-Romulan I find it most troubling. I am attributing this nervousness to the nature of our mission. Secondly, Doctor Matthews I find to be quite annoying. He is, at many times, petty and troublesome. I think that this primarily stems from his distaste of using the ENTERPRISE as a combat vessel. There may be deeper reasons for his general dislike of authority, but I do not yet see fit to pry into them. Then there are the 'Twin-bees', Ensigns Ravis and Deuce. The only thing troubling me about them is their intense bond with one-another. I have already heard rumors about their sexual practices, and while I could normally care less, something troubles me about them. Maybe, they are too close emotionally then what perfessionalism allows. Again, it isn't something I expect will need to be dealt with for some time. But my most serious matter is Lieutenant Grissom. Her record was very clear about her "man-hating", but it is plainly obvious that she is going to be quite difficult in the chain of command. What's worse, is that she has on two occaisions thus far, appeared to be frightened of me. "Frightened, Commander?" Saavik unexpectedly queried. Riley kept himself from jumping at her voice, even though he knew that she had been listening for the past minute or so. "I thought my door was locked," Riley cooly responded, finally regarding his Captain. He soon became quite impressed. Saavik was technically off-shift, and, while still being regulation, once again wore her hair down. The resulting change in her appearance was no less than staggering. Saavik looked over the door for a moment. "It should have been, but the computer locking systems have failed on several decks," she began, obviously showing some signs of discomfort. "May we speak candidly, Commander?" "Sure," Riley muttered, overriding the computer control to his door lock. "But, I prefer to be called 'William' or 'Riley' when I'm not on duty," he smiled. "William?" Saavik queried, "Your record indicated that you were quite formal in matters. I did not expect a first name basis," she continued, relaxed a little bit by Riley's calmness. "It does?" Riley smiled again, this time out of more sincerity than before. "I'll have to get that changed. Acutally, I'm known for being professional, getting the job done." So far, this was the longest conversation the two commanding officers had had, and Saavik was somewhat glad to be having it. "I understand that, Captain Sarok had given me a highest recommendation," she continued. She looked about the room, hoping to get some clue about this enigma that had taking the role of first-officer. There weren't many. He did keep his own cooking supplies within his quarters, which was somewhat unusual, but hardly indicative. Perhaps he had heard about the food processors and decided not to risk it. "Sarok would," Riley muttered barely loud enough for Saavik to hear. "He was responsible for my training on Vulcan," he continued to Saavik's eager ears. "So, naturally, he favors me." Riley paced over to his refrigerator, pulling a couple of neon-blue beverages from within. "It is illogical for a Vulcan to favor one person over another," Saavik added, knowing full well that even she could never be so devoted to logic. "Was there a reason for Captain Sorak to favor you?" Riley let the question slide by, acting as if he didn't hear it. "Here, since you're fully Vulcanoid, this won't hurt you a bit," he said, passing one of the beverages to her. "A congradulatory drink for your first command." Riley raised his glass in a 'cheers' gesture and gently sipped his drink. Saavik accepted her glass, knowing full well what she was doing was illegal. "How did you get Romulan Ale aboard?" she asked as she gingerly sipped her first taste. "Security would have picked this up when you came aboard." Riley took another sip and then carefully set his glass on his table. Riley sat down at the work-table, indicating a seat on his dining table for Saavik to sit down on. After a second's hesitation, Saavik finally sat down. Riley traced the outside of his glass for a second before deciding to answer. "It's been my experience that ensign grade security officers won't tell tale on their superiors when their superiors split their only bottle with them," he smiled, indicating the half-bottle resting atop the cooling-unit. "You bribed them?" Saavik was mildly shocked by the admission. This person certainly did have a great audacity, she kept to herself. "No, well, yes. It was a gift from Captain Hensley aboard the HOOD," he finally admitted. "It was for getting this assignment." Saavik nodded in a bit of understanding, but was silent for several seconds afterwards. Both finished their drinks, and Saavik was quite surprised that it did not seem to effect Riley in the slightest. She, however, seemed a little light-headed, but, of course, far from drunk. "I was wondering, Commander," she began, regaining her cool composure,"your record had a lot of information either missing or classified," she began with slight caution. "While you should know that I find you a quite capable First Officer, I am curious as to why your record has been classified." Riley grimaced a bit, swirling the last, unattainable sip at the bottom of his glass. "Star Fleet feels that some things about my history should remain private," he coldly began, "I'm not at liberty to discuss the matter further." The answer was far from what she had wanted, but one which she had expected. "Are there things you can tell me off the record?" she tried again, hoping to get some insight on this man. Riley sighed heavily before considering his answer. "I am an adopted child," he began deliberately slow-paced, making sure not to let out more information than he could. "A Federation ship delivered me to, at the time, Lieutenant Sarok. He raised me as a protege, and I receieved some training on Vulcan," he concluded. Saavik considered that for a moment, but the answers Riley had given had simply paved the way for more questions. Questions which she knew could only be answered through time. She decided that it was, indeed, best to wait until he was ready to volunteer more. One thing was sure, Saavik also decided, she absolutely did not like mysteries. Her First Officer definately did present her with some. It was obvious by his looks that he was half-Vulcan, though, by his words, was not Vulcan. Despite his training on Vulcan, he was also still quite emotional. So, there had to be some other reason for his training than logic disciplines. "What do you think of your first command, Saavik Kahm?" Riley questioned. The abrupt change in subject matter confused Saavik for a moment. "I'm sorry, I shouldn't have phrased it that way," Riley continued apoligetically. "I was wondering about your appraisal of the ship's crew and mission." "My appraisal?" Saavik wondered what the Commander had on his mind. Certainly he'd been more on his guard since the incident with the air-lock, but he'd never expressed a great deal of concern with the mission thus far, nor with the crew. There was another moment of silence, but the moment was brief, and Riley was again inside the ENTEPRISE hull. "I've seen almost thirty different malfunctions in the records on this ship, far surpassing most vessels, even those that are state-of-the-art," he flatly started. "These malfunctions cannot be coincidence. There are too many of them in too short a time, and I cannot believe that the construction crew was this lax in getting the ship ready." Saavik considered this, then activated her insignia. "Captain Saavik to engineering. Lieutenant Grissom, report Sensor repair and investigation status," she commanded to the air about her. "Short range sensors will be inoperative until the repairs on the array malfunction are complete," the insignia replied with Grissom's voice. "I estimate three hours to repair and track the problem. There are no indications of the source of failure at this time." Riley closed his hands, forming into powerful fists. "No obvious indications, at any rate," he muttered, knowing full well what his words implied. Saavik allowed a grimace, for a change. Riley was being logical, she decided, under the circumstances. Sabotague was the only logical conclusion. Monroe began keying in the course correction sequence that Captain Saavik had ordered. "Lieutenant Tiber, we have cleared turn seven on course and on schedule. Estimate four hours until turn eight," he replied cooly. With both Saavik and Riley currently off-shift, Tiber was left running the bridge. Tiber did enjoy the thrill of power, but knew that if any trouble were to occur, that he would immediately call one of his superiors. But, for now, he was content to be sitting in the Big Chair. "Thank you, Ensign, please inform me of any systems change." "Aye, sir," Monroe quietly replied, sitting back and allowing the ship to sail effortlessly through the sector. The atmosphere was a bit more relaxed than when one of the big two were on the bridge. Both Saavik and Riley seemed to command an air of discipline about them, though Riley was a bit more lenient about it. Tiber was far more lax, simply because he didn't want to push his authority over people not far below him in the command chain. "Sir, I'm getting an anomolous reading from port side warp naccell," Monroe muttered. "I am attempting to compensate, but the force is getting quite strong." Tiber's eyes widened in disbelief. "Another malfunction? Now of all times?" Tiber questioned the air. "Engineer Grissom, "Yes, Tiber?" Grissom replied with a definite note of distain. Tiber dismissed her tone, mainly due to more pressing concerns. "We're getting some odd readings here from the warp engines. What do you make of them?" "Engines read fine here, Tiber. Don't know what you're talking about," Grissom replied, just before her communicator went dead. "I've lost helm control. The ship's plotting her own course," Monroe cried. The ENTERPRISE lurched a bit as the ship violently changed her course. "Where are we headed, Ensign?" Tiber barked as the ship righted herself. Monroe studied the chart for only a second. It was all that was neccessary. "It's Genesis Sector, sir. We're going straight for it." Tiber frowned, knowing what the Genesis sector would mean if the ENTEPRISE were to travel there. "Sound Red Alert, and get Saavik and Commander Riley up here," Tiber fumed. "Tell them we've got more bugs in the machine. This time it's a bit more serious." CHAPTER SIX Intelligence Officer's Log : Supplemental Commander Thomas William Riley Executive Officer, USS ENTERPRISE, NCC 1701-B It appears that my initial concerns about sabotague have become reality. This ship is on direct course for Genesis sector, and I've got my suspicions as to what is awaiting us. I am growing increasingly frustrated with the situation on ENTERPRISE. The crew is in disarray, the ship is falling apart, and I am hampered by the neccessity of my position. If something does not change soon, I am likely to take things into my own hand. "Damage control reports that major systems malfunctions are occuring throughout the ship," Tiber quickly summarized as Saavik and Riley nearly simultaneously entered the bridge. The Red Alert systems had activated, and the air was filled with dozens of malfunction calls and systems failure reports. Riley quickly analyzed the systems display. Only Life Support and the Warp Drive work working normally. "Riley to Grissom, I want a manual evaluation of every system this ship has got," he barked to his insignia. "Put everyone on it, including the janitorial crew." Saavik looked through her bridge. Every system was down. There was no question now, someone had sabotauged the ship. "Lieutenant Tiber, I want that report of every malfunction that the ship has suffered." "It's in the computers," Tiber quickly replied before realizing that that meant that the report was as good as lost. "I can try to get a written report from all decks," he added, looking over to Riley who nodded agreement. Riley had already recieved Tiber's written report a few moments before. Saavik finally took her center seat. "Do we have communications capacity?" she queried, wondering wether or not she really wanted to know the answer. "Negative, sir, all systems are scrambled," Monroe responded out of fear. "I'm trying to get past the system garbage." Riley uncharacteristically flinched at Monroe's answer. His eyes narrowed for a moment, concentrating on Monroe's form. Monroe? Riley considered for a moment. There was something wrong with his being here, Riley concluded. He was out of place. Granted, fleet hadn't yet assigned a navigator to the ENTERPRISE when Riley had been reading personnel, but something was amiss. Campbell rushed onto the bridge, holding a but of computer core in he hand. "Sirs, there's been phaser fire in the main computer core." She indicated the burn mark through the center of the core. "There's so much damage, I don't think we can fix it without drydocking." Saavik kept in a growl, looking unemotional even in the chaos which surrounded her. "The food replicators, the ones which work," she saw fit to add given the current situation. "They can be used to replicate the working sections of the computer core. Can they not?" Campbell looked confused for a moment, then lit up with realization. "You mean we can replicate the working computer banks and use the replications to replace the damaged ones," she replied, eager to commit herself to the assignment. "Is that not what I said, Miss Campbell?" Saavik cooly replied, signaling to the young woman to continue her duties. "Get the computer on-line as soon as possible, too many other systems depend on it." Riley was about to add something to that, but let the thought go. There are safer places to discuss such things than he, he thought to himself. "Captain, if this is a trap, then I would suggest that the sheilding and weapons systems be placed on priority." "Our priority is to not allow ourselves to fall into the trap," Saavik evenly responded. "We will abort the takeover of the ship's navigational systems and return to space dock for major repairs." It was a logical argument. But it wasn't the correct one. The people responsible for the trap had to be caught, otherwise they would make a new, deadlier, trap. Riley kept his opinion to himself, not wanting to show disrespect to his captain. "Of course, but would it not be logical to place sheilds on priority, as a contingency?" he decided to say instead. "Logical," Saavik responded, then motioned to a crewman to carry the order below. Riley regarded his captain for the first time in her role. She was indeed capable, and fairly impressive. She handled crisis fairly well. But, there was more. Riley had genuinely been upset when ordered to circumvent her authority in this mission. She could never know it, but the two of them had much more in common than the ENTEPRISE. He sympathized with her inner torments, noticing things that no one else would. Her slight emotional slips, and her nervousuness at command, though only very slight, must trouble her deeply. Riley knew the Vulcan way only too well. Riley again turned his attention to the bridge, and it was Saavik's turn to study him. Riley was quite imposing, possessing a commanding aura. His dark brown eyes and worn face seemed to demand loyalty. From his records, she knew him to be intelligent and capable. From his words, she knew him to be saavy. And from him, she found him attractive and amicable. He, quite simply, intimidated the hell out of her. Saavik noted Riley's studying of the bridge, taking in every detail that he could, escpecially when studying Ensign Monroe. The Riley didn't say anything about it, it was plainly obvious that Riley had some reservations about the navigator. "Captain," Commander Riley suddenly piped. "Permission to leave the bridge. I would like to be of help below." Saavik questioned that, but there certainly couldn't be much more harm done by his leaving. Before she could answer, Riley had already left. Tiber rushed over to aid Campbell, mainly by placing his arm around her. The couple rushed to the science-station, and began pulling the covering from it. Tiber, though not very knowledgable in the ways of engineering, began pulling every console and core sample that Campbell indicated. They kept as busy as everyone else about them. Even with work crews busy repairing the massive interal damage, and even with the smoothness she had given her commands, Saavik was not relaxed. She felt helpless as her people did the work. Even Riley seemed to be doing more than she felt she needed to. Of course, Riley seemed to do that often, Saavik grimly muttered. Though she had been handling things quite well, Saavik felt as if she were watching her command starting to disintegrate around her. Engineering fared worst on the ship. While there were fortunately no fatalities, three men had already been minorly injured when alum-glass and metal flared from exploding panels and safeties. Grissom was quite busy shoveling all of her sweat off of her brow as she tried to repair system after system. "Damn it, Ravis, I thought you were the best man for the job," she barked. Ravis activated more switches, trying to undo the damage the ship had undertaken. Nothing seemed to work. "The main warp control circuitry has been severed, backup systems may be operational, but the computer refuses to link with them." "That's because," Deuce shouted from across the room, "there is no main computer." Deuce pulled a couple of panels of his own, revealing several power couplings. Grissom growled. Some man had ruined her engines, before she had even gotten a chance to tinker with them. "Ensign Deuce, did you get ship communications and subspace working?" "Subspace is very rough, but it's up," Deuce replied as he pulled open the covering to a coupling. "Ship communications are functional, but not reliable." Grissom finished at her station, "I've got helm control back. I can't fix the navigation system without the computer, so we'll have to hit that as soon as the power grid's done," she cooly ordered. "Ravis, what are you working on?" Ravis began shaking, the strain was getting to him. Deuce looked over, forcing down the instinct to console his partner. "I'm trying to get the warp control working," Ravis quaked, "but there's been some severe damage. I'm trying to patch it up, but I don't expect miracles." Then the sound of hell filled the room. Ravis's face went to stone as Deuce sudennly screamed. His panel weent ablaze and fire raced up his arm. Ravis rushed over, ignoring the warp control panel he had been working on. Grissom grabbed the manual extinguisher and sprayed away, flooding the bay with fire retardant. "I'm sorry, Deuce," Ravis cried as the two were covered with retardant foam. Deuce couldn't answer, instead accepting the sweet bliss of unconsciousness. Ravis held him in his arms, holding tight, hoping to hold the life within his lover. "Grissom to sick bay," Grissom commanded to her chest insignia, "emergency teams to secondary engineering." She quickly tuned her attention to the panel itself, battling the fire raging from it. "Fire and damage control teams to engineering." When Riley entered his room, he let his controlled form relax. There was work to be done on the ship, but there would only be more malfunctions if he didn't do his work here first. Riley composed himself, fighting the slight depression which had begun to work on him. He had again lied to Saavik, something neccessary though disturbing. Lying to a superior officer, though ordered to do so by another superior, was wrong. He collapsed into his work chair, only having been away from it for a couple of minutes. There was work to be done, he decided, for better or worse. Morality would have to wait. "Computer," Riley began, "cross-reference list of ENTERPRISE malfunctions with the ship's crew. Look for any correlation between that list, and crewmembers present at malfunction sites." Riley hadn't expected to be using his own personal computer for ship's business, but the ship's computer had been seriously damaged, and it was likely that remaining files had been tampered with. His personal computer, his link to the Federation intelligence network, was the only secure machine in the ship. "There are no single correlations found," the computer finally repeated. Riley had somewhat expected this, it would not be logical for a single operative to hit the hip with so many malfunctions. His trail would be too easy to mark. "Repeat search, include all multiple instances of crewmembers and malfunction sites," Riley cooly replied. This time, there would be a variety of answers, he thought to himself. "Crewmembers as follows. Riley, Commander Thomas William, present at docking ring failure, present at navigation command failure. Saavik, Captain, present at docking ring failure, present at food station seven failure, present at navigation command failure." The list was indeed quite long, but it did leave Riley wondering why his name appeared above Saavik's. "Computer," Riley interrupted with a hint of impatience, "Eliminate occurances of less than six." The computer complied with a small beep sequence. "Repeat list with new parameters." "Crewmembers as follows," the computer began. Riley straightened his back, dreading the names he was about to hear. "Cheif Engineer Lieutenant Grissom, Maintenance Officer Ensign Joshua Matthew Ravis, Navigation Officer James Micheal Monroe. List ends." Riley took several seconds before recording the list and shutting the power from his computer. He let a controlled sigh of dispair slip from him as he stood to consider his next course of action. There were now three suspects. But before continuing on this premise, Riley concluded, it was neccessary to review the three of them and their records. Grissom wasn't around on the ship for the majority of the malfunctions, and, despite her attitude, there was nothing about her record which could indicate enemy sympathies. Riley decided that he didn't know too much about Ravis. Ravis was well known to be homosexual, though until now that was the only thing known about him. As an ensign, his record was, at best, brief. He was a likely candidate, mainly because an ensign on a new ship was both an easy and convincing disguise. Then there was Monroe. Riley had reviewed every crewmember's record, and could find no trace of Monroe's transfer to the ENTERPRISE nor his record previous. He was an obvious plant, probably intended to hide Ravis. "Computer, crewman status report, please," Riley commanded to his machine with a bit of hesitation. "Identify subject," it gleefully responded. Riley stroked his chin for a moment, pondering on wether he was doing the right thing. Perhaps he should talk to Saavik before continuing, and quit playing the spy. But there was no denying his role in these matters. "Ensign James Micheal Monroe," he finally, slowly, responded to the computer. "Assigned aboard USS ENTERPRISE as a navigational officer." "No record on file," the machine called back. It was all the confirmation neccessary. Monroe's record had been added aboard ENTERPRISE by someone, but Star Fleet's records didn't recognize him. "Riley to bridge," he called, silently hoping that the intra-ship communications were still working. He was greatly relieved when Saavik's voice came across. "Captain here. What may I do for you, Commander?" she politely replied, though the strain in her voice was obvious. "Patch me through to Headquarters," Riley cooly replied, somewhat apologetic that he had to give orders to his superior officer. "I want to talk to Star Fleet Command." CHAPTER SEVEN The IRON CLAW II is indeed an impressive ship, Konok mused as he regarded the bridge about him. It was much larger than the bird-of-prey's bridge, allowing for more room to walk about than before. Stations could have their functions switched around, which was a definate advantage for the command area. It was, Konok admitted, vastly superior to the vessel he had commanded for so long. The IRON CLAW II was simply the best vessel in the Romulan fleet. ~We will be crossing the Neutral Zone into Federation territory in three minutes, Commander,~ the helmsman grunted. ~I repsectfully submit that we abort this mission,~ he finally added, overcoming his fear of his commander. Konok smiled, understanding his minion's fear. ~We have the superior vessel, and the superior plan, Secundam. You have nothing to fear.~ The Secundam didn't seem to believe that statement, but quickly turned around to avoid more confrontation. He was, after all, more afraid of his commander than of the unknown dangers in the Neutral Zone. ~Sir, I'm getting a voice message, eminating from beyond the Neutral Zone,~ another officer piped up. Konok turned abruptly, ~On visual.~ ~Voice message only, Commander Konok,~ the commincations officer replied. Konok simply pointed forward, indicating the go-ahead. For a moment, static was all that filled the speakers, but a voice came only a few seconds later, and successfully drowned out the static surrounding it. ~This is Commander T'Sal of Imperial Intelligence aboard the ENTERPRISE. If you are recieving this message, then I am pleased that my mission has been successful,~ the voice began. Konok said nothing, he seemed wholly taken with the message. This was the person responsible for my greatest mission, Konok considered. Perhaps I should thank him when ENTERPRISE lies in ruins about me. ~The ship is a battlecruiser, more powerful and advanced than our Nova Class battleships,~ the report began. Konok let his hand rest under his grin. ~The vessel, from what I've seen, is a fair match for your new battleship, Commander.~ ~As per orders, I have suceeded in damaging their key systems to force them into the scheduled confrontation. The ENTEPRISE has been damaged by the tampering, though the repair crews are far more efficient than had been anticipated,~ the message continued. ~They have already overcome the navigational lock as well as the loss of their main computer.~ If Konok was troubled by the news, he took no pains to show it. Instead, his smiled widened. The ENTERPRISE would no longer be a sitting duck for his attack, but a prepared and capable opponent. Konok felt the Romulan equivalent of adreneline pour through his body. ~The ship is currently on course to their Starbase Fourteen for emergency repairs. The captain and first officer seem to disagree as to their next course of action.~ Konok toggled off the communications switch, smiling and confident. ~Continue on course to Genesis sector, warp seven.~ ~But, sir,~ the helmsman protested. ~The ENTERPRISE won't be there when we arrive. Surely there is no point of crossing the Neutral Zone now?~ Konok's smiled faded into a smirk. ~Ah, but there is, Secundam,~ he responded in an evilly assured tone. ~You should have more faith in fate. The ENTERPRISE will be there. It must be.~ CHAPTER EIGHT "You wish to interview these three?" Saavik demanded. "Because you have found a correlation between them and the ship's reported malfuncitons?" Riley frowned at her reaction. Even though the intelligence committee gave him much leeway in these matters, Riley thought it neccessary to talk to Saavik first. Now he was regretting this decision. "I have some evidence, and even more suspicion, but I need these interviews to confirm my suspicions." Saavik didn't let her emotions escape from her, though she her feelings were in a bit of a jumble about her First Officer. "Do you consider your request logical?" she asked coldly. "It is not neccessary to disturb our already stressed crew based on emotional beliefs." "I have never been known to confuse my emotions with my professionalism, Captain," Riley replied in a voice which even made Saavik take pause. "I am well versed in these matters, and I conclude that my judgement is sound." Saavik stepped back at that. "How would you be so well versed, Commander?" she queried, hoping to gain a little insight, now that the opportunity was ripe. "I have seen nothing in your record to indicate that you are an expert at sabotauge and infiltration." Riley turned away, mostly out of self-disgust. Things were coming to ahead, and he wasn't sure if he could handle it. "I cannot discuss the matter of my record," he muttered angrily. "As Captain of this vessel, it is my right to know all I can about my command crew," Saavik stated matter-of-factly. There was no denying the ring of truth in her voice. Riley felt the world collapsing around him. "I can't tell you, Saavik," he spoke through gritted teeth. "I want to, but I'm under orders not to." If Saavik was more accustomed to reading the emotions of others, she would have noticed that his temper was flaring. She would have known that he was tearing himself apart between duty and righteousness. But she didn't. "I order you to disclose to me the details of your record," she demanded in her cold tone. It was all that Riley could take, and she soon became painfully aware of it. Riley punched the wall, hard. His powerful fist tore through the wall plating in front of him with such force as to make Saavik jump back. "My god," she muttered as he slowly drew his fist from the hole. "No human could ever do that." Riley composed himself, still angry with his actions. "I am an officer in Intelligence Command," he coldly explained. "My orders are to determine the nature of the ship's malfunctions and the disappearance of the USS FEARLESS." Saavik stepped back in disbelief. She suddenly realized that she had been a mere pawn in some larger plan. The thought angered her. "You've been assigned here, under me," she began tight-lipped. "But you were working for Intelligence all along." She paused, letting the meaning of his words sink in even more. "You lied to me," she finished, mournfully. "It gets worse," Riley muttered. "I was ordered to circumvent your command." He took a deep breath, staring directly into Saavik's now-saddened eyes. "Even if it meant taking command of the ENTERPRISE away from you." Saavik looked stunned for the first time. "I wasn't supposed to be the captain of this ship," she slowly managed through her mixed emotions. "You were, weren't you?" Riley stepped over to her, gently placing his hand on her shoulder. "No," he quietly said to her. "You are the Captain of this ship. I never wanted to take that away from you." "Why not?" she asked, fighting back a tear, trying desperately to hold off her emotions. "It isn't logical for me to remain Captain of this vessel under these circumstances. You should assume command." "I can't, Saavik," Riley tried to explain. But the time for words had already been past. He turned her to him, noting that a single tear began falling down her cheek. He slowly wiped it off of her. The two stood staring at each other for several moments, not being able to communicate verbally with one another. Saavik had nearly been broken. "Why did you decide to tell me, William?" she finally asked. Riley stepped away from her for a moment, ingoring some of the feelings that were flowing through him. "I couldn't hurt you anymore," he queity replied. "I had to choose between keeping my orders, and you." Saavik raised an eyebrow at that. "You chose me?" she questioned. "That was not a logical decision," she indicated, knowing full well that logic was not amoung Riley's reasons. Riley again turned away. "Let's just say that I saw some things in you which reminded me of other things," he noncommittedly replied. "I can't say anything more." Saavik nodded, and allowed herself time to compose herself. "If you were to assume captaincy of this ship," she began honestly, "I would be honored to serve under you." Riley smiled, knowing full well that it would soon come to that. "Thank you," he replied, again looking into her eyes. He wanted to say more, but knew he had said too much already. "Go ahead with your interviews," Saavik started again, this time assuming a more professional posture. "I should trust the judgement of my First Officer." Riley nodded but said nothing else in reply. Saavik slowly stepped from the room, dimming the lights as she left. The first officer found himself watching her the entire time he possibly could. "There is more between us than you could possibly know," he finally said. Saavik returned to her quarters, a bit confused by her feelings about her First Officer. He had just violated orders for her benefit by revealing who he was and why he was aboard. She couldn't answer why, but she realized that she would have done the same for him. Of the three interviews, Ravis's came first. Riley figured that this would be the toughest of the three, since he had very little to go on. Ravis walked in, quite exhausted from his day thus far, and not wanting to have it last too much longer. "You wanted to see me, sir?" Riley indicated the chair across from him and Ravis obeyed the subtle order. "I'm reviewing some records, and since the computer is damaged, I'm going to have to supplement information with some interviews." "Sir, I'm sorry, but I'm needed in engineering, could this wait?" Ravis asked. His voice was genuine enough, though it was painfully obvious that his mind wasn't on a faulty conduit. Riley crossed his arms and reclined a bit. "You've been working very hard," he began with a slight smile. "Think of this as a break." Ravis's expression went slightly confused, but straightened out before it would be considered offensive. "I will try, Commander." "I just spoke to sick-bay, Doctor Matthews says that Deuce will be fine," Riley began a bit off-topic. "Deuce only suffered from some toxic fumes and passed out. Matthews pumped him clean." Ravis breathed a sigh of relief, but went to shock after a moment's consideration. "Then, you know about us, sir?" Riley nodded in the affirmative, which embarrassed Ravis somewhat. "There are very few secrets on a starship, Ensign. Eventually, everything gets found out," Riley replied with a slight bit of warning. Ravis took pause with the statement, and Riley took quick note of the reaction. "I understand, sir, I will try to be more discreet." "I could care less about your sexual practices, Ensign, so long as they don't interfere with your professionalism." Riley's comment was pointed, again alluding to something wholly different than the matter at hand. "When you let your emotions cloud your judgement, you can make mistakes." "I'm not sure what you mean, sir," Ravis replied, a bit concerned with the conversation's tone. "I have done my best to act professional at every level of my duty." Riley looked over Ravis, looking for signs of over-nervousness, trying to see if Ravis would slip. So far, he had only slightly, becoming too paranoid about the questions put to him. "I'm just offering advice," Riley began again. "When a person becomes close to someone, he has a tendancy to put professionalism aside in favour of that someone." Riley conviently ignored the fact that he had just described himself. "I would appreciate you being more careful. If something had happened at your post in engineering when Deuce was injured, we wouldn't be around to discuss this matter." "Yes, sir," Ravis conceded. "Am I dismissed then, sir?" he asked, looking forward to returning to engineering with a clear head. "You are dismissed," Riley replied cooly as he readied his notepad for his next interview. Ravis stood and headed for the door. ~Goodbye, Secundam,~ Riley ended as Ravis left. ~Goodbye, Commander,~ Ravis replied without thinking. His reply was in perfect Romulan. When Grissom entered, only a moment or so late, she was shaking. Riley had noted her uneasiness with him before, but it was even more pronounced now that he and she were alone. Riley cursed at himself for his negligence in this matter. "Sit down," was all he could manage. Grissom did so, and Riley couldn't help but notice how much she was shaking. "It's fine, Miss Grissom, I only need to ask you some questions." "Yes, sir," she said, gripping unusally hard on her chair. "Though I must inform you that I have several things in engineering that need to be attended to." Riley opened his notebook and keyed in his security code. "I've looked through your record, and noticed that there were some things marked 'Private'. May I inquire as to their nature?" he began as politely as possible. Grissom gave a worried look. "I would prefer that you didn't, sir," she stammered. "There are some things in the record which I don't want publicized." Riley already had an inkling as to what those things were, but held back any comments. "I was reviewing your records from your previous assignments. Captain Heito gave you very high praise," he tried. "I'm sure he did, sir," she replied with a wavering voice. "I do have things to attend to," she added, hoping to leave the room with some of her dignity still intact. "This will only take a couple of minutes, Lieutenant," he politely replied. "Sir," she replied, trying to get the nerve to state her true feelings, "I mean no offense. But I cannot be comfortable remaining alone in the same room with you." Riley went deadly silent for a moment. Grissom wasn't just afraid of him, she was intimidated by him. "Look Lieutenant," Riley tried, hoping to ease the tension in the room. "Miss Grissom, I didn't call you in here for any reason other than determining the identity of the saboteur." Grissom's eyes widened at that. "You mean," she stammered in a bit of shock. "You think that I could be the saboteur?" she continued with a bit of mild disgust. "I will have you know that I've been twice decorated for meritourious service as well as recieving efficiency ratings well into the nineties on every tour." She went into frenzy now, taking Riley aback. "How could you think that I would do something like that?" she demanded. Riley sighed, for once letting out a little emotion. "I never seriously considered that you were the saboteur. But my evidence doesn't disclude you, so I have no option but to use this interview." Grissom looked in disbelief at her superior officer. "I'm sorry, sir," she finally replied after several seconds when she collected herself. "I didn't mean to go off-line like that. The engine room has been keeping me on edge." Riley fought down the impulse to comfort her, knowing full well how she would take the overture. Instead he merely dismissed the incident. "Lieutenant, it didn't happen. Don't worry about it. But I do expect to be treated with proper respect." Grissom stood up, starting to excuse herself. "Yes, sir, and if you don't mind, sir, I have several things which need to be attended to." Riley nodded, though Grissom was already walking out the door. He decided that something would eventually need to be done about her attitude. Monroe entered the conference room, as ordered, at precisely eighteen-hundred hours. Riley was sitting at the main desk, and offered a chair to the Ensign. As soon as Monroe took his seat, Riley slowly stood up. "I apologize, but I'm getting a bit stiff from all of the sitting I've been doing lately," he started with a false humour. "No apologies needed, sir," Monroe piped up, though somewhat nervous. "If you will pardon my insistance, may I inquire as to why I was called down here?" "You may inquire," Riley replied flatly. Monroe looked confused for a moment. "It was a joke," Riley added when he noted Monroe's lack of response. "Sir?" Monroe queried with a bit of distance. Sarcasm was apparantly lost on him. "Ensign Monroe," Riley coldly began. "I have been reviewing personell records, and your name didn't come up." Riley folded his arms, letting the young Ensign know exactly how deep his hole had been dug. Monroe flustered for a moment, unusure as to how Riley could even access the computer records from what was left of the machinery. "I don't know what you mean, sir," he tried. "I mean, you must have transfered to this ship shortly before we set sail," Riley replied, though his tone alluded to another meaning. "I am requesting your records from Star Fleet Command at this time, but I was hoping you could fill me in with some information." Monroe drew in a breath. It was obvious he was nervous. He indeed had something to hide. "What do you need to know, sir?" Riley paced the room for a moment, allowing Monroe to feel even more flustered than he already was. "What ship did you serve on before transferring aboard?" "I served on the ANTARES, under Captain Jameson, sir," Monroe blurted out. Riley paused for another moment, allowing the answer to dig into his head. "The ANTARES? An EXETER class ship, right?" Monroe looked confused for a moment, but quickly straightened himself out. "Yes, sir. She had one of the best engine rooms of the fleet," he replied, giving an act of pride. But Riley was undaunted and continueud with the interview. "I served with Jameson when he was one the HOOD before his big promotion to Captaincy. He was an excellent first officer." "I imagine he was sir," Monroe replied with a smile. "Though I would say that you handle things a bit more properly than he did." Riley looked Monroe over again, which made the Ensign shake with fear. His superior was deliberately dressing him down, and that was not to be taken lightly. "What was your officer effeciency rating aboard the ANTARES, Ensign?" the First Officer queried from out of the blue. "Eighty-six percent, sir," Monroe quickly blurted. "It would have been higher, except that I wasn't used to the ANTARES navigation systems until some time into my tour," he added for explanation. Riley nodded his head in acceptance. "Very well," he finally commented. "You are dismissed then. I hope the records problem will straigten out. We've had some trouble with getting the computer system on-line, so your records got lost in the shuffle." Monroe nodded and quickly stepped out of the conference room. Riley carefully watched him leave, and continued to watch the empty hall until the doors closed. "Ninety-six degrees in here and he didn't break a sweat," Riley muttered when he figured that the room was safe. He now had all the proof he needed for security. CHAPTER NINE The COLUMBIA was, like many similar vessels of late, a scout ship assigned to listening duty in the Neutral Zone. The ship was capable of far better sensor analysis than her heavier counterparts, though she was hardly a fighting vessel. It was suprising that the vessel had been caught alone. Their escort must have headed away on urgent business. Or, perhaps, the Federation had been negligent in this area of the Zone. No matter the reason, the COLUMIBA represented the weak link in the Federation's defense set up. While she was capable of detecting even a cloaked ship if she were near, it would be a simple matter to erase her from this plane of existance. Then the mission could proceed. Konok studied the sensor reports on the tiny vessel, knowing that the long range scans would have to be shut off to allow the IRON CLAW II to approach. ~This is the target,~ he indicated to the crew. The image of the COLUMBIA grew and metamorphed into a tactical display of her offensive and defensive capabilities. ~She is capable of detecting us, and therefore we must destroy her if we are to go through. The remainder of the Neutral Zone is more heavily defended.~ The helmsman looked a bit concerned at that last bit. ~Sir,~ he cautiosly began. ~What if the scout detects us before we can cut off their communications? We are risking an act of war.~ The helmsman had dared too much there, and he knew it. Konok look down with an menacing expression, waiting for an apology. ~Isn't there any other way?~ the helmsman finally asked in a more subdued tone. Konok considered that. They were indeed about to risk a full scale war with their action. But his orders were perfectly clear. He was to destroy the ENTERPRISE and anything which stood in his way. ~The Empire has given her orders,~ he cooly, and somewhat regretfully replied to his crew. ~It is our time to put our brick into our road to the stars.~ The IRON CLAW II disappeared into the blackness of space, heading toward the COLUMBIA beyond. The scout ship, as per normal under these circumstances, was running on impusle power. Captain Rapter knew that he had inherited the most boring and terrifying duty in Star Fleet. It was his job to scan for the enemy, wherever they are, for whatever reason, to warn Star Fleet that they were coming. "The least they could do for us is provide an escort," his First Officer complained. "It's bad enough waiting for something to happen, let alone not being able to handle it." Rapter's steel-like eyes peered over to his number one. He wasn't pleased, and First Officer Kito's constant complaining wasn't helping matters much. "Mister Kito," he began to explain with a note of intolerance, "you know that we have lost three ships near starbase fourteen, and Fleet feels that our escorts could be of more benefit there than in this backwater." Kito quieted down, frustrated with his duty. "I'm sorry, Captain. I've been on edge lately." It was true enough, the entire crew was jumpy. Shore leave had best come soon, Rapter thought to himself. Muntiny was looking to be a welcome alternative. The worst thing one can do to a member of Star Fleet was to bore him. The vast majority of them joined the service wishing for the excitement promised in the stars. But there is a saying about wishing for things, and about how those wishes usually come true. "Sir," one of the sensor operators suddenly called. "I'm getting a gaseous anomaly from directly ahead." Rapter tensed up. "Range, Lieutenant?" he queried. "Thirty-four thousand kilometers, and closing." the Lieutenant called back with a distinct nervousness in his voice. Rapter's eyes opened wide as he stood. "On screen," he called. The main viewer shifted images from a tactical report to foward view. There was something wrong. Some of the stars had red-shifted. "Range is now thirty thousand kilometers, closing fast," the Lieutenant called again, noticably more nervous than before. "That's no cloaking device I've ever seen before," Rapter commented to the room, stating the obvious. If it was a cloaking device, its effects were far better at masking a ship than the usual model. "If it is a cloaked ship," Kito observed, "it will be in firing range in only a couple of seconds." Rapter considered that for a small moment. "Sir, broad system commications have just been jammed," the commincations officer cried. Rapter's eyes widened, and he quickly hit the red alert signal. "Range is twenty-eight thousand kilometers," the officer continued even as the klaxon suddenly blared to life. "Registering definate weapons lock from unknown." "Fire seeker torpedoes," Rapter barked as the enemy vessel shimmered into existance. The COLUMBIA complied, spewing forth two balls of burning light against her attacker. The torpedoes arced around the rear of the IRON CLAW II, and slammed her from behind. Konok was thrown from his chair, nearly hitting his head into the helmsman's station. Smoke began pouring from the turbolift. ~What were those, Secundam?~ The helmsman scrambled to get the shields up, fully aware now that their prized cloaking device had been comprimised. ~Plasma seeking torpedoes, sir. They must have made them standard weapons.~ The IRON CLAW limped a bit, but it was clear that the battleship wouldn't take long to recover from the blow. "Ready phasers," he commanded to his helmsman, knowing how futile the gesture would be. "Communications, give me a piped channel to Star Fleet Command." The communications officer complied, "Channel open, Captain." Everyone knew that it would be the last transmission that the ship would make. "This is the USS COLUMBIA," Rapter screamed into the recorder, "we are under attack. We are transmitting sensor reports now." Rapter activated the communicae switch to begin the sensor relay. It would only be a matter of moments before the IRON CLAW II could again jam the ship's transmission, but the window was big enough to get the job done. Star Fleet would at last know more about this new and deadly foe. ~Konok,~ the helmsman cried, ~the scout ship has sent transmission. They'll know we're coming.~ Konok fumed,~ Damn them, engage thrusters and reready plasma torpedoes for firing.~ Upon Konok's command, the IRON CLAW II gingerly arced through space, turning upon the Federation Scout. "Fire phasers, don't let them get their shots off," Rapter commanded, knowing that it would be a futile gesture. The phasers jetted from the COLUMBIA, but the IRON CLAW II had been quick to raise her shields. The phasers didn't punch through. The IRON CLAW II finally fired, slamming a blast into the COMLUMBIA's shields. ~Their sheilds have collapsed, sir,~ the Romulan helmsman reported. ~Recharging plasma launcher.~ ~Excellent,~ Konok smiled, ~At least the Federation fodder will die fighting. Let there be some joy in that.~ The IRON CLAW II fired again. The COLUMBIA attempted to evade, her crew knowing that the next hit would be the last. But the shot had been too precise, and it slammed into the impulse engines of the scout. The primary hull of the COLUMBIA strained under the blast, but the fusion reactors couldn't hold. Their explosion ignited others, and finally the entire ship was engulfed in a massive matter and anti-matter annihilation. Konok saluted the remains of the vessel, feeling respect for such a valiant crew. ~Yto,~ he commanded, ~resume course for Genesis sector. Warp three, silent running.~ ~But, sir,~ the helmsman replied even as he began keying in the sequence, ~surely the Federation will attempt to stop us from reaching Genesis sector.~ ~Of course they will,~ Konok replied with a smirk. ~The Federation will send their newest and best ship to test themselves against us. They will send the ENTERPRISE.~ The helmsman looked a bit confused by the comment, unsure of what logic his commander was using. ~Relax, Yto,~ Konok politely commanded. ~Fate has played her hand in our favour. The Empire has forsaken us, so let us go and accomplish our mission for its glory.~ Konok's laugh was that of a madman's. CHAPTER TEN Riley's trap had been set, all that was needed were the prey. "Monroe and Ravis, Commander?" Saavik asked for need of confirmation. Riley nodded in the affirmative. "Both of them made subtle mistakes during their interviews," he explained. "I believe I did a fair job of shaking them up a bit." Saavik breathed heavily out of painful expectations. "Is it enough to prosecute them, Commander?" she queried, already knowing the answer. "No," Riley replied honestly. "But it will provide incentive for them to rush their mission," he continued for explanation. "I gave them their bait, now all we need to do is catch them in the act." Monroe entered the engineering section, phaser in hand. "No one try to be a hero, and you all might live," he called as Barett observed his entrance. Grissom stood back in shock, but still hoping to sound a security alert. It was obvious enough that Monroe was desperate. Riley must have given him a rough time in his interview, she thought to herself. "What do you want?" she managed. "This ship," Monroe stated matter-of-factly. Grissom's eyes went wide as the phaser was leveled at her. Monroe strutted to the main navigational control center. "If anyone moves, you will die," he cooly warned. "Why are you doing this?" Barett muttered. "What are you getting for this?" Barrett had succeeded in attracting Monroe's attention. Grissom, seizing the opportunity, inched closer to her command panel. The alert button was so very near. Monroe turned again, noting Grissom's movement from his periphreal vision. "I said, don't play the hero." Monroe fired his phaser above her head to illustrate his point. Grissom ducked and backed away a step from where the blast had impacted the wall above her. But Barett was undaunted, building up his courage. Monroe had his back to him now, and Barett seized his chance. Barett charged, out of fear and desperation, hoping to make the most of Monroe's distraction. But Monroe was too quick, turning and firing even as Barett was about to pounce on him. Barett's young form disintegrated from the phaser's highest setting. Grissom stood perfectly upright. There hadn't been enough time to reach the panel, let alone set off the alarms. "I warned him," Monroe whispered angrily. "A nice attempt, Lieutenant," the saboteur commented. "But a most feeble execution." Monroe slowly paced closer to Grissom, who had begun reaching panic. Gahrut started to inch ahead, wanting to help her, but the leveled phaser in Monroe's hand convinced him to stay behind. When reaching her, Monroe lifted Grissom by her neck, causing the woman to pass out as the air left her body. "Sorry, Lieutenant," he began coldly, "but I have work to do." He dropped the woman's limp form to the floor. Gahrut cried in anger, rushing at Monroe for the attack. Somehow, almost magically, Gahrut's rock form launched itself into the air. Monroe swung at it instinctively, not realizing how stupid it was to get into a brawl with a Horta. Gahrut's acid poured down Monroe's attacking arm, and the spy let out a painful scream which every deck could hear. Gahrut was thrown into the wall, accidentally burning into it with his acids. Monroe turned and fired at his Horta attacker. A beam of red hot energy slammed itself into Gahrut's hide. It didn't kill him, but the young Horta was no longer in any shape to continue his attack. Monroe ingnored the Horta for now, instead opting to rip out the panel to the navigation system. There was no regret in his face, only the stern determination of duty. Ravis peered to both sides of him, looking for any signs that he may be caught. Riley had set him on edge, and Ravis was beginning to wonder if his Commander knew more than he let on. But the mission came first, and Riley had said that the computers were becoming on-line once more. That was something that Ravis simply could not allow. "Rav?" Deuce called as he noticed his companion slipping quietly into the main computer room. Neither of them had access to that particular area, and Rav shouldn't have been able to get past the keycode sequence. Deuce cautiously walked to the doorway and eyed the keycode entry panel. It had been tampered with. "What the hell?" he pondered, wondering why Ravis would do such a thing. Ravis simply didn't have any business going in there. Deuce looked confused for a moment, then slowly marched into the room. "Ravis, are you in here?" he called innocently. "What are you doing here?" Ravis called back, a bit of distress in his voice. "You don't have authorization to be in here." Deuce turned up the lighting a bit, but Ravis was hidden amougst the many computer core fragments stacked in the room. "You're getting me nervous, Rav," Deuce tried again, a bit more cautiously. There was definately something wrong here. "You better go, Deuce," Ravis started again, still remaining hidden. "I don't want you to get in trouble." Ravis's voice was shaking, failing to reassure Deuce. "Same here," Deuce replied under his breath, turning another corner. "Rav?" he called as soon as Ravis came into view. "Rav, what the hell are you doing?" Ravis was standing near a stack of scorched computer core fragments, hot phaser in his hand. "I told you not to come here," he angrily spoke. "I didn't want to get you involved." "Involved in what?" Deuce quieried, not wanting to accept the obvious. Ravis let the phaser sink in his hand. "Not you," he finally said with shock as the reality of the situation sat into him. "I'm sorry, Deuce," Ravis muttered in shame. He had finally been caught, and by the one person he had hoped wouldn't. "You lied to me, Ravis," Deuce muttered, keeping the tears back. "You're responsible for everything. You tried to kill me." Ravis seemed to go limp at that last assertation. "No, Deuce, I wouldn't do that." Ravis looked around desperately, genuinely regretting his actions of late. "I love you," he pleaded, hoping Deuce would come to his senses. Deuce didn't seem to believe that. "How many other people have you slept with to get your way?" he demanded with disgust. "Aren't spies supposed to use everything at their disposal? Including people?" Ravis knew that things had come to a head, and his time was running short. "Deuce, is it so hard to believe that I really did have some feelings for you?" Deuce let his phaser drop from target. "You bastard," he sadly muttered, unable to continue his duty. "You've used me all along, haven't you?" Ravis realized that his former partner was no longer listening to him. "It was a game to you, part of the business," Deuce rambled on, now not even paying attention to Ravis. Ravis slowly drew his own phaser. Business must come first. Even Commander Riley had said that. "I'm sorry, Deuce," Ravis sadly spoke, though Deuce ceased listening. "But the Empire has to come first. Riley was right, you would become my failing." Ravis raised the phaser, aiming directly for Deuce's chest. "Ravis, wait," Deuce tried. Ravis didn't listen, instead taking careful aim, hesitating only slightly to pull the trigger. But then a phaser beam came from nowhere, burning into Ravis's chest. Deuce screamed in terror as his former lover fell. "Ravis," he called, but there would be no reply. Deuce looked around desperately, worrying about what the killer's intention was. Perhaps the killer was another Romulan spy who couldn't afford Ravis's capture. But it was Riley who emerged from behind the computer banks, phaser rifle in hand. "Security to computer room three," he called to his insignia. His eyes gave away the pain he felt at that moment. He had killed one person, and sent another into shock. It was another weight placed on his already overburdened shoulders "I'm sorry," he apologized, "but I had to do it." "Did you, sir?" Deuce dared, his mind barely clinging to its sanity. "Did you?" Riley studied over the body again, noting that the phaser was indeed well within the kill range. "He would have killed you, Deuce," he quietly commented. "He didn't want to, but he still would have." That was the nature of the business. Deuce fell to his knees besides his former lover. Riley left well enough alone and quietly left the room. Security would arrive in only another second to deal with forenzics and to remove the body. Riley didn't feel any better about his work, even though that one-half of the saboteur pairing had been dealt with. There was still Monroe. The phaser fire from within engineering did not go undetected. Saavik and a security team raced to the corridoor leading to the room. "Why didn't the alarms sound when the phaser was fired?" Saavik demanded. "The systemry had been tampered with," the security officer offered for explanation. "It was Commander Riley's suggestion that we use the sensor array instead." Saavik was taken a bit by suprise at that. Her First Officer continously seemed to be a single step in front of her. "Very well then, try to get inside the door," she commanded, realizing that the cutting torches would give Monroe all the time he needed to do his damage. Of course, Saavik had other ways of reaching Monroe than the physical. "Your mind, to my mind," she quiety commanded, looking through the wall, directly at Monroe. "Your thoughts, to my thoughts." On the otherside, Monroe could feel his mind being touched. "No, Captain," he muttered, "I can't let you do that." But Saavik was quite powerful, more so than his Romulan teachers. She would not be easy to defeat. "We are thinking as one," Saavik continued in front of her stunned security force. It hadn't occured to her that none of them might have even seen a mind-meld. "We are feeling as one." Her crew snapped themselves from gaping at her, and returned to work. "Our minds are merging," she continued, relatively free of distraction. Monroe staggered for a moment, the weight on his mind increasing from Saavik's assault. "You can't do this to me," he cried, desperately trying to control his own thoughts. "I can feel your pain," Saavik continued, pressing her attack. Monroe's mental sheilds were formidable, and he pressed to resist her domination. But Saavik was not after domination. Monroe had threatened her in more ways than just her life. Monroe had succeeded in shattering her dreams, and in razing her command. Worse, she was feeling emotions more strongly than she had ever before. Because of this traitor called 'Monroe', Saavik's life was over as she knew it. She wanted more than mere domination, she wanted him dead. It was a pity for Monroe that he did not recognize the attack Saavik had opted to use. It was an illegal act for a Vulcan, one that had been forbidden for years. Monroe's mind ruptured as every measure of pain Saavik had ever experienced came into him in one brief mental bolt. Wounds, emotional stress, torture, and even death experience poured and overwhelmed his senses. Monroe completely lost his facilities, his mind incapable of handling the massive influx of pain. Saavik had turned him into a Romulan, as it would turn out, vegetable. If she felt any guilt, she easily concealed it. CHAPTER ELEVEN Sorak sat bemused. Riley had blatantly disregarded his orders, and then had the audacity to communicate that fact back to his superiors. "An impulsive one, you are," Sorak muttered, not bothering to mask his disappointment under his Vulcan training. "I did not raise you to take unneccessary risks, Thomas." Riley's image had been freeze-framed, allowing Sorak to study his face. Beneath the Commander's coarse skin, underneath his driving green eyes, Sorak could only find pain. Riley had finally began suffering from moral dilemas instead of mechanically obeying orders. He was choosing what was right instead of what he was told to do. While Sorak was pleased that his protege had chosen that particulara path, the Vulcan captain knew that his timing could not have been more wrong. The ENTERPRISE was needed desperately now. The stakes had been raised. Admiral Jameson had informed Sorak of the COLUMBIA's fate not long ago. There were three ships missing now, and another which had definately been destroyed by Romulan hand. Something was brewing, something terrible and powerful. Sarok switched views to the sensor reports the COLUMBIA had sacrified herself for. Before him was the impressive image of the IRON CLAW II, as her lettering defined. She was a battleship, obviously many times more powerful than any other Romulan vessel known. "Computer," Sarok began in a tired voice, "begin tactical analysis." The computer's masculine voice begin spewing data. "Subject vessel is Romulan prototype battleship, designate IRON CLAW II. Crew of seven-hundred fourty-three." The viewscreen showed pinpoints where the COLUMBIA's sensors had located life-forms aboard her. "Sheild strength is capable of fully abosorbing three standard photon torpedoes with no power drain." Sarok raised an eyebrow at that. The EXCELSIOR class ships were the only Federation ships with sheilds that powerful. Unfortunately, the sensor scan did not show a weakness in the IRON CLAW II's sheilding systems. "Plasma torpedo cannon strength is consistant with NOVA class battleship design specifications." The screen again changed, this time showing the plasma chargers and systemry that the COLUMBIA had found. The plasma torpedoes weren't the strongest in existance, but they would be fearsome none the less. Sarok nodded quietly when hearing this, it was as much as he expected. "Red-shift cloaking device more power efficient on battleship than standard model cloaking device. This battleship is the first of its type to allow cloaking," the computer droned, showing visual footage of the IRON CLAW II emerging from cloak. Sarok had seen enough. "Computer, cease report," he ordered, silencing the computer. "This is Captain Sarok to Admiral Nagura," he called to his computer console. The viewer changed scenes again, showing Nagura's unpopular flat head. "Nagura here, Captain. Have you reached a decision regarding Riley's request?" Sorak paused several moments before answering. "Considering Riley's current behavioral pattern, I have reservations about sending him into this mission," he cooly complied. He could only hope that he could mask his feelings for the man he considered a son. Nagura growled, "May I remind you that we have several ships missing because the Romulans are test-driving their newest class of starship?" Sorak closed his eyes, he didn't need the reminder. "Riley is still the best man for the job," Nagura continued. "The ENTERPRISE is already nearby for the intercept, and time is of the essence." "Aren't there any other ships in the area?" Sarok queried, hoping beyond hope. "Yes," Nagura replied coldly. "We have three scouts, two cruisers, and one frigate which are closer than the ENTERPRISE," he continued with a hint of disgust. "Every last one of them would be obliterated if they faced this Romulan thing." Sarok considered that, and there was no denying the logic in Nagura's argument. "Since there are no options, then I am compelled to agree with Thomas Riley's request to counter- attack the IRON CLAW II." Nagura smiled, for once having a Vulcan over a barrel. "As for his other request, Captain?" he goaded. "Are you willing to honor that as well?" "What about Commander Saavik?" Sorak asked after a moment's thought. "Will she be notified that her promotion was false? It isn't fair to her to play games with her carrer." Sorak felt a tinge of guilt about that, having allowed the emotion to run across his heavy brow. "I feel that we've let her play the Captain too long already, Captain," Nagura replied flatly. "She will remain aboard the ENTEPRISE as First Officer as Riley suggested." Nagura was confident now, which only served to irritate Sorak mildly. Nagura was a true politician, he cared nothing for individual lives. "Will you be the one to tell her?" Sorak demanded, countering Nagura with a pointed remark. "Will you inform her that her promotion to Captain was a ruse to sheild your pet intelligence officer from suspicion? Will you tell her that the ENTERPRISE was meant for Riley all along?" Nagura clinched his teeth and fists, realizing that Sorak had led him into a trap. "Yes, I'll tell her. If she's half the Vulcan she's supposed to be, she'll accept the orders without emotional regard. That's why we chose her." "If you think that Vulcans do not have emotions," Sorak replied with a tone that sent a chill up both of Nagura's spines, "then you have been greatly misinformed. Captain Sarok, out." The Vulcan cut the transmission short, not wanting to deal with more emotions than what he already had. The computer screen was black again, and Sarok spent several moments studying over it, with his mind elsewhere. "Sarok to Communcations Central, get me the ENTERPRRISE. I want to speak with Commander Riley." CHAPTER TWELVE Saavik entered sickbay not knowing what to expect. There were three dead, two injuries, and one suffering emotional trauma. They were hardly numbers one would want from one's first command mission. "Doctor Matthews, may I have your report?" she politely asked as she entered the room. "Ensign Ravis suffered severe damage from the phaser burst into his chest," Matthews began. "Riley hit him right on his central nervous system, there was no way Ravis could have survived it." "An assassin's shot?" she asked, speculating exactly what role Riley had played in intelligence. Matthews didn't reply. "What about Ensign Monroe?" she asked. "Well," Matthews sighed, "as you suspected, he was a Romulan, just like Ravis. He suffered some incredible brain damage. Apparantly, he didn't take to your mind meld to kindly." Saavik surpressed the guilt she felt about that act. It was hardly an ordinary mind meld. "What about Ensign Deuce?" she asked with genuine concern. "Has he gotten over the shock?" "No," Matthews muttered, "I have him speaking to counselors about it, but he's pretty shaken up." Matthews moved over to Grissom's medical bed, indicating to the staff around her that they weren't needed. "Of course, seeing your lover killed in front of you would be a shock to anyone's mind." Saavik ignored the comment, remembering a time long ago in the very same Genesis sector. "I imagine it would be, Doctor," she coldly replied. "What is Lieutenant Grissom's condition?" "I'm going to be fine, ma'am," she painfully replied, trying to sit up. Matthews indicated to Saavik that his patient would need her head propped up. "I'm just a bit sore." "Paula," Saavik quietly asked, "can you tell me what happened down there?" "Captain," Grissom painfully whispered to Saavik's ear. "I'm sorry, I tried to stop him," she continued, unable to hide the inner pain she was feeling. "I really tried." Saavik nodded. "Sleep now, Lieutenant," she said consolingly. "You did the best you could. We all did." Saavik gingerly allowed Grissom's tired head to rest on the medical bed. "She'll be fine," Matthews reassured. "Monroe cut off the air to her head," he continued. "She'll be tired for a little bit, but she'll shake it off in a hour or so." "What about Lieutenant Gahrut?" Saavik queried, looking over to the medical bed with the rather large rock resting upon it. "He took a full phaser hit, did he not?" "Yes," Matthews admitted, walking over to the Horta's bed. "But he's got a tough skin. He should be fine, but I want to keep him around here for observation. He'll have a silicon patch over his wound." "Very well," she commented. "Then I only have three fatality reports to make out," Saavik replied flatly, which noticably annoyed Matthews a bit. "I do not mean to sound dispassionate, Doctor. I was merely stating a fact." "I suppose, Captain," Matthews carefully began, "that I'm just not used to serving with Vulcans." Saavik raised an eyebrow at that. "Considering that both your First Officer and I are Vulcanoid, I would suggest that you adjust," she smarted. Matthews nodded in acknowledgement, not offering an apology. Of course, Matthews very seldom offered apologies. "Bridge to Commander Riley. Incoming message from Captain Sarok, Star Fleet command," a voice came from the air. "Marked code one, urgent." This was the command, Riley concluded. "On screen down here," he ordered, grabbing one of his home-brewed beverages as he walked to his seat. "Captain Riley, I can only speak briefly," Sarok started, a look of strain on his face. "Nagura has accepted both of your requests. I cannot say that I congradulate you on your promotion." "I'm sorry, I couldn't see another way," Riley explained, wanting to convey a lot more than he could over the subspace network. "I appreciate the logic of your arguments, Thomas," Sarok responded. "I'm having difficulty appreciating my loss. By accepting this command, you will no longer be under my command. I consider my loss great." Riley took in a deep breath, knowing how much Sarok was feeling at this moment. "You have been both my father, and my teacher, Sarok. I can never repay that." "You will, by your continued success, my adopted son," Sarok replied. "Peace, and long life be with you," Sarok managed, fighting back his feelings. "Live long," Riley replied, a single tear rolling from his eye, "and prosper." He parted his hands in the Vulcan salute. The screen faded to black, leaving Riley alone once again. "Bridge," he finally mananged. "Get me Admiral Nagura at Star Fleet command." "Nagura has been waiting on open channel, Commander," the bridge replied. "Transferring communications to your quarters." The screen once again came to life. "Thomas," Nagura smiled, "I'm pleased to inform you that your request to counter-attack the IRON CLAW II has been approved." "Pleased?" Riley pondered. "I'm not sure if 'pleased' would be the right word, but I am content with the answer. I'll order the ship underway immediately." Nagura continued smiling, sporting a politician's grin. Riley didn't dare say that he wanted to knock it off. "I'm glad to hear it. You'll nail that Romulan ship before she can do any more damage to us." "And what of my second request?" Riley asked, already knowing the answer but needed to put Nagura on the spot. There was a long pause before Nagura wouuld speak again, he obviously wasn't sure how to best answer the question. "The ENTERPRISE is yours," Nagura finally spoke with a the trademark smile, "Captain Riley." Riley allowed himself a smile, though he wasn't exactly overjoyed by his promotion. "I'll do my best, sir," he replied honestly. "I always do," he added with a tone of regret. Nagura's expression changed only somewhat to a more saddened state. "Captain, I know that we've never actually seen eye-to-eye on things," he tried. "I know that you must think I'm cold and heartless. But I have to be in this job, I have to keep some distance from the people under my command." He sighed a moment, adding a bump to his planar face. "You'll understand as you become more accustomed to command." "I will never treat my people as political fodder, sir," Riley grunted in reply. "I won't play games with people's lives." Nagura fumed, "Every time you'll make a command decision, you'll be playing games, Captain. Every single time." Riley considered that, but Nagura was far from finished. "When you have to make an unpopular decision, because it's the only option you have, someone will have the same opinion about you," he warned. "You have your orders, Captain. Nagura, out." Riley's screen went blank, and he congradulated himself for ticking off his superior for the first time. "Riley to bridge," he ordered to his computer. "Tiber here, sir," the computer replied with the Andorian's husky voice. "I will be making an announcement to the crew in fifteen minutes," Riley reported. "In the meantine sound yellow alert and call Commander Saavik to the bridge." "Commander Saavik?" Tiber questioned. "You heard the order, Tiber, make it so," Riley warned, knowing that Tiber had to be substantially confused. "Remember, fifteen minutes." "Aye, sir," the computer finished before shutting off again. CHAPTER THIRTEEN ~Now entering Genesis sector, Commander,~ Yto commented as he slowed the IRON CLAW II to impulse. ~Activating short range scanning equipment, and raising sheilds.~ ~Are we safe from Federation sensor scans?~ Konok queried, his excitement nearing climax. The time for battle was so very close. The science officer studied over his instruments for a moment. ~As far as I can tell, Commander, there are currently no ships scanning for us in this sector. The protomatter distortions are effectively shielding us.~ Konok smiled, thus far everything had worked. ~Send a piped channel to Imperial Command. Inform them that we have arrived at destination and are awaiting the arrival of the ENTERPRISE.~ ~Sir,~ the communication's officer protested, ~transmitting a message from these coordinates is a serious breach of orders.~ The officer marched over to the command chair, knowing full well the risk he was taking. ~We will be exposing ourselves to the Federation.~ ~Do you really think that the Federation does not know that we are here, Secundam?~ Konok mused. ~We have failed to cover our trail thus far, Secundam, and the Human bloodwings cannot be so blind not to see it.~ The communications officer gave a stunned look. ~What are you saying, Commander?~ Konok twisted his smile in the precise way to elicit some small degree of panic from his minion. ~The Empire has sent us to play political games. The senate wants to know who's ships are better, ours or the Federation's. Well then, I say that we make it an open contest. Let the Empire be responsible for her actions for a change.~ The communications officer exploded with rage. ~You're talking treason, Commander.~ Sadly, Konok was beyond reasoning. ~No, I'm talking revenge,~ he replied, lifting his disruptor from its leg-holster. ~I don't want to sacrifice lives for a Senator's political carreer. He wants are petty, and I want him to be remembered as the man who started the Romulo-Federation war.~ ~But we are the ones attacking the ENTERPRISE and violating orders,~ the officer tried again. ~There wouldn't be a risk of war if we had strictly stuck to our orders.~ Konok fired, a slight angry look on his face. The bolt slammed into the officer's chest and he disintegrated into nothingness. ~We will die because of those orders,~ Konok muttered. ~Helmsman, sound battle alert.~ The lighting on the IRON CLAW II's bridge turned to green as Konok impatiently waited for the ENTERPRISE to arrive. CHAPTER FOURTEEN Saavik had heard the announcement. "Commander Saavik to the bridge," Tiber had said. Her promotion to captaincy had been stripped away, and Riley was about to assume command in her place. She sat in her quarters, originally stopping by to drop off her Captain's insignia and replace it with a commander's insignia. But having done so she was unsure whether or not to continue to the bridge. Her pride had been hurt, something that hadn't happened before, something that she wasn't sure she could handle. Her door beeped, startling her a bit. "Enter," she insinctively spoke. When Saavik looked up, she was surprised at who entered the door. "Captain," she muttered in an angry tone. She was sitting on her bed, obviously fighting back the emotions she was feeling. There were almost tears in her eyes. Riley was the person Saavik wanted to see least. "I didn't know until just now," Riley spoke with a nearly breaking voice. After hesistating, he cautiously moved over to her. "I'm sorry, Saavik. I never wanted this." Saavik stood, unsure as to what to do next. "One of us should be on the bridge, Captain," she stated coldly, walking past him. He grabbed her shoulder, a bit rougher than he intended to. She stopped and turned quickly to him. "You knew this was going to happen. I told you," he indicated. "I'll be on the bridge, Captain," she replied, "provided that you let go of my arm." Riley did so, letting Saavik walk out of her quarters. Riley stared at her as she sternly walked the length of the hall to the turbolift. "Saavik," he whispered. "Damn it all." Riley took in a deep breath, knowing how demanding his next few words would be. "Attention all decks," he began, trying hard to avoid Saavik's painful gaze. "By order of Starfleet command, as of this stardate, I am assuming command of this vessel." He turned his attention to the yeoman standing behind him, "Duty officer so note in the ship's log." Saavik stood from the center chair, dutifully, allowing the now Captain Riley to assume his new command. "I'm sorry, Commander," he said with genuine sorry. "I know none of you were expecting this, but under the circumstances Fleet apparantly felt that I should assume command." Tiber turned his chair to face his new captain. "What course, sir?" the Andorian smiled. Riley assumed his seat, taking a suitable pose. "Set course for Genesis Sector, warp nine." Saavik assumed her place at her Captain's side, unsure of how to look upon him. "Commander Saavik, please advise Miss Grissom that we'll need all the power she can coerce from her engines," he finally commanded to her. Saavik nodded in acknowledgement, not displaying the hurt she was feeling. "Miss Grissom, please activate all power batteries," Saavik commanded to her chair's communicator. "Aye, Captain," Grissom replied without thinking. "Commander," she corrected herself. "All power systems are activated." "Mister Tiber," Riley commanded, "raise sheilds and arm seeker torpedoes. We'll be running hot on this one." "Sheilds and torpedoes, aye," Tiber announced. "Sound red alert, all hands report to battle-stations," Riley commanded. The bridge turned red and klaxons blared. Crewmembers scurried about the hallways, going to their assigned stations. Photon torpedoes were loaded into their launch bays. Phaser couplings were armed. And the massive ENTERPRISE burned her way through space, finally heading to her mission. CHAPTER FIFTEEN "Sensors are registering a ship in the swamp, Captain," Tiber announced as the ENTERPRISE gently pulled into the protomatter cluttered area. "Romulan design, possibly a battleship." "This is it then," Riley stated the obvious. "Slow to impulse power," he commanded. O'Neil complied, and the ENTERPRISE slowed her rush into battle. ~Federation battleship coming within range,~ Yto announced as his sensor panel lit with the ENTERPRISE's impressive image. ~She already has sheilds up and weapons armed.~ Konok clinched his fist and drew in a quick breath. ~Intercept and fire as soon as we are within plasma torpedo range,~ he commanded. ENTERPRISE closed on the IRON CLAW II, and both ships could see each other. The IRON CLAW II's forward hull looked menacingly like a hunting eagle's head. The ENTERPRISE, on the otherhand, was simply menacing. "We'll be in range of their plasma weapon in three seconds," Tiber announced. "Full stop, fire phasers," Riley ordered. The phasers rushed forth from the ENTEPRRISE, slamming into the IRON CLAW II's sheilds. ~Negative damage from ENTERPRISE,~ Yto reported to his commander. ~Maneuvering to firing range.~ The IRON CLAW retaliated, launching her ball of hellfire into the ENTERPRISE. The Federation battleship lurched. "Sheilds absorbed most of the blow, but warp control is damaged," Tiber announced. The scorch mark on the ENTERPRISE marked the hit's location. "Their ship definately has the firepower advantage over us." Riley grunted. "Standy warp drive," he commanded to O'Neil. "Bring us in closer under torpedo fire." The ENTERPRISE launched a series of torpedoes at her enemy and she closed. One after another slammed into the IRON CLAW II's sheilds. The last torpedo crashed through the sheilds, ripping through the vessel's hull. ~We've sustained damage to our main hull,~ Yto exclaimed as the ship righted herself. ~Massive fatalities below, but all systems remain on line.~ Again, the IRON CLAW II retaliated. Another plasma bolt was launched into the ENTERPRISE's sheilds. "Impulse drive damage, down to half power," Tiber cried. The ENTERPRISE slowly slid away from the Romulan battleship, unleashing beams of red-hot phaser power into the hull of the battleship. "Her sheilds are still holding most of the assault, Captain," Tiber announced. "Those are powerful sheilds," Riley admitted, suitably impressed. "Ready photon torpedo pattern alpha," he commanded. The torpedoe patterns had never been actually tested in real combat before, and Tiber seemed anxious to see how well they would work. "Launch pattern," Riley commanded. A half-dozen torpedoes spewed forth from the ENTERPRISE's trunk. The balls of energy ripped into the IRON CLAW II's sheilds, and then the ship itself. Konok was thrown from his chair, cutting himself on the navigator's desk. ~They've obviously improved their weapons, wouldn't you say?~ he rhetorically asked the air. ~System damage?~ ~Minor damage to the warp engines, six fatalities,~ Yto reported, already trying to compensate for the blast that they had taken. ~Losing main warp propulsion system, going to back up systems.~ The ENTERPRISE peeled away from her attacker. "How bad did we hurt them, Tiber?" Riley quiered. Tiber scanned over his readings, looking for signs of damage. "Minor damage to their warp engines, some bodies, but their sheilds are going right back up." Riley looked in disbelief. "You've got to be kidding me," he muttered. "What's powering their sheild grid?" "Looks like they've got a third warp reaction engine powering their weapons, sheilds, and cloaking device seperately from the other components," Tiber replied. "That's a lot power coming from there." Riley nodded in agreement. "Then we need something that can ignore the sheilds," he stated. "Or use them," he concluded in sudden realization. "Riley to Grissom, please report to the bridge." In poker, there is the trump card. Hopefully, Riley had just found his. CHAPTER SIXTEEN "You want me to do what, Captain?" Grissom demanded as she and Matthews entered the bridge. "These orders are ludicrous!" "These orders, Lieutenant Grissom, stand," Riley commanded in a tone went vaporized Grissom's ego. "You are to commence beaming as soon as your ready. I'll try to keep the ship in one piece until you are." The IRON CLAW II moved in, her torpedo lauch bay alit to fire. "Incoming," Tiber announced, bracing for the impact. Riley and crew braced as best as they could as the torpedo slammed into the ENTERPRISE's shields. "Sheilds are holding, sir. But we can't hold out very much longer." "Lay some cover fire against our opponent, and keep some distance to buy us some time," Riley commanded as the IRON CLAW II turned away for another attack run. The ENTERPRISE launched another volley, her torpedoes punching through the shields of their opponent. The circular outer hull of the IRON CLAW II was again penetrated, but still showed no signs of weakening. ~Considerable damage to hull,~ Yto announced with displeasure as damage reports came flooding in. ~Our primary systems are still on line, but most of our crew's living quarters have left the ship.~ Konok grimaced. ~The torpedoes are quite damaging,~ he observed even as the ENTERPRISE fired again. ~But they are exhausting their supply, and their phasers are obviously no match for our shields.~ ~ENTERPRISE is veering away from us again, likely giving themselves time to recharge their shields,~ Yto announced at his new reading. ~She is also charging for another torpedo barrage.~ ~Launch torpedo and follow the ENTERPRISE,~ Konok commanded as the image of the Federation warship shrank in his viewscreen. The IRON CLAW II spat forth another ball of green plasma at her self-appointed enemy. The ENTERPRISE would not, however, allow another shot to impact and launched phaser-fire to disperse the massive fireball. "Plasma torpedo dispersed, Captain," Tiber proudly announced. It was a mild accomplishment, but it was the first time the young Andorian had succeeded in attempting such a feat. "Enemy vessel is closing and recharging her torpedo battery." "Now, Grissom," Riley stated with a bit less patience. "Are you capable of obeying orders?" His eyes bored through her, demanding deeds, and expecting them. "Tom, give her a break, she's not recovered yet," Matthews finally protested. "She needs more time in sick bay," he continued before Riley cut him off. "I want an answer, Lieutenant," Riley warned, "before we're all killed." The ENTEPRISE withheld fire, even though the IRON CLAW II was quite well within range. The Romulan ship had finally started showing signs of power loss, and her torpedo recharging was taking considerably longer. Konok regarded his opponent with curiosity. ~Why don't they strike now? Their weapons are still functional, are they not?~ Konok asked Yto. Yto looked up with a bit of confusion, and disappointment. ~So far as I can tell, the ship has suffered little internal damage. Their shields are keeping the brunt of the attack.~ ~Are they?~ Konok pondered, knowing the massive damage his ship had already taken. ~Ah, but they've nearly exhausted themselves. We have not.~ Konok sat back in his chair, a bit more confident of himself. ~Ready phaser batteries, Yto, and bring us in closer. Bring us in closer than their torpedo-fire will allow.~ Yto began complying, maneuvering the IRON CLAW II's tattered yet still massive form still closer to her enemy's. The ENTERPRISE fired a torpedo burst again. But this time, all of the attacks were absorbed by the Romulan's shielding. "Yes, sir," Grissom finally replied. "I'll comply with your orders." Riley nodded, acknowledging the first small victory he's had so far in his command. "Grissom to engineering, ready transporter room one for immediate transport," she commanded to the air. Riley straightened his back. "She's moving closer?" he asked as he noted the growing image of the Romulan battleship. "Trying to cut the range below our torpedo fire," he mused. "Well then, have a little surprise," he decided. "Mister O'Neil, warp three." O'Niel's eyes widened at the order. He had not expected to be recieving many commands unless something happened to Tiber. Warping into space certainly wasn't what he had expected. "Aye, sir, warp three." The ENTERPRISE launched herself into warp space for only a few seconds. Her ribbon trail lept up and above the approaching IRON CLAW II, stretching beyond her for a small distance. The ENTERPRISE emerged from warp space behind her attacker, already launching torpedoes from her aft section. ~Damn that human,~ Konok cried even as his fist slammed on the aft torpedo control. ~Bring the ship about before they get a chance to fire again.~ As Yto started executing the order, the torpedoes from the ENTERPRISE slammed into IRON CLAW II's shielding. This time, the shield side was left minimal, as Konok had expected a frontal attack. Bridge panels exploded, knocking Konok from his seat once again. ~Yto, get us around,~ he demanded. But Yto made no effort to answer. His form was limp over his console. The scorch marks around his head made it all too clear his fate. ~Engage emergency power, set ramming course,~ Konok fumed at the sight of his dead comrade. ~Rid all space of that Federation dog, ENTERPRISE.~ The IRON CLAW II slowly spun around to face the ENTERPRISE, who has turning her own impressive form to counter. The two ships again squared off, but the IRON CLAW II was slowly building up speed and power. "Sir, we've got problems," Tiber frowned. Riley, however, saw the picture all to clearly. "Evasive starboard," he demanded, sending the ENTERPRISE farther into her turn than had been expected. The IRON CLAW II slipped past, spewing phaser-fire at her enemy will intense force. The ENTERPRISE returned the fire, sending her own beams of hot-death into the frey. Both sets of shields began to rupture, allowing energy to scorch the ships' hulls. ENTERPRISE, however, fared somewhat better, having not needed to recharge from an attack. The IRON CLAW II took blasts on her port naccell, shattering it. Slowly, the Romulan ship pulled away, and the ENTERPRISE mirrored her counterpart's action. "IRON CLAW II's sheilds are coming back up," Tiber grimaced. "Even with that damage, we didn't knock out her shield generators." "She won't be leaving Federation space," Riley replied with a bit of consolation. "She won't be getting away from us. That's good enough for the moment," he continued. "Grissom, are you ready yet? We're dangerously low on torpedoes and I need my package delivered." Grissom called from her post in engineering, a bit distressed at how demanding her captain was. Of course, it was a combat situation, she considered. "Engineering is loading the anti-matter into the canister now, sir. It will be another minute or so." "We're running out of minutes, Grissom," Riley warned. "Tiber, get our last torpedoes on line for a tight succession. After firing, head away from the CLAW at full impulse, understood?" Tiber nodded, knowing that the Captain intended to bait the Romulan commander for some reason. "Ready for firing Captain," he responded after entering his orders. The retreating ENTERPRISE fired again. Over a dozen torpedoes came forth in tight order, pummeling the IRON CLAW II with their rain of fire. The Romulan battleship fired her phasers, successfully eliminating a few of the torpedoes as they came close, but the majority of them still hit her hull, ripping the top half of the circular connections into nothingness. The IRON CLAW II launched her own fireball in reprise, knowing now that she had been damaged beyond hope of seeing home. The giant torpedo crashed into the ENTERPRISE's sheilds, reducing them to nothingness. But instead of persisting in her attack, the ENTERPRISE instead backed and turned away, fleeing out of the sector. ~What's she doing?~ Konok muttered as he stood on his bridge, his chair now useless. ~Ah, she's spent herself at last. Follow and finish her off,~ he commanded. Soon now, he decided to himself, it would be over for them. "Sheilds are gone, Captain," Tiber mournfully announced as the IRON CLAW II's torpedo bay once again became alit. "We are also out of torpedoes." "Grissom, now would be a good time," Riley stated with a serious concern. "Are you ready or not?" "Engineering is ready, sir," Grissom announced, though a bit nervously. "Commence beaming?" she asked. "Yes," Riley answered as if he had been asked the most absured question he could. "Energize." "Beaming anti-matter container through shields, sir." Grissom reported as she hit the commands. A second later, the center of the IRON CLAW II ruptured under an immense explosion. The forward hull of the ship span uncontrollably away from the ship and beneath the ENTERPRISE's somewhat worn hull. Konok pulled himself together, mentally and physically, from having been thrown across the bridge. ~Why has the emergency boom been ejected?~ he demanded through the blood dripping from his mouth. ~What happened?~ The last other remaning officer on the bridge stood up to review his instruments. ~By the stars,~ he commented in disbelief. ~The ENTERPRISE beamed over a container of anti-matter to our engine room.~ His expression gave away the fact that he was mind-boggled. ~They can't use transporters through our sheilds,~ Konok grimly observed. ~What happened?~ ~The transport pattern was distorted by our shields,~ the officer reported, wiping the blood from his face. ~It ruptured the containment unit, allowing the anti-matter to spill into a matter-filled environment.~ Konok gave a look of suprise and fear at one moment. His vessel had been destroyed because a Star Fleet Captain had violated some rules. His defeat was too much to handle. ~The main hull of the IRON CLAW II was incinerated,~ the officer explained. ~We were lucky that the computer had enough time to jettison us from the rest of the ship.~ ~We weren't lucky, Secundam,~ Konok muttered, punching up the computer's display screen. ~We are helpless against a powerful foe. The ENTERPRISE is more than a match for this wreck, and there is little we can do to stop them from destroying us.~ The other officer looked through the instrumentations, ignoring the damaged or destoryed ones. ~Message from ENTERPRISE, Commander Konok.~ Konok quickly noted that the main screen had been destroyed as well. ~On speakers, Secundam,~ he commanded with a weary and beaten voice. "This is the ENTERPRISE, surrender and prepare to be boarded," the voice came from over the computer. "Repeat, this is the starship ENTERPRISE, surrender and prepare to be boarded." CHAPTER SEVENTEEN "This is ENTERPRISE to IRON CLAW II command," R'ress spoke up, "surrender and prepare to be boarded. Repeat, this is ENTERPRISE, surrender and prepare to be boarded." Riley paced through his bridge. "No reply, Lieutenant?" he asked when his patience began to disappear. "No sir," R'ress offered, "but their communications systems have been severly damaged. They may not be able to respond to us." "It is a well known fact," Saavik chimed in, "that Romulans prefer suicide to capture. It could be that no one is left alive to bring aboard." Riley nodded for a moment in agreement. "True, but I think that they would have destroyed the ship first." He turned again to the image of the escape boom limping away from them. "Mister Tiber, are there life forms aboard?" "Yes, sir, a few," Tiber replied as he studied over his instrument readings. "Twenty-seven Romulans are still alive. Only two of which are in the bridge. Frankly, sir, with the damage that they've taken I don't think that they can reply to us. Sensors also indicate that they don't have the power neccessary to destroy the remains of their ship." Riley studied over the IRON CLAW II's broken image. "I doubt that," he replied, "I doubt that very much." Riley moved back to his chair and sat down in it. "Transporter room one, beam the IRON CLAW II's survivors straight to the brigs." "Aye, sir," someone's voice replied. ~We have to scuttle the ship before they take us,~ the officer with Konok protested. ~Surely you wouldn't let the Empire's secrets fall into their hands.~ Konok opened the weapons locker, which had, thankfully, avoided any major damage. ~We can't detonate the ship,~ he mournfully replied, ~not with the detonation packs, at any rate. We'll overload our hand disruptors, and wait for death to claim us.~ ~What about the rest of the ship?~ the officer demanded. ~With our communications down and the turbolift destroyed, how do we tell the others to do likewise?~ Konok smiled grotesquely, his green blood dripping from his mouth and nose. He didn't have much time left to him. ~You must have faith that our crew will do their duty just as we will ours.~ Konok threw one of the disruptors to his officer, then grabbed one for himself. He activated the charging center, and waited. ~Let the Empire remember us for the heroes we were,~ he proclaimed proudly. For several seconds the power built up in the disruptor, readying itself to unleash a torrent of energy to rip the bridge to pieces. Konok's act would be denied. He reality began to sparkle out of existance around him, he was being taken prisoner. ~No, don't do me this disgrace,~ he managed to protest before being reduced to energy. Konok materialized alone in a tiny cell aboard the ENTERPRISE. His weapon had been rendered inert. Standing before him was a large, black-haired human wearing the Captain's buttons on his sleeve. The game was over, and Konok had lost. ~My opponent, I assume?~ Konok managed through his injuries. ~Is it to be torture now? Am I to be beaten for my acts against your Federation?~ ~You deserve it,~ Riley coldly stated in perfect Romulan. The fact that this human had understood him, much less responded to him took Konok aback. ~I know you've destroyed the COLUMBIA, and you've killed sixteen of my men.~ ~A pittance compared to the damage you've done to me,~ Konok dared. ~My ship is gone, and my crew are your prisoners. Death would have been preferable.~ ~That's still quite possible,~ Riley retorted as Saavik and a security contigent walked in. ~But I've got orders to take you to starbase to stand trial. Your government says that you acted alone, I just wanted to hear it from you.~ ~Yes,~ Konok fumed, ~the Empire said that I'd be acting alone when they gave me my orders.~ He laughed a bit, noting that the ship's doctor was entering the brig area as well. ~It doesn't matter, my superiors will deny their involvement, and your Federation will do all she can to ensure continued peace. It's been that way for thirty years, Captain. It seems that it will always be that way.~ "Saavik, feel free to interrogate the prisoner," Riley ordered. "When you're done, order the recover teams to begin their search of the IRON CLAW's boom section. I'll be in my quarters," Riley finished, starting to leave for the door. ~Congradulations on your victory, Captain,~ Konok laughed. ~A pity that my most capable adversary would turn out to be you,~ he finished with special emphasis on "you". Saavik raised an eyebrow at that, but said nothing. Riley headed out of the room, ignoring Konok's comment. The battle was over and had been won. It was now time to lick the wounds he had recieved and caused. CHAPTER EIGHTEEN Captain's Log : Stardate 10152.9 Captain Thomas William Riley USS Enterprise, NCC 1701-B The IRON CLAW II has been destroyed and some of her command crew has been captured and await transport to Star Base Three four interrogation. The ship has sustained a fair amount of damage, but thankfully few casualties. Grissom estimates only one week before we can again be underway. I can mark this event as my first command success, tactically. But I have made some critical mistakes on a far more personal level. Ensign Deuce laid in bed, shaking. While his condition wasn't serious any longer, he nonetheless remained on Riley's mind. Riley had, after all, assassinated his lover right in front of him. Riley pondered whether or not to wake the young Ensign from his shaking sleep. It was the first time the crewman had received any rest since the incident, and Riley was content to give that time to him. But Riley's newfound conscious was being persistant, and the matter simply wouldn't leave his mind. "Ensign," he calmly called, rousing the young man awake. "Captain?" Deuce replied, albeit still half-asleep. "What are you doing down here?" "I came to check up on you," Riley replied. "Doc said that you had taken it pretty bad. I wanted to apologize." Deuce gave a quick laugh at the apparant absurdity. "What do you have to apologize for?" "I fired at Ravis without thinking of how it would effect you, Ensign," Riley offered to Deuce's still shaking form. "I'm sorry for that." Deuce looked over at his captain. "It's not you, or even that you fired at him," he managed with his cracked voice. "It's him, what he was. I can't forgive myself for letting him do so much. He used me." Riley let a wave of guilt pass over him. "It's in the busniess to use people, Deuce. It doesn't mean that they enjoy it," Riley explained, hoping to give some semblance of reassurance to himself as well. "He may have even felt something for you." "It doesn't change things," Deuce muttered in disgust. "I was a tool for him to use, just to wreck our ship. When it came down to it, he only cared about the Romulans." Riley smiled knowingly at that remark. "When it comes down it, Ensign. Would you have acted for the Federation, or for Ravis?" Deuce frowned at that question, realizing the implication his Captain had in mind. "I understand, Captain," he replied after a moment of thought. "Thank you, sir." Riley patted Deuce's shoulder in condolance. "I wish I could say that I understood more. I never had someone as close to me as you two were to one another. But I do know that what's important, is that, for a little while, you had someone. Very few of us ever do." Deuce was about to respond, but Riley had already begun to leave. Matthews intercepted the captain at the door as he was leaving, "He'll be fine, Tom. He needed to hear from you." Riley let out a controlled sigh. "It was the least I could do," he explained. "I have other people to attend to, Doctor. One of them I'm not looking forward to." "I wouldn't want a mad Vulcan on my case again, either," Matthews agreed knowingly. "She's in her quarters, you should see her there." Riley smiled weakly. "Nothing gets by you, does it, doctor?" "Nothing on this ship, anyway," Matthews agreed. Riley staggered for more words, but there were none to say. He left the room and headed down the hall, wondering how Saavik would react to him. She had begun curling her hair again, for perhaps the sixth time since entering her quarters. She pondered how she could have let herself be so used by that man, the one who now called himself captain. It was true that it wasn't his intention to hurt her, though it was small consolation. Without so much as a "by your leave" he assumed command of the ENTERPRISE, and potentially destroyed her carrer. But while she had just cause to be angry with him, she was perhaps still more angry with herself. She had begun feeling intense emotions, and had even acted on them. She remembered what she had done to Monroe, and realized that she had little jusutification for it. Somehow, Riley had driven the deepest emotions from her. His presence both comforted and infuriated her, causing her to hate herself for never learning to understand her feelings. And, despite it all, she still found herself thinking of him. Saavik looked up at the door, knowing who it was that stood on the other side, and what he would say. She gathered her emotions, and did her best to neatly tuck them away. "Come," she finally said after a few long seconds passsed. The door slid open, and Riley's impressive form stood behind it. After a bit of hesitation he carefully stepped inside, for the first time feeling phobic of entering a room. "Saavik," he called into the dimly lit room. She was there, but she said nothing. Riley walked further into the room, coming within only a few feet of Saavik before she gave him any notice. "Captain," she said menacingly. "Saavik," Riley began, finding it difficult to choose the words. "I needed to talk to you." Saavik said nothing, instead standing to face her Captain with a cold stare. The emotionless face drove guilt even more into Riley's heart. "I know you're upset," he began again. "Please talk to me." The was a distinct note of pain in his voice as he spoke. But Saavik ignored it, saying nothing. "Please." "I'm resigning my commision," she flatly stated, the abruptness of her words taking Riley by surprise. "I will also informing Star Fleet Command as to how you assumed command of my ship." Riley closed his eyes in shame. "They'll dismiss your complaint, under the circumstances," he muttered truthfully. "Star Fleet gave me the orders, after all." "I should have been the one to announce your Captaincy," Saavik coldly stated. "It appeared to the crew that you literally stole command out from under me. They've lost respect for me." "You're right," Riley sadly agreed. "I didn't think of it at the time. I was following orders," he regretted. "Following orders just as blindly as I always have." Saavik turned, and for a moment Riley could swear that he saw a tear from her eyes. "It wasn't protocol, Captain. Without the crew's respect I cannot act as your first officer." "You have my respect, Saavik," Riley responded with difficulty. "I just don't know how to show it very well. I've gotten used to working alone," he truthfully offered. "I should have taken your feelings, and the crew's, into account when I assumed command," he continued. "I didn't realize how I was affecting people. I never had to think of it before." "You will have to, now," Saavik responded flatly, in a tone that was uncharacteristically emotional. "You've got a thousand people on this ship with emotions, and you'll have to think of every one of them from now on." "Look, Saavik," he tried to explain. "I'm sorry. I've never been placed in this situation before. I know I've hurt you." He walked to her, gently laying his hand on her shoulder. "It isn't enough to say that I was following orders, I want to make it up to you somehow. But I don't know how." Saavik turned around, moving his hand off of her, but not letting it go afterward. "The worst part, Thomas, is that it has nothing to do with you," she replied. "I'm not supposed to feel hurt by this. It isn't supposed to effect me at all." "Is that what everyone expects of you, Saavik Kahm?" Riley asked with a look of concern. "Or is that what you expect of yourself?" Saavik finally released the hold on his hand and turned away, not sure of how to answer. "What do you expect of me?" she finally, albeit hesitantly, asked him. "What do you want of me, Thomas?" "I want you, Saavik," Riley admitted. "Feelings, duty, and everything else," he continued noting Saavik's surprise. "The only expectation I have," he added, "is that you give your best to me and this ship. And that you expect the same of me." Saavik repressed a smile. "You still want me aboard? After all that's happened?" she queried with a bit of anticipation. "I need you," Riley replied in a whisper. "I don't think that I could command this ship without you." He moved gently over to her, offering his hand again, this time in a more formal hand-shake pose. "Stay with me," he asked. Saavik hesitated for a moment. "Your request isn't logical, Thomas. But I will," she finally replied, returning the hand-shake. CHAPTER NINETEEN Sarok entered the conference room, knowing full well that his ploy had worked, and that the hand dealt was his. In his hand were two cartridges, one was the ENTERPRISE's log, the other was Riley's personal message. Both were equally important. "You wanted to see me, Captain?" Nagura queried as he entered in through the room's wooden sliding doors. "My schedule was quite full, so I hope you appreciate this." "Be certain that I do, Admiral," Sarok unemotionally stated. "The ENTERPRISE report is complete, and I concluded that you would want to view it." "I will later, but I've got a meeting with the President in an hour," Nagura responded coldly. "However, I should congradulate you and Riley for succeeding in their mission, even if you did complain do much." "All the complaints were legitmate," Sarok argued cooly. "You should have been more receptive to his requests." Nagura nodded defiantly. "I've been an intelligence officer for nineteen years. I don't need some young captain telling me how I'm supposed to run my show." Sarok didn't show his emotions of disgust, but they were prevalent in the air about them. "I had a feeling you would say that, Admiral," he admitted. Sarok tossed Rliey's pesonal report to Nagura, who had a bit of difficulty in catching it in his tentacles. "What is this?" Nagura asked regarding the computer cartridge. "Another set of requests on Riley's behalf?" he prodded. Sarok smiled for the first time Nagura could remember. "Hardly," he began in a menacingly proud tone. "It is a summons to appear before a review board. Riley is bringing up formal charges against you for behalf of Commander Saavik." Nagura's flat face puffed. "He's doing what?" he demanded as he threw the charges from his tentacles. "He can't do that to me, I'm his superior officer." "You were his superior officer," Sarok reminded him, "but we transfered him to another division. He's solid military property now, not ours." "And what are these charges, Sarok?" Nagura grunted nervously. "What have you conspired against me?" "I had very little to do with the action Captain Riley has undertaken," Sarok explained. "Apparantly, he did not like the way that you undermined Saavik's carreer for your own goals. He also did not appreciate the fact that Saavik herself was not included on the plan." Nagura was taken aback by the announcement. "He's actually pressing formal charges against me?" he repeated, prefering to think that this had been all some sort of cosmic joke. "He'll never succeed, Sarok. You know that." "Admiral Jameson and I disagree," Sarok retorted. "We have both backed Riley's story to the letter. It was easy enough to do, considering he merely told the truth." Nagura looked down, his eight tentacled arms dropped. He had finally been beaten. CHAPTER TWENTY Captain's Log : Stardate 10154.0 Captain Thomas Riley USS Enterprise, NCC 1701-B The ENTERPRISE is currently under repair in the Gensis sector with the repair ship USS ASSISTER. We estimate repair completion within one week. Even though the ship has suffered damage on several systems, the casualties are few. Other than the Romulan plants, Ravis and Monroe, we've only lost one crewman, Barett. Saavik has already filed condolences with his family. What remains now is our original mission. The fate of the USS FEARLESS is still unknown, though I believe that the FIERY RAVEN is another Romulan starship of the IRON CLAW II's class. I imagine that we will continue the mission once we are underway. The ENTERPRISE, slightly battered and in need of repair, limped through the Gensis sector embraced with the USS ASSISTER's gentle repair tentacles. There wasn't much for the crew to do for this time, except for aid in repairing the damage done to their ship. Largely, though, the repair duty was long and boring. "Engineering reports that we'll be able to be underway within one week," Grissom announced as she entered the bridge. "The ASSISTER crew is doing a remarkable job." "I'm glad to hear it, Lieutenant," Riley commented as he reviewed the damage reports in his hand. "Have the shield modifications been made as ordered?" "Yes sir, the shields now totally disrupt transporter beams when commanded," she proudly announced. "We've also modified the shield grid for an increased fifty percent efficiency." "Excellent, that's a lot more than I expected, Lieutenant," Riley commended. "I'm glad something's finally going right." "Captain?" Saavik queried, "I would say that our success in the defeat of the IRON CLAW would be considered 'going right', wouldn't you?" Riley let out a small sigh. "I would say so, Number one," Riley responded. "We made it of the fire with only a few burns. Not bad for a first mission," Riley observed. "That was my point, sir," Saavik cooly responded. "Star Fleet gives you, and us, their highest recommendation. You should be honored." Riley let up his eyebrows at that. "I am, Saavik," he began, "but I'm not in this business for the honor, prestige, or glory. I'm in it because I like it here," he commanded. "I like boldly going where no one has gone before." "And where will we be going now, Captain?" Saavik queried with a concerned look in her eye. "Wherever duty calls, Saavik," Riley replied with a smile. "We go wherever duty calls." -- "Our crew's living quarters have left the ship." - Secundam Yto aboard the IRON CLAW II Neale Davidson, another writer wanna-be. neale@mentor.cc.purdue.edu