“We
repeat, Arcturus, this mission is
priority one!” said the grim image of Admiral Simmons on the bridge
viewscreen. “The terrorists have stated
that if their demands have not been met within five of their days, ninety-five
standard hours, they will detonate the anti-matter reactor complex north of the
Vice
Admiral Eric Johnson, commanding officer of the USS Arcturus NCC-1807-A, stood up from his command chair and walked
down the few steps toward the viewscreen, but otherwise reacted little to the
change in orders.
“The
government of Orthid IX has asked for Federation assistance to negotiate a
peaceful resolution,” she continued.
“Particulars of the matter are being transmitted now.”
Johnson
looked down toward his operations officer.
Lieutenant Commander Kalin Kale of Alpha Centauri looked up at his
commanding officer and confirmed, “We are receiving.”
“As far as
the Orthidian government is concerned, you are now Ambassador Johnson. Do anything short of violating the Prime
Directive, and Starfleet Command and the Federation Council will back you
one-hundred percent. Starfleet, out.”
The screen
returned to the familiar view of the stars.
Johnson turned to his waiting helmsman, Lieutenant Galen DuLac, and
ordered; “Set course for the Orthid system.
Increase speed to warp seven.”
“Estimate
arrival in two days, eleven hours, current speed,” reported DuLac.
“Acknowledged,”
replied Johnson. “Commanding Officer to
Senior Staff members. Meeting in the
observation lounge in ten minutes.”
Space, the Final Frontier...
These are the voyages of the starship Arcturus!
Star Trek: Arcturus
“Gamma Bound - Part I” By PJK
Around the
observation lounge table sat Kale, Deltan Ship’s Counselor Ian Valtirr, Security
Chief David Maddox, Chief Medical Officer Athena Arcadian of Alpha Centauri,
Chief Engineer Briana Lithirof Cygnet IV, Chief Science Officer Baael from the
planet Efros, and Vulcan First Officer Solak, with Vice Admiral Johnson sitting
at his usual place at the head of the table.
He nodded to Kale, who started explaining the situation to his fellow
officers.
“A
terrorist group, consisting of members of a minority race of Orthidians native
to the western continent and its surrounding islands, has been bombing major
governmental buildings in the capital city of
“What is
it they demand?” asked Maddox.
“The
complete and total removal of the Federation colony,” replied Kale. “No other compromise.”
“We have
our job cut out for us,” remarked Dr. Arcadian.
“No one
said it would be easy. But we have to
safeguard lives,” stated Johnson. “Both
Federation citizens and the population of the planet. The away team will consist of myself, Dave,
Athena, Baael, a yeoman and one other security guard. I’ve been granted Ambassadorial status. We’ll negotiate, see what these people are
really after.”
Johnson
turned to his stolid Security Chief, and said, “Dave, I want you to assign one
of your people and a yeoman to the team.”
“Aye,
sir,” replied Maddox, as he checked the padd in front of him. “Rotation places... Ensign Lamont and Yeoman
Ku at the top of the duty roster.”
The
mention of Petty Officer Mickey Ku’s name drew Kale’s attention. Soon after the two had met upon her posting
to the original Arcturus those many,
many years ago, a friendship and eventually an on again-off again relationship
had grown between them.
“Is this
away team a logical idea, Admiral?” inquired Solak.
“The
Radine faction has sent word to the Orthidian government that they agree to a
meeting,” informed Kale.
“Any
questions?” asked Johnson, scanning the room with his eyes. There were none.
“Meeting
dismissed.”
* * * *
Captain’s
log, stardate 47012.6:
We
are still over a day and a half away from Orthid, but already I have
butterfly’s in my stomach. Perhaps
Athena can do something to help me with them later. I still don’t know if I can resolve this
situation. I’m a starship commander, not
a damn diplomat. The faction wants the
Federation off Orthid IX. The Orthidian
government and the Federation want the colony to stay. The faction has the power to destroy the
colony, and the planet, if they don’t get what they want.
No
wonder I didn’t join the Diplomatic Corps.
Maybe a quick game of chess will calm my nerves?
Johnson,
commanding Arcturus, out.
The Vice
Admiral walked into 10-Forward, nodding to the bartender, and made his way to
the windows. He glanced out, admiring the
familiar rainbow streaks flash past the viewports. He spent a moment gazing out at the stars,
then glanced around the room. 10-Forward
was not quite as full as normal, the crew was busy preparing for their new
mission. He then noticed Kalin Kale sitting
by himself, reading what looked like an old style book with large, glossy
pages, what was once known as a magazine.
Johnson walked over to where Kale sat.
“Unusual
seeing someone reading printed material,” commented the Vice Admiral.
Kale
looked up, and upon seeing it was his commanding officer, stood. Johnson motioned with his hand for Kale to
sit down again.
“It’s just
an old, and I do mean old,
magazine about rock and gem collecting,” explained Kale, showing the magazine’s
cover. “Originally printed in the early
21st century before World War III.” Then
suddenly remembering his manners, “Would you like to sit down, sir?”
The Vice
Admiral nodded, pulled out a chair, and sat.
“I’m in
the mood for a game of chess. Would you
care to play?” Johnson asked. Kale
agreed. Johnson then motioned to one of
the waiters, asking for a game board.
The waiter complied, and as the two players set up the pieces, Johnson
asked, “What do you think of the situation we’re about to get into?”
“Difficult
at best,” said Kale as he finished placing the pieces and offered the first
move to Johnson. “I’ve researched the
situation. The Radine, as this faction
of the Orthidian race is called, are very similar to your planet’s American
Indians. They were forced off their land
by the planet’s government and that land was ‘given,’ in their eyes, to
off-worlders. I must say, if I was in
their place, I would probably feel the same.
The question is, according to the records, the colony was established
twenty years ago. Why now are they
suddenly resorting to violence?”
Johnson
winced as Kale captured one of his bishops.
Kale looked up at Johnson, an apologetic look in his eyes. “Don’t worry,” said Johnson. “We’re dropping the ranks for this
game.” Kale smiled.
“ ...Until
you beat me, that is,” Johnson finished with a grin. After a moment, the Vice Admiral turned
serious.
“You are
right. Why now? Why not when the government appropriated the
land? Why not when the Federation built
the colony on that land?”
Johnson
thought for a moment, in the meanwhile capturing Kale’s rook. The move left his queen unfortunately
vulnerable. Kale hesitated for a second,
then took Johnson’s queen with his own.
Johnson rolled his eyes, but continued the game.
“Kalin, I
want you to look deeper into this situation.
There’s something here we’re not seeing.”
“Yes,
sir,” said Kale. “I’ll get right on
it.... Check.”
Johnson
looked quizzically at the board.
“Boy, my
game is off,” he said, moving his king out of danger. “But you won’t be leaving just yet.”
“But,
sir,” said Kale. “I should get right to
work. Check and mate,” he added as he
moved his queen into position, trapping Johnson’s king hopelessly. “I’ll see you on the bridge, sir,” Kale said,
standing up, taking his magazine, and nodding to the Vice Admiral. “Thanks for the game.”
Johnson
just sat at the table, simply looking at the Tri-D chess board, only slowly
shaking his head from side to side.
* * * *
Later on
the bridge, Kale reported to Johnson that he had made little progress.
“So far,
I’ve only been able to confirm all the incidents reported to us, including one
bombing within the Federation colony.”
Solak, the
Arcturus’ Vulcan First Officer,
walked over next to the Vice Admiral near the Ops position.
“I’ve
calculated the odds of completing this mission without bloodshed at
1,235,326.05 to one,” he said. Johnson
was about to comment when Maddox interrupted.
“Sir!”
said the Security Chief at the tactical position. “I’m picking up a small ship on long range
sensors. No identification, no known
configuration. But it seems to be on an
intercept course.”
Johnson
turned to Solak. “Were we to receive an
escort?”
“Not to my
knowledge, sir,” replied the Vulcan.
“Mister
Kale?” Johnson asked his ops officer.
“Nobody
told me, sir,” the Centauri replied, checking the sensor readings on his panel.
Two
ensigns popped out of the forward turbolift, looked at the CO, and said; “No
one told us either!” before the ‘lift doors closed again and the two
disappeared.
“Yellow
alert!” ordered Johnson, who turned to look at his First Officer. “Just to be on the safe side.”
“Most
logical,” responded the Vulcan.
On
Maddox’s tactical screen, the small ship reacted to the Arcturus’ raising of her defense screens.
“Unknown
ship has altered course slightly. It
will still pass within one-thousand meters, port side, at present course and
speed,” reported Maddox.
“Keep me
informed,” ordered Johnson.
A few
minutes had passed when Maddox reported, “The unidentified ship is turning onto
a new course. She’s returning back
toward the Orthid system, but by preliminary estimates, she’s not heading back
to Orthid IX.”
After
tracking the small vessel a few more minutes, Solak ordered, “Stand down yellow
alert.”
Meanwhile,
down in the ship’s school-room, Val’ri Raiajh reacted uncomfortably to the
tension on the bridge.
* * * *
The Arcturus slipped into standard orbit and
was immediately surrounded by Orthidian Security craft, so ordered to protect
the Federation Peacemaker’s ship.
“Open
hailing frequencies,” ordered Johnson.
The
frequency chimed and Maddox nodded to Johnson.
“This is
the Federation starship Arcturus,
Ambassador Johnson speaking.”
“Our
greetings, Ambassador,” said a voice over the bridge speakers. “This is Minister Probo, government
negotiator for the conference. The
meeting is to be held in the Annex of our Great Hall at what will be 1400 hours
your ship time. All parties involved
planetside have agreed to arrive simultaneously.”
“We agree
as well,” said Johnson. “That gives us
half an hour to prepare and beam down.”
“I must
warn you though,” said the Minister.
“You should keep your vessel’s shields up. Some of the terrorists do not want this
conference to proceed, and may take out their displeasure on your ship.”
* * * *
A
half-hour later, in transporter room four, Johnson gave his final orders to
Captain Solak.
“The first
round of talks will probably take all day,” he said, as the away team mounted
the transporter platform. “I’ll check in
at regular intervals, every ninety minutes.”
The Vulcan
nodded his head slightly.
“When we’re
ready to beam back aboard, I’ll use the chess code, knight’s gambit,” finished
Johnson.
“Aye,
Admiral,” said Solak. “As you Terrans
say, good luck.”
Taking his
place on the pad, Johnson turned to the transporter chief and ordered,
“Energize.”
* * * *
On the
bridge, Kale sat at one of the aft bridge science stations and continued to
pour through raw data.
“Computer,
open interface to main informational computer, Orthid IX government complex
two,” he said.
“Working...,”
the ship’s computer replied. “Unable to
comply. Government complex two destroyed
two planetary days ago by terrorist bomb activity.”
“Redirect
to nearest interface complex,” Kale ordered.
“Working...
Computer interface enabled through Orthid IX Museum of Science, emergency
government core.”
“Good,”
Kale commented. “Computer, request
readout on all information dealing with the Federation colony within the past
twenty-five years.”
“Working,”
the computer replied.
“Sir,”
said the tactical officer to Captain Solak as the Vulcan entered the bridge
from the aft turbolift. “Orthid orbit
control requests we move the ship to a new parking orbit for security.”
“Make it
so,” Solak nodded toward Kale.
“Aye,
sir,” Kale responded, returning to his usual post at ops. “Computer, compile and store requested
information under the file 'Kale3.'”
* * * *
“Talks are
going slow,” said the tired sounding voice of Vice Admiral Johnson. “The Radine are adamant about the Federation
leaving, the government is adamant that the land was annexed and leased
properly to the Federation, legally and in accordance with the majority
government’s wishes...” The Admiral
paused. “And I’m adamant that I have a
splitting headache.”
“Perhaps
Dr Arcadian can suggest a remedy, Admiral,” suggested Solak.
“They
refuse to even listen to anyone else,” Johnson sighed.
“I was
referring to your headache, Admiral,” the Vulcan said, dryly. But Johnson’s reply was drowned out by the
ship’s sudden shudder and the Lieutenant at Tactical shouting.
“Orthidian
security craft Delta-Four has exploded, sir!
Incoming torpedo from 259 mark 6!”
“Re-establish
contact with the away team,” ordered Solak.
“Communications
are being jammed,” replied Kale.
“Performing
evasive maneuvers, attempting to clear away from remaining security craft,”
reported DuLac from the conn.
The
torpedo narrowly missed the starship, striking instead the smaller security
ship below her. The craft blew apart,
pieces striking the Arcturus’
shields, draining them slightly. The
intruder fired an energy beam at the fleeing starship, its green glow
enveloping the shields.
“Shields
are being drained,” the tactical officer reported. “Down to 75% ...65% ...50%.”
“Compensate,”
Solak ordered.
“Power
drain is too great!” shouted Briana Lithir at the engineering station behind
tactical. “Shields will be down in five
seconds!”
“Helm, plot
a course...,” Solak started, walking over to where DuLac sat at the conn.
“Torpedo,
incoming!” reported Kale.
“Shields
are down!” shouted tactical.
“Engage,
now,” said Solak, but not in time. The
torpedo struck the Arcturus’
unprotected hull. The ship immediately
listed to port and console panels all over the ship overloaded, throwing sparks
or exploding.
On the
bridge, Solak lost his footing and his head crashed into the bulkhead below the
ship’s dedication plaque. He fell to the
deck, unconscious, green blood pooling on the deck from the gash in his
forehead.
“Bridge to
sickbay. Medical emergency on the
bridge,” Kale said into his combadge as he rushed over and checked the Vulcan’s
vital signs.
“There she
is!” shouted DuLac, pointing at a modified security ship that drifted slowly
across the viewscreen.
“They know
we’re hurt,” the tac officer grumbled as he helped Lithir off the deck.
Kale
turned to look at the small ship on the screen.
‘How could such a small ship leave
us so defenseless?’ he thought.
“They’re
maneuvering in for the kill. They think
we can’t fight back,” Kale then said aloud.
“They’re
not far wrong. What are your orders,
sir?” asked the tac officer.
“Huh?”
Kale asked.
“Captain
Solak is incapacitated. You’re the
senior officer on the bridge, sir,” replied Tac.
Kale
looked to where the medical team was just placing the unmoving form of the
ship’s First Officer onto an anti-grav gurney.
A lump formed in the pit of his stomach.
* * *
*
Val’ri
Raiajh was just entering the quarters she shared with her husband, Sylvan, the
one place a civilian was to go during a battle, when she was struck by strong
emotions and feelings of conflict. The
concern emanated from the bridge. Val’ri
hesitated a moment, hovering in the doorway, then made up her mind and started
up to the bridge.
* * * *
“What
systems do we still have?” Kale asked.
“Phasers
are off-line. We have one photorp armed
and in the tube, but we have no target lock.
If you can get me some straws, maybe I can make up a few spit-balls for
you,” the Lieutenant at tactical responded.
“Best we can do for at least five minutes.”
“This will
be over in less than five minutes, Lieutenant,” Lithir commented.
Kale
studied the screen for a moment. The
rogue was drifting into attack position, not bothering to maneuver on
thrusters. They were too confidant.
And then
he saw the answer.
“Lieutenant.”
he directed to tactical. “On my mark,
fire.”
“But sir,
we can’t even aim!” Tac whined.
Kale
looked at the tactical officer hard.
“When I say fire, ...then fire!”
He
returned his gaze to the screen, as Ensign Setton To’Lock Arbelo appeared out
of the turbolift and took Kale’s place at ops.
He hoped he was not wrong, but if he were, none of the crew would live
to know it. The rogue ship continued to
move slowly across the screen.
“On my
mark...,” said Kale. “ ..........Fire!”
The
torpedo shot from the launch tube and arced across space. The rogue, taken by surprise, attempted to
react, but it was too late. The torpedo
impacted against the craft, sending the ship spinning planetward. It released an escape pod before entering the
atmosphere and burning up.
Kale stared
at the screen a moment before inquiring, “Damage report.”
“Weapons
and shields are both off-line. Warp
drive is down. Impulse systems at 50%
norm. Secondary systems are all on
backup, reported the Terran/Vulcan/Efrosian Arbelo. “Damage control parties are reporting to
their assigned sections.”
“Commander,
we’re being hailed from the surface,” reported Tac.
“On
screen,” said Kale.
The view
changed to that of a lone humanoid, orange skinned, with dark brown, almond
shaped eyes. Brown blood ran down the
side of his face. Smoke appeared to
billow from the wall in the background behind him.
“Arcturus, I’m Minister Probo,” the
Orthidian said. “We’ve just had a
terrible calamity. A bomb detonated at
the talk sight just after the Radine left the table. During the confusion, the Radine party
returned, armed, killed six people, including two of your crew, and took all
the others, including Ambassador Johnson, hostage.”
“This is
Lt Commander Kalin Kale aboard the Arcturus,
Minister. A rogue security craft, most
probably under the control of the Radine, destroyed your patrol craft and
heavily damaged the Arcturus with a
power drain weapon. We’ve received many
casualties, including Captain Solak. I’m
currently in acting-command.”
“Commander,”
Minister Probo said, a very sad look crossing his features as he received the
news. “The terrorists have demanded that
the starship leave now or they will kill all the hostages within the hour. They reiterate their intention to destroy the
power complex within two days if their demands are not met.”
“Minister,”
said Kale. “We’ll pull out of orbit and
then see what we can do later. We’ll
keep in touch. Arcturus, out.”
Kale tuned
and looked at the young helm officer.
“Mister DuLac, set course for the far side of Orthid X. But make it look like we’re leaving the
system. And take us out at maximum
impulse,” Kale ordered.
“Aye,
Commander. Accelerating to full
impulse.”
“Mister
Arbelo, I had saved an information file earlier. Please send it into the ready room,” Kale
asked of the hybrid officer.
The
turbolift doors opened, and a Vulcan-looking woman in civilian clothes stepped
out and entered the ready room right behind Kale.
* * * *
In the ready
room, a puzzled Kale crossed behind the desk, but offered a seat to Val’ri as
he sat down.
“Val’ri,”
said Kale, the puzzled look refusing to leave his face. “What are you doing up here? I realize you once had a Starfleet
commission, but civilians aren’t allowed on the bridge, especially during an
alert condition.”
The
Vulcan/Deltan raised her right eyebrow, a typically Vulcan expression, and
started to explain.
“I do not
normally tell others of my abilities, and in fact have kept it quite well
hidden from Vice Admiral Johnson, but I am in fact a very strong telepath. I sensed your concern during the battle with
the rogue ship, and have come to offer my help.
A shocked
expression entered Kale’s face, fighting with the puzzled expression, and finally
overpowering it.
“Offer...
accepted,” Kale stammered. “We are
now...”
“...On
course to hide behind Orthid X,” Raiajh finished for him.
“Ahh...
yeah,” said Kale, suddenly remembering the previously mentioned telepathic
abilities. “Could you hold back on the
mind reading, please. It unnerves me.”
“As you
wish, Kalin,” she replied, nodding her head.
After a
moment, Kale remembered what he went into the captain’s ready room for. He called up the file on the computer screen.
ALL DATES IN BOTH STARDATES AND ORTHID DATES:
STARDATE 25249.6 - 12 MACH 6429: WESTERN CONTINENT ANNEXED
BY ORTHID GOVERNMENT. RADINE RACE
RESETTLED ON NORTH AND NORTHEAST CONTINENTS.
STARDATE 25962.3 - 16 ORCH 6429: RADINE FILE OFFICIAL
PROTEST. NO FOLLOW-UP.
STARDATE 26366.1 - 29 ROCH 6430: UNITED FEDERATION OF
PLANETS LEASES WESTERN CONTINENT. COLONY
ESTABLISHED.
STARDATE 46967.3 - 1 MACH 6445: FEDERATION COLONY SCIENCE
COUNCIL REQUESTS PERMISSION TO CONDUCT ARCHEOLOGICAL DIGS IN NATIVE ANCESTRAL
BURIAL GROUND.
STARDATE 46967.7 - 3 MACH 6445: ORTHID GOVERNMENT APPROVES
ARCHEOLOGICAL DIGS.
Kale
stared at the screen. Could it be that
simple? he thought.
“It is a
strong possibility,” said Raiajh. Kale
glared at her.
“My
apologies,” she said.
“Computer,
date of first Radine terrorist strike against the government or Federation
colony,” Kale inquired.
“Stardate
46968.0: Radine faction bombs
“My gods,”
Kale thought aloud. “For twenty years,
the Radine do nothing. But when their
ancestral burial grounds are approved for archeological digs, they start
attacking the next day!”
Val’ri
nodded. “The one thing Vice Admiral
Johnson and the others were not seeing.”
At that
moment the intercom beeped, and Galen DuLac’s voice announced, “We are in orbit
of Orthid X, Commander. Holding at
station keeping opposite Orthid IX.”
“Thank
you, Galen,” replied Kale. “Please
signal what Senior Staff we still have aboard that I’m holding a meeting in the
observation lounge in five minutes.”
“Aye,
sir.”
* * * *
A much
smaller group gathered around the table this time. Kale sat at the head of the table, a look of
determination creasing his brow. Next to
him sat Counselor Valtirr. Formerly a
medical doctor, the Deltan was appointed Ship’s Counselor after the original Arcturus emerged in the 24th century and
her crew had gone through retraining.
Next was Briana Lithir, the ship’s horse-like Cygnian Chief Engineer,
her long mane-like hair still mussed from the fall she had taken on the bridge,
and next to her, the Vulcan/Terran T’Veer, Lithir’s capable assistant. Opposite T’Veer sat Lieutenant Idrisu,
another Deltan and a close friend of Kale’s, filling in for the missing Chief
Science Officer, Baael T’olos Dagon San-Demetos, and finally, immediately to
Kale’s right, Ensign Setton To’Lock Arbelo, or ‘Monster’ as he was
affectionately called, due to his unique heritage, a mixture of Vulcan,
Efrosian, and Terran.
(“I wonder
if he suffers from hot and cold flashes?” Kale remarked when he first met
Arbelo, a joke he quickly regretted. The
man was in fact a genius, and a real asset to the crew.)
At the far
end of the table sat Val’ri Raiajh, not normally a member of the command staff.
“I’ve
asked Val’ri to join us for this meeting,” Kale said to the others, some
wondering why the civilian teacher was attending this meeting. “It has... come to my attention, shall we
say, that she could prove invaluable to my plan.”
“We are currently
holding station keeping on the far side of the planet Orthid X,” started
Arbelo, “and have been keeping sensor emissions to passive only. As far as we know, the Radine think we’re
gone.”
Kale
turned to Lithir.
“Briana,
can you rig a Type 6 shuttlecraft with a six-person transporter capability
within thirty minutes?” he asked.
“It is...
possible,” she hesitated, turning to look at T’Veer.
“I believe
it can be done,” T’Veer confirmed.
“Do it,”
Kale ordered. “Before we broke orbit,
tactical managed to find what we believe to be the headquarters of the Radine
terrorists. I will take a small away
team by shuttle, and attempt to beam to the area. Briana, I’ll leave you the bridge.”
“Yes,
Commander,” she responded.
“Don’t you
think this is a little foolhardy, Kalin?” Idrisu asked. “You’ll get yourselves killed.”
“These
aren’t the Ssani,” said Kale, referring to a race the Arcturus crew had encountered in the past. “They won’t kill just because they’ve been
found out. They will listen. And I believe I know what they really want to
hear.”
The others
looked at each other, all but Raiajh wondering what Kale meant.
“I want
the away team to consist of myself, Val’ri, Idrisu, and Arbelo. I’ll also need a shuttle pilot and two
security guards,” said Kale.
“I am an
experienced pilot,” offered T’Veer.
“Alright. You’re on the team,” said Kale.
“I’ll
assign the two security guards,” said Idrisu.
“Fine. We meet in the Main Shuttlebay in thirty
minutes,” ordered Kale.
As
everybody stood and began to leave, Kale approached Lithir.
“Briana, I
want to make one thing crystal clear. No
heroics,” said Kale. “I know we’ve
already lost two people, and maybe all six.
I’m willing to risk a few more lives because I think I have the
answer. I’m not willing to risk the
ship. If my team fails, if we lose
contact, no rescue missions.”
“If you’re
in trouble, I’ll do my best,” Lithir said, her tail flapping in mild annoyance.
“You’ll do
what I ask... what I order... please,” said Kale, a disarming look in his brown
eyes. “Take the ship out of the system
and get word back to Starfleet. We don’t
know how many more of those toys the Radine have. Arcturus
cannot survive another attack by that energy drainer.”
Lithir
looked like she was about to protest, thought better of it, and finally just
agreed. “Aye, sir.”
Kale
started walking to the bridge, when Lithir called to him.
“Kalin, if
Centauri believe in luck, the best of it to you,” she said.
Kale smiled
at her, turned, and let the door swish shut behind him.
* * * *
Work was
finishing on the shuttle as the team arrived.
Val’ri Raiajh still wore her civilian clothes, but a Starfleet combadge
was attached to her blouse. Two officers
in gold Security uniforms entered the bay and walked over to join the
team. Arbelo noticed who one of the men
was and immediately recognized him. He
walked over, extending his arm to shake his hand as he approached.
“Penji,”
said Arbelo. “What are you doing
here? The last time I checked the
roster, you were still in communications.”
Ensign
Penji Fil, a Catullan, smiled at his former Communications Chief and explained,
“During my time back at the Academy, I studied in the security section. It seemed a good idea since communications
falls under sciences in today’s Starfleet and doesn’t have its own division
anymore. I’m a fully trained security
officer now.”
“Welcome
to the team,” said Kale as he gestured the group into the shuttle. Once all were aboard, the shuttle was cleared
for launch, and they started toward Orthid IX.
The trip took several minutes, during which time Kale explained the
whole plan to the rest of the team. All
agreed the idea had merit.
“We are in
standard orbit, and as expected, the shuttle is too small for ground sensors to
register. Neither the Orthidian
government nor the Radine know we are here,” reported T’Veer.
“Okay,
team,” said Kale. “Let’s get going.”
The away
team stood in the back of the shuttle, and Kale gave the order to T’Veer,
“Energize.”
* * * *
On the
surface, Idrisu opened his tricorder and scanned.
“Indications
of a camp one-half kilometer to the east.
No other population centers within twenty-five kilometers.”
“Any
life-forms nearby?” asked Kale.
“No
humanoids close enough to read,” said Idrisu.
Kale
nodded, and indicated to the team to proceed east. Almost half-way to the reported encampment,
Arbelo’s tricorder beeped. He opened it
and scanned.
“Humanoid
life-form readings, approaching from the east.
Three. Orthidian physiology. Looks like we’ve stumbled upon a scouting
party,” he reported.
“How
close?” asked Kale.
“Very,”
reported Raiajh, her face a look of total concentration. “They are not aware of our presence yet. I will convey to them our peaceful intent.”
A few
moments later, three Orthidians, their orange skin covered by tattered clothes,
almond eyes showing their fatigue, broke through the brush and approached the
team.
“You are
of the Federation,” they said, stating more than questioning. “We know, somehow, that you mean no harm to
us. But can you really help our people?”
Kale
glanced at Raiajh, an impressed look on his features, before saying, “We can,
if you will take us to your leaders.”
“We will,”
one of them replied.
* * * *
Fifteen
minutes later, Kale’s away team stood before the two leaders of the Radine
rebellion. They had already been told
that Ambassador Johnson and his group were being held at this camp, and perhaps
they would be released if what was said of the team by the scouts was true.
Kale
ordered Idridu and Fil to go with a young Orthidian boy and confirm the
condition of Johnson and his group. As
the two left, Kale turned toward the Radine leaders.
“I am
Lieutenant Commander Kalin Kale, of the Federation starship Arcturus,” he said. The older of the two Orthidians spoke.
“I am
Chonar. He is Thallin. We lead the combined peoples of the Radine,”
he said.
“I have
been looking into the situation your people are protesting. I know why you have suddenly resorted to
violence. It is because you fear the
desecration of your burial ground,” said Kale, causing a look of surprise on
the two leader’s faces.
“You know
of our plight!” Thallin said incredulously.
“Then you
believe we can negotiate a real and mutual resolution to all of this?” asked
Kale hopefully.
Chonar
stepped closer to the man from Alpha Centauri, and looked deep into Kale’s
eyes. Finally, a wide smile crossed the
older Orthidian’s features.
“Yes. We can,” he said.
* * * *
The next
day, back aboard the Arcturus, which
had since returned to orbit of Orthid IX, Johnson walked over to Kale. The ops officer was sitting at his usual
place at the ops console.
“I was out
of it for a while, Kalin. What I really
want to know is, what did you find that broke the Radine’s effort?” Johnson
asked.
Kale
turned the ops seat around to face the others on the bridge, including Solak,
who had the just returned to duty status, and began to explain.
“The key
was the fact that the Radine did nothing about their land for twenty
years. They only filed a protest a few
months after their race had been relocated.
One reason I found out in our talks with Chonar and Thallin was the
Radine always believed they would one day regain their land.”
“Then why
did they suddenly resort to violence?” asked Solak, a bandage partly blocking
his right eye.
Kale
explained, “Because, the Federation scientists had stumbled across the Radine
burial ground. A rarity, because all the
other cultures on Orthid IX cremate their dead.
The scientists asked the government to approve archeological digs
there...”
“And
that’s when they started the bombings,” finished Johnson.
“The next
day they destroyed the Science Council
building. The very place that had
approved the digging,” Kale said.
“Well,
just about everyone is happy with your solution,” said the Vice Admiral. “The Federation will close off the burial
grounds as an historic landmark, then expand the colony to be able to take in
the million-plus Radine, returning them to their homeland. The Radine are happy to be a part of the
society instead of being shunned as outcasts by the other Orthidians because of
their beliefs and practices, and the government is happy that the Federation
will stay on the planet.”
“Sickbay
to bridge,” said the voice of Dr Arcadian over the intercom. “Would you please have Commander Kale report
to sickbay.”
“I’m on my
way, Doctor,” Kale said in response, turning out of the ops seat. “…With your permission, Admiral.”
Johnson
nodded his head and Kale walked to the turbolift. As Kale disappeared behind its closing doors,
a concerned look showed on Johnson’s normally stolid face. Solak walked beside Johnson, his hands
clasped behind his back, likewise looking at the turbolift doors, then glancing
at Johnson.
Kale
entered sickbay, and was directed by a Nurse to the CMO’s office. He passed Maddox, laying on one of the
diagnostic beds, a wound to his left arm being treated by one of Arcadian’s
staff.
He entered
the office, where Athena Arcadian sat behind her desk. In one of the chairs was Ian Valtirr, the
Ship’s Counselor.
“Please
sit down, Kalin,” said Arcadian.
Kale sat,
and as Arcadian started to talk, he could see she was having difficulty with
what she had to say.
“You know,
of course, that our diplomatic talks were just a ruse to capture important
Federation hostages, Kalin,” she said.
“The bomb used to create the diversion worked too well. Before we realized it, the Radine were
knocking us helpless with disrupters.
Ensign Lamont tried to stun a few of the terrorists before he was
captured. One fought back with deadly force. During the melee, both Lamont and Petty
Officer Ku were killed.”
The news
struck Kale like a meteor dropped from orbit.
“Mickey..........
is..... dead?” he mumbled.
“Yes, I’m
afraid so,” Arcadian confirmed.
A tear started
to make its way down Kale’s cheek. He
turned slightly away from the two doctors, afraid to let the image he was
presenting show.
“We knew
how close you were to her,” said Valtirr.
“We knew you needed to find out from us, not a report. My deepest sympathies, Kalin.”
Valtirr
looked at Arcadian, his eyes saying what needed to be said. Kale would come to them later for support,
but for now, the two rose, granting Kale a moment alone.
* * * *
A few days
had passed. The Arcturus, still in orbit of Orthid IX, held a memorial service for
her lost comrades. Soon after, life
aboard the ship slowly started to return to normal. Maddox had returned to his post on the
bridge, his short stint in Dr Arcadian’s hands over.
Vice
Admiral Johnson was conveying his report to Admiral Simmons. Her pleasant face and salt and pepper colored
hair filled the main bridge viewscreen.
“The
Federation Council is very pleased with your resolution of the problem, Eric,
and in fact, a freighter is now on its way to the Orthid system with material
to begin work on expanding the colony to include the Radine,” she said. “There is talk they may even become
Federation citizens one day.”
“Thank
you, Admiral, but as my report states, it was a combined effort, lead by Mister
Kale, that brought about the compromise,” said Johnson. “Without him, my team, and perhaps the entire
planet, would be dead.”
“Yes,
Eric. So your report has lead me to
believe,” Simmons said. After a moment’s
pause, the Admiral began to talk again.
“Lieutenant
Commander Kalin Kale,” she said. Kale
looked up from his console.
“Yes,
Admiral,” he replied.
“Please
stand,” Simmons ordered.
Kale got
up from the Ops seat, taking a place near the center of the Bridge.
“Lieutenant
Commander Kalin Kale, for actions above and beyond the call of duty, in the
service of saving the Federation starship USS
Arcturus from attack by hostile enemy spacecraft, and a resolution which
has stopped the terrorist activity on the planet Orthid IX, Starfleet Command
does hereby promote you to the rank of Captain, and assigns you the duty of
command of a starship, effective this stardate 47013.2.”
Kale
almost fainted as he listened. Yes, he expected
there would be a commendation or award of some kind, but not this!
“Congratulations,
...Captain,” the Admiral continued.
“Your new orders are being transmitted to you now. Your new command awaits you at station Deep Space Nine.”
Johnson,
smiling broadly, offered Kale his hand.
Despite the act being considered an insult on his native Alpha Centauri,
Kale accepted the gesture.
“Congratulations,
Kalin,” Johnson said. “…Or should I say,
Captain Kale.”
The shock
still had not worn off. Kale stood at
the center of the bridge, a crooked smile on his face.
Johnson
turned to DuLac. “Well, Galen. What do you say we get the Captain here to
his ship?”
“Yes,
Admiral, sir,” the young Avalonian replied.
“All
ahead, warp 5,” ordered Johnson, who then gestured to Kale to give the next
command.
Kale
looked at the stars on the screen, a bright new future ahead, and ordered,
“Engage!”
To Be
Continued...
Continue to “Gamma Bound – Part II.”
Return to 2370.
Return to Stories Archive.