Star Trek: Timelines "Conflicts"

[Steve]

Chapter 9




The clouds of sleep dimming Parker's senses began to part at the sight before him. Deanna was slightly struggling, though apparently not enough to break from the grasp of the young man, little more than a teenager, who held a dagger to her throat.
Instinct kicked in. Parker swiftly pulled open his drawer and found the sidearm phaser there, charged and ready. His finger ran over the built-in biometric scanner that acted as a safety lock when he brought it up to eye-level, pointing it toward Jono and Deanna. He wasn't a well-trained shot, but at this range he thought he could get a head shot. But something held him back for the moment, the fear that even if stunned Jono might still cut Deanna's throat.

"Adrian, don't!", Deanna cried out.
"Jono, what is this about?" Parker kept the phaser leveled at Jono, who didn't move from where he was. He took a step forward.
"I'll kill her if you don't keep away!" Jono pressed his dagger a little closer to Deanna's throat, close enough that a trickle of red came from where it was breaking the skin.
"What do you want?!"
"Something I can never have!" Jono kept his back to the wall, making it where nobody could come in behind him. "Something you took from me!"
"What are you talking about?!"
"I was content! I was my father's son, a proud Talarian! But I can never go back to that! Don't you see what you've done to me?!"
"Adrian, put the phaser down, it's..."
"Shut up before I cut your throat!", Jono screamed.

Parker kept the phaser leveled at Jono while considering what Deanna had been trying to say. He looked at Jono's eyes, his body language, and saw more fear than anger. And one didn't need to be an empath to come to the realization that there was more to this hostage situation than appeared. "Jono, let her go, we can talk about this."
"Don't you understand?! Can you understand?! I have nothing now! I cannot go back to Talar without betraying my Human blood! And I cannot go to Earth without betraying my Talarian heart! I am being asked to do one or the other, to betray one part of myself to keep the other! And I can't! I can't do it!"
"Adrian, he wants to die!", Deanna screamed before Jono could threaten her by pressing the knife a bit more tightly.
I can't lose Deanna was the thought going through Parker's head. Not now, not after these years of forcing her away, he couldn't get her back just for a deranged boy to murder her. His finger tensed on the phaser trigger and sweat began to come down before his eyes.
But at the last second, something held him back. It wasn't just fear of Deanna getting hurt, but Deanna's words to him. He wants to die, Parker repeated in his head. "Jono, this isn't going to solve anything."
"I'll kill her!"
"No, you won't," Parker said, hardly believing he was risking Deanna's life like this. "You don't want to hurt someone like this, there's no honor in it and you know it. You want me to kill you."
"What else is there for me but death?" Jono seemed to pull the dagger a bit further away from Deanna's throat. "What am I supposed to do? Betray my body and blood or my soul? You're asking me to abandon a part of what I am to be the other! How can I make a choice like that?! How can I make a choice like that?!"

"Then don't choose," Parker answered, "don't abandon one for the other." The answer began coming forward without thought, really, an instinctive response to Jono's words. "You don't have to choose to abandon one part of yourself for the other, Jono. You can be both! You can be what you are, a Human raised as a Talarian!"
"I will never be accepted like that. Neither of my families will let me."
"Your families love you, Jono, in their own way. They'll understand, you have to trust they'll understand." His phaser lowered a little, but not all the way. "Jono, Talarians believe in balance in things, don't they? My solution would honor that belief. You can keep your Human and Talarian parts in balance with each other. Always there, always a part of what you are, who you are. A human and a Talarian, a synthesis of the two." Swallowing, Parker finished the argument by saying, "Maybe even a living symbol of the future for the Federation and the Steadhold if they were to work together."
Jono's hand was still trembling, but his expression seemed to soften. The words had gotten through to him.
"You don't have to die and you don't have to sacrifice one part of yourself to the other," Parker continued. "Just be Jono. Or Jeremiah. It's your choice."
Several tense seconds passed. The dagger seemed to move steadily away, millimeter by millimeter, until Jono let go of Deanna and slumped against the wall. Deanna immediately ran to Parker, giving him just enough time to drop the phaser before he could return the embrace she gave him.

The door swished open. Parker and Deanna turned, and almost instinctively Parker reached down and used a portion of Deanna's sheet to cover himself as Commander Carter and two Security personnel entered the room, a phaser in Carter's hand and her personnel having phaser rifles. "Captain, are you okay?"
"I am, Commander." Parker motioned to Jono. "Have him returned to his quarters. He has some thinking to do."
"Sir, he assaulted a transporter chief and used the transporters, I should be taking him to the brig," Carter said in a candid tone.
"I'll take the heat on this, Commander, please follow my instructions."
Carter looked to her subordinates and after a moment gave a nod of affirmation. They helped Jono to his feet and escorted him out of the room. As Carter went to follow them, she turned back briefly and a sly grin came across her face. "Well, Commander, I see you've... reconciled with Miss Troi. I'm sure the crew will be congratulating you."
"You wouldn't..."
"I wouldn't what, Sir? Tell the crew how the kid caught you and Doctor Troi with your pants down?" She gave him a wink. "Wouldn't dream of it sir." After that she left.
"Computer, restore security lock," Parker sighed, returning to his bed with Deanna curling up beside him.
"You've got quite a crew," Deanna remarked, grinning a little. "I'm sure by tomorrow everyone on board will know what happened."
"Of course, they all like the chance to take the Captain down a peg or two."

As they settled back into their sleeping positions, Deanna raised her head to look him in the eye and ask, "That was some quick-thinking. Are you sure you're a Starfleet Captain and not an amateur psychiatrist?"
"I'm told that's part of being a Starfleet Captain," he joked in reply. "I guess I could understand him. I mean, I've got a crew that includes an android trying to be Human and a very intelligent, skilled Edo officer who's trying to carve her own place and not be seen as just another Edo, and it made me think. A lot of people are out here trying to make their own way, trying to reconcile where they came from and how they were raised to be what they want to be. Jono didn't know how to handle it. He saw the world as "us and them", being Talarian or being Human, not just being, well, himself."
"And you've had thoughts like that too About your father I mean." Deanna drew in a breath, feeling Parker's chest raise with his own. "And I know you don't like talking about it."
"No, I don't. And for now, I just want to get some sleep."
"Of course, imzadi." She kissed him on the cheek and the two were soon fast asleep.




The next day Endar and Rossa were back in the conference room with Parker, Deanna, and Jono waiting for them. Picard arrived with Rossa intent on seeing the end play out.
When they were together, Parker looked to Jono. The young man stood. "I have thought about this," he said, "and listened to advice from Captain Parker. I've come to realize that I cannot deny who I am. And I am Jono ku'Jashklu as well as Jeremiah Rossa. My body and blood are Human, my soul is Talarian. I cannot deny either."
"So for now I will honor the duty I've been given and continue my service with the Steadhold. And in three Earth years, when my service has been completed," Jono looked to his grandmother, "I will come to Earth and I will get to know my Human family and heritage."
There was a short silence. "You have chosen well, son," Endar answered.
"If you can, Father, I'd like you to come with me."
"If it is possible, of course."
Eyes across the room turned to Rossa, who was looking intently at Jono. "If it's what you want, Jeremiah, I'm okay with it. And I hope to be there when you come to Earth."
"I hope so too, grandmother." Jono looked to Parker. "Thank you, Captain. I do not know where I would be without your wisdom."
"You're welcome." Parker stood. "I'm glad we've been able to settle this."
"As am I." Endar stepped up to his son. "I'm afraid I must be returning to the Sathra to make a full report on my part in the revolt. Admiral," Endar turned to face Rossa, "would you like to accompany Jono and I to the transporter room?"
Rossa nodded softly. "Thank you, I would," she answered.
As the three went to leave, Picard called out, "Captain, I hope you will not be too sorely punished for what transpired here. In the end, you did do the right thing."
All three turned back, and Endar answered, "The Director has guaranteed me leniency. I'm told I'll likely be assigned as a cadet instructor. It is a gracious thing to be permitted to educate the future leaders of my people." Endar nodded to Parker. "I must thank you again, Captain Parker. Your wisdom has saved my family from my own foolishness and given us hope for the future."
"Thank you, Captain Endar," he answered.

After the three left, it was Picard's turn to stand, prompting Parker to do the same. "Well, I think I should be going. I have to make sure that we finished transferring my staff to Starbase 592."
"Oh?"
"Yes, Captain, with the Talarian squadron due to depart, Starfleet has decided to send you on your way tomorrow," Picard answered. "I'll be remaining here with Ambassador Troi's team, of course,, until the treaty is signed."
"I hope everything goes smoothly."
"Oh, I imagine it will. In no small part thanks to you." Picard's smile showed some amusement. "I take it you're not used to getting praised with having single-handedly saved a mission of this magnitude?"
Parker shook his head. "Admittedly not. I'm used to being thanked for saving ships from Orion pirates or providing relief to ships in distress, not to preventing a civil war for an alien race or guaranteeing a peace treaty for the Federation."
"Well, you're the Captain of the Starship Enterprise, Parker," Picard answered, widening his smile as he added, "Get used to it."

With Picard gone, that left Deanna. "Well, I guess you'd better get ready to head over to the Starbase too,' Parker said to her.
"I suppose." Smiling at him, Deanna stood. "But I hope you'll be okay with spending some time together tonight."
"I'll be fine with that," he answered. "I guess this is how things will be."
"For a while," Deanna confirmed. "But the time might come when I can get a different line of work, and you and I can spend time together when you're off your deployments."
"I'll be looking forward to that," Parker admitted. "Well, I suppose I should go see about authorizing a last day of shore leave for the crew. Make sure they get a bit of down time before we head off."
"I'll see you tonight, then, about 2100 hours?"
"Of course." Parker grinned slightly. "Maybe a dinner, planetside?"
"There's a nice beachside bar..."
"Actually, I was thinking of that diner again." Deanna looked at him with interest, so he added, "It's not often I have good hamburgers."
"Well, no chocolate sundaes for me this time," was her reply.




Riker entered Phillips' ready room by the bridge and looked at his friend with a neutral expression, trying not to think of the prior night's events with Drola in front of the man who'd somewhat adopted her as a big brother. "Patrick, I guess you've heard the news."
"We're shipping out tomorrow, I know." He looked up. "I guess our reunion got cut short."
"Ah, that's how things go in this business. It was good getting to see how you were keeping the old gal going, though." Riker looked around at Phillips' ready room, adorned as it was with models of the starfighters Phillips had flown in his career and the ships he'd served on. A picture of his family was present on his desk, but other than that the ready room was not heavily adorned, only furnished.
"I heard you're looking to get back into command," Phillips said.
"I am. I'd been up for Enterprise, actually."
"Yeah. Listen, I don't know how long Diane will be here. She's not an experienced carrier officer - doesn't have to be for the XO spot - and I figure she may get a command of her own soon enough. When that happens, well, I'll have you at the top of the list. If you're still available, of course."
"Of course."
That said, Phillips gave a small smile. "How's Drola?", he asked.
Riker stared at him for a moment. "Well, she's fine.... how did you know?"
"We had breakfast this morning, after you beamed back to Enterprise to meet with Picard," Phillips answered. "Listen, Grizzly... don't get uptight about it. I'm not going to rip yout head off or anything. Drola's her own woman."
"Well, that's good to know."
"Besides, knowing your reputation," Phillips cracked a grin, "you could've never turned her down."
"Guilty as charged."
"Anyway, before you go.." Phillips stood up. "Let's do one for the road." Winking, he walked past Riker to his replicator unit in the ready room.
Riker didn't need to ask what he meant at all. "Ah, feel the need to bug the engineers?"
"Oh yes, I do. And I know just what to do to Commander Dunai. Captain Lenarova told me about this." Phillips looked back to his replicator and cracked a grin. "Computer, replicate for me one chocolate-covered donut, medium sprinkles."




Lt. Commander Edward Dunai, formerly of Great Lakes, was slowly wiggling himself into the corridor-side Jeffries tube that accessed the hanger-level sensors that were necessary for flight operations, checking out an error report sent by the flight chief. "Tell me again why I'm doing this?" he asked aloud, feeling quite a bit claustrophobic in the narrow space given his large frame.
"Because you wanted it done right," was the reply of Lieutenant Lanel t'Saillel, one of the Assistant Chief Engineers on the ship, responsible for Beta Watch. The half-Romulan woman was from the neutral Triangle that bordered the Klingons, Romulans, and Federation. Lanel was born on the multi-racial world of New Ivers to a Romulan mother, her Human father having long departed to return to the Federation. She'd been raised entirely Rihannsu as a result, brought up to believe in the Elements, the nobility of S'task, and to venerate the memory of the First Empress Ael.
But the fact that she looked so differently from other Rihannsu - her different cheekbones, her darker skin tone, and other myriad differences - finally got the better of her in creativity, and after briefly serving in New Ivers' defense fleet she traveled to Earth, met a supportive cousin of her Brazilian-originated father, and enrolled in Starfleet Academy.

Lanel's brown eyes focused on the toolbox beside her. She lowered her short frame, just over 160cm in height, and offered one of the items after removing it from the set. "Maybe the wiring needs to be checked?"
"No, it's fine. I can't see a single thing wrong with anything in here." Ed's eyes looked around the internals of the sensor, trying to find a reason it wasn't displaying at flight control.
Then he found it. Sitting non-chalantly at one end of the housing like it belonved no where else in the Quadrant.
A half-eaten chocolate donut covered in sprinkles.
A roar of anger and frustration came from him as he yanked the partially-fresh pastrie out and began sliding his posterior back down to pull himself out of the right space. He closed the panel out of habit more than thought and began trying to wriggle out while laughter came from outside.
As soon as he was free Ed looked up to see a crowd of pilots cackling and laughing. "Alright, which one of you yahoos did this?" He looked around. "Who let Dalton onto my ship? Hrm?"
When no answer came, he handed the donut to Lanel and said, "Please get rid of this," before picking up his toolbox and leaving, the pilots still laughing.
Ed was irritated to the point that he didn't notice Phillips and Riker near the end of the half-circle of pilots, laughing along with them. Once he was gone, they went up to Lanel and Phillips reclaimed his donut. "Thanks, now I can finish it."
"Don't mention it," Lanel answered. "So, you'll uphold your end of the bargain?"
"A case of Romulan Ale?"
"Not just any ale. The finest Rihannsu ale not brewed on ch'Rihan. Rataik Ale Brewers, from Artaleirh." Lanel smirked. "I trust it won't take you long?"
"It shouldn't," Phillps promised, not quite certain what the difference was given that all Romulan ale seemed to taste the same - and be as potent - no matter the origin.
"Good. As my grandfather used to say, 'If you're drinking bad ale you might as well piss into a cup and mix it in, it'll improve the taste.'" Lanel smiled at him and walked off.




Jacquelyn Crusher was getting off shift and heading toward the quarters assigned her mother. She found Beverly alone, finishing a box of things to be beamed over to Starbase 592. "Hello Mom," she said, standing at the door. "What are you doing?"
"Oh, finishing up," Beverly answered. "We're moving into the Starbase tomorrow before the Enterprise leaves. How are you settling in?"
"Just fine," Jacquelyn answered, stepping into the room. "T'Dyra and I are sharing a room. I'm getting Second Watch on the Bridge."
"That's good."
"Guess you'll be out here for awhile, huh?" Jacquelyn looked out at the planet through the cabin window. "It's a nice planet."
"Yes, but we'll be staying on the Starbase and be perpetually busy with these negotiations."
"And Dad's going to be out on the frontier for three years." Jacquelyn looked back at her mother. "I always miss him when he's out here. I mean, I'm now too..."
"We all do." Beverly put a hand on her daughter's shoulder. "But it's what your father likes to do."
"It's what I might do one day." Jacquelyn turned to face her mother. "You know, all those years I've felt guilty after I found out what I did to your career. Causing you to settle on nursing instead of being an actual doctor. And now you're a clerk when you could've..."
"Jackie, I've told you before, it's fine." Beverly put her arms around her daughter, giving her a hug. "I'm not a doctor, but I had a little girl who is far more precious to me."
"Thanks, Mom," Jacquelyn answered, giving her mother a hug in return.




The Officer's Lounge was a bit less crowded than usual, not surprising give the officers who would prefer taking their downtime on the surface at one of the coastal cities. Only a few officers here and there with little reason to go down were still in the Lounge.
Larrisa was one of them, eating a dinner to herself at a corner table while still in uniform. Her meal, a mix of dishes - mostly Human - that she enjoyed, was almost done when she saw Data enter the Lounge and come up to her. "Commander, how are you?", she asked.
"I am fine." One of the personnel responsible for the Lounge walked up and asked if they wanted anything more. Data answered, "A glass of fruit juice and a tuna club sandwhich, please."
Surprised at hearing Data order, the waiter turned to Larrisa, who requested soda and a bowl of vanilla and strawberry ice cream. As their requested dishes were being fetched, she looked to Data and asked, "Data, I wasn't aware you ate or drank anything?"
"It is not necessary for me to do so, but Captain Parker and Mister Vanbeginne both expressed the belief that it would allow me to get along better with the crew. Do you agree?"

"Well, I suppose. It's awkward to have one person in a crowd not joining the meal." Larrisa looked out at the planet. "I hear it's beautiful down there."
"Many Humanoids do seem to be attracted to planets with long coastline joined with pure and colorful ocean," Data answered. "I am somewhat surprised you are not down there. I would think you would have enjoyed the chance to indulge."
Larrisa shook her head. "I don't tan well, and besides, Sharon and Reginald weren't up for going with me. I saw little point in going alone."
"I see. And by Reginald, I assume you mean Lt. Reginand Etps?"
"I do."
"Ah. I see. Commander La Forge considers him most capable."
Data's lunch and Larrisa's desert arrived at that moment. After they began eating, once his mouth area was clear of food matter, Data asked, "I wonder why Lieutenant Etps would be disinterested in going to the surface with you. I would think two individuals of opposite genders of your ages and appearances could have had an agreeable experience."
Larrisa smiled at that. "Oh, we'll meet for lunch now and then, but Reginald isn't going to be interested in an 'agreeable experience' with me. He'd much rather be doing that with another man who feels like he does."
Data raised an eyebrow at that. "How have you ascertained..."
"I have my ways," Larrisa replied, cutting Data off.
"Hrm, fascinating."

Their meals didn't take that much longer. Larrisa, for her part, soon regretted the ice cream and was certain she'd need many an ihl'Rael session to burn the calories. When they were about done Data asked, "Larrisa, I mean no offense, but I am curious as to the finer points of how the Rubicon justice system works."
Larrisa tried to keep a dark expression from coming to her face, not wanting to be upset with Data for going so close to a tender issue for her. "What finer points?"
"It seems unlikely that your peoples' authorities have the manpower to effectively oversee every single community at the same time, and given the figures I find it unlikely that even patrols would be thinly spread and light over most areas, such that there would be effectively no law. Yet their system seems most capable."
"Ah." Larrisa put her spoon back, finished with her dessert. She drank a bit from her soda before continuing. "Our communities are divided into Punishment Zones. The Mediators patrol a different zone each day, chosen at random. The number of zones being patrolled in an area can differ from day to day as well. There literally is no way to tell when a zone is being patrolled. Well, until you see the Mediators at work."
"I see. I am curious as to the method the Edo elders use to determine this."
"We're told that it's the decision of God. God decides which zone to patrol each day." Larrisa put her empty glass down beside her empty bowl. "I figure it's some kind of sophisticated lottery system. Not that they'd tell us."
"Ah. Thank you, Lieutenant." Data's meal was done as well, she saw. "I will be returning to duty now."
"I'll see you next shift, Data," Larrisa said, after which both of them left.




A warm dinner of Polynesian cuisine had started the night off well and a pair of moons in the distance allowed an ample amount of moonlight for Katie and Zaria as they walked hand-in-hand across the beach, native red flowers fixed into the hair near their temples. They had traded their uniforms in for grass skirts of knee-length and bikini tops, Zaria's being green with blue pattern and Katie's red with a white floral pattern. The sand was soft enough to be comfortable without ruining their footing as they walked along.
Zaharia drew close to Katie, bringing them to a momentary stop, the only sound being the seabreeze rustling palm trees behind them and the gentle rustling of the waves. "Katie, you're a genius," she giggled.
"Well, I can't take all the credit," Katie confessed. "Meredith asked me why I hadn't done it yet."
"Hrm, I'll have to thank her. Tonight's been wonderful."
The walk resumed a short distance. They were moving away from the high-rise motels now and toward more private locales. "One day, do you think we'll live at a place like this?", Katie asked. "Somewhere warm and quiet to spend the rest of our lives together?"
"We could. There's the actual Hawaii back on Earth, after all. A couple dozen planets with places like this. Though our pensions might not cover it."
"I do intend to make Admiral one day," Katie said.
"Maybe that'll work, then." Zaria brought her to a stop. "You didn't have to do this, you know. I would've felt better in a couple days. I'm just still in the process of getting the feel for Minneapolis."
"I know." Katie gave Zaria a kiss on the cheek. "But it'll make us both feel better anyway to get some time away from the ship. Away from commbadges and German XOs who get too much delight in interrupting us."
"I think that's being a bit unfair to Commander Breit, but I understand what you mean." Zaria pulled close and put her lips to Katie's neck. She nuzzled and nibbled there a little before whispering in her ear, "So, what do you have in mind to end this romantic night?"
"I think you already know the what, but the where?" Katie motioned around them. "Haven't you ever wanted to..."
"To what?"
"You know..."
Seeing the mischievous twinkle in her lover's eye, Zaria's mouth came open in surprise. "Katie, out here? In the open?!"
"Nobody's watching. And haven't you ever wanted to cuddle in the waves?"
"But..." Zaria's protest was cut short by a sudden, intense kiss by Katie, which she returned earnestly. When it was over Zaria suddenly found her feet in the air, Katie lifting her up into her arms in true romantic fashion. "Eeek! Katie, we're really not going to..."
But they did.

[Steve]

Epilogue




Parker, Data, and Razmara were waiting in the Enterprise transporter room when Picard and his staff arrived for their final departure. "Admiral, sir, I hope you and your staff enjoyed your stay."
"Oh, tremendously," Picard answered while the others went to the transporter pad. Guinan was the sole exception, remaining standing for the moment near Picard. "You've done well, Captain. I wish you the best of luck."
"Thank you, Admiral."
Picard looked around for a moment. "You know, sometimes I wonder what it'd be like to be in your position. If I ever could have become the Captain of the Enterprise. I guess I'll never know. But I do know that from what I've seen, you are the right man for this job."
Parker nodded again in thanks.
Picard went toward the transporter, but for the moment Guinan did not follow. She looked at Parker in her usual calm way. "You saved the day again, Captain," Guinan remarked. "I guess you're a hero after all. Just don't let it get to your head."
"I'll try not to, ma'am."
Guinan nodded and joined the others. As the four turned and faced Parker and his senior commanders, Picard said, "Bon voyage, mon capitaine."
"The same to you, Admiral. Bon voyage." Parker turned his head to the transporter operator. "Energize."
Columns of light surrounded Picard and his people as they were whisked away Starbase 592.

"Well, Sir, are we ready to move on?"
"Head to the Bridge, Commander, and finish our departure checks." Parker nodded at them. "I'll be joining you in a minute."
Razmara and Data did not ask what he was doing. They didn't need to a moment later when the doors opened and Deanna entered. "Doctor Troi, farewell," Data said politely before continuing on.
"Doctor," Razmara added before following him.
This left Deanna and Parker alone, save for the Andorian transporter operator who wisely found a panel to occupy his time. The two looked at each other intently for a moment before Parker put his hands on Deanna's shoulders. "I guess we're saying goodbye again," he said.
"But not the same way. And that's what counts." Deanna smiled gently at him. "I'm willing to let this work, Adrian. I couldn't bear it if I tore you away from doing what you loved."
"Thank you, Deanna," was Parker's reply. "I'm still going to miss you."
"Of course. And I'll miss you." She showed a bittersweet smile. "Though I imagine I'll be seeing you on the news networks often enough."
"I suppose." Parker gave her a kiss on the lips and an embrace before letting her go to the transporter pad.
One foot went up on it before Deanna turned back. "I suppose, for old times sake, I'll ask the question again." Her smile became brighter. "Did you ever love me?"
At that Parker stepped forward. "I did. And I still do," was his heart-felt reply before taking her into his arms. "Imzadi." With that, he put his lips to her's, and the two shared a long and happy goodbye kiss.




The Bridge of the Enterprise was mostly quiet, the assembled command crew waiting for Captain Parker. As the wait continued, Razmara finally mused, "I suppose he's taking a while saying goodbye."
"Likely," Carter said from her station. A wicked grin crossed her face. "I don't suppose we should call down and ask for him?"
"I do not think the Captain would appreciate it," Data said from his post.
Larrisa looked over from her's. "Sharon, just how many people have you told the 'caught with their pants down' tale too?"
"Just the rest of you," was her answer. After a moment the grin on her face turned impish. "And I may have let it slip to Lieutenant Hall... and Commander Greene."
A chorus of moans came from the others. "Knowing Commander Greene, the entire squadron will be buzzing about it within a week," Razmara said.
"Well, it is a funny story," Carter replied in a defensive tone. "Besides, it'll help add to the mystique. Every Captain needs a good mystique. And since our Captain is the successor to Kirk, don't you think he deserves a legend like that?"
At that Data looked back and said, in a tone confirming his confusion, "I am sorry, Commander Carter, but I do not recall any Starfleet record indicating that Captain Kirk was ever 'caught with his pants down'."
Quite unintentionally, Data's remark provoked laughter from the entire Bridge crew. The laughter continued even after one of the turbolifts opened and admitted Parker. He looked at the others as the laughter began to subside and asked, "I don't suppose you're going to tell me what's so funny?"
"Just a discussion on whether Kirk was ever caught with his pants down, Sir," Razmara said, giggling. "Which I'm certain had to have happened."
"Given his reputation?" Parker chuckled, looking at Carter with bemusement which prompted a wink in reply. "Well, we're ready to depart. Inform the squadron..."

A beeping sound came from the comm console. O'Keefe was on it immediately. "Sir, picking up a distress signal from the freighter L'Daire. She's under attack from Breen privateers."
Larrisa went right to work. "Triangulating source of transmission. Bearing 065 mark 248, sir, roughly sixteen light years."
"The source of the transmission is in a neutral sector bordering Federation, Breen, and Tsen'kethi space," Data added. "According to Starfleet registry, the freighter L'Daire is a Talarian craft, five hundred kilotons, with only moderate shielding and insufficient armament."
"Well well, looks like Alka Lake will have to wait for us," Parker said. "Mister Hamblin, set course 065 mark 248, warp factor 9 Mister O'Keefe, inform the squadron of our course and speed and see if you can signal L'Daire, tell her we are moving to her assistance."
A pair of "Aye Sir"s came in reply. Parker settled into his seat beside Razmara. "Mister Data, Commander Carter, begin pre-combat checks. Commander Razmara, if you would please...?"
Nodding in reply, Razmara hit a key on her control panel. "Red Alert. All hands to battle stations."
"Course laid in, Sir," Hamblin reported.
Parker settled into his chair and activated the security harness. "Well, it's time to go save the day again," he said with a grin. "Mister Hamblin, engage."

The Starship Enterprise turned away from Starbase 592 with her comrades following her in a wide formation. The mighty starship soared gracefully through the black void for a few seconds, providing a glorious sight to the few ships hanging around in the vicinity and the spectators on the commercial deck of Starbase 592.
Then her warp engines lit up and in a streak of light, Enterprise and her crew set off toward another adventure...




Space, the final frontier. These are the voyages of the Starship Enterprise. Her continuing mission... to explore strange new worlds... to seek out new life and new civilizations...
To boldly go where no one has gone before.




The End.... for now


*cues the End Credits from any of the Goldsmith-scored Trek movies, credits roll*

[dragon]

Very nice, looking foward to the next installment.