CHAPTER NINE

 

 

                "YOU KNOW ME, PUNY ONE. HOW INTERESTING. THE ENTERTAINMENT VALUE GOES UP."

                The voice was deafening. Kirk took two steps closer to the entity. "Ayelborne, what have you done?"

                "EVERYTHING I HAVE ALWAYS WANTED TO DO. EVERYTHING I COULD NEVER DO UNTIL NOW." The entity smiled widely. "YOU SURPRISED ME. THAT GRANTS YOU AND THE OTHERS A REPRIEVE, JAMES T. KIRK. USE IT WISELY."

                Suddenly everything changed, and Kirk and the others stood before the Guardian.

 

                Kira and crew were aboard the Rio Grande in deep space. "What happened?"

                "Unknown," Number One and Dax said in unison.

                Everyone was aboard including the security team, although the two men had no memory of the strange humanoid.

                "What is our course?," Spock asked.

                Dax studied her instruments, "Headed back to the station. Fascinating."

                Kira jumped out of her seat. "We've got to reverse course and save the Vedek Assembly from that madman."

                "Incoming signal from Deep Space Nine," Spock said suddenly. Moments later he looked gravely at the others. "Five Cardassian Warships have entered the system."

 

                Data regained his composure first. "Guardian of Forever, can you show us the Planet Earth's history?"

                "BEHOLD"

                Once again the early eras of Earth played before the command crews of two Starships Enterprise and Q. The images reached the Neolithic age, the flash. Darkness.

                "Nothing has changed," Picard said.

                "Damn," Kirk muttered.

                "Who is Ayelborne?," Riker asked.

                Kirk nodded to Spock, who spoke up, "He is the leader of the Council of Elders on the Planet Organia."

                "Organia?," Worf asked. "As in The Organian Peace Treaty?"

                "Correct," Kirk said. "Ayelborne is not humanoid at all, obviously. The Organians are extremely powerful non-corporal entities."

                "Sworn to the ethics of non-violence, I thought," Picard said.

                "So did I," Kirk replied. "Something is very wrong."

                "Imagine the audacity," Q said. "Immobilizing the continuum ... for entertainment."

                Riker rolled his eyes, "Yeah, imagine anyone as horrible as that."

                "Well, we seem to have a reprieve of some sort," Picard said.

                "I suggest returning to Organia." Spock said. "If Ayelborne has gone mad, we must enlist the other members of the council to assist us in containing him."

                "Agreed, Spock," Kirk answered. "We'll head there. Captain Picard..."

                "There is the matter of the Cardassians returning to attack Deep Space Nine and the other Enterprises." Picard said. "We need to dispatch assistance."

                Data stepped forward. "If the mission to Organia is not successful, it will be only a matter of time before the Cardassians overwhelm us. However, Ayelborne would expect an attempt to travel to Organia. If his fellows are a threat to him, he will try to stop us from gaining their assistance."

                Spock looked at him, "So, logically, the more powerful starship should head to Organia."

                Kirk shook his head, "I don't think so, Spock. We need to take care of Organia personally. Captain Picard is more experienced with combating the Cardassians."

                "Switch ships."

                They all turned to Q.

                "Well, isn't it obvious, people? La Forge could spruce up Kirk's Enterprise, hand it to Jean-Luc, and off they go to fight side by side with Sisko and clowns. Meanwhile, Kirk and Spock could have a reunion with their superbuddies on the supership, such as it is. But one thing is certain. I am going to Organia to take on this Ayelborne. I've got a vendetta to carry out."

                Everyone stood silent for a moment.

                "Logical," Spock said.

                "Indeed," Data replied.

 

                "I dinna know if I can approve, Sir."

                James Kirk, back aboard the Enterprise, 1701-A, was in the briefing room with his staff: Spock, McCoy, Uhura, Chekov and Scott. The Captain looked at his trusted Chief Engineer. He knew Scotty would not be keen to the idea of a new commander handling what Kirk knew the Scotsman considered as his ship.

                "Don't worry, Scotty. You'll be staying aboard to insure she's treated right."

                Scott frowned, "It's just as well, Sir. But I canna approve of this La Forge poking around m' engine room, either."

                Kirk nodded, "I understand your concerns and I'd be lying if I said I didn't share some of them. However, the Cardassian ships are from an advanced time. We need to give the Enterprise a fighting chance against them."

                Scott nodded.

                Kirk looked around the table. "I know all of us share concerns about the mission. But be aware that Jean-Luc Picard and William Riker are extremely experienced Starfleet officers. I expect all of you to follow their commands to the letter, just as you would if I were giving them. I know you will. Any comments?"

                McCoy snorted, "Yeah, why not switch doctors, too?"

                "Bones, you are the most familiar with sickbay and with the medical records of this crew. You are essential for this ship, just as Beverly Crusher needs to remain with the other Enterprise."

                "I don't like sending you off like this."

                The others agreed.

                Kirk stood, "I am appreciative of your concern. I know we've been through a great deal together over the years, but we must put our personal concerns behind us. It is paramount that we restore history and this course is the best to accomplish that goal ... besides I will be more comfortable knowing my trusted officers and friends will remain onboard to look after my ship."

                Silence fell.

                Then Uhura stood and stepped toward Kirk, "Good luck, Captain, Mr. Spock."

                Kirk smiled, "To all of us."

 

                "I cannot sanction this course, Captain."

                "Mr. Worf, I know you are doing your duty in voicing your concerns, however, we must carry forth." Picard looked over his crew in the observation lounge behind the bridge.

                "We cannot be sure if the other members of the Organian High Council have been affected like Ayelborne," Data said.

                "You must ascertain that, Data," Riker said.

                "All of you," Picard said. "I know all of you are somewhat familiar with the service records of James T. Kirk and Spock. You, therefore, know that the Enterprise will be in the best hands."

                "Almost," Crusher uttered.

                "Good luck, Captain, Commander," Troi said.

                Picard was about to respond but was cut off by loud snoring from Q in the corner of the room.

                "Let's get this over with," Riker said.

 

                "The updated phase inducers will give you a burst of speed when you need it."

                Scotty poured through the spec sheets La Forge gave him an hour ago. "Aye, if it doesn't sheer the ship in half."

                La Forge looked at the older man, "These Enterprise-Class ships were able to take a lot more than the designers originally intended."

                "Ach, designers. They never logged a single star hour and they think they know what needs to go into a starship."

                La Forge smiled, he had run into a few designers in his day and couldn't agree with Scott more. "The new refitted parts from my Enterprise will give your weapons an added kick and firm up the shields."

                Scotty looked at the blind man intensely, "Will it be enough?"

                La Forge shrugged, "It's the best we can do. It would help the odds against the Cardassians I'm familiar with, but the ones we just faced showed abilities beyond what I'm used to."

                Scotty sighed, "It pains me to say this, but it will take more than the machinery. I'd feel more comfortable if James Kirk wouldna leave the center seat. No offense."

                La Forge felt a flush of anger but quickly pushed it aside. After all, this man had served with Kirk for years, was used to his style of command, just as La Forge was used to Jean-Luc Picard. "I'm sure we'll all be okay."

                Scotty smiled, "We've got good people around us. The universe canna be in better hands."

                "Amen."

 

                James Kirk entered his ready room. The room was nearly as large as his quarters on the original ship, the one now orbiting Deep Space Nine. Kirk looked at the book encased on the desk near the entrance. Shakespeare. Henry V. Appropriate in any era.

                Then, the captain walked over to Livingston, swimming carefree in his aquarium. Carefree, Kirk couldn't remember when he felt that way, did he ever feel that way?

                A twinkling chorus of bells filled the air. After a moment, Kirk recognized the 24th Century door chime. "Come."

                The door swhoosed open, "I am used to free access here you understand, Kirk," Q said as he marched in and flopped onto the couch.

                "Get used to disappointment."

                "Now, now. If we're going to work together you should be more cordial."

                "Cordial." Kirk walked toward the entity, stopped and placed his hands on his hips in annoyance. "I didn't know that word was in your vocabulary."

                "I have a large vocabulary, Kirk. Many things about me are large, and you're going to need all of them to take out this Ayelborne fellow."

                "Q, I have managed quite well through the years without the help of entities like you. In fact, I've found the ones I've encountered to be pains in the neck."

                "Picard used to think the way you do, but now you see that we're fast friends."

                Kirk raised his eyebrows and was about to say something when Spock's voice filled the room, "Captain Kirk, report to the bridge, please."

                "On my way. Q stay here."

                "Why?"

                "Because I said so."

                Q laughed and got up to leave, when suddenly Kirk pushed him back down, "Let's get this straight here and now, you may have charmed Jean-Luc Picard, but on this ship -- now my ship -- I expect my orders followed. And I will not have you in my way. Am I clear?"

                Q's eyes darkened. "You are tempting fate, James T. Ki--"

                "Save it, Q. I've got work to do." And he was gone, leaving Q to stew.

 

                "Mr. Chekov, ship's status?" Picard sat in the center seat, and immediately noticed how uncomfortable it was. He glanced at Riker, who was standing and fidgeting. There was no place for a first officer to recline on this ship. Picard repressed a grin.

                "All systems on line," the navigator said.

                "Very good," Picard responded. "Mr. Uhura, please signal Captain Kirk."

                "Enterprise-D on the screen," she said.

                Riker starred at the cavernous bridge of his Enterprise, noting with envy how much space and elegance the command center on the screen had. He felt he could reach every point on the bridge of Enterprise-A if he stretched out far enough. This somehow annoyed him.

                "We are ready to depart for the station, Captain Kirk," Picard said.

                "And we for Organia, Captain Picard. Good luck."

                "And to you," The screen filled with stars. "Mr. Chekov, engage."

                "Aye, sir."

                On the massive screen in front of the bridge, Kirk watched Enterprise-A entered warp space. He stood for a few moments, as Spock walked up to him, "Captain?"

                "I just have this feeling, Spock..."

                The Vulcan lifted his left eyebrow, "Feeling?"

                Kirk nodded toward the empty starfield, "Like I'm never going to see her again." Kirk turned and stepped back toward the command center. "Let's get the hell out of here. Mr. Data, take us to Organia. Warp factor 5."

                The android tapped his console and the Enterprise-D jumped into action.