Space | Thursday FT
"Captain, they're locking weapons systems onto us."
"Continue evasive, come about ninety degrees! Mister Sulu, try to get us underneath them-if their shields are indicative of the ship's design, they may be weaker along the ventral longitudinal axis. Prepare to fire all weapons!"
The stream of torpedoes from the hostile vessel was unending. As the Enterprise shifted position, one of the lethal tracking explosives passed directly between her engine nacelles. A second detonated nearby. Overwhelmed shields buckled beneath the unprecedented power.
Secondary explosions tore throughout the impacted decks. Crew members were thrown into the walls, the floor, and the ceiling as artificial gravity was temporarily distorted.
"Shields at thirty-three percent," Sulu reported. "Their weapons are more powerful than anything I've ever seen, Captain! Delivery mechanism is not unfamiliar but the explosive force is unprecedented. None of our torpedoes have that kind of focused energy and we don't seem to be able to penetrate their shields with our own weapons." He looked apprehensively toward the command chair. "We can't take another hit like that!"
"Get me Starfleet Command!" Pike ordered.
Spock spoke up before Uhura could reply.
"Captain, the Romulan ship has lowered some kind of enormous high-energy-pulse device into the Vulcan atmosphere. Its output appears to be blocking our communications and transporter abilities."
"All power to forward shields!" Pike commanded. "Continue evasive, Mister Sulu! Prepare to fire all weapons anew. They have to have a weak spot!" If they don't, he told himself worriedly…
Uhura did not need to translate the incoming signal. Astonishingly, it was perfectly comprehensible as transmitted. "Captain, the commander of the hostile ship is hailing us!"
At his station Chekov was staring at his instruments and shaking his head. "How are they cutting through the blanketing interference?"
"How are they drilling through the planet?" Jim muttered aloud.
Pike had no time for casual speculation. No matter what the circumstances or the conditions, given the shape they were in, every minute they were not under attack was another minute the crew on devastated decks could use to make repairs and tend to the wounded. Another minute engineering could use to try and restore the ship's defenses. In the current state of affairs, any exchange of communication was to their benefit.
"On-screen," he told his communications officer.
Uhura complied and the forward monitor cleared instantly. Almost as if, Pike realized, the hailing vessel was intimately familiar with Starfleet communications protocols. The image that coalesced was by itself enough to resolve any remaining uncertainty as to whom they were dealing with. The humanoid was visibly Romulan. Furthermore, the enemy commander did not look as if he had been recently engaged in a battle to the death with five Federation starships. His demeanor was relaxed, cool, and his tone was almost…cordial.
"Your valor does you great honor, Captain, and the skill of your crew surpasses, however uselessly, any that has preceded it."
Pike was less inclined to be convivial. "To whom am I speaking?"
"My formal designation is Ŏ'ŗên, with an accent and syllabic stress that is difficult for the human larynx to deal with. As is not uncommon, reversing and softening the entire process yields a name you can pronounce. Address me as Nero."
Jim's sudden intake of breath was not dramatic enough to draw anyone's attention from the gimlet-eyed figure on-screen. Unless there were multiple iterations of this "Nero," he was looking at the same alien who had been
responsible for the death of his father. If the connection had also been made by Pike, the captain chose not to make reference to that particular bit of Starfleet history.
"By your actions you've declared war against the entire Federation. Withdraw without further hostilities, and I'll agree to arrange a conference with the Romulan leadership at a neutral loca-"
The alien's reaction to Pike's reasoned offer was unexpectedly violent. "I do not speak for the Empire! We stand apart." His gaze wandered while he utilized the Enterprise's transmission to scan the enemy's bridge. "As does your Vulcan crew member, who would appear to bear the rank of first officer, science division. Isn't that right-Spock?"
Every member of the bridge complement except those responsible for tactical and defense turned to look in the direction of the ship's science station. The unruffled individual seated there glanced at his superior officer seeking permission to respond. Pike nodded his approval.
"Pardon me, but I don't believe you and I are acquainted," the Enterprise's science officer responded coolly.
"No, we're not-not yet. First I want you to see something. Tell me-Spock. At what price did the Federation turn you from your people? Where does your true loyalty lie? Do you even know yet the meaning of loyalty, or of the responsibility that goes with power?"
The Enterprise's science officer responded with his usual calm. "I'll say what you wish if it will save lives."
"Captain, if you are not already aware of the fact, your transporter capability is disabled along with your communications. You can neither beam off your ship nor communicate with anyone else. You will man a shuttle and board our ship for negotiations." The smile returned. "By yourself."
"As a sentient being who values honor," he finally said, "give me your word you won't harm my ship if I come aboard yours."
Jim was not the only one on the bridge who gaped at their captain, but he was the only one who spoke up. "Sir, with all due respect-what're you doing?"
Pike looked back sharply in the cadet's direction. Concealed from the alien's view, the captain's expression was more than adequate to silence even James T. Kirk.
Indifferent to the nonverbal exchange among the humans, Nero replied genially, "As sentient beings of honor, we have agreement. You will be allowed sufficient time to depart and arrive. Any delay perceived as excessive on your part will result in the immediate destruction of your vessel." The predatory smile reappeared. "I would recommend, Captain, that you do not loiter over inconsequentialities."
"I'll be there as fast as a shuttle can be readied," Pike told him. But the connection was terminated before his reply could be transmitted.
Jim took a step toward the command chair. "Sir, he'll kill you when he's finished with you-you know that. He's already caused the death of hundreds. He won't show you any special dispensation just because you're a senior officer."
From the other side of the bridge Spock added his own equally fervent if less expressive opinion. "It would be highly illogical to trust the word of-"
"I understand that." Pike rose from his seat. "I need an officer who has been trained in advanced hand-to-hand combat-with all humanoid species."
Sulu's hand shot up immediately. "I have the necessary qualifications, sir!"
Pike nodded. "Then you come with me. Mister Spock, also. Jim, you too-you're not supposed to be here anyway." As he headed for the main lift he looked toward the bridge's youngest crew member. "Chekov, contact engineering and have Chief Engineer Olson meet us at the shuttlebay."
"Aye, Keptin." The ensign moved to convey the captain's request as the lift doors parted and the four men entered.
They had to change lifts twice more to avoid internal damage and ongoing repairs and make it all the way back to the shuttlebay. Once out in the access corridor Jim stepped up alongside the captain.
"I have to reiterate: what're you doing-sir? Pardon me for saying so, but based on what we know of this individual and his actions so far I'd say we gain nothing by diplomacy. If he wanted to arrange a cease-fire he would have done so with the commanders of…the other ships. He just wants to extract any information he can from you. Sure, he can pressure you by threatening to continue the battle, but maybe his vessel has been damaged, too, if not visibly, and he needs time for his crew to make repairs. Meanwhile, he'll have you as a hostage while we have nothing.
And if you think his word as a ‘sentient being of honor' means anything, I suggest you tell it to the captains of the…"
Halting so abruptly that Jim nearly ran into him, Pike got right in the younger man's face. Speaking through clenched teeth and fighting to restrain himself, the captain proceeded to explain his reasoning. "If you can look past your initial animal response, Cadet, and for a moment think about conditions outside your immediate surroundings, you'll recognize that without transporter capability not only can we not leave this ship, we cannot assist Vulcan or anyone on its surface. Additionally, with communications blocked we cannot notify Starfleet of what's happening here, either to request reinforcements, seek information, or simply warn the rest of the Federation."
Turning away smartly, he resumed his stride toward the shuttlebay.
"So I'm creating an opportunity to get an away team on that drill and disable it. I hope you're right about this Nero wanting to extract information from me. I pray that he tries. While he's preoccupied with me, it is to be hoped he'll keep his word at least that long and will leave the Enterprise alone. Every moment of time I can buy while I'm engaging his attention on his ship is another minute that can be utilized to restore our defensive capabilities and rebuild our fighting potential. Not to mention tending to the wounded and reassigning personnel."
Jim heard everything the captain said, but a part of him had been brought to a halt by what Pike had mentioned earlier.
"Excuse me, sir-I'm not sure I heard you right. Did you say onto the drill? Meaning what?"
Pike turned down the last corridor leading to the shuttlebay. "Meaning you, Mister Sulu-who has advanced combat training-and Chief Engineer Olson will do a space-jump from the shuttle onto the drill, get inside, disable it, and as soon as communications and transporter capability is restored, beam back to the Enterprise. I'll get you as close as I can but I can't descend too far toward atmosphere without running the risk of that kind of detour making someone on the Romulan vessel suspicious. And obviously you can't use personal transport pods or any other kind of powered drop gear because they'll be watching my shuttle and would likely pick up the engine signatures. But a trio of driveless free-falling humans ought to go undetected."
Jim carefully considered the scenario his captain had laid out. "Ohh-kaaayy…"
He and Sulu exchanged a meaningful look. It was the first time they had done so. Though they had not been formally introduced to each other previously, preparing to embark on a joint suicide mission has a way of forging bonds between the participants on the spot.
Pike turned his attention to his science officer. "Mister Spock, I'm leaving you in command of the ship. Once transporter capability and communications have been restored, reach out to Starfleet and tell them what the hell's happening here."
One eyebrow arched as Spock regarded his superior. "What is happening here, Captain? Beyond the obvious fact that serious hostilities have occurred between Federation forces and a most peculiar representative of Romulus."
"Something you've only precious few minutes to figure out, Commander. If all else fails, fall back and rendezvous with the rest of the fleet in the Laurentian system." He turned to his left.
"Jim, I'm promoting you to first officer."
Jim gaped at him. "Excuse me, sir, but-what?"
Pike's smile was grim. "While I'm gone we need to maintain the chain of command." He nodded toward Spock. "And you two make a swell team."
If Jim was stunned, Spock was almost beyond words.
"Captain. Please. I apologize, but the complexities of human pranks escape me. Especially those that are perpetrated at times plainly devoid of anything resembling humor."
Pike lost his smile. "This isn't a prank, Mister Spock. And I'm not the captain-you are."
"If we knock off-" Jim stopped himself, started again. "When we knock off the drill-sir, what happens to you? You'll be stuck on the Romulan ship and they won't be any too happy about what we've done."
By way of reply Pike offered a wry grin. "I guess you'll have to come get me." Focusing especially on Spock he moved out in advance of them to check on the shuttle preparations. "Careful with the ship while I'm gone-she's new."
Exactly the kind of comment a soldier in the field would make, Jim thought admiringly. No wonder everyone in the fleet had wanted to be assigned to the Enterprise. The opportunity to serve under a captain like Christopher Pike was as much a reason for desiring a transfer as was the newness of the ship. If he ever found himself in command in a similar situation, would he have the balls to respond like that?
At the rate he was progressing, he told himself, a command was the last thing he was ever likely to have to worry about. Almost as likely as making an accurate space drop to a thin metal disk hanging by a thread from the enemy ship. A continent-now that he knew he could hit successfully. He regarded his fellow drop-mates. It would be hard to imagine better companions for such an undertaking than a ship's chief engineer and her helmsman. Though he had pulled off such jumps in simulations, Jim decided his best option was to stick as close to Sulu as possible.
If anyone could angle an accurate drop, it would be a ship’s helmsman.
Pike called back to them. "Suit up, gentlemen. I hope none of you has a particular fear of heights."
"Yes, sir," Jim responded. If any of his companions did suffer from acrophobia, a free-fall space drop would either cure the affliction or finish off the afflicted.
[NFB, NFI. Taken from the Star Trek novelization. Jim's going through some stuff now.]
"Continue evasive, come about ninety degrees! Mister Sulu, try to get us underneath them-if their shields are indicative of the ship's design, they may be weaker along the ventral longitudinal axis. Prepare to fire all weapons!"
The stream of torpedoes from the hostile vessel was unending. As the Enterprise shifted position, one of the lethal tracking explosives passed directly between her engine nacelles. A second detonated nearby. Overwhelmed shields buckled beneath the unprecedented power.
Secondary explosions tore throughout the impacted decks. Crew members were thrown into the walls, the floor, and the ceiling as artificial gravity was temporarily distorted.
"Shields at thirty-three percent," Sulu reported. "Their weapons are more powerful than anything I've ever seen, Captain! Delivery mechanism is not unfamiliar but the explosive force is unprecedented. None of our torpedoes have that kind of focused energy and we don't seem to be able to penetrate their shields with our own weapons." He looked apprehensively toward the command chair. "We can't take another hit like that!"
"Get me Starfleet Command!" Pike ordered.
Spock spoke up before Uhura could reply.
"Captain, the Romulan ship has lowered some kind of enormous high-energy-pulse device into the Vulcan atmosphere. Its output appears to be blocking our communications and transporter abilities."
"All power to forward shields!" Pike commanded. "Continue evasive, Mister Sulu! Prepare to fire all weapons anew. They have to have a weak spot!" If they don't, he told himself worriedly…
Uhura did not need to translate the incoming signal. Astonishingly, it was perfectly comprehensible as transmitted. "Captain, the commander of the hostile ship is hailing us!"
At his station Chekov was staring at his instruments and shaking his head. "How are they cutting through the blanketing interference?"
"How are they drilling through the planet?" Jim muttered aloud.
Pike had no time for casual speculation. No matter what the circumstances or the conditions, given the shape they were in, every minute they were not under attack was another minute the crew on devastated decks could use to make repairs and tend to the wounded. Another minute engineering could use to try and restore the ship's defenses. In the current state of affairs, any exchange of communication was to their benefit.
"On-screen," he told his communications officer.
Uhura complied and the forward monitor cleared instantly. Almost as if, Pike realized, the hailing vessel was intimately familiar with Starfleet communications protocols. The image that coalesced was by itself enough to resolve any remaining uncertainty as to whom they were dealing with. The humanoid was visibly Romulan. Furthermore, the enemy commander did not look as if he had been recently engaged in a battle to the death with five Federation starships. His demeanor was relaxed, cool, and his tone was almost…cordial.
"Your valor does you great honor, Captain, and the skill of your crew surpasses, however uselessly, any that has preceded it."
Pike was less inclined to be convivial. "To whom am I speaking?"
"My formal designation is Ŏ'ŗên, with an accent and syllabic stress that is difficult for the human larynx to deal with. As is not uncommon, reversing and softening the entire process yields a name you can pronounce. Address me as Nero."
Jim's sudden intake of breath was not dramatic enough to draw anyone's attention from the gimlet-eyed figure on-screen. Unless there were multiple iterations of this "Nero," he was looking at the same alien who had been
responsible for the death of his father. If the connection had also been made by Pike, the captain chose not to make reference to that particular bit of Starfleet history.
"By your actions you've declared war against the entire Federation. Withdraw without further hostilities, and I'll agree to arrange a conference with the Romulan leadership at a neutral loca-"
The alien's reaction to Pike's reasoned offer was unexpectedly violent. "I do not speak for the Empire! We stand apart." His gaze wandered while he utilized the Enterprise's transmission to scan the enemy's bridge. "As does your Vulcan crew member, who would appear to bear the rank of first officer, science division. Isn't that right-Spock?"
Every member of the bridge complement except those responsible for tactical and defense turned to look in the direction of the ship's science station. The unruffled individual seated there glanced at his superior officer seeking permission to respond. Pike nodded his approval.
"Pardon me, but I don't believe you and I are acquainted," the Enterprise's science officer responded coolly.
"No, we're not-not yet. First I want you to see something. Tell me-Spock. At what price did the Federation turn you from your people? Where does your true loyalty lie? Do you even know yet the meaning of loyalty, or of the responsibility that goes with power?"
The Enterprise's science officer responded with his usual calm. "I'll say what you wish if it will save lives."
"Captain, if you are not already aware of the fact, your transporter capability is disabled along with your communications. You can neither beam off your ship nor communicate with anyone else. You will man a shuttle and board our ship for negotiations." The smile returned. "By yourself."
"As a sentient being who values honor," he finally said, "give me your word you won't harm my ship if I come aboard yours."
Jim was not the only one on the bridge who gaped at their captain, but he was the only one who spoke up. "Sir, with all due respect-what're you doing?"
Pike looked back sharply in the cadet's direction. Concealed from the alien's view, the captain's expression was more than adequate to silence even James T. Kirk.
Indifferent to the nonverbal exchange among the humans, Nero replied genially, "As sentient beings of honor, we have agreement. You will be allowed sufficient time to depart and arrive. Any delay perceived as excessive on your part will result in the immediate destruction of your vessel." The predatory smile reappeared. "I would recommend, Captain, that you do not loiter over inconsequentialities."
"I'll be there as fast as a shuttle can be readied," Pike told him. But the connection was terminated before his reply could be transmitted.
Jim took a step toward the command chair. "Sir, he'll kill you when he's finished with you-you know that. He's already caused the death of hundreds. He won't show you any special dispensation just because you're a senior officer."
From the other side of the bridge Spock added his own equally fervent if less expressive opinion. "It would be highly illogical to trust the word of-"
"I understand that." Pike rose from his seat. "I need an officer who has been trained in advanced hand-to-hand combat-with all humanoid species."
Sulu's hand shot up immediately. "I have the necessary qualifications, sir!"
Pike nodded. "Then you come with me. Mister Spock, also. Jim, you too-you're not supposed to be here anyway." As he headed for the main lift he looked toward the bridge's youngest crew member. "Chekov, contact engineering and have Chief Engineer Olson meet us at the shuttlebay."
"Aye, Keptin." The ensign moved to convey the captain's request as the lift doors parted and the four men entered.
They had to change lifts twice more to avoid internal damage and ongoing repairs and make it all the way back to the shuttlebay. Once out in the access corridor Jim stepped up alongside the captain.
"I have to reiterate: what're you doing-sir? Pardon me for saying so, but based on what we know of this individual and his actions so far I'd say we gain nothing by diplomacy. If he wanted to arrange a cease-fire he would have done so with the commanders of…the other ships. He just wants to extract any information he can from you. Sure, he can pressure you by threatening to continue the battle, but maybe his vessel has been damaged, too, if not visibly, and he needs time for his crew to make repairs. Meanwhile, he'll have you as a hostage while we have nothing.
And if you think his word as a ‘sentient being of honor' means anything, I suggest you tell it to the captains of the…"
Halting so abruptly that Jim nearly ran into him, Pike got right in the younger man's face. Speaking through clenched teeth and fighting to restrain himself, the captain proceeded to explain his reasoning. "If you can look past your initial animal response, Cadet, and for a moment think about conditions outside your immediate surroundings, you'll recognize that without transporter capability not only can we not leave this ship, we cannot assist Vulcan or anyone on its surface. Additionally, with communications blocked we cannot notify Starfleet of what's happening here, either to request reinforcements, seek information, or simply warn the rest of the Federation."
Turning away smartly, he resumed his stride toward the shuttlebay.
"So I'm creating an opportunity to get an away team on that drill and disable it. I hope you're right about this Nero wanting to extract information from me. I pray that he tries. While he's preoccupied with me, it is to be hoped he'll keep his word at least that long and will leave the Enterprise alone. Every moment of time I can buy while I'm engaging his attention on his ship is another minute that can be utilized to restore our defensive capabilities and rebuild our fighting potential. Not to mention tending to the wounded and reassigning personnel."
Jim heard everything the captain said, but a part of him had been brought to a halt by what Pike had mentioned earlier.
"Excuse me, sir-I'm not sure I heard you right. Did you say onto the drill? Meaning what?"
Pike turned down the last corridor leading to the shuttlebay. "Meaning you, Mister Sulu-who has advanced combat training-and Chief Engineer Olson will do a space-jump from the shuttle onto the drill, get inside, disable it, and as soon as communications and transporter capability is restored, beam back to the Enterprise. I'll get you as close as I can but I can't descend too far toward atmosphere without running the risk of that kind of detour making someone on the Romulan vessel suspicious. And obviously you can't use personal transport pods or any other kind of powered drop gear because they'll be watching my shuttle and would likely pick up the engine signatures. But a trio of driveless free-falling humans ought to go undetected."
Jim carefully considered the scenario his captain had laid out. "Ohh-kaaayy…"
He and Sulu exchanged a meaningful look. It was the first time they had done so. Though they had not been formally introduced to each other previously, preparing to embark on a joint suicide mission has a way of forging bonds between the participants on the spot.
Pike turned his attention to his science officer. "Mister Spock, I'm leaving you in command of the ship. Once transporter capability and communications have been restored, reach out to Starfleet and tell them what the hell's happening here."
One eyebrow arched as Spock regarded his superior. "What is happening here, Captain? Beyond the obvious fact that serious hostilities have occurred between Federation forces and a most peculiar representative of Romulus."
"Something you've only precious few minutes to figure out, Commander. If all else fails, fall back and rendezvous with the rest of the fleet in the Laurentian system." He turned to his left.
"Jim, I'm promoting you to first officer."
Jim gaped at him. "Excuse me, sir, but-what?"
Pike's smile was grim. "While I'm gone we need to maintain the chain of command." He nodded toward Spock. "And you two make a swell team."
If Jim was stunned, Spock was almost beyond words.
"Captain. Please. I apologize, but the complexities of human pranks escape me. Especially those that are perpetrated at times plainly devoid of anything resembling humor."
Pike lost his smile. "This isn't a prank, Mister Spock. And I'm not the captain-you are."
"If we knock off-" Jim stopped himself, started again. "When we knock off the drill-sir, what happens to you? You'll be stuck on the Romulan ship and they won't be any too happy about what we've done."
By way of reply Pike offered a wry grin. "I guess you'll have to come get me." Focusing especially on Spock he moved out in advance of them to check on the shuttle preparations. "Careful with the ship while I'm gone-she's new."
Exactly the kind of comment a soldier in the field would make, Jim thought admiringly. No wonder everyone in the fleet had wanted to be assigned to the Enterprise. The opportunity to serve under a captain like Christopher Pike was as much a reason for desiring a transfer as was the newness of the ship. If he ever found himself in command in a similar situation, would he have the balls to respond like that?
At the rate he was progressing, he told himself, a command was the last thing he was ever likely to have to worry about. Almost as likely as making an accurate space drop to a thin metal disk hanging by a thread from the enemy ship. A continent-now that he knew he could hit successfully. He regarded his fellow drop-mates. It would be hard to imagine better companions for such an undertaking than a ship's chief engineer and her helmsman. Though he had pulled off such jumps in simulations, Jim decided his best option was to stick as close to Sulu as possible.
If anyone could angle an accurate drop, it would be a ship’s helmsman.
Pike called back to them. "Suit up, gentlemen. I hope none of you has a particular fear of heights."
"Yes, sir," Jim responded. If any of his companions did suffer from acrophobia, a free-fall space drop would either cure the affliction or finish off the afflicted.
[NFB, NFI. Taken from the Star Trek novelization. Jim's going through some stuff now.]