FIC: Heroes and Villains - Part Five
Title: Heroes and Villains - Part Five
Pairings: Reboot! Kirk/Spock, Scotty/Uhura, Kirk/Other
Rating: R - for bad manners, inappropriate touching, and gun-totin' shenanigans
Summary: The Enterprise is getting ready for their Valentine's Day celebrations, when they are ordered to investigate Sigma Iotia II for possible cultural contamination. When they get there however, Kirk and company discover way more "culture" than they had bargained for.
Note: Um, yeah - hyperlinks. They totes exist for a reason; and you might wanna click 'em, due to some song lyrics. I did not do this to express the deep, innermost yearnings of my fangirl heart; but rather because it's part of the plot. (I promise!) If the lyrics don't sound familiar, you might want to click the links. They're all to YouTube, and should be okay. ♥
Parts: One | Two | Three | Four | Five | Six | Author Notes
“You punk! I told you - “
“Bela,” Kirk said, standing in front of a panicking Bodie. “We’ll get her. Let’s just - “
“I told her to stay the hell here, and to wait - “
“Mister Okmyx.” Spock’s voice cut through the yelling, as he emerged from behind Bodie to stand next to Kirk. “Once you have ceased your shouting, we can calculate a plan to rescue your daughter.”
“Who the hell knows what they’ve done to her - if only she would listen - “
“Boss, I tried to run after her, but - “
Okmyx whirled on Kirk, as Bodie gulped behind the blonde man. “I ain’t got time fer yer excuses.”
Okmyx paced between the two brick walls of the alleyway, not far from the park. The setting sun made the harsh features of Okmyx’s face harder to decipher, as he stared at the ground.
Kirk hazarded a look at Spock, and whispered. “What now?”
There was a pause, before Spock murmured, “He is a lot like you in this manner.”
Kirk watched the figure anxiously pacing, and let out a long exhalation of breath. There was a muffled shuffling behind them, as Bodie stepped in-between them.
“He’s got somethin’ - that’s the look when he’s got somethin’.”
A moment passed before Okmyx turned sharply, and pointed a finger at the three of them. “They know we’re comin’. So we ain’t got surprise - except fer who might show up.”
Spock looked sharply at Kirk, who was already nodding.
“You two fellas go and - ”
“You have any idea where they might be?”
Okmyx leveled a gaze at Kirk, who stared back unflinchingly. After a minute, Okmyx nodded. “Back at the warehouse. Cut through the park, and you’ll get there sharp.” Okmyx stabbed a finger into Kirk’s chest. “You lead them away from us, and we’ll get ‘em.”
Kirk grabbed Spock’s arm to turn him, but Spock shook his head.
“Mister Okmyx, if I may make a suggestion.”
Okmyx grunted. “Make it quick.”
After a moment, Okmyx sent his boys in one direction, while Kirk, Spock, and Bodie went another.
***
Kirk led the way as they took the park path from before. The sun was swallowed in red and orange, before cooling to blue; and cast darkness over the trees and bushes, which whipped with a harsh breeze.
Their pace was slow, as they inched up the path towards the warehouse; looking at everything around them. Kirk kept Bodie in the middle, as the young man watched behind them.
“Ambush. They’re gonna ambush us.” Bodie gave a nervous laugh. “I bet they jump out of them trees - “
“Please cease your speaking.”
Bodie swallowed his words, then nodded. Kirk glanced quickly at both of them, before leading them into a tunnel of green.
Bodie gulped. “How long do you think - “
Kirk hissed, before he stopped and put an arm out; catching Bodie at the elbow.
Spock tilted his head.
”Downtown, we'll drown - We're in our never splendor - Flowers, showers - Who's got the new boy gender? - “
Kirk made a face. “Seriously - this? Okmyx picked this out of everything?”
”I'll run the gun for you, and so much more - “
“Indeed,” Spock muttered, before striding ahead of them.
“I'll tumble for ya - I'll tumble for you - “
Kirk jogged a bit to get in front, but Spock put an arm out. There was a tussle of limbs, as Kirk grimaced in an effort to show he wasn’t being shielded by his first officer; while said first officer held out a phaser, and seemed oblivious to a struggle of any sort.
“Spock, I know you didn’t really approve of this, but I order you - “
”Uptown, their sound - Is like the native you send her - Junction, function - The boy with pop is slender - “
“Guys!”
“Captain, it is not a matter of - “
“Spock, this really isn’t - “
“Guys - Starfleet!”
”He'll be a boy for you, but you need more - “
Kirk smacked into Spock, as the Vulcan turned around to see Bodie far behind.
Bodie jerked a thumb over his shoulder. “You know guys, I think I hear somebody from over - “
Then Bodie actually turned around to look; his eyes going wide.
Kirk took a step forward. “Bodie?”
But they only saw the figure in red jump, as the young kid darted into the bushes.
“I get a crazy feeling, that chases in my head - It's nothing that you do to me,
it's nothing that you said - “
Kirk ran towards the foliage. “Bodie, we came from over there; Krako should be in front of us - “
The park sign next to Kirk’s head shot off with a clang.
“Jim!”
Spock made a mad dash for Kirk’s arm, as another bullet bit a nearby tree.
Kirk looked behind them. “What the - why are they there - “
”I'll run the gun for you, and so much more - “
Spock dragged Kirk into the thicket at a dead run.
Branches whipped at Kirk’s face, as he panted to keep up with the glimpses of white shirt in front of him. “Spock, we were supposed to - stay close, I can’t see - “
”I'll tumble for ya, I'll tumble for ya - “
“Spock?” Kirk spread his arms out; the sharp edges of leaves scratching his skin. “Spock?”
“I’ll tumble for ya, I’ll tumble for you - “
But when Kirk reached a clearing from the thick brush, he was utterly alone.
***
“Now they hairless tribbles started freezin’ outside, aye? An’ we didnae wanna be cruel, so we took ‘em indoors an’ thought we’d thaw ‘em out with a wee bit of spinnin’. Me ‘n Keenser gets the idea that since they don’t have eyeballs, there’s nothin’ to spinnin’ in place ta air dry - fast an’ kind of us, really. So we put one o’ them in the calibrator, and - wouldn’t ye know it, five bloody minutes later, it went spinnin’ out an’ flat against a wall! Hard as a rock when we put ‘em in there, but horrible sound when it thawed. And the drivel that come out - I didnae even know where the bloody mouth was! So we put two o’ them in there - na the one from afore, that’d just be mean, mind you - but two new ones. I thought it’d make it more balanced, but - it only took three minutes ‘fore they went sploogin’ out, an’ smacked against the wall! And they be all huddlin’ thegether - but dry! So ta make it faster, three went in, and - oh, that time they went flyin’ out in all different directions; even hit poor Keenser on his head- “
***
Uhura’s fingers tapped to the remaining notes of music, as she patiently waited for the song to end. There was a certain air of curiosity, as she concentrated on a dial at her console; one hand pressing lightly on her earpiece out of habit.
She bit her lip, and waited.
Nothing.
Well, not technically “nothing”, as there was still static that the computers could weed through, and dissect. But on the shallow surface of the frequency, Uhura would have to confess - nothing. Nothing pertaining to their mission, or her Captain and Mister Spock.
Which is perhaps why she frowned, whilst stabbing her PADD with a bit more force than necessary. And also why, maybe, it took her a moment before she looked up, and realized that a pair of green eyes were glancing down at her; trying to read over her shoulder.
The petite blonde gave a sympathetic quirk of the lip. “No luck, huh?”
Uhura huffed. “It just doesn’t make any sense to me, Janice. There doesn’t seem to be any real pattern - just the type of music.” She ticked a finger at the console. “There are only three radio stations. Three. With a population of ten-thousand; perhaps contaminated with the music tastes of 50 crewmen of the U.S.S. Horizon.” Uhura shook her head. “One with random news reports repeating the same thing, and another with late-20th century pop music - and not even on rotation. Just... seemingly playing at arbitrary points of the day, without much rhyme or reason.”
Rand pursed her lips. “But they’re all pop songs?”
“Yeah. Stuff that’s popular on Earth.” She turned in her chair. “And that’s another thing. Not all of the Horizon crew were human.”
“But the Iotians are taking after Human society.” Rand moved to lean against a console, while cradling a PADD in the crook of her arm. “I doubt the lyre classics of T’Sal of Vulcan would’ve made Al Capone’s playlist.”
“But that’s just it - neither would’ve the Jackson 5, or the British pop I just finished listening to. Chicago gangsters would’ve preceded them by at least three decades.” Uhura tapped her PADD, and then held up the screen for Rand to see. “These are all about someone’s preferences; not what’s listed in that Gangster history book.”
Rand’s eyes scanned the PADD. “You know, on Earth, radio stations were owned by corporate entities. Someone had to keep them running; and so they controlled what was, or wasn’t played.” Rand pushed the PADD aside. “It’s probably the same on Sigma Iotia. On Earth, corporations used them for their own purposes. So - “
Uhura waved a hand. “But there isn’t any advertising.”
“So? The news station is sending out news. The music stations - at random intervals - are sending out something else.”
Uhura looked at the list. “I considered a secret code. I even asked the computer - but as far as it can tell, there aren’t any correlating key words, or musical phrases.”
“So maybe it’s not really the words, but just the type of music itself.” Rand folded her arms. “There was another radio station, wasn’t there?”
Uhura nodded. “It played more mid-20th century music, though.”
Rand ticked a finger. “That’s just it. What contrasts more, than -“ Rand took the PADD from Uhura’s hands, and scanned the list. “The Chordettes, being played alongside Boy George?”
Uhura considered it. “I suppose if a piece of music is playing in the city, a gangster wouldn’t have time to analyze the words or music itself.” But Uhura frowned. “What are they signaling, then?”
Rand shrugged. “What do gangsters do? They shoot up people, they smuggle things, they meet in secret places.” Rand straightened her legs, and stood. “I guess the question is, what would they be doing lately, with the Captain and Mister Spock down there?”
Uhura tapped her PADD, with her eyes intent on the screen. “Maybe it is just the type of music, but there has to be a reason for these specific pieces.”
“But what if it’s like Earth baseball?” Rand waved a hand. “The body signals don’t really look like anything, but all the players know it means a certain strategy?”
Uhura shook her head. “There are too many gangsters to be all on the same page like that, for all the different things they do.” Uhura pressed a few buttons on her console, and a sound graph appeared on a panel. “The computer may not have caught anything relevant, but I can’t help but think that there is.”
Rand hummed in thought. “Well - if you need help, I can come back after I’ve delivered this PADD to Engineering?” She waited a moment for Uhura to acknowledge her, before she started to turn. “I’ll bring back coffee?”
“Yeah,” Uhura said absently. But she was already perusing the lines of Old Earth Standard; while music played through her earpiece, and she once again tapped her console in musical rhythm.
***
Kirk searched around him, trying to gauge his position in the darkness. He had backtracked from the clearing to the path; and had used it to circle the park, and jog the perimeter.
It certainly wasn’t that large of structure, and yet Bodie and Spock were still missing.
The song had ended at least a half-hour ago, and the gunfire had gone with it. There had been no word from Okmyx’s gang, and no sign of Krako; which left Kirk to stumble around in the barely-lit streets by himself.
“Fuck me - where are they.” Kirk turned his head. “Spock! Goddammit.”
It was entirely too quiet, and the city felt eerily empty.
Kirk glared at the asphalt. “I suppose the song is a signal for everyone else to leave, as well.” He rubbed his forearms. “God, it’s cold.”
He took a few more steps, before he sagged against a brick wall across from the wooded area. He angled his body sideways; his eyes still roving the darkness for any sign of life.
There was none.
“I don’t want to leave you,” Kirk whispered. He rolled his other shoulder back against the wall, and stood still a moment; tilting his head to listen carefully.
The wind had not stopped howling, but unlike before, it carried nothing. No music, no voices, no gunshots - only a biting chill. Kirk shivered, and his fingers shook as they hooked under a cuff, and rolled his sleeves back down; the oxford dress shirt wrinkled and soiled with sweat.
When both sleeves were finished his fingers went further, until they were at a pocket; where they traced the edges of his communicator.
He tapped the back of it impulsively, as his eyes still searched around him. His heels bounced against the brick in nervous energy, as a minute ticked by in indecisiveness. Kirk clenched his jaw.
“Screw this!” He sprang from the wall, and started anxiously pacing back and forth. “I could go back - “ he ran a hand through his hair “I could go to the warehouse, I could hail the ship, I could walk around - “
However, with a huff, he stopped abruptly and pulled out his communicator. Gritting his teeth, he flipped it open and murmured, “Signal for beam up, leave Spock behind, tell the Klingons where I am.” He snapped it shut. “If I can’t find Spock, the Enterprise probably can’t, either.”
His mouth set itself in a hard line, before an arm waved in exasperation. “I can’t waste time like this!”
So, with one last look at the park, he turned sharply and started to march off - slowly at first, and then with speed as he nodded, and gained assurance of his destination.
But despite walking quickly, he still looked at the quiet world around him; mentally noting the dark and empty businesses he passed.
“It’s twenty-one hundred, maybe,” he muttered; as he looked up at the night sky. He turned into an alleyway, and looked at the fire escapes presumably leading to apartments, and to their dark and vacant windows. Eventually he saw the nightclub from a distance, which also appeared strangely silent. He shook his head.
“It doesn’t make any - “
He tersely halted; his body staggering with momentum despite the sharp grip on a ledge.
Kirk tilted his head - the pounding melody on the breeze was becoming unmistakable.
It grew louder as he ran to the end of the alley. He rested his head on stucco, as he strained to listen.
” You can do what you want, just seize the day - What you're doing tomorrow's gonna come your way - “
Kirk’s chest heaved and harshly exhaled.
”Don't you ever consider giving up - you will find, oh - “
He fell onto the sidewalk, only pausing to determine a direction. He looked both ways, before he faced back towards the park.
Kirk nodded to himself. “Spock.”
His body was already taking him from the alley, and bolting down the main street.
Legs stretched and gained momentum, as they pounded the direct path of least resistance; like an arrowed thoroughfare back from where he came.
”It's a beautiful life, wah-oh-oh-oh - I just wanna be here beside you -“
Kirk sucked in breath, as his arms swung and beckoned the world to pass faster. He only panted when the park came into view, and he barreled up the main path - only to stop short with a tilt of his head, and jerk quickly to a smaller path on the left.
”Take a walk in the park when you feel down -There're so many things there that's gonna lift you up -“
The smaller path was treaded dirt that cut through the brush. The branches scratched and tore at Kirk’s arms as he cut through the thicket; not bothering to go slow in the narrow opening.
”It's a beautiful life, wah-oh-oh-oh - I just wanna be here beside you -“
He struggled for breath. “This, this is - “
As he stared ahead at the familiar foliage, he tripped over an uncovered root; landing him flat on his face, and ripping the knee of his trousers. Kirk wiped his cheek with the back of his hand; barely registering the smear of blood.
”You're looking for somewhere to belong - You're standing all alone - For someone to guide you on your way - Now and forever - “
“Spock, Spock - I’m coming, I’m coming - “
He crawled with his palms grasping and clutching the dirt, until he gained momentum and was off his knees. He ran straight ahead as his feet kept time with the rhythm; his breath ragged in pushing his legs faster and faster and faster.
“We’re living in different ways - It’s a beautiful life - I’m gonna take you to a place I’ve never been before, oh yeah - ”
He could see the opening in the brush to the familiar clearing up ahead.
”I’m gonna take you in my arms and lay with you tonight - “
But when Kirk got closer he slowed, and started shaking his head.
”It’s a beautiful life - yeah, all right - it’s a beautiful life - “
He inched closer to the opening, tilting his head to not only hear, but perhaps to see -
”It’s a beautiful life, wah-oh-oh-oh - it’s a beautiful life, wah-oh-oh-oh - “
Kirk only saw a glimpse of Spock gagged and bound, before a dark hood went over his own head; and a harsh blow smacked behind his knees.
“It’s a beautiful life, wah-oh-oh-oh - “
“Drag him forward - don’t break ‘em, Krako just wants - “
“Baby Captains are not that delicate, Iotian.”
”It’s a beautiful li-ii-ife.”
Another harsh blow cracked the back of his head, and Kirk’s mind went black.
***
Sulu stirred his coffee; watching the creamer swirl and blend into the dark liquid. As he sipped cautiously, his eyes closed in brief respite - his body still wanting sleep, despite the short nap he had taken in his quarters; ordered by Doctor McCoy.
But his respite must’ve been more than a moment, as he was startled by a hand on his shoulder. He turned his head. “Janice?”
She gave a wan smile. “The whole bridge looks like you. I know we’ve had missions longer than this, but knowing that Klingons are about must be stressful.” She moved in front of Sulu, and pressed a few buttons. “Nyota is the worst. I can’t even get her to stop a moment to eat.”
Sulu took another sip. “Is she still on the music thing?”
Rand nodded. “Now it’s like - music quality, or wave layering, or - I don’t even know. Something about how it all sounds different on the frequencies.”
Sulu raised his brows. “Besides the obvious, I take it?”
Rand shrugged. “I’ve been pulling up library articles for the last hour. I even broke into the quarters of Montgomery Scott for some technical journals.” Her voice lowered. “Actually, she gave me a code for the door.” Rand grinned, and ticked a finger at him. “I wonder how she knows that.”
Sulu watched as Rand grabbed two steaming cups from the servo, and then peered into each of them.
The blonde made a face. “Green tea. Can’t stand the stuff; but considering how Nyota is still conscious and human at this point, maybe I should learn how.”
Sulu looked down at his own cup; missing Rand’s retreating form as she called out, “Don’t come back too soon, now! Lieutenant DeSalle can stare at a viewscreen of stars just as well as anybody.”
As Sulu heard the mess hall doors close, he humphed and threw his cup into the compacter - only to turn around, and punch buttons on the servo for a large cup of green tea, instead.
***
Kirk regained consciousness and jerked his head back quickly; the motion shaking the chair he was tied to. It creaked, and the noise helped to keep his eyes open; although he blinked rapidly several times, as his head lolled forward - his gaze focusing on his restraints, and his open shirt.
He frowned, mentally counting the ribbing on his wife beater.
“... Dammit.”
With some effort, he swung his head back up, and waited for his eyes to adjust to the darkness.
When they did, Kirk took one glance and groaned. He didn’t really have to look around the room to guess his surroundings; but some key details immediately registered for him. The blood red walls for one, complemented by dim lighting. The large throw pillows in burgundy and black, resting on dark-hued lounge chairs, were another clue.
Kirk sighed. The only thing seemingly missing was the thumping of music from the club; which instead was replaced by a languid and shuffling drum riff, from a song playing in a corner of the room.
”The sweetest perfection, to call my own - The slightest correction, couldn’t finely hone - ”
Kirk furrowed his brow as he listened; unconsciously straining against the ropes at his waist and wrists. But before he could make any conclusions, a deep voice broke through his thoughts.
“The restraints were for your protection, James.”
Kirk lolled his head to the side, and mumbled, “You... call me Captain.”
The voice huffed in amusement. “I will do no such thing.”
Kirk heard footsteps behind him, strangely loud and ominous, before a hand landed on his shoulder. Kirk rolled his head up, as the hand tightened in possession.
Kor’s breath brushed the human ear. “But if you behave... I may untie you.”
Kirk turned his head, with a slight smile fighting to stay on his face; as his eyes watched Kor’s lips, then traveled to the Klingon’s eyes - the dark head still uncomfortably close to his own.
Kirk tried for a laugh, but huffed, “I know… how to behave. When given the chance.”
The Klingon’s nostrils flared as they breathed the same air, and Kirk held the wicked gaze. It was long minutes until Kor straightened; and his hands went to his belt, where he pulled out a knife. The blade ethereally caught light from the candlelit sconces around the room; and Kirk’s breath caught as he jerked his head away.
Kor smiled. It only widened as he lowered the tip gently to Kirk’s shoulder; balancing it precariously for a moment on end, before the blade pressed gently and dragged. The tip traveled a thin, slow line down a bicep; and caused a shiver as it traced a vein, and traversed a naked forearm to wrist.
“Trust me, James,” and Kor dug the tip into the reddened skin. “If you do not, there will be consequences.”
Kirk harshly exhaled as the blade jerked up, and sliced the ropes on his wrists in one quick stroke. It was a moment before he looked up at the Klingon rounding on him, where the blade still glinted in his hands.
“Be still.” Kor knelt before the human, his gaze locking on blue eyes as the restraints on his ankles were similarly cut.
Kirk’s legs fell open in reaction, and Kor’s dangerously long fingernails hovered above each calf, before they skated to rest on human thighs.
“There is one left,” Kor raggedly whispered, as he looked pointedly at Kirk’s waist; where the last rope clung like an iron belt.
Kirk arched and relaxed; his hands resting behind him on the chair back. He gave another slight smile. “Well... since you’re there already, it’s not exactly... impudence.”
Kor’s hands were already mid-thigh; nails gripping tightly as his gaze centered before him. Slowly he lifted one hand, where he let the knife dig in for clearance, then cut. The blade lingered, scratching the white oxford shirt and dragging it upwards. The air kissed sensitive skin and distracted Kirk, as Kor leaned forward; his hands dangerously near the naked waist.
Kor stared at human lips. “There are matters to discuss.”
Kirk leaned backwards. “I am capable of thinking while standing.”
Kor minutely shook his head. “But not preferably to my deference.”
Their faces were mere inches from each other. Brown eyes flicked up to blue, and they stared a moment; until Kirk licked his lower lip.
“I need to… stretch my legs.”
Kor’s hand traveled down a thigh, and cupped a calf.
Kirk swallowed. “I think better if I can move around.”
Kor maneuvered the calf to hook his hip; stroking a bare ankle. “I may not wish it.”
“Yeah, well.” Kirk jerked his leg back. “Like you said… we have matters to discuss.”
Kor growled, but eventually pushed himself to his feet; letting Kirk’s leg drop. He appeared indifferent as Kirk stood; but when the human gained his bearings, and started to pace to one edge of the room, Kor slowly followed.
Kirk stopped at a table, gripping the edge to regain his balance. Nonchalantly, he picked up a porcelain trinket, and passed it carefully between two hands.
“What brings such a nice Klingon like you… to a place like this?”
Footsteps once again reverberated, as Kirk looked down and lifted the tiny lid, peering inside. He was only able to frown at the emerald powder, before a dark hand took the trinket away, and set it back down.
“It is of no consequence to you.” The porcelain lid gave a small kuh as Kor replaced it.
“Well - I find that hard to believe.” Kirk’s eyes followed the hand up towards the Klingon’s face, where a gaze was pinning him backwards.
Kirk took a few steadying steps behind him. “You’re not on vacation, I wager.”
Kor followed. “Perhaps.”
“… This planet seems awfully far for the trip.”
“It is not that far.”
“Last time I checked,” and Kirk felt his hip bang the wall, “your sector was several light years from here.”
Kor leaned in; his arms taut to cage the human head. “I am not averse to foreign destinations.”
“Well,” and Kirk straightened against the wall. “How did you know about Sigma Iotia II to even consider it?”
Kor smiled. “To borrow a phrase from your homeworld,” and his gaze wandered to the coral lips, “it was… word of mouth.”
Kirk watched as the tip of the Klingon’s tongue peaked out, and licked the corner of the tan mouth. Kirk gulped, and rolled his shoulders; returning the intense stare with a look of his own.
He cleared his throat. “I- I haven’t heard much of Sigma Iotia.” A pale fingertip traced the inside of Kor’s bicep, then swirled the skin of an inner elbow. “I’d love to hear... more?”
Kor breathed deeply as he leaned in closer. “I wouldn’t mind sharing with you.”
Kirk smiled as he brought both of his arms up, to rest lightly on the Klingon’s shoulders. “I wouldn’t mind... receiving such a gift.”
The hard body crushed him, as Kor slumped and pressed them flush. Kirk wrapped an arm around his waist, as the Klingon whispered, “James.”
A knee insinuated between human thighs, and Kirk’s breath hitched. He was ground against the wall with an undulation, and then another, and the Klingon groaned.
Kor bent towards an ear. “You have yet to impart why you are here.”
Kirk gave a harsh laugh that ended in a gasp, as teeth bit cartilage. “I’m here now. Isn’t that enough?”
“For now.” Breath skated the delicate neck, as Kor whispered, “Because I let you.”
“Right.” Kirk huffed, as a hand groped his upper thigh. He darkly muttered, “Go climb a tree.”
“That would seem to suggest,” and lips traced the jugular, “that I am climbing the wrong one.”
A tongue slowly laved a stripe up the human neck, and sent chills with a hot breath. As Kirk tilted his head for better access, a hand grasped the Klingon’s hips; and - timed with an undulation - angled them perfectly for a hard thrust of a knee.
It knocked the breath out of Kor, and Kirk took the moment to punch him in the jaw; which sent him tumbling backwards into the table. The porcelain shattered to the ground, dusting everything green as Kor slid down in pain.
He gasped. “You...”
“Sorry,” Kirk said, as he bent over the prone - and now unconscious - figure. “I only like my Klingons beaten and bloody.” Kirk pulled the knife from the belt; his other hand frisking for any sort of communicator, yet finding none. “But on second thought,” he rolled the Klingon onto his back, “you might like that too much.”
Kirk patted the Klingon’s chest, and then turned to leave. In the process, he missed the quiet beeping from underneath the hard body, as he quickly exited the room.
***
“Commander Kishin, I am receiving a frequency - it’s from the surface. It appears to be - “ the Klingon officer listened; counting the breadths and beats of the beeping - “the signal from High Commander Kor.”
Kishin stood up from the command chair; striding towards the viewscreen with a sneer.
“Finally - we attack.”
***
“I’m telling you, this is important.” Uhura huffed. “I’m pretty sure they sound different, because the late-20th century pieces were broadcasted from a Klingon C5 data chip; which they only recently patented, and has a layered affect - “
Uhura stopped, as a red beeping light caught her attention. She turned away from Sulu, flicking several switches on her console.
He waited expectantly; leaning forward in the command chair. He watched as Uhura delicately pressed her earpiece, and concentrated.
Thirty seconds later: “Lieutenant Sulu, I am picking up a signal from the surface.”
Sulu nodded. “Report.”
“It appears to be... a beeping. But in a pattern.”
He frowned. “Morse code?”
Uhura shook her head. She stared at a spot on the deck to focus. After a minute of apparent counting, she frowned. “It’s a monotonous, steady pattern. I don’t think it’s an actual language - “
“Lieutenant!” Chekov called out. “The sensors are picking up a disturbance - “
In full view of the bridge window, a field of stars was pierced with brilliant fire; bursting forth and towards the Enterprise.
Sulu gasped, “What the - “
The Klingon Warbird shimmered and slipped from the darkness; coming into full view. Then just as quickly, bolted out of sight as the bridge violently jolted with a jarring impact.
Uhura grabbed the edge of her console, while Sulu gripped the armrests.
“Status report!”
“Shields sewenty percent! Klingon wessel rounding for -“
Both helmsmen were stomach-punched, as another impact tore the ship. Rand fell into a railing, and hung from it with an iron grip.
“Direct hit on left hull - shields at fifty-sewen percent - “
”Scott to the bridge!”
Sulu punched the arm console. “Report!”
”The po’er conduit ‘tween decks thirty an’ thirty-eight jist blew out!”
Sulu twisted his head towards the helm. “Chekov, cover our bad side. Lock our phasers - ”
”That’s jist it - the conduit shorted ‘alf our phaser po’er! That second hit knocked us inta a bloody mess - one more shot, and the ship’s knackered!”
“Lieutenant, ve’ve locked on to sensors.”
Sulu brusquely nodded. “Make it good!”
As the viewscreen showed the Enterprise circling the Warbird, Sulu saw the beams smack the underbelly of the ship.
“Status report - “
Uhura’s voice broke through the din. “Decks thirty through fifty-seven report causalities and structural damage. Sick Bay is experiencing sporadic power outages - “
“Lieutenant, Klingon wessel appears to be coming back around.”
Sulu marched to the helm, and tapped out the ensign. As he sat down, he shouted,
“Scotty, tell me when you can get us up again!”
”I cannae be - “
“Go as fast as you can - I need our phasers back!”
The bridge window was a dizzying display of stars, as Sulu’s knuckle-white grip stole the controls, and swerved them around.
”I’m headin’ ta deck thirty ta manually piece ‘er together, but I cannae be certain she’ll - “
“I know we’re in good hands, Mister Scott. Call me when you’re there!”
”Aye sir - Scott out.”
“The Klingons are - “
Sulu braced his legs against the deck, as another round of fire ripped the ship.
A female voice behind him called out, “Sir, shields are thirty per - “
“I can see that!” Sulu smacked the display on his console, as Chekov busied with reports beside him.
Static fizzled loudly to Sulu’s left; and when he turned his head he saw a brief glow of burnout.
Sulu barked out, “Roberts, take Hanson to Sick Bay!”
“Yes, sir - “
“Hikaru, I have idea.”
Sulu wiped his brow. “What have you -”
Uhura cut through again. “Decks one through - “
“Route that to Medical and Engineering!” Sulu glanced at Chekov, who was tapping frantically; as if chasing a spark.
“You’ve got something - tell me.”
A screen flickered on Sulu’s console, showing the outline of a Klingon Warbird. Red dots pulsed at possible damage points.
Chekov’s fingers didn’t stop moving. “They have been aiming at us, and missing mostly by vide margin.”
Sulu nodded. “Their sensors.”
“Last shot vas by luck.“
”Scott to Bridge.”
Sulu punched a button. “Tell me what you’ve got.”
”I’m at deck thirty, an’ pullin’ the panel off ta - “
There was an oof across the comm. line, and Sulu and Chekov both paused to listen.
Sulu cleared his throat. “... Mister Scott?”
Both helmsmen exchanged a look, as static crackled the comm. line. Sulu nodded at Chekov, and watched as the ensign abruptly got up, and motioned someone over.
Sulu jerked his controls to the left, before another tentative: “Scotty?”
With more silence, Sulu shut the line off, and looked over at Chekov. “Get down there and see what happened.”
“Yes, Lieutenant.”
Sulu flicked his eyes back and forth from the bridge screen and the controls, before opening another comm. line. “Bridge to Sick Bay.”
A female voice answered. ”Chapel here.”
“Mister Scott might be injured on deck thirty.”
”Lieutenant, Medical is over-run with casualties, and our power keeps - “
Sulu gave an exasperated sigh. “We need our Chief Engineer! Send a medic when you can spare one.”
She huffed. ”I will - Chapel out.”
Sulu cut off the line, and then glanced to his right. “Status re -“
He did a double take, before he stared at the petite blonde next to him. Green eyes concentrated on her console, as she read status reports.
“Jan - Ensign Rand?”
She looked up quickly at him, before turning back to the displays. “Shields are rebuilding to forty percent. Decks twenty through thirty appear - “
“Janice, have you ever - “
She gave him a sharp look. “Not in battle, but there’s a first time for everything.”
Sulu didn’t have time to stare, as phasers skimmed the starboard and caused brief turbulence.
”Chekov to bridge.”
He smacked the console. “What happened, Pasha?”
”I have alerted Medical - Mister Scott vas not responsive vhen I came across him.”
Sulu swallowed. “Is he alive?”
”Yes - and I am fixing conduit now.”
“Good.”
”But I must tell you plan.”
Sulu jerked the controls, as phasers flashed across the view screen. “Make it quick.”
”Send wolley of torpedoes at ze Klingons.”
He shook his head. “We’re not supposed to - “
”Above or below. Vithout zeir sensors, zhey von’t know how ve aim.”
Sulu bit his lip in thought, as he heard several men and women on the bridge routing status reports behind him. It only took him a moment before he nodded.
“We’ll do it.”
”I vill finish here, in case ve still need zem.”
“Be careful, Pasha.”
”Chekov out.”
Sulu looked over again at Rand; who was sliding a finger across a panel, to scroll through statistics.
He took a deep breath. “Torpedoes.”
She nodded. “We have fifty-two available in inventory. I’ve alerted Engineering to load them up.”
He smiled at her. “You’re turning into an excellent Wingman - er, Wingwoman.”
“Engineering reports that the torpedoes are ready at intervals of ten.”
Sulu looked ahead. “That’s a good number - ‘cause I’ve got an idea.”
He could feel her narrow gaze on him, as he jerked the controls into a downward spiral.
“Everyone - listen up!” Sulu shouted. “This might be a bumpy ride! Hang on to yourselves.”
“Ayes” and “Yes, Sirs” filled the bridge, as Sulu took a quick glance at Rand.
“Send a round above, and then below - and then I’m coming around, and we can hit them dead on.” When he heard tapping at her console, he nodded. “If they don’t retreat after the second volley they’re not going to, and it’ll be our only option.”
“Courses plotted and laid in.” She gave him a sideways glance, and smiled assuredly at him. “I’m ready when you are.”
Sulu quirked a lip, before his eyes flicked between his console screens and the bridge view. As he straightened their course, the Klingon Warbird came into clear view of the bridge window.
He barreled straight towards them; charging head on. When they were precariously close, he said clearly and carefully, “Fire rounds one and two.”
The buttons chirped as Rand pressed them, and they both saw the missiles fly out ahead of them into space. The bridge itself seemed to collectively hold its breath, as they anxiously watched the Klingon Warbird - whose warp nacelles glowed a dangerous red.
Rand tapped her display. “The missiles are precariously close to the left and right na-“
The red burst into flame, as the Warbird exploded backwards and out of sight.
A male voice rang out behind them. “The Klingon ship is retreating at warp six!”
Sulu nodded. “How far are they?”
The voice took a moment, before, “They are nearing the edge of this system. Pursuit, Lieutenant?”
Sulu leaned back in the helm chair, and stared out the bridge window. “Negative, Danvers. But they are definitely out of range?”
“Yes, sir.”
Sulu deeply exhaled. “Then they can go fuck themselves.”
The bridge was strangely quiet. When Sulu turned around, he saw most of the present crew complement watching him.
Sulu tried a smile. “We have the captain and Mister Spock on the surface, and some heavy damage ourselves. I’m not really interested in tempting fate.”
Several murmurs of “Yes, Sirs” rounded the bridge, as the crew went back to previous business. Sulu watched each in turn, before he turned back around and looked at Rand - who was calmly studying her helm.
She tapped a screen, and sent it to his board. “There are reports from all decks, but the main damage appears to be structural.” She scrolled a list. “Some internal components, like the conduit, appear to have been fixed already; although the transporters are still a work in progress - ”
”Chekov to bridge.”
Sulu slapped the line open. “Bridge here.”
”Conduit has been repaired, and ve have full phaser pover back.”
He nodded. “Great. Where are you now?”
”Engineering. Since Mister Scott is in Sick Bay, I am helping repairs.”
Sulu pursed his lips. “Sounds like a plan.”
”Are ve remaining in orbit?”
“Yeah, for repairs and the captain on the surface - ” Sulu stopped to register a few reports on the helm screen, before he tapped them out. “Let me know if you need more people down there.”
”I vill. Chekov out.”
Sulu closed the line, and then gingerly stood up; rubbing his neck. As he turned around, he saw every station was busy - if not in use, then in repair. It appeared to be disorganized chaos - especially with one console screen shattered on the floor - but Sulu knew they were the best ship in the fleet for a reason; and it was mainly for keeping it together when it mattered.
He stopped to take reports from several stations, as he headed over to Uhura; who seemed to talk a mile a minute, while practically squeezing a dent into her earpiece. When he reached her, there was barely a moment before she looked up and noticed him - and stood abruptly.
She held out a PADD. “The Klingon C5 data chip -”
He laughed and put out a hand. “Look, we just got through an incident with the -“
She straightened. “Krako, the guy who knows why the Klingons are there, is still down in the brig. Since Monty - “ She took a shuddering breath “ - since Mister Scott is indisposed, I would like to use this information to interrogate Krako myself.”
Sulu leaned back against the railing, and considered her a moment. The vehement emotion in her voice was blatant, yet her posture and aura was one of determination and confidence. She stared him down; the growing moments of silence etching a hard line of defiance in her mouth, and her clenched jaw.
He slowly nodded. “Get your replacement, and then head down. I’m going to hail the Captain - he might have figured something out in the interim.”
She nodded, just as an officer exited the turbolift and walked directly to her station. Uhura didn’t even register Sulu’s surprised look, as she met the officer halfway; stopping only for a brief word, before she entered the turbolift herself.
Sulu watched the doors close, before he turned to the young comm. officer sitting in front of him, and pinched his brow. “Why does she even ask?”
The brunette gave an inquisitive look. “Sir?”
He shook his head. “Never mind. Try to raise the Captain on the surface, will you?”
The officer nodded; and Sulu stretched back against the railing, and waited.
Part Six
Pairings: Reboot! Kirk/Spock, Scotty/Uhura, Kirk/Other
Rating: R - for bad manners, inappropriate touching, and gun-totin' shenanigans
Summary: The Enterprise is getting ready for their Valentine's Day celebrations, when they are ordered to investigate Sigma Iotia II for possible cultural contamination. When they get there however, Kirk and company discover way more "culture" than they had bargained for.
Note: Um, yeah - hyperlinks. They totes exist for a reason; and you might wanna click 'em, due to some song lyrics. I did not do this to express the deep, innermost yearnings of my fangirl heart; but rather because it's part of the plot. (I promise!) If the lyrics don't sound familiar, you might want to click the links. They're all to YouTube, and should be okay. ♥
Parts: One | Two | Three | Four | Five | Six | Author Notes
“You punk! I told you - “
“Bela,” Kirk said, standing in front of a panicking Bodie. “We’ll get her. Let’s just - “
“I told her to stay the hell here, and to wait - “
“Mister Okmyx.” Spock’s voice cut through the yelling, as he emerged from behind Bodie to stand next to Kirk. “Once you have ceased your shouting, we can calculate a plan to rescue your daughter.”
“Who the hell knows what they’ve done to her - if only she would listen - “
“Boss, I tried to run after her, but - “
Okmyx whirled on Kirk, as Bodie gulped behind the blonde man. “I ain’t got time fer yer excuses.”
Okmyx paced between the two brick walls of the alleyway, not far from the park. The setting sun made the harsh features of Okmyx’s face harder to decipher, as he stared at the ground.
Kirk hazarded a look at Spock, and whispered. “What now?”
There was a pause, before Spock murmured, “He is a lot like you in this manner.”
Kirk watched the figure anxiously pacing, and let out a long exhalation of breath. There was a muffled shuffling behind them, as Bodie stepped in-between them.
“He’s got somethin’ - that’s the look when he’s got somethin’.”
A moment passed before Okmyx turned sharply, and pointed a finger at the three of them. “They know we’re comin’. So we ain’t got surprise - except fer who might show up.”
Spock looked sharply at Kirk, who was already nodding.
“You two fellas go and - ”
“You have any idea where they might be?”
Okmyx leveled a gaze at Kirk, who stared back unflinchingly. After a minute, Okmyx nodded. “Back at the warehouse. Cut through the park, and you’ll get there sharp.” Okmyx stabbed a finger into Kirk’s chest. “You lead them away from us, and we’ll get ‘em.”
Kirk grabbed Spock’s arm to turn him, but Spock shook his head.
“Mister Okmyx, if I may make a suggestion.”
Okmyx grunted. “Make it quick.”
After a moment, Okmyx sent his boys in one direction, while Kirk, Spock, and Bodie went another.
***
Kirk led the way as they took the park path from before. The sun was swallowed in red and orange, before cooling to blue; and cast darkness over the trees and bushes, which whipped with a harsh breeze.
Their pace was slow, as they inched up the path towards the warehouse; looking at everything around them. Kirk kept Bodie in the middle, as the young man watched behind them.
“Ambush. They’re gonna ambush us.” Bodie gave a nervous laugh. “I bet they jump out of them trees - “
“Please cease your speaking.”
Bodie swallowed his words, then nodded. Kirk glanced quickly at both of them, before leading them into a tunnel of green.
Bodie gulped. “How long do you think - “
Kirk hissed, before he stopped and put an arm out; catching Bodie at the elbow.
Spock tilted his head.
”Downtown, we'll drown - We're in our never splendor - Flowers, showers - Who's got the new boy gender? - “
Kirk made a face. “Seriously - this? Okmyx picked this out of everything?”
”I'll run the gun for you, and so much more - “
“Indeed,” Spock muttered, before striding ahead of them.
“I'll tumble for ya - I'll tumble for you - “
Kirk jogged a bit to get in front, but Spock put an arm out. There was a tussle of limbs, as Kirk grimaced in an effort to show he wasn’t being shielded by his first officer; while said first officer held out a phaser, and seemed oblivious to a struggle of any sort.
“Spock, I know you didn’t really approve of this, but I order you - “
”Uptown, their sound - Is like the native you send her - Junction, function - The boy with pop is slender - “
“Guys!”
“Captain, it is not a matter of - “
“Spock, this really isn’t - “
“Guys - Starfleet!”
”He'll be a boy for you, but you need more - “
Kirk smacked into Spock, as the Vulcan turned around to see Bodie far behind.
Bodie jerked a thumb over his shoulder. “You know guys, I think I hear somebody from over - “
Then Bodie actually turned around to look; his eyes going wide.
Kirk took a step forward. “Bodie?”
But they only saw the figure in red jump, as the young kid darted into the bushes.
“I get a crazy feeling, that chases in my head - It's nothing that you do to me,
it's nothing that you said - “
Kirk ran towards the foliage. “Bodie, we came from over there; Krako should be in front of us - “
The park sign next to Kirk’s head shot off with a clang.
“Jim!”
Spock made a mad dash for Kirk’s arm, as another bullet bit a nearby tree.
Kirk looked behind them. “What the - why are they there - “
”I'll run the gun for you, and so much more - “
Spock dragged Kirk into the thicket at a dead run.
Branches whipped at Kirk’s face, as he panted to keep up with the glimpses of white shirt in front of him. “Spock, we were supposed to - stay close, I can’t see - “
”I'll tumble for ya, I'll tumble for ya - “
“Spock?” Kirk spread his arms out; the sharp edges of leaves scratching his skin. “Spock?”
“I’ll tumble for ya, I’ll tumble for you - “
But when Kirk reached a clearing from the thick brush, he was utterly alone.
***
“Now they hairless tribbles started freezin’ outside, aye? An’ we didnae wanna be cruel, so we took ‘em indoors an’ thought we’d thaw ‘em out with a wee bit of spinnin’. Me ‘n Keenser gets the idea that since they don’t have eyeballs, there’s nothin’ to spinnin’ in place ta air dry - fast an’ kind of us, really. So we put one o’ them in the calibrator, and - wouldn’t ye know it, five bloody minutes later, it went spinnin’ out an’ flat against a wall! Hard as a rock when we put ‘em in there, but horrible sound when it thawed. And the drivel that come out - I didnae even know where the bloody mouth was! So we put two o’ them in there - na the one from afore, that’d just be mean, mind you - but two new ones. I thought it’d make it more balanced, but - it only took three minutes ‘fore they went sploogin’ out, an’ smacked against the wall! And they be all huddlin’ thegether - but dry! So ta make it faster, three went in, and - oh, that time they went flyin’ out in all different directions; even hit poor Keenser on his head- “
***
Uhura’s fingers tapped to the remaining notes of music, as she patiently waited for the song to end. There was a certain air of curiosity, as she concentrated on a dial at her console; one hand pressing lightly on her earpiece out of habit.
She bit her lip, and waited.
Nothing.
Well, not technically “nothing”, as there was still static that the computers could weed through, and dissect. But on the shallow surface of the frequency, Uhura would have to confess - nothing. Nothing pertaining to their mission, or her Captain and Mister Spock.
Which is perhaps why she frowned, whilst stabbing her PADD with a bit more force than necessary. And also why, maybe, it took her a moment before she looked up, and realized that a pair of green eyes were glancing down at her; trying to read over her shoulder.
The petite blonde gave a sympathetic quirk of the lip. “No luck, huh?”
Uhura huffed. “It just doesn’t make any sense to me, Janice. There doesn’t seem to be any real pattern - just the type of music.” She ticked a finger at the console. “There are only three radio stations. Three. With a population of ten-thousand; perhaps contaminated with the music tastes of 50 crewmen of the U.S.S. Horizon.” Uhura shook her head. “One with random news reports repeating the same thing, and another with late-20th century pop music - and not even on rotation. Just... seemingly playing at arbitrary points of the day, without much rhyme or reason.”
Rand pursed her lips. “But they’re all pop songs?”
“Yeah. Stuff that’s popular on Earth.” She turned in her chair. “And that’s another thing. Not all of the Horizon crew were human.”
“But the Iotians are taking after Human society.” Rand moved to lean against a console, while cradling a PADD in the crook of her arm. “I doubt the lyre classics of T’Sal of Vulcan would’ve made Al Capone’s playlist.”
“But that’s just it - neither would’ve the Jackson 5, or the British pop I just finished listening to. Chicago gangsters would’ve preceded them by at least three decades.” Uhura tapped her PADD, and then held up the screen for Rand to see. “These are all about someone’s preferences; not what’s listed in that Gangster history book.”
Rand’s eyes scanned the PADD. “You know, on Earth, radio stations were owned by corporate entities. Someone had to keep them running; and so they controlled what was, or wasn’t played.” Rand pushed the PADD aside. “It’s probably the same on Sigma Iotia. On Earth, corporations used them for their own purposes. So - “
Uhura waved a hand. “But there isn’t any advertising.”
“So? The news station is sending out news. The music stations - at random intervals - are sending out something else.”
Uhura looked at the list. “I considered a secret code. I even asked the computer - but as far as it can tell, there aren’t any correlating key words, or musical phrases.”
“So maybe it’s not really the words, but just the type of music itself.” Rand folded her arms. “There was another radio station, wasn’t there?”
Uhura nodded. “It played more mid-20th century music, though.”
Rand ticked a finger. “That’s just it. What contrasts more, than -“ Rand took the PADD from Uhura’s hands, and scanned the list. “The Chordettes, being played alongside Boy George?”
Uhura considered it. “I suppose if a piece of music is playing in the city, a gangster wouldn’t have time to analyze the words or music itself.” But Uhura frowned. “What are they signaling, then?”
Rand shrugged. “What do gangsters do? They shoot up people, they smuggle things, they meet in secret places.” Rand straightened her legs, and stood. “I guess the question is, what would they be doing lately, with the Captain and Mister Spock down there?”
Uhura tapped her PADD, with her eyes intent on the screen. “Maybe it is just the type of music, but there has to be a reason for these specific pieces.”
“But what if it’s like Earth baseball?” Rand waved a hand. “The body signals don’t really look like anything, but all the players know it means a certain strategy?”
Uhura shook her head. “There are too many gangsters to be all on the same page like that, for all the different things they do.” Uhura pressed a few buttons on her console, and a sound graph appeared on a panel. “The computer may not have caught anything relevant, but I can’t help but think that there is.”
Rand hummed in thought. “Well - if you need help, I can come back after I’ve delivered this PADD to Engineering?” She waited a moment for Uhura to acknowledge her, before she started to turn. “I’ll bring back coffee?”
“Yeah,” Uhura said absently. But she was already perusing the lines of Old Earth Standard; while music played through her earpiece, and she once again tapped her console in musical rhythm.
***
Kirk searched around him, trying to gauge his position in the darkness. He had backtracked from the clearing to the path; and had used it to circle the park, and jog the perimeter.
It certainly wasn’t that large of structure, and yet Bodie and Spock were still missing.
The song had ended at least a half-hour ago, and the gunfire had gone with it. There had been no word from Okmyx’s gang, and no sign of Krako; which left Kirk to stumble around in the barely-lit streets by himself.
“Fuck me - where are they.” Kirk turned his head. “Spock! Goddammit.”
It was entirely too quiet, and the city felt eerily empty.
Kirk glared at the asphalt. “I suppose the song is a signal for everyone else to leave, as well.” He rubbed his forearms. “God, it’s cold.”
He took a few more steps, before he sagged against a brick wall across from the wooded area. He angled his body sideways; his eyes still roving the darkness for any sign of life.
There was none.
“I don’t want to leave you,” Kirk whispered. He rolled his other shoulder back against the wall, and stood still a moment; tilting his head to listen carefully.
The wind had not stopped howling, but unlike before, it carried nothing. No music, no voices, no gunshots - only a biting chill. Kirk shivered, and his fingers shook as they hooked under a cuff, and rolled his sleeves back down; the oxford dress shirt wrinkled and soiled with sweat.
When both sleeves were finished his fingers went further, until they were at a pocket; where they traced the edges of his communicator.
He tapped the back of it impulsively, as his eyes still searched around him. His heels bounced against the brick in nervous energy, as a minute ticked by in indecisiveness. Kirk clenched his jaw.
“Screw this!” He sprang from the wall, and started anxiously pacing back and forth. “I could go back - “ he ran a hand through his hair “I could go to the warehouse, I could hail the ship, I could walk around - “
However, with a huff, he stopped abruptly and pulled out his communicator. Gritting his teeth, he flipped it open and murmured, “Signal for beam up, leave Spock behind, tell the Klingons where I am.” He snapped it shut. “If I can’t find Spock, the Enterprise probably can’t, either.”
His mouth set itself in a hard line, before an arm waved in exasperation. “I can’t waste time like this!”
So, with one last look at the park, he turned sharply and started to march off - slowly at first, and then with speed as he nodded, and gained assurance of his destination.
But despite walking quickly, he still looked at the quiet world around him; mentally noting the dark and empty businesses he passed.
“It’s twenty-one hundred, maybe,” he muttered; as he looked up at the night sky. He turned into an alleyway, and looked at the fire escapes presumably leading to apartments, and to their dark and vacant windows. Eventually he saw the nightclub from a distance, which also appeared strangely silent. He shook his head.
“It doesn’t make any - “
He tersely halted; his body staggering with momentum despite the sharp grip on a ledge.
Kirk tilted his head - the pounding melody on the breeze was becoming unmistakable.
It grew louder as he ran to the end of the alley. He rested his head on stucco, as he strained to listen.
” You can do what you want, just seize the day - What you're doing tomorrow's gonna come your way - “
Kirk’s chest heaved and harshly exhaled.
”Don't you ever consider giving up - you will find, oh - “
He fell onto the sidewalk, only pausing to determine a direction. He looked both ways, before he faced back towards the park.
Kirk nodded to himself. “Spock.”
His body was already taking him from the alley, and bolting down the main street.
Legs stretched and gained momentum, as they pounded the direct path of least resistance; like an arrowed thoroughfare back from where he came.
”It's a beautiful life, wah-oh-oh-oh - I just wanna be here beside you -“
Kirk sucked in breath, as his arms swung and beckoned the world to pass faster. He only panted when the park came into view, and he barreled up the main path - only to stop short with a tilt of his head, and jerk quickly to a smaller path on the left.
”Take a walk in the park when you feel down -There're so many things there that's gonna lift you up -“
The smaller path was treaded dirt that cut through the brush. The branches scratched and tore at Kirk’s arms as he cut through the thicket; not bothering to go slow in the narrow opening.
”It's a beautiful life, wah-oh-oh-oh - I just wanna be here beside you -“
He struggled for breath. “This, this is - “
As he stared ahead at the familiar foliage, he tripped over an uncovered root; landing him flat on his face, and ripping the knee of his trousers. Kirk wiped his cheek with the back of his hand; barely registering the smear of blood.
”You're looking for somewhere to belong - You're standing all alone - For someone to guide you on your way - Now and forever - “
“Spock, Spock - I’m coming, I’m coming - “
He crawled with his palms grasping and clutching the dirt, until he gained momentum and was off his knees. He ran straight ahead as his feet kept time with the rhythm; his breath ragged in pushing his legs faster and faster and faster.
“We’re living in different ways - It’s a beautiful life - I’m gonna take you to a place I’ve never been before, oh yeah - ”
He could see the opening in the brush to the familiar clearing up ahead.
”I’m gonna take you in my arms and lay with you tonight - “
But when Kirk got closer he slowed, and started shaking his head.
”It’s a beautiful life - yeah, all right - it’s a beautiful life - “
He inched closer to the opening, tilting his head to not only hear, but perhaps to see -
”It’s a beautiful life, wah-oh-oh-oh - it’s a beautiful life, wah-oh-oh-oh - “
Kirk only saw a glimpse of Spock gagged and bound, before a dark hood went over his own head; and a harsh blow smacked behind his knees.
“It’s a beautiful life, wah-oh-oh-oh - “
“Drag him forward - don’t break ‘em, Krako just wants - “
“Baby Captains are not that delicate, Iotian.”
”It’s a beautiful li-ii-ife.”
Another harsh blow cracked the back of his head, and Kirk’s mind went black.
***
Sulu stirred his coffee; watching the creamer swirl and blend into the dark liquid. As he sipped cautiously, his eyes closed in brief respite - his body still wanting sleep, despite the short nap he had taken in his quarters; ordered by Doctor McCoy.
But his respite must’ve been more than a moment, as he was startled by a hand on his shoulder. He turned his head. “Janice?”
She gave a wan smile. “The whole bridge looks like you. I know we’ve had missions longer than this, but knowing that Klingons are about must be stressful.” She moved in front of Sulu, and pressed a few buttons. “Nyota is the worst. I can’t even get her to stop a moment to eat.”
Sulu took another sip. “Is she still on the music thing?”
Rand nodded. “Now it’s like - music quality, or wave layering, or - I don’t even know. Something about how it all sounds different on the frequencies.”
Sulu raised his brows. “Besides the obvious, I take it?”
Rand shrugged. “I’ve been pulling up library articles for the last hour. I even broke into the quarters of Montgomery Scott for some technical journals.” Her voice lowered. “Actually, she gave me a code for the door.” Rand grinned, and ticked a finger at him. “I wonder how she knows that.”
Sulu watched as Rand grabbed two steaming cups from the servo, and then peered into each of them.
The blonde made a face. “Green tea. Can’t stand the stuff; but considering how Nyota is still conscious and human at this point, maybe I should learn how.”
Sulu looked down at his own cup; missing Rand’s retreating form as she called out, “Don’t come back too soon, now! Lieutenant DeSalle can stare at a viewscreen of stars just as well as anybody.”
As Sulu heard the mess hall doors close, he humphed and threw his cup into the compacter - only to turn around, and punch buttons on the servo for a large cup of green tea, instead.
***
Kirk regained consciousness and jerked his head back quickly; the motion shaking the chair he was tied to. It creaked, and the noise helped to keep his eyes open; although he blinked rapidly several times, as his head lolled forward - his gaze focusing on his restraints, and his open shirt.
He frowned, mentally counting the ribbing on his wife beater.
“... Dammit.”
With some effort, he swung his head back up, and waited for his eyes to adjust to the darkness.
When they did, Kirk took one glance and groaned. He didn’t really have to look around the room to guess his surroundings; but some key details immediately registered for him. The blood red walls for one, complemented by dim lighting. The large throw pillows in burgundy and black, resting on dark-hued lounge chairs, were another clue.
Kirk sighed. The only thing seemingly missing was the thumping of music from the club; which instead was replaced by a languid and shuffling drum riff, from a song playing in a corner of the room.
”The sweetest perfection, to call my own - The slightest correction, couldn’t finely hone - ”
Kirk furrowed his brow as he listened; unconsciously straining against the ropes at his waist and wrists. But before he could make any conclusions, a deep voice broke through his thoughts.
“The restraints were for your protection, James.”
Kirk lolled his head to the side, and mumbled, “You... call me Captain.”
The voice huffed in amusement. “I will do no such thing.”
Kirk heard footsteps behind him, strangely loud and ominous, before a hand landed on his shoulder. Kirk rolled his head up, as the hand tightened in possession.
Kor’s breath brushed the human ear. “But if you behave... I may untie you.”
Kirk turned his head, with a slight smile fighting to stay on his face; as his eyes watched Kor’s lips, then traveled to the Klingon’s eyes - the dark head still uncomfortably close to his own.
Kirk tried for a laugh, but huffed, “I know… how to behave. When given the chance.”
The Klingon’s nostrils flared as they breathed the same air, and Kirk held the wicked gaze. It was long minutes until Kor straightened; and his hands went to his belt, where he pulled out a knife. The blade ethereally caught light from the candlelit sconces around the room; and Kirk’s breath caught as he jerked his head away.
Kor smiled. It only widened as he lowered the tip gently to Kirk’s shoulder; balancing it precariously for a moment on end, before the blade pressed gently and dragged. The tip traveled a thin, slow line down a bicep; and caused a shiver as it traced a vein, and traversed a naked forearm to wrist.
“Trust me, James,” and Kor dug the tip into the reddened skin. “If you do not, there will be consequences.”
Kirk harshly exhaled as the blade jerked up, and sliced the ropes on his wrists in one quick stroke. It was a moment before he looked up at the Klingon rounding on him, where the blade still glinted in his hands.
“Be still.” Kor knelt before the human, his gaze locking on blue eyes as the restraints on his ankles were similarly cut.
Kirk’s legs fell open in reaction, and Kor’s dangerously long fingernails hovered above each calf, before they skated to rest on human thighs.
“There is one left,” Kor raggedly whispered, as he looked pointedly at Kirk’s waist; where the last rope clung like an iron belt.
Kirk arched and relaxed; his hands resting behind him on the chair back. He gave another slight smile. “Well... since you’re there already, it’s not exactly... impudence.”
Kor’s hands were already mid-thigh; nails gripping tightly as his gaze centered before him. Slowly he lifted one hand, where he let the knife dig in for clearance, then cut. The blade lingered, scratching the white oxford shirt and dragging it upwards. The air kissed sensitive skin and distracted Kirk, as Kor leaned forward; his hands dangerously near the naked waist.
Kor stared at human lips. “There are matters to discuss.”
Kirk leaned backwards. “I am capable of thinking while standing.”
Kor minutely shook his head. “But not preferably to my deference.”
Their faces were mere inches from each other. Brown eyes flicked up to blue, and they stared a moment; until Kirk licked his lower lip.
“I need to… stretch my legs.”
Kor’s hand traveled down a thigh, and cupped a calf.
Kirk swallowed. “I think better if I can move around.”
Kor maneuvered the calf to hook his hip; stroking a bare ankle. “I may not wish it.”
“Yeah, well.” Kirk jerked his leg back. “Like you said… we have matters to discuss.”
Kor growled, but eventually pushed himself to his feet; letting Kirk’s leg drop. He appeared indifferent as Kirk stood; but when the human gained his bearings, and started to pace to one edge of the room, Kor slowly followed.
Kirk stopped at a table, gripping the edge to regain his balance. Nonchalantly, he picked up a porcelain trinket, and passed it carefully between two hands.
“What brings such a nice Klingon like you… to a place like this?”
Footsteps once again reverberated, as Kirk looked down and lifted the tiny lid, peering inside. He was only able to frown at the emerald powder, before a dark hand took the trinket away, and set it back down.
“It is of no consequence to you.” The porcelain lid gave a small kuh as Kor replaced it.
“Well - I find that hard to believe.” Kirk’s eyes followed the hand up towards the Klingon’s face, where a gaze was pinning him backwards.
Kirk took a few steadying steps behind him. “You’re not on vacation, I wager.”
Kor followed. “Perhaps.”
“… This planet seems awfully far for the trip.”
“It is not that far.”
“Last time I checked,” and Kirk felt his hip bang the wall, “your sector was several light years from here.”
Kor leaned in; his arms taut to cage the human head. “I am not averse to foreign destinations.”
“Well,” and Kirk straightened against the wall. “How did you know about Sigma Iotia II to even consider it?”
Kor smiled. “To borrow a phrase from your homeworld,” and his gaze wandered to the coral lips, “it was… word of mouth.”
Kirk watched as the tip of the Klingon’s tongue peaked out, and licked the corner of the tan mouth. Kirk gulped, and rolled his shoulders; returning the intense stare with a look of his own.
He cleared his throat. “I- I haven’t heard much of Sigma Iotia.” A pale fingertip traced the inside of Kor’s bicep, then swirled the skin of an inner elbow. “I’d love to hear... more?”
Kor breathed deeply as he leaned in closer. “I wouldn’t mind sharing with you.”
Kirk smiled as he brought both of his arms up, to rest lightly on the Klingon’s shoulders. “I wouldn’t mind... receiving such a gift.”
The hard body crushed him, as Kor slumped and pressed them flush. Kirk wrapped an arm around his waist, as the Klingon whispered, “James.”
A knee insinuated between human thighs, and Kirk’s breath hitched. He was ground against the wall with an undulation, and then another, and the Klingon groaned.
Kor bent towards an ear. “You have yet to impart why you are here.”
Kirk gave a harsh laugh that ended in a gasp, as teeth bit cartilage. “I’m here now. Isn’t that enough?”
“For now.” Breath skated the delicate neck, as Kor whispered, “Because I let you.”
“Right.” Kirk huffed, as a hand groped his upper thigh. He darkly muttered, “Go climb a tree.”
“That would seem to suggest,” and lips traced the jugular, “that I am climbing the wrong one.”
A tongue slowly laved a stripe up the human neck, and sent chills with a hot breath. As Kirk tilted his head for better access, a hand grasped the Klingon’s hips; and - timed with an undulation - angled them perfectly for a hard thrust of a knee.
It knocked the breath out of Kor, and Kirk took the moment to punch him in the jaw; which sent him tumbling backwards into the table. The porcelain shattered to the ground, dusting everything green as Kor slid down in pain.
He gasped. “You...”
“Sorry,” Kirk said, as he bent over the prone - and now unconscious - figure. “I only like my Klingons beaten and bloody.” Kirk pulled the knife from the belt; his other hand frisking for any sort of communicator, yet finding none. “But on second thought,” he rolled the Klingon onto his back, “you might like that too much.”
Kirk patted the Klingon’s chest, and then turned to leave. In the process, he missed the quiet beeping from underneath the hard body, as he quickly exited the room.
***
“Commander Kishin, I am receiving a frequency - it’s from the surface. It appears to be - “ the Klingon officer listened; counting the breadths and beats of the beeping - “the signal from High Commander Kor.”
Kishin stood up from the command chair; striding towards the viewscreen with a sneer.
“Finally - we attack.”
***
“I’m telling you, this is important.” Uhura huffed. “I’m pretty sure they sound different, because the late-20th century pieces were broadcasted from a Klingon C5 data chip; which they only recently patented, and has a layered affect - “
Uhura stopped, as a red beeping light caught her attention. She turned away from Sulu, flicking several switches on her console.
He waited expectantly; leaning forward in the command chair. He watched as Uhura delicately pressed her earpiece, and concentrated.
Thirty seconds later: “Lieutenant Sulu, I am picking up a signal from the surface.”
Sulu nodded. “Report.”
“It appears to be... a beeping. But in a pattern.”
He frowned. “Morse code?”
Uhura shook her head. She stared at a spot on the deck to focus. After a minute of apparent counting, she frowned. “It’s a monotonous, steady pattern. I don’t think it’s an actual language - “
“Lieutenant!” Chekov called out. “The sensors are picking up a disturbance - “
In full view of the bridge window, a field of stars was pierced with brilliant fire; bursting forth and towards the Enterprise.
Sulu gasped, “What the - “
The Klingon Warbird shimmered and slipped from the darkness; coming into full view. Then just as quickly, bolted out of sight as the bridge violently jolted with a jarring impact.
Uhura grabbed the edge of her console, while Sulu gripped the armrests.
“Status report!”
“Shields sewenty percent! Klingon wessel rounding for -“
Both helmsmen were stomach-punched, as another impact tore the ship. Rand fell into a railing, and hung from it with an iron grip.
“Direct hit on left hull - shields at fifty-sewen percent - “
”Scott to the bridge!”
Sulu punched the arm console. “Report!”
”The po’er conduit ‘tween decks thirty an’ thirty-eight jist blew out!”
Sulu twisted his head towards the helm. “Chekov, cover our bad side. Lock our phasers - ”
”That’s jist it - the conduit shorted ‘alf our phaser po’er! That second hit knocked us inta a bloody mess - one more shot, and the ship’s knackered!”
“Lieutenant, ve’ve locked on to sensors.”
Sulu brusquely nodded. “Make it good!”
As the viewscreen showed the Enterprise circling the Warbird, Sulu saw the beams smack the underbelly of the ship.
“Status report - “
Uhura’s voice broke through the din. “Decks thirty through fifty-seven report causalities and structural damage. Sick Bay is experiencing sporadic power outages - “
“Lieutenant, Klingon wessel appears to be coming back around.”
Sulu marched to the helm, and tapped out the ensign. As he sat down, he shouted,
“Scotty, tell me when you can get us up again!”
”I cannae be - “
“Go as fast as you can - I need our phasers back!”
The bridge window was a dizzying display of stars, as Sulu’s knuckle-white grip stole the controls, and swerved them around.
”I’m headin’ ta deck thirty ta manually piece ‘er together, but I cannae be certain she’ll - “
“I know we’re in good hands, Mister Scott. Call me when you’re there!”
”Aye sir - Scott out.”
“The Klingons are - “
Sulu braced his legs against the deck, as another round of fire ripped the ship.
A female voice behind him called out, “Sir, shields are thirty per - “
“I can see that!” Sulu smacked the display on his console, as Chekov busied with reports beside him.
Static fizzled loudly to Sulu’s left; and when he turned his head he saw a brief glow of burnout.
Sulu barked out, “Roberts, take Hanson to Sick Bay!”
“Yes, sir - “
“Hikaru, I have idea.”
Sulu wiped his brow. “What have you -”
Uhura cut through again. “Decks one through - “
“Route that to Medical and Engineering!” Sulu glanced at Chekov, who was tapping frantically; as if chasing a spark.
“You’ve got something - tell me.”
A screen flickered on Sulu’s console, showing the outline of a Klingon Warbird. Red dots pulsed at possible damage points.
Chekov’s fingers didn’t stop moving. “They have been aiming at us, and missing mostly by vide margin.”
Sulu nodded. “Their sensors.”
“Last shot vas by luck.“
”Scott to Bridge.”
Sulu punched a button. “Tell me what you’ve got.”
”I’m at deck thirty, an’ pullin’ the panel off ta - “
There was an oof across the comm. line, and Sulu and Chekov both paused to listen.
Sulu cleared his throat. “... Mister Scott?”
Both helmsmen exchanged a look, as static crackled the comm. line. Sulu nodded at Chekov, and watched as the ensign abruptly got up, and motioned someone over.
Sulu jerked his controls to the left, before another tentative: “Scotty?”
With more silence, Sulu shut the line off, and looked over at Chekov. “Get down there and see what happened.”
“Yes, Lieutenant.”
Sulu flicked his eyes back and forth from the bridge screen and the controls, before opening another comm. line. “Bridge to Sick Bay.”
A female voice answered. ”Chapel here.”
“Mister Scott might be injured on deck thirty.”
”Lieutenant, Medical is over-run with casualties, and our power keeps - “
Sulu gave an exasperated sigh. “We need our Chief Engineer! Send a medic when you can spare one.”
She huffed. ”I will - Chapel out.”
Sulu cut off the line, and then glanced to his right. “Status re -“
He did a double take, before he stared at the petite blonde next to him. Green eyes concentrated on her console, as she read status reports.
“Jan - Ensign Rand?”
She looked up quickly at him, before turning back to the displays. “Shields are rebuilding to forty percent. Decks twenty through thirty appear - “
“Janice, have you ever - “
She gave him a sharp look. “Not in battle, but there’s a first time for everything.”
Sulu didn’t have time to stare, as phasers skimmed the starboard and caused brief turbulence.
”Chekov to bridge.”
He smacked the console. “What happened, Pasha?”
”I have alerted Medical - Mister Scott vas not responsive vhen I came across him.”
Sulu swallowed. “Is he alive?”
”Yes - and I am fixing conduit now.”
“Good.”
”But I must tell you plan.”
Sulu jerked the controls, as phasers flashed across the view screen. “Make it quick.”
”Send wolley of torpedoes at ze Klingons.”
He shook his head. “We’re not supposed to - “
”Above or below. Vithout zeir sensors, zhey von’t know how ve aim.”
Sulu bit his lip in thought, as he heard several men and women on the bridge routing status reports behind him. It only took him a moment before he nodded.
“We’ll do it.”
”I vill finish here, in case ve still need zem.”
“Be careful, Pasha.”
”Chekov out.”
Sulu looked over again at Rand; who was sliding a finger across a panel, to scroll through statistics.
He took a deep breath. “Torpedoes.”
She nodded. “We have fifty-two available in inventory. I’ve alerted Engineering to load them up.”
He smiled at her. “You’re turning into an excellent Wingman - er, Wingwoman.”
“Engineering reports that the torpedoes are ready at intervals of ten.”
Sulu looked ahead. “That’s a good number - ‘cause I’ve got an idea.”
He could feel her narrow gaze on him, as he jerked the controls into a downward spiral.
“Everyone - listen up!” Sulu shouted. “This might be a bumpy ride! Hang on to yourselves.”
“Ayes” and “Yes, Sirs” filled the bridge, as Sulu took a quick glance at Rand.
“Send a round above, and then below - and then I’m coming around, and we can hit them dead on.” When he heard tapping at her console, he nodded. “If they don’t retreat after the second volley they’re not going to, and it’ll be our only option.”
“Courses plotted and laid in.” She gave him a sideways glance, and smiled assuredly at him. “I’m ready when you are.”
Sulu quirked a lip, before his eyes flicked between his console screens and the bridge view. As he straightened their course, the Klingon Warbird came into clear view of the bridge window.
He barreled straight towards them; charging head on. When they were precariously close, he said clearly and carefully, “Fire rounds one and two.”
The buttons chirped as Rand pressed them, and they both saw the missiles fly out ahead of them into space. The bridge itself seemed to collectively hold its breath, as they anxiously watched the Klingon Warbird - whose warp nacelles glowed a dangerous red.
Rand tapped her display. “The missiles are precariously close to the left and right na-“
The red burst into flame, as the Warbird exploded backwards and out of sight.
A male voice rang out behind them. “The Klingon ship is retreating at warp six!”
Sulu nodded. “How far are they?”
The voice took a moment, before, “They are nearing the edge of this system. Pursuit, Lieutenant?”
Sulu leaned back in the helm chair, and stared out the bridge window. “Negative, Danvers. But they are definitely out of range?”
“Yes, sir.”
Sulu deeply exhaled. “Then they can go fuck themselves.”
The bridge was strangely quiet. When Sulu turned around, he saw most of the present crew complement watching him.
Sulu tried a smile. “We have the captain and Mister Spock on the surface, and some heavy damage ourselves. I’m not really interested in tempting fate.”
Several murmurs of “Yes, Sirs” rounded the bridge, as the crew went back to previous business. Sulu watched each in turn, before he turned back around and looked at Rand - who was calmly studying her helm.
She tapped a screen, and sent it to his board. “There are reports from all decks, but the main damage appears to be structural.” She scrolled a list. “Some internal components, like the conduit, appear to have been fixed already; although the transporters are still a work in progress - ”
”Chekov to bridge.”
Sulu slapped the line open. “Bridge here.”
”Conduit has been repaired, and ve have full phaser pover back.”
He nodded. “Great. Where are you now?”
”Engineering. Since Mister Scott is in Sick Bay, I am helping repairs.”
Sulu pursed his lips. “Sounds like a plan.”
”Are ve remaining in orbit?”
“Yeah, for repairs and the captain on the surface - ” Sulu stopped to register a few reports on the helm screen, before he tapped them out. “Let me know if you need more people down there.”
”I vill. Chekov out.”
Sulu closed the line, and then gingerly stood up; rubbing his neck. As he turned around, he saw every station was busy - if not in use, then in repair. It appeared to be disorganized chaos - especially with one console screen shattered on the floor - but Sulu knew they were the best ship in the fleet for a reason; and it was mainly for keeping it together when it mattered.
He stopped to take reports from several stations, as he headed over to Uhura; who seemed to talk a mile a minute, while practically squeezing a dent into her earpiece. When he reached her, there was barely a moment before she looked up and noticed him - and stood abruptly.
She held out a PADD. “The Klingon C5 data chip -”
He laughed and put out a hand. “Look, we just got through an incident with the -“
She straightened. “Krako, the guy who knows why the Klingons are there, is still down in the brig. Since Monty - “ She took a shuddering breath “ - since Mister Scott is indisposed, I would like to use this information to interrogate Krako myself.”
Sulu leaned back against the railing, and considered her a moment. The vehement emotion in her voice was blatant, yet her posture and aura was one of determination and confidence. She stared him down; the growing moments of silence etching a hard line of defiance in her mouth, and her clenched jaw.
He slowly nodded. “Get your replacement, and then head down. I’m going to hail the Captain - he might have figured something out in the interim.”
She nodded, just as an officer exited the turbolift and walked directly to her station. Uhura didn’t even register Sulu’s surprised look, as she met the officer halfway; stopping only for a brief word, before she entered the turbolift herself.
Sulu watched the doors close, before he turned to the young comm. officer sitting in front of him, and pinched his brow. “Why does she even ask?”
The brunette gave an inquisitive look. “Sir?”
He shook his head. “Never mind. Try to raise the Captain on the surface, will you?”
The officer nodded; and Sulu stretched back against the railing, and waited.
Part Six