Black Fire

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Black Fire Page 20

by Sonni Cooper


  Spock, why?

  There were no answers: only more questions. And there was Spock, standing as he had so many times before in that same briefing room, contributing his skills in. preparing for another mission.

  But it was not at all as Kirk would have wished.

  5

  The Enterprise was in position; Kirk transmitted his coordinates to the Moonhawk and was answered with a confirmation of the Romulan's position. The trap was ready to be sprung.

  The first Tomariian ship that approached the opening of the corridor was completely unaware of the starship blocking its exit. The small transport ship was no match for the Enterprise. A warning shot was all that was needed to send it ducking back into the corridor.

  The Moonhawk encountered a Tomariian ship returning home and, with as much efficiency as the Enterprise, sent the Tomariian ship back into space without a fight. It was as Spock predicted it would be: The Tomariian's means of defense was now becoming the means of their defeat. Kirk sent a subspace message to Starfleet informing them of his position and tactics. It would take considerable time for the message to reach Starfleet, but it was standard procedure and he followed it. He did not mention Spock.

  Communications between the Romulan and Starfleet ships were kept open at all times to facilitate prompt response. In the lulls between action, Kirk could hear Spock's voice coming from the Romulan ship.

  He belongs here, beside me—on the Enterprise. One thought hounded him, repeating, incessantly: Spock, why?

  It was the coldest season on Tomarii, the time when most of the inhabitants were forced into their underground lairs or off the planet on their forays. Kirk remembered the conditions well. The traffic in the corridor was heaviest at this time. It wasn't long before the Enterprise had four departing ships bottled in the corridor and three held at bay outside. The small ships they encountered were not equipped to tackle a starship; their primary purpose was for the transportation of the Tomariian attack forces.

  Like buzzing mosquitoes, the small craft darted and dodged, trying to pass the larger ship. The Enterprise's fire was directed not to hit any of the Tomariian craft, only to discourage their approach to the corridor. The view-screen showed a split-screen view of the ships trapped in the corridor and those trying to gain entry. A bright flash whitened the screen. The first casualty of the blockade was credited to Starfleet, as a desperate Tomariian ship hurtled directly into a line of fire.

  The Romulan ship was holding a group of five ships in their approach area, and three within the corridor. Their extended firepower made their effectiveness greater than that of the Enterprise.

  "Captain!" Scott exclaimed while he studied the performance of the Moonhawk. "I do wish I could get more information about that ship. If I could just get a wee look at her specifications or a look inside o' her …"

  "I don't think they are going to invite us in for an inspection, Mister Scott." Kirk frowned and turned toward his security chief. "Chekov, try to keep that fire further away from the Tomariians. I don't want another destroyed."

  "Yes, Keptin. But they flew into our fire, sir. Ve cannot control dere movements."

  "Do the best you can, Lieutenant."

  "Yes, Keptin."

  "Captain," Uhura reported, "the Moonhawk reports two Tomariian ships damaged, one destroyed. The Tomariians tried to attack in force. The Romulans are holding the remainder as before."

  "I don't want to keep score, Lieutenant. Let's just hope we don't have to keep up this siege too long." He turned to Chekov again. "How are our phasers holding up?"

  "Ve vill haf to recharge dem again, soon. Ve are not capable of keeping dis up indefinitely."

  "Get a power-level report from the Moonhawk, Lieutenant."

  "They report full power, sir. Mister—I mean Sub-Commander—Spock reports all is going as planned." When she finished her report Uhura wanted to retract her words. The effect of her verbal slip was evident in Kirk's stiff back; she turned away. Chekov buried his face in his sensor and Sulu fidgeted with his controls. When Kirk looked to Scott, he found the engineer busily checking the readings on his monitor. Leonidas stood beside Kirk unaffected by it all. Once again, the bridge became very still.

  Kirk's fingers beat a tattoo on the edge of his command chair.

  "Captain Kirk."

  Spock's voice stopped the captain's nervous motion.

  "Sub-Commander Spock here. We have reached the point where we must wait for the Tomariian response to our blockade. It may take some time. Do you need assistance?"

  "No, we have things under control here."

  "The Moonhawk has far greater weapons potential, Captain. Our screens are of superior design. We possess a greater ability to hold our present status. Please advise us if you are unable to continue at full power. We are only as strong as our weaker-ship."

  "We don't need your help, Sub-Commander," Kirk replied angrily. "Kirk out!"

  Scott waited for the captain to cool before he spoke.

  "Captain, did ya realize what Spock just told us? He did give us a detail or two about the Romulan ship."

  "Yes, he did, didn't he?" Kirk turned to face Scott. "Now, why do you think he did that?"

  "I don't know, Captain. But we do know a wee bit more than we did before. That's for sure …"

  Peculiar, Kirk thought, Spock's not one to make such a slip. That had to be intentional. What is he up to? Kirk perked up.

  "Martin, feed that last message from Spock through the computer. See if there's any hidden message there."

  "Sir?"

  "Just do as I say, Martin. I don't have time to explain my reasons now."

  The science officer asked the computer to analyze the last message from the Moonhawk. Kirk left his seat and stepped up to the science station to hear the computer analysis himself.

  "Working—analysis of last recorded message—Moonhawk. No concealed information… ."

  Kirk hissed in frustration as he returned to his seat.

  "The Tomariians are massing for an attack, sir. They are approaching from both sides. Six ships from the corridor and three from the outside!"

  "More power to the shields, Mister Scott."

  "Aye, sir. Those small ships can't do much damage, individually, Captain."

  "Let's not take any chances. Remember the Hood."

  "They're coming at us now, Captain." Martin grabbed the console in front of him as the ship rocked.

  "They have pretty good stingers," Kirk said, righting himself "Are you sure they can't damage us?"

  "Well, Captain, a hit in the right place can damage any ship," Scott reported ruefully.

  "Inform the Moonhawk we are under attack, Lieutenant."

  "Information already relayed, sir. I get no response."

  "With allies like that, we don't need enemies." Kirk grabbed the arm of his chair to keep his balance as the ship careened with another blast.

  "A hit, Captain. In the port pylon."

  "Bad?"

  "Bad enough. We're listing to port. The power from the reactor in that section had been cut off. I've a repair crew on its way, Captain, but it'll take time ta evaluate and correct, if we can."

  "Use your magic, Mister Scott. We need it now."

  "Aye, Captain, we're doin' our best."

  "Captain, the Tomariians are being driven off!" Martin reported excitedly.

  Kirk looked to the view-screen. Four ships—shuttle-sized—were engaging the Tomariians. "Fighters from the Moonhawk!"

  "A message from Supreme Commander Desus, Captain." Kirk listened as he watched the battle. "'Captain Kirk, our birds of prey will destroy the game.'"

  "Will you look at that, Captain!" Scott pointed at the view-screen. The fighters, fully painted like birds of colorful plumage, gracefully darted around the Tomariian attack ships, rounding up the less capable ships with speed and precision.

  "The Romulans haf the Tomariians, completely under control, Keptin. Ve are all clear now."

  Kirk spoke ship-to-ship. "Supr
eme Commander, we are in your debt. A most impressive display. Thank you."

  "You are most welcome, Captain Kirk. Our ships are most impressive, are they not?"

  "Indeed they are, sir. What other surprises do you have on board that ship of yours?"

  Kirk's query was answered by laughter.

  The captain relaxed in his seat. "I wouldn't tell you anything, either," he observed philosophically.

  "Captain Kirk." Spock's voice and image interrupted this exchange. "Do you need assistance with repairs? I believe the Tomariians have sustained extensive damage and will not attack again soon. Is the Enterprise fully functional?"

  "No. We have a damaged pylon; power on the port engines has been cut off. Repairs are in progress." He called out to Engineering. "Scotty, how are you coming along?"

  "We'll have full power soon, Captain. But that pylon is verra weak. We can put a temporary brace through the damaged area, but I dinna recommend any fancy maneuvers until we get her back for a complete structural refitting o' that area."

  Did you hear that, Spock?"

  "Yes, Captain. Do you have full sailing function?"

  "As far as we know."

  "Good. Then the Enterprise can safely navigate the corridor. It will be your responsibility to bring our combined delegations to the planet when the time comes. Mister Sulu, do you still have the course stored in your navigational computer?"

  "Yes, Mister—ah, Sub-Commander …"

  Spock did not react to Sulu's slip. "You are agreeable to transporting our representatives to Tomarii, Captain?"

  "Yes."

  "Now we wait for the Begum IIsa to make then next move." The screen darkened. Spock's image and voice were gone.

  Siege warfare was not a routine Starfleet procedure. The studies of ancient wars was required but not stressed in the Academy. Spock, with his superb memory, was qualified to plan such a tactic, but Kirk felt inadequate without him on board. Taking advantage of the lull now in progress, Kirk took time to familiarize himself with the history and tactics of the siege.

  There were no walls to breach, no moats to cross, no arrows raining down, but the parallels were there. The Enterprise and Moonhawk had successfully cut off any contact Tomarii had with their supply routes and their people. The planet, unable to provide the most basic necessities, would soon become intolerable. Like the cities of old, there would be famine—and death—if IIsa proved stubborn. It wasn't clear how long the Tomariians could hold out. Both Kirk and Desus had called for backup and other ships would be arriving to assist them.

  Spock knows how long they can hold out, Kirk thought. Or he has a very good approximation of the time it will take. It can't be too long. It isn't practical or safe to remain in one position too long.

  These were not the days of horse and knight; the Tomariians could mass and attack again at any time. And the Enterprise is damaged. Not good. He looked at the viewscreen. Two of the Romulan fighters had remained as support for the Enterprise.

  I don't like being dependent upon the Romulans. Not at all. He shook his head and concentrated on the library console in his quarters.

  The Romulan contingent beamed aboard in preparation for the parley with IIsa and her council. The strategy meeting held in the briefing room on deck eight was attended by only a privileged few. Spock and Relos sat flanking Desus. Kirk, with Leonidas, Martin, Chekov, and McCoy faced the Romulans.

  "We've corked the bottle, Spock. Now, how do you propose we convince IIsa to behave?" Kirk asked seriously. "She didn't strike me as exactly the rational type."

  "Indeed, Captain, she is far from rational. The Tomariians are individually suicidal but not genocidal. They are an intelligent race caught in a grave imbalance. We must offer them viable alternatives."

  "Birth control?" McCoy suggested. "From what I saw on that planet, it wouldn't be readily accepted."

  "If presented properly, it may be one solution, Doctor."

  "And who is presenting our combined demands?" Kirk asked.

  "Why, you and I, Captain," Desus answered.

  Kirk's reaction wasn't at all expected. "No way. IIsa wouldn't have a thing to do with either of us. But she might listen to Spock." He could see Spock's discomfort.

  "Captain," Spock hedged, "I haven't the authority …"

  "IIsa's got a crush on you, Spock. I think that in her own way she loves you. That's why she kept you alive, remember?" He could see by Spock's expression that he most definitely did.

  "The role of ladies' man has customarily been yours, Captain," Spock replied icily.

  That's one for Spock! McCoy scored.

  "Not this time, Spock. It's your turn. We can use her attraction to you to convince her to negotiate. Don't you agree, Supreme Commander?"

  "A point well taken, Captain Kirk." He looked to Spock. "We must use all of our resources."

  6

  The planet Tomarii was cold, bleak, and inhospitable, just as Speck remembered it. He shivered imperceptibly, not from the cold but with revived memories that were best forgotten but still persistent.

  Facing them, when they materialized on the surface of the planet, was IIsa and her council. She looked different. Her hair, now more fully grown, made her seem more akin to her race than she had appeared before. Spock could see her eyes, resting intently on him. The Vulcan drew his warm cape closer about him instinctively, as if to shield himself from her piercing gaze. This was not going to be easy for him, he realized. So did Kirk and Desus, who were watching his every move.

  They had passed twenty trapped Tomariian ships along the passage as they came through it. The bottle was still corked, now with the summoned backup ships which had taken the place of the Enterprise and Moonhawk at the corridor's entrances.

  Spock stepped forward.

  IIsa was quick to notice his change of uniform, but she dismissed the observation as irrelevant.

  In the great hall, the large council table was extended to accommodate the meeting of the Tomariian governing body and their adversaries. The chairs, designed for the comfort of the smaller Tomariians, were not suited to those of the other races. Even the shortest of the Starfleet contingent were forced to sit knees up, while the taller Romulans and Spock were quite cramped.

  Despite her lack of stature, IIsa looked every inch a queen. Her rich fur robes glistened in the firelight; the jeweled dagger on her arm band shone brightly, sharply reminding Spock of his suicide attempt, and Julina's death. Even with the fire blazing close by, the room was frigid. Kirk and his officers were snug in their protective arctic issue. The Romulans brought their capes tighter about them to keep out the penetrating cold. Even the hardy Tomariians had fur capes draped lightly about their shoulders.

  Spock, reluctant spokesman for both the Romulan Empire and the Federation, stood to begin. He towered over the low table. He stood silently for a long moment before he spoke. His voice, like the cold, seemed brittle. His breath showed in the chill; each word was punctuated by an abrupt white fog.

  "Begum IIsa, I speak for both the Romulan Empire and the Federation. You have been completely cut off from your Empire and must listen to our demands."

  She was staring at him, causing the usually imperturbable Vulcan to stop. He pulled his cape tighter to shelter him before he resumed. In a subliminal way, Kirk was enjoying Spock's discomfort. And McCoy was actively savoring the Vulcan's predicament. Clearing his throat, Spock continued.

  "The raids upon our combined shipping will stop. You will no longer be permitted to attack anyone, or to perpetrate any further hostile action. Neither do we intend to declare war as you would like. Your designs to spread your domain are now limited, if not completely stopped. With our combined strength we have the ability to destroy this planet."

  Kirk almost protested the harshness of this threat, but controlled his urge to interrupt. Desus seemed satisfied with Spock's comments so far.

  "You will be relocated to another planet in this same system. It is located on the other side of your red sun and i
s far more hospitable than Tomarii. At this moment the planet Corsair is being evacuated by a Romulan force… ."

  The Vulcan's revelation was a complete surprise to Kirk, who found himself on his feet facing Spock. "We were not informed of that action… ."

  "No, Captain Kirk, you were not," Desus answered smugly. "There was no need to inform you. Our familiarity with the planet has made the task routine. Go on, Sub-Commander," he ordered.

  Spock deferred. "Captain Kirk will explain what the Federation can offer." Kirk stood to face IIsa.

  "The Federation will be pleased to assist you with the relocation process. Our science and medical personnel can teach you many methods of controlling your population. You may choose the one best suited to your people. We will beam down the personnel who will assist you in preparing your people for the move. As agreed, a Romulan delegation will remain here as well so that the Empire will be assured we have all kept our bargain."

  "You have no choice," Desus boomed. "Captain Kirk has more gentle solutions than I would have preferred. Noncompliance will bring instant military action from the Empire."

  It was no idle threat, and the extremely intelligent IIsa considered the alternatives. "This has always been our home; we cannot leave Tomarii."

  "You must," Kirk interjected. "This place is dying. Your people need your leadership in finding a better way of life. We can help you. There is no need to send your children off to wars to be killed. You are a proud and hardy race and can become a an asset to the Federation. Let us help you."

  "The Federation, Captain?" Desus asked. "And what of the Romulan Empire?"

  "Tomarii belongs to no one," IIsa proclaimed. "What is your recommendation, Spock?"

  This was the moment Spock could not avoid; it was the time when he had to take a position. He stood between his two friends, looking from one to the other, knowing that whatever he said would favor one and deny the other. There was no satisfying both.

 

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