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Table of Contents
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As the voyage to Romulus began, the crew occupied itself with numerous jobs. Testing, checking and reviews continued around the clock. One by one, systems and subsystems were given the once over and checked off the list of items that passed the abbreviated shakedown review. The most important of these was the weapons check. DeSalle and Chekov ran multiple scheduled and unscheduled drills for crew readiness. Phasers were tested multiple times and a number of stray asteroids became 'victims' of the ship's firepower.
Once DeSalle and Chekov were satisfied, they reported their findings to Sulu and the rest of the bridge crew. Saavik made a few suggestions, which stemmed from her recent encounter with the Tholians. They had been using new Romulan weapons systems and, therefore, gave her an insight of what might be expected. Sulu was grateful for the information and ultimately incorporated the ideas into the defense plans.
DeSalle continued to tinker with the offensive end of the plans, even though the ship was under orders not to engage the Romulans. After all, they might run afoul of Orion pirates or even Voyager Ten!
The greatest portion of time was spent on honing the rescue plan. Sulu admired Cee and his people. They were top notch professionals. He was glad to have them as part of this mission. Any success would certainly be due to their diligence and determination.
The ship's captain was not looking forward to the upcoming meeting. The civilian contractors would have to be put off before entering the Neutral Zone. It would be the last opportunity to remove them from Enterprise, forcibly if necessary.
Before entering engineering, he was joined by Uhura and Chekov. As head of security, Chekov had visited engineering a number of times to check up on the 'guests,' mostly to be sure they were 'behaving' themselves and staying out of Scotty's way. Actually the chief engineer gave them high marks and praise for jobs well done and attention to detail.
Uhura wanted to be present in case the civilians had a problem with 'communicating.' She had a look on her face that said she was not in the mood for any misunderstanding.
With the trio ready to go, they entered, firm jaws set and 'ready for action.'
The group was gathered in Scott's office with the ship's engineer.
The first to speak was the original nemesis, Clayton. "Why have you called us here? We still have a lot of work to do."
"It's simple, it's time for you to leave." Chekov said simply. "Our next stop is Romulus, and you can't be aboard. As head of security, it's my responsibility to ensure your safety."
"What if we chose not to go?" someone asked.
Uhura was curious more than anything else. "Why would you want to stay, knowing you could be in danger?"
"Like Clayton said, we still have work to do," the lady replied.
"I doubt you will lose your bonus or even your job as a result of being removed from the ship." Sulu was trying to be sympathetic, but still wanted them off his ship.
Clayton stood firm, "Look, we've been watching your crew Admiral or Captain or whatever you want to call yourself. We understand what you are trying to do. You have a job and are determined to complete it, fine. Why can't you understand what we're trying to do?"
Sulu was at a loss for words.
"Even if it puts you in danger?" Uhura was very surprised and pressed the issue.
"Actually, we're kind of caught up in your mission. It's good to be part of something bigger than a paycheck or a bonus... not that we will refuse either."
Clayton was a little less enthusiastic. "Actually, I'm all about the bonus and my job. And my job is to complete the work!"
"Where would we be... left off?"
"Outpost Seven, they monitor the Romulan neutral zone with sensors and signal monitors. It's a Starfleet facility. It's not a resort, but you will be safe there." Sulu tried to be reassuring, "When we're done, we'll come back and pick you up and take you back to Earth." He finished on a smile.
"So, you plan on returning," Clayton remarked.
"Vell, thet is the plan. However, the Romulans may haf other ideas." Chekov tried to make a joke, but it fell flat.
"And your chances?" The grey-haired woman seemed concerned.
"Better than 70-30 as estimated by our Vulcan ambassador," Uhura answered honestly.
There was a long period of silence as the contractors looked at each other. A few exchanged quiet words and whispers with nods of agreement. Sulu wondered where this was going when the woman stood up and spoke quietly. "We would like to share that risk."
Up to now, Montgomery had been quiet and tried to discourage the idea. "But lass, ye'll be puttin' yersel' in danger. Ye might not... survive. Besides, there's no precedent for civilians on a ship going in harm's way."
"Actually, thet's not entirely correct, Engineer." Chekov was 'thinking' out loud. "During the days of sail, family members sometimes vere found aboard varships. And during the Great Patriotic War, civilian yard vorkers remained aboard a British man-of war during a battle."
Uhura looked confused and Chekov realized his misstatement. "Excuse me, Vorld Var II."
Sulu stared at the group. "You realize what you're saying. We... or rather, I, could get into a lot of trouble agreeing to this."
Uhura gave Sulu a nudge, "It's time to pass the buck, sir."
Sulu looked confused, "How's that?"
"Let our esteemed Ambassador decide. It's his call anyway, right?"
A look of relief spread over Sulu's face and he smiled from relief. "You're right. I'll discuss it with him." He turned to Scotty. "Would that meet with your approval, Engineer?"
Scotty nodded slowly, then grudgingly added, "Aye, I must admit, they hae been very helpful."
"Very well, then. I'll leave it up to Spock. Will that be satisfactory to all of you?"
The group of contractors looked doubtful and confused and the woman spoke again. "Won't he say no?"
"Not necessarily. You see, Kirk risked his life and career to save the ambassador's life years ago. They are very old and dear friends." Uhura smiled at her explanation.
Encouraged, they agreed. "Okay, we'll go along with whatever the ambassador decides. How soon will we know?"
Chekov smiled, "Vithin a few minutes. Ve're scheduled to stop at Outpost Seven soon!"
When Sulu, Uhura and Chekov left, the group was happy, or at least not angry.
Out of engineering and earshot of anyone, Uhura confronted Sulu. "What are the chances Spock will agree?"
"Slim and none. Actually, I don't think there is any chance at all."
Five minutes later, Sulu had his answer. Spock agreed. He offered no explanation, but for whatever reason, the crew had thirteen new members, civilian contractors.
Sulu relayed the news to Scott and added Spock's decision to the ship's log. Someday he would ask what his reason was. For now, he accepted it and returned to duty.
The cloaking device was given its first functional test, ironically, by Outpost Seven, where the mission had its origin. When Enterprise approached the remote station, the crew was on pins and needles. If the device worked well enough to get past one of the Federation's most sensitive listening posts, then they would have an excellent chance of operating undetected in Romulan space.
The original Romulan cloak 'appropriated' by Captain Kirk was the basis for most current cloaking units and anti-cloaking technology. The silent stalker was a totally new concept. The Romulans would have a difficult time sorting it out, even if they knew it existed.
Ultimately, the functional check had been a major success and not a single problem surfaced. As the Enterprise officially entered the Neutral Zone and then Romulan space itself, there was a visible change in the crew's attitude. Now a sense of urgency prevailed throughout the ship. Each division checked and rechecked their equipment just to be sure all was in order. Besides, the work helped to pass the time.
Uhura and Palmer assembled several additional communication devices with the help of M'Ress and a few engineers, just in case. Nearby, Saavik and Kyle worked on extra signal location units. The devices were very simple and constructed from common components. If they were discovered by the Romulan's, Starfleet would not be implicated.
All of the special equipment was constructed within a very short time frame then presented to Captain Cee for approval. The Deltan officer was extremely pleased and said so repeatedly.
After a few more details were worked out, the operational plans were finalized and a series of briefings were scheduled.
Cee met with Uhura on communications procedures. Prolonged open channels would be detectable, and therefore not practical. So, the two worked out a code of sorts, short signal bursts. One burst would indicate the captives had been located. Two indicated a request for an immediate transport. And, finally, three would indicate a need for more time. Any Romulan who noticed the signal would assume it was either static or defective comm equipment.
In order to keep the transporter activity and duration to a minimum, the transporters would be used only when directly above pre-arranged beam-up points. A geosynchronous orbit above the palace would not be possible. But with a short signal burst, an emergency beam-up could be arranged. But anybody requesting transport would have to be removed from the effects of any shields or high energy fields. That was the devil in the details as many parts of the palace were, in fact, shielded heavily.
Later, in another briefing, Cee, Sulu and Kyle agreed that three teams would be used on Romulus. This was so they could triangulate on the weakened viridium transponder signals. Once the captives' location was determined, depending on existing conditions, either all three teams would be used in the recovery or a limited number of team members would be selected. After the area surrounding the captives had been secured and shields neutralized, the entire set of stasis chambers would then be beamed aboard via cargo transporters. This would simplify the rescue process and, at the same time, make it easier on the medical team. By using this approach, Doctor Tavar would be able to study the exact conditions under which the captives had been held. This would help considerably in determining just how to take care of the officers and what the long-term effects of stasis might be.
All of these proposals were presented to Spock during the last briefing. He gave the plans his immediate approval and blessing. His only suggestion concerned the Klingons. Spock himself would bring them up to date on all of the details.
With that settled, everyone returned to their work, satisfied that they had prepared for every contingency, foreseen or not.
However, time would prove them wrong... very wrong.
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© 2024 Brad McDonald / U.S.S. Kitty Hawk
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