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Table of Contents
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True to his word, McCoy had Miguel's and Sebor's transponders sent to the secondary bridge. Pavel Chekov took them from the duty nurse and studied the pair momentarily, before giving them to Kelowitz. "Michael, put these on the bridge, one in the command chair and then do a security sweep of the primary hull. Take a few of the ensigns with you and be sure no one is left behind, including the engineering teams. We won't initiate separation until you give us the all clear. Understood?"
Kelowitz snapped to attention, "Aye, sir." He turned and hurried out of the Beta bridge at a dead run.
Since Sulu had been preoccupied, Chekov relayed his intentions to the ship's C.O. "Admiral, Kelowitz is on his way to do a security sweep. We should be clear for separation within twenty minutes."
"Thanks, Pavel. The timing should be just about perfect." Sulu checked the status board. All indicators were glowing green except one, computers. That meant the separation was ready except for the final connection, or was it disconnection?
Looking over at Spock, who was busy with the download, Sulu asked, "How much longer, Ambassador?"
Without diverting his attention from the work, Spock answered simply, "Five minutes, no more."
"Thank you, sir." Sulu was having a difficult time addressing his old crewmates by their new rank and status but he tried, hard, simply out of respect.
Leslie, DeSalle and Stiles entered the smaller bridge and, while the navigator and helmsman relieved their temporary replacements, DeSalle approached Sulu.
"Primary hull is officially shut down, sir." Then the first officer handed the admiral a half dozen data tapes, "A brief, but illustrious log of the starship Enterprise, NCC-1701-B. Has anyone checked on Mister Scott to see if he's well?"
Surprised by the comment, Sulu asked, "Why, was he injured?"
DeSalle grinned sheepishly. "No, I just thought, since we're going to 'bisect his bairn,' he might need a check-up."
Uhura overheard the comment and was about to chastise DeSalle, when she realized that he probably had a valid point. If she wasn't tied to the comm board, she would check on Scotty herself!
Koord arrived on the bridge in full battle dress, jubilant and more than a bit full of himself. "Is everyone ready for the show?"
Sulu stood and turned to greet the general. "Just about, sir. I must say you look the part! The Klingons sure have a lot of style."
Koord let out one of his famous belly laughs. "Thank you, Admiral. I can't wait until all is ready."
Spock rose from the science station, "Computers are downloaded, Admiral. If it is acceptable, I will remain until General Koord is finished."
Suppressing a smile, Sulu agreed to the request. "By all means, Ambassador, you're still in Romulan make-up, but don't you think you should 'dress' for the occasion?"
The Vulcan studied his traditional robes and nodded. "It would appear I am 'out of character.'" He left the bridge in a movement that bordered on fluidity.
"Hurry back, gunner, I'd hate to 'go on stage' without you." Koord then laughed even louder than before.
"You, too, Uhura," added Sulu. "It's about time."
Montgomery Scott had finished disarming all twelve squibs and one e-bolt when he heard the order to abandon the primary hull. Pulling a communicator from his tool belt, he contacted his various teams on a low energy transmission so the Romulans wouldn't pick it up. All groups, except Riley's were done, and of course, himself. "Mister Riley, estimate your completion time, please."
"All done, just waiting for orders to complete the disconnection of the computer and links. My team has gone to engineering and I'm here, singing Irish ballads and pub songs. Care to hear one?"
The engineer winced, "Nay thanks, laddie. I've heard ye before and once was more than enough. Stand by, I've got one more o' the e-bolts ta do, then I'll be done, Scott out!"
With all the teams finished, it was now up to him to complete the work. "C'mon, Monty, let's gie her done."
Admiral Scott entered a small maintenance area and stared at the panel that led to the massive e-bolt. Surrounded by warnings of every type, this was the last task to perform. Scott removed the necessary tools and took a quick reading with the tricorder. The small device showed an active circuit, but more important, an armed bolt, "Now how th' devil --?"
The first thing to do, was to notify the bridge, then get some help. An armed e-bolt was a tricky matter to deal with. He adjusted the communicator and waited for Uhura, instead he got M'Ress, "Mister Scott?"
"Aye, lassie, I've got a wee problem. Is Admiral Sulu available?"
"Just a moment, sir."
The familiar voice of Sulu came through loud and clear and concerned. "What seems to be the problem?
"An armed e-bolt, sir. I suspect it's th' result o' that pasting we took after losing our cloaking unit and dropping our shields for th' transporter. Is it showin' on th' warning board?"
There was a moment of silence as the board was checked then Sulu returned. "Negative, would that indicate a short circuit on your end?"
"More likely a power surge from a photon torpedo activated it and destroyed th' warning circuit and th' back-up as well. A one in a million shot, but it happened. Can you send me some help, I could use Kyle and Lemli."
"Right away; how about Palmer?"
"Thanks, two is enough, Scott out." He closed the communicator and began removing the cover plates and access panels. With any luck, he might finish with those just as the others arrive. "Montgomery, you're getting too old for this. You should retire permanently, and soon." He turned around to see if anyone had been listening; fortunately, no.
McCoy was muttering to himself as he worked on the various crew members. Tavar and Chapel worked alongside, although with far less vocalization and a bit quicker, as well. After all their recent practice, the work was going relatively well.
With Chekov finished, McCoy ushered him off the table and began assisting Chapel with Uhura. "I just hope all this is worth it." McCoy continued his ministrations and his misgivings. "Why all the subterfuge anyway, Chekov? I thought you and Sulu had our escape all worked out. Why is Koord's plan so important?"
"Doctor, ve need every advantage ve can get." Chekov explained further, "If Koord can keep the Romulans off balance, or better still, make them act before they are ready, then so much the better. Besides, ve owe it to Koord. He feels the need to recover his honor since Dar and Kef nearly blew the mission."
"All right, Captain, you've sold me." McCoy put down his med scanner and stood back to take a look, "Not bad, Uhura. Can I take a holograph?"
Nyota gave him a scowl. "You sure you want to do that?" She was not happy and her expression showed it.
"That's the perfect look!" McCoy smiled devilishly.
Chekov saved the day. "C'mon Nyota, it's show time." The Russian grabbed the communications officer by the hand and led her out of sickbay before the doctor felt the full effect of her wrath.
Tavar shook his head in disapproval. "Does this type of thing go on all the time on starships?"
"On the Enterprise, it's standard fare, Tavar." Chapel enjoyed the Romulan's reaction to her comment.
With barely fifteen minutes to go before separation and escape, General Koord took the center seat of the Enterprise. Before him was Sebor, on 'detached duty' from sickbay, at navigation and Saavik at helm. Spock, still in Romulan disguise, occupied the science station while a heavily disguised Chekov stood beside the General as a combination aide and body guard.
Behind the General were Uhura, also heavily made up at her usual position, and two very excited ensigns were standing by the doors as honor guards.
All wore the uniforms, rank and insignia of the Klingon Empire.
Koord beamed, "Damn, what a crew! Let's decloak and face them, honorably. Communications channel open. Let's talk to these targs."
Uhura grinned even though it was almost painful under the extensive prosthetics, "Yes, General; channel open, on main viewer."
The image wavered, settling down to a sight rarely seen by either Klingon or Federation personnel, a Romulan Fleet Admiral.
'This is even better than I imagined,' thought Koord.
"Federation ship, you are in violation of Romulan space. We have you surrounded. Surrender or be destroyed."
Koord smiled slyly. "Okay, Uhura, let them see us and give me a channel down here." The General indicated the command chair comm board.
The look on the Romulan Admiral's face betrayed him. Instead of the calm and controlled image that he would have liked to project, his eyes went wide and the bottom jaw went slack with shock.
'Good,' Koord thought again, 'I've already won the first round; he believes what he sees.' "Admiral Jamak, is it not? This is not a Federation ship and Klingons do not scare as easy as the Terrans do. Do not waste my time with empty threats!"
The Romulan regained his composure after Koord's prodding. "General Koord, you lie, as usual. The ship you occupy is carrying Federation markers and was obviously built by them as well. So do not try --"
The General lit into the Romulan with full force. "Fool! Do you not believe your eyes? This ship is crewed by Klingons and Romulans who have seen that our way is superior. My ship has been exchanged for this one. Besides, how many Federation ships have cloaking technology? You're still an idiot, Jamak!"
Jamak smiled slightly at the insult but otherwise ignored it. "You would have me believe that the Federation would give you one of their ships?"
Koord bristled, "Not only are you blind, but deaf as well, Admiral. I said it was exchanged. My ship is currently in Terran space dock, receiving special modifications. Is that petaQ, Darian, you call an ambassador still working at the Federation? No doubt he's already informed you of the Firestorm's presence. If he hasn't, he should be flogged for inefficiency!"
Again, Jamak ignored the insults and addressed a more important point. "I do not believe that a Romulan would betray his own home world. Maybe those around you are Vulcans and not, as you say, 'reformed' Romulans."
"Jamak, you wouldn't believe a supernova unless you were killed by it." Korrd tried to keep up the insults and pressure. "Why do you bother me with these unimportant matters? Clear a way and we will leave your soiled space. There is nothing of value here anyway."
The Romulan Admiral was beginning to become agitated. "There is still a matter of something gone missing."
"We destroyed a ship that was ours. Stolen by you or delivered by traitors. Either way, it was Klingon property. It was fortunate that these Romulans came forward and informed us of the K'Chord'da's whereabouts." Koord indicated his 'crewmembers.'
"I do not believe your story Koord. Prove theses Romulans with you are not just made up Vulcans, or worse yet, Terrans!" Jamak spat out the last word as if it were a curse or the scrapings from a boot bottom.
'Uh, oh, now what?' Koord thought.
Quick thinking by Uhura gave him an instant exit. "General, an urgent incoming communication for you!"
Waving his hand, Koord broke the link with the Romulan Admiral and turned to Uhura, confused. "What communication?"
"Just a stall, sir. What do we do?" Uhura looked hopeful.
"Give them me", Saavik said. "I'm Romulan and Vulcan, they would be forced to admit --"
"Unacceptable," said Spock, "But there is an alternative and Saavik will serve in a similar capacity. In addition, there is another aboard who will lend credence to Koord's claim."
Within two minutes Koord was face to face with Jamak again, "Now, what was it you wanted?"
"My scans are reading humans aboard your ship, General." The Romulan smiled with confidence as if he had Koord, dead to rights.
"Of course, idiot. They are training my crew, much as Klingons are training humans on the Firestorm. But this officer has irrefutable proof that what I say is true; Saavik!"
When Jamar failed to respond, the Starfleet officer went into her prearranged plan of action. "I am Saavik, first and only born of Captain Bolen and his Vulcan captive, T'Pan, who he called his consort. I was born on your world of Hellguard!"
It worked. Jamak flinched noticeably at the mention of the name of Hellguard.
"Your brave captain and the Romulan Empire abandoned me and many others there, or do Romulans choose to forget such minor inconveniences? The others here do not. They choose to correct that and many other problems with the Romulan Empire. One such person is this..."
She stood aside and Tavar appeared. "I left the Romulan home world to get away from the Tal Shiar and the constant fear that permeates Romulus. I am Tavar of the Jarian provence. Doctor and research scientist --"
Enraged, Jamak addressed Koord, "Enough of this. There is still another matter. Several of our 'guests' have disappeared. I don't suppose you have any knowledge of this?"
Lowering his voice, Koord spoke with the authority of age and experience. "Jamak, Romulans can't even keep their own Preators for very long, how do you expect to keep a guest?"
The Romulan fleet admiral was on the verge of an irrational act and Koord knew it. With only a bit more pressure, he just might act irrationally, in favor of the Enterprise.
Koord made his last push. "Jamak, stand aside or do battle, I am getting bored with all this talk. I cannot make you understand that all I have done were honorable tasks. The Romulans have no honor and would not understand our purpose or motivations. Romulans always were a race of untrustworthy animals and still are. Frankly, I am satisfied the Klingon Council came to their senses and discontinued our alliance. It was a mistake from the beginning. The Federation may not be made up of particularly strong people, but they are trustworthy and don't take hostages like you cowards do.
"I believe the Feds will prove to be valuable allies in the ultimate defeat of your Preator, senate and rusted out collection of junk you call a fleet!"
Jamak could stand no more and cut communications abruptly.
"Finally!" Koord looked relieved, "I was running out of things to say."
"I find that hard to believe," Uhuru quipped.
"Red alert! Admiral Sulu to the bridge!" Chekov yelled.
"The Romulan border fleet is powering up weapons," Spock said flatly.
Sulu shot through the doors with Kirk and the others close behind. "Okay people, you know the plan. Now, if Scotty has the e-bolt disarmed, we should be in fairly good shape."
Kelowitz finished his security sweep in record time. He had a laugh at Kirk's choice of location for the transponder and noted with some sadness at the pristine condition in which the ship had been left. Not that a few days of use would really show up very much.
He noted an 'all clear' on the duty log of the security tricorder. All scans were devoid of any life forms in the primary hull. Normally, he would download the log and the security report into the appropriate section of the ship's main computer. But since Spock had probably finished downloading the system, that wasn't an option. He slung the tricorder over his shoulder using the long carrying strap and told the group of ensigns to return to engineering in the secondary hull. Then he made his way to where the engineers were working, the only area of the primary hull still occupied.
Just before Koord began his dramatic debut, another drama was unfolding several decks above. Scott, Kyle and Lemli sat in a small circle staring at the two blinking lights on the e-bolt warning panel. One was amber, indicating an active circuit, and another red, indicating an armed bolt.
"Gentlemen, let's get to it. Care to run through th' routine one more time?" Scott watched both men closely. A display of uncertainty would say more than a verbal response.
"No, sir," said Kyle.
"Ditto," replied Lemli.
"Kyle, get below and give me a call when ye're in position." Scotty turned to his old engineering friend. "Doug, it's time ta start on the mechanical connections; got that linear spanner?"
Lemli held the tool up to eye level, "Never without one sir; even sleep with it."
"Okay, laddie, you take th' port side and I'll take starboard. Rotate clockwise, slowly and I'll counter your motion. And whatever you do, don't cough, sneeze or even hiccup."
"Why's that?"
"'Cause neither of us will ever collect our retirement pay if you do." The chief engineer worked his way down beside the massive hook which engaged the top of the dorsal connecting lugs. A super alloy of tungsten and neutronium, the dull grey metallic shape looked like a large bird claw. When the e-bolt fired under normal circumstances, it also ignited the series of squibs. The squibs would then fire gas generating cartridges, which in turn, would power pistons, separating conduits, cables, ducts and various subsystems, both primary and redundant. In the meantime, the large e-bolt explosion would rotate the claw-like mechanism and the dorsal would be separated.
As part of the process, a section of primer cord, located within the dorsal outer skin would ignite, to ensure a clean break. Then maneuvering thrusters would fire automatically on both primary and secondary hulls to guarantee a satisfactory separation. All automatic, even if the main computers were down or ship's personnel were incapacitated to the point where manual separation was not possible.
Now, with all the squibs neutralized and the various subsystems of separation bypassed, all that remained was the manual rotation of the dorsal attachment hook.
Scotty had done the forward one already, a simple process with the e-bolt disarmed, but a totally different situation now. He, and the officers with him, would have to remove the e-bolt to make sure it didn't fire from the actual separation process. Then they could disengage the hook.
Any static electricity, contact or motion out of the ordinary could set it off. Detection by the Romulans would be the least of their problems at that point.
Scott signaled Lemli to wait. The engineer tilted his head to one side and listened to footsteps above.
"Hello, Mister Scott?"
"Aye, who is it?" Scotty was clearly perturbed. No one should be within three decks of their location except for his team.
"It's Kelowitz, sir. I've just completed a security sweep of the primary hull. All clear except for you and your team. Need any help?"
Scott softened his voice, although it was a definite strain. "No, laddie, ye report back ta Mister Chekov and tell th' bridge we should hae this beastie tamed in abou' ten minutes." Then he added in a whisper, "Either that or I'll be strawberry jam all over th' bulkheads."
The communicator in Scott's work-vest pocket chirped once and Kyle's voice greeted him. "Scotty? I'm in position. Not a lot of room down here."
Montgomery smiled, "Why do ye think I sent ye down there?" He allowed himself a small chuckle at the image of his girth in a space about half of what it needed.
"All right, Lemli. Can ye see any evidence o' twisting or binding on th' main lug?"
Doug looked carefully, working his way around so he could see the large claw from all angles. "Looks free and clear and the e-bolt looks undamaged as well."
Scott smiled again, "Good, before I can rotate th' main claw, Kyle, ye'll hae ta' disconnect th' firing mechanism from there."
"Sound dangerous," Kyle joked half-heartedly.
"Nay a bit, lad. If she blows, th' force is directed upwards to releases the locking mechanism." Half joking, Scott explained, "Ye'll hae a loud ringing in your ears, but McCoy will be able to fix you up in a jiffy. Ready?"
Swallowing hard, Kyle picked up the cutters and placed the work light in a position to provide maximum illumination. Checking the tricorder one more time to be sure, he noted the correct sequence of disarming the e-bolt, then got to it.
One wire, then two and finally, all three were free. "Circuits disconnected Mister Scott. I'm now removing both the firing cap and redundant squib."
Scott was nodding at the description of Kyle's work. "Okay, Reggie, slowly now, ye can remove th' e-bolt retaining ring and then ye'll be done. When ye are finished lad, gie ye sel' out and back to engineering, understood?"
Kyle began to protest. "But I can help you --"
Montgomery cut him off quickly. "You do as I say. I need to minimize the number o' people exposed."
"Removing the retaining ring now," Kyle said quietly.
Looking over at Lemli, Scott explained, "When it's free, we'll loosen the last hook, get ready."
"Ring loose, Mister Scott. I'm leaving now. Good luck, sir." Kyle looked at the ring and pocketed it as a souvenir.
Lemli was a bit nervous and tense as he and Scott tried to loosen the main hook. After three tries, it was a no go. "What now, sir?"
"That's it for ye, lad. Go to engineering and report to Palmer. They're gonna need all the help they can gie."
Hesitating for just a moment, Lemli was about to speak.
"That's an order, lad!"
Doug sighed in resignation. Pushing himself from the bulkhead and out of the access area, he turned around long enough to say goodbye to his friend. "Good luck, Mister Scott."
"Thanks, gie goin'; there's a good lad."
Scott gave him about three minutes before working on the large e-bolt. Even with the power cut, the internal back-ups would keep the arming mechanisms primed for over twenty-four hours -- another back up feature in case of ship wide power outages.
The engineer began twisting the large bolt with a slow and deliberate motion. The bolt was a bit stiff, but thanks to a short installation history, it began to move more easily. Then, suddenly, no movement at all, "Damn!"
He grabbed the communicator and opened a channel, "Scott to Sulu."
"Scotty! How's it going?" The C.O. sounded hopeful once again.
"Nay good, sir. The bolt is locked up tight. We're gonna' hae ta leave it and chance it won't ignite during separation. Sorry ta disappoint ye, Admiral."
"It'll be the first, and I'm sure, the only time. Get back to engineering. The clock is ticking. Sulu out."
The chief engineer gave the bolt one last try of Olympic proportions. Failing to budge it, he contacted Riley. "Kevin, go ahead and finish your cuts, I canna gie that last e-bolt and Sulu says time is up!"
"Aye, sir, cutting now, see you in engineering."
The Scotsman made his way to the nearest gangway. "It's okay, lassie, it won't hurt a bit." He gave the bulkhead an affectionate pat and hurried off.
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© 2024 Brad McDonald / U.S.S. Kitty Hawk
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