Chapter 18 - Will You Fight the Enemy?She was the mightiest, proudest starship in a vast fleet of over 300 starships of varying class and type. She had the finest captain, and the very finest crew. For this crew was more than a crew, they were a family. They all lived in a constantly-refitted frame that had her at better than 350 meters. They all stood together against something that, if it wasn't the ultimate threat, was doing a damned good imitation of being the ultimate threat. They were Starfleet's best, and they would need to prove it this day.
It was an obscenity, forged in hate and sin. It was unique unto itself, and its mission was simple: Destroy All Monsters. But to the megameter- plus being known as Ghidorah, all that lived was a monster. It was a killing machine, and it needed to prove this to no one. On this day, though, the Ancient Destroyer knew fear.
Aboard the hobbled USS Reliant was the Genesis Device. Whatever threat it posed to Ghidorah was about to be rendered entirely moot. The Death's Head's mouth opened to fire. The green charge built. It was a view of hell that James Kirk, Captain Of the Enterprise, could have done very well without.
"Extend shields around Reliant, Mister Sulu!"
Hikaru did his calculations, not even noticing that Jim had dropped the affectionate "Captain" before his name. But then, this was no time for niceties. It was a time of war.
"We're within range, sir. But Ghidorah is between us and Reliant, and I suggest not getting too close to either the Mecha or Death Heads."
Captain Kirk looked over at his son, Peter, perhaps the prime victim of this creature's return. He imagined personally making Ghidorah pay by shoving a comet right down his throat.
"Lieutenants Kirk! Use your Telekinetic abilities to help extend our shields."
Saavik, Jim's daughter-in-law, protested.
"Sir, our TK cannot push past Ghidorah while he retains the form of the Ancient Destroyer."
"I know that, Saavik. But it's not Reliant I want to extend our shields around. It's the Death Head."
Now, Peter questioned this.
"Sir, we cannot hope to block the full force of any beam from any head. the feedback would destroy this ship."
But Jim smiled.
"Trust your old man, Peter. I've been doing this a while, after all. Besides, you kids ever heard of a funnel?"
Peter snapped his fingers, and Saavik nodded.
"Saavik, I'll handle the power needed. You shape the funnel."
McCoy puzzled at this.
"Why don't both of you do it together?"
Saavik, forming the shape, answered.
"Division Of Labor, Doctor. Peter's TK is immensely powerful, while mine is supremely precise. He provides the motion, and I the direction that motion takes."
Bones joked, despite or perhaps because of everything.
"In other words - you two are married."
"Doctor - I believe that is what I just said."
Inwardly, McCoy joyed to hear those words said by the daughter of his old friend Spock. He offered up a quick prayer that father and daughter would be allowed to torment him together. Sulu shouted.
"Captain, the Gold King Head is firing! Apparently, its charge time is far less than the Death Head. Counter-measures? Reliant is taking a pounding."
"Enable counter-measures, Captain Sulu."
Each and every photon torpedo had been readied for this. Since the Doomsday Machine could hurt Ghidorah with its anti-proton ray, the photon array in each was now the trigger, not the warhead. The Anti- Protons were kept from destabilizing, not on the gross atomic or sub- atomic levels, but on a level basic to all physics, where their kick would be more keenly felt. The Anti-Protons were kept suspended in the realm of the quanta.
"Sulu, target the Gold Head - and fire Quantum Torpedoes."
War is a great inventor, as Ghidorah now found out. Despite the torpedo's sand-pebble size relative to him, the surgical anti-protons had the desired effect. The Gold Head's Gravity Beam was forced back down its throat, and the gold head exploded, leaving only a stump.
"Death Head, ready to fire!"
"Peter! Saavik! Now!"
With eyes like novae, the young expecting couple used their own considerable abilities to manipulate the ship's shields. But instead of futilely attempting to block the Green Death, they 'funneled' or shunted it - toward the Mecha Head. The Cyberstrosity literally melted away, shrieking its soundless shriek. Captain Kirk moved forward.
"Target the head stumps. Full spread."
As the devil-horned, anaconda-like Death Head struggled for balance, Enterprise pounded its vulnerable wounds. It looked as it wings tore off, and then it, too, burst apart. Kirk was ebullient.
"Commendation - to - the Finest Crew in this galaxy, on this date, Victory over..."
Peter rained hard on his father's parade.
"No Good, Sir."
Saavik spoke when a gasping Sulu could not.
"As expected, regeneration has begun. Noting anomaly in Mecha Head. Its energy matrix is slightly altered. The Red Beam it emitted, while still dangerous, should no longer directly affect mechanisms."
As James Kirk watched in horror, the heads, wings, tails, legs and torso simply came together, and the weapons spread could not affect this process.
"But - we killed him."
Peter put his hand on Jim's shoulder.
"Dad, you have my apologies. I obviously failed to make the extent of the creature's regenerative abilities clear."
"No, son. You made it clear. We just chose to believe all our planning could overcome those abilities. Suggestions?"
Again, the young man had the senior crew looking to him. He did not let his nerves show, but he had them.
"Sir, with our current modifications, we could take out most of the Klingon Fleet by ourselves. But Ghidorah wiped them away without breaking a sweat. We are merely a more concentrated opponent. Suggest we retrieve Reliant's crew and continue our efforts to 'herd' the monster towards the Doomsday Machine. We can kill him again and again. But right now, we can't destroy him."
The Captain took in his boy's words.
"We have to keep him away from Reliant, til Commander Decker returns with Shuttle X. We can't handle a transport in this hellstorm. Saavik, use your specialized TK to enhance the phaser banks' focus parameters. I want those beams so tight as to be able to re-light the pilot light on Creation itself, if need be. Peter - push those shields."
In his heart, Jim knew such an exertion might endanger his unborn grandchild. But this was total war against a total foe. One child could not be brought into this calculation. It was all too big.
Taking a chance, Saavik aimed at the creature's now-firmly closed mouths.
"I fear, monster, that you are not so clever. My beams did not find your open mouth, and yet they struck true."
Peter looked at the viewscreen, and felt pride in his wife's accomplishment. Ghidorah's mouths were still firmly shut. But this was not by his choice. Saavik had melted the flesh on the creature's lips, sealing the mouths shut. As Ghidorah unleashed its energies, it blackened and fell to ashes. But this time there was no cheering, just preparation. McCoy shook his head.
"Two Rounds, and we're already punchy. While that demon has infinite rounds in him!"
Kirk cut him off.
"We're not throwing in the towel, Bones. We're seeing this First Battle through to its finish."
Aboard Reliant, Will Decker entered the Bridge. He saw Pavel Chekov talking to Doctor David Marcus. The young man was glassy-eyed.
"Why her, Commander? We argued, but she was still my Mom!"
Below, Decker had seen the red walls, pulverized remnants of the crew and Scientists like Carol Marcus. Local Inertial Dampener failure was never a pretty sight. He interrupted.
"Doctor Marcus? My condolences, but your Father and Brother are waiting for you aboard Enterprise. For all of you."
Colonel Worf pointed to the viewscreen.
"We cannot survive that exchange of weaponry. Worse still, Khiterah's rebirths are occurring faster and faster. Kirk bears the hopes of Kang, Koloth, and Kor in his struggle. But one ship will be hard pressed to take us in while defending its life."
Lieutenant Guinan added a cynical remark.
"Well, then, we just need one or two more ships, that's all."
Spock and Chekov exchanged a look.
"It vill be done, Sir! Colonel Worf! You still want your shot at the Great Beast?"
"More than a guarantee of entry to Sto-Vo-Kor, Captain Chekov!"
"Then come vith me, if you want us to live. Is old saying from works of Jacob Camerivich."
David shook off his grief, momentarily.
"Er, what's the plan? Anything I can do?"
Guinan pointed to the helm, which David took. Decker looked at his predecessor.
"Captain Spock, what is the plan? How can Reliant, in this condition, help Enterprise?"
Spock was his usual inscrutable self.
"Commander, Lieutenant Guinan said we need another ship. So it is another ship that we shall have."
Decker heard Spock's plan, and nodded appreciatively.
"Your reputation is not undeserved, Sir. That is a brilliant plan - if it works."
If Spock heard sarcasm in his replacement's voice, he ignored it, for certain things were iffy. But the plan was sound, that he knew.
"It will work, Commander. If this 'trick of the light' can fool a ship's sensors, it can fool the creature, whose senses are many times more basic. Note, if you will, how many attacks it could have pressed, but failed to. It is much more bludgeon than scalpel."
"Aye, Sir. But at 1500 Kilometers overall circumference, King Ghidorah makes for one hellish bludgeon. How did you come up with this idea?"
Spock lightly shook his head.
"I did not. A quarrelsome member of Earth's trade delegation to Qo'noS did. A vintner, who proclaimed all high-end technology to be a trick civilized men deluded themselves with. He proceeded to challenge me to virtu-sim, and destroyed my ship with this very trick. He then laughed, saying that unlike lowtech, hightech could be easily deceived by its own strength. A self-educated man, but potentially brilliant in this field."
Decker and Spock grabbed up Genesis, and with David Marcus and Guinan made for the turbolift. Decker spoke as the doors closed.
"Mister Spock, I hope he was a savant."
David tried hard not to stare at the walls below deck, now painted a permanent red by the people - including his own mother - pulped when inertial dampeners failed. Guinan, mother to several lost children, talked him through.
"Easy, Doctor. You've got family on that other ship, including a father and a bunch of others. Plus, we need you for Genesis."
The ship's shields continued to shake. The Enterprise, despite its best efforts, was failing to wound Ghidorah as fast as he could regenerate. David walked into the shuttlebay, a bit of Kirk resolve kicking up as he did.
"Don't worry about me, Lieutenant. I have to live long enough to apologize to my brother. I just wish I could tell - hey, I can."
All turned as David stopped, and closed his eyes. A minute later, he opened them again. He smiled.
"It's all right. They know our plans."
Spock raised an eyebrow. Colonel Worf would've questioned this, but was finalizing a precise series of remote controls. Chekov asked Marcus the obvious.
"David, how does Enterprise know of our plans?"
"Oh, well. When we were kids, and Pete was kidnapped, his mind contacted me. My mom said not to tell anyone, that it was all a dream. But it wasn't. My brother knew me, even then."
If the departing crew of the Reliant at all doubted David Marcus, the crew of the Enterprise had no cause to doubt Peter Kirk, who relayed Spock's plan. That - and bad news. It was Uhura, Jim's soon-to-be-wife, that broke the silence.
"I'm sorry, Jim. Carol and I did not get along. But she deserved better. I was almost looking forward to throwing her the bouquet."
Kirk breathed in, and said not a word on the subject.
"Peter? How long can you keep this up?"
"About a day, sir. But I prefer not to think what might be left of us by then. Recommend Max Warp at Shuttle X's return."
"Answer the one question, Mister Kirk. Keep your suggestions til queried on them."
"Aye, Sir."
Sulu looked at sensors.
"Sir, Shuttle-doors opening on Reliant and... They're going into warp!"
At his workstation, an exhausted Scotty looked up at this.
"Are they all daft? Reliant cannae spend more than 30 seconds at warp in its condition. Why, one of the nacelles is likely to tear off, right as they come out!"
Peter smiled at Scotty.
"All part of the plan, sir. All part of the plan."
Saavik whispered under her breath.
"Be well, Father."
Peter heard this, and so picked up and kissed his wife's hand. She held his next to her cheek. For some, this display was too much. Xon cleared his throat.
"Captain, please instruct your daughter and son that such public displays between bondmates is not permissible."
But Saavik had dealt with four months of Xon's comments, and could stand no more.
"Captain, please instruct your Science Officer to GO TO Hell."
"Belay that, Mister Saavik. Mister Kirk, step back from your wife."
Xon nodded.
"Thank You, Sir."
"Oh, don't thank me, Mister Xon. You will leave private comments to be made in private. Not on My Bridge."
The attack on Ghidorah continued, and so did the flight of the Reliant, which quickly emerged from warp space. In fact - *both* Reliants did. Decker was impressed as the appearance of the second ship distracted Ghidorah.
"Captain Spock, just what was the name of the quarrelsome vintner who invented that maneuver?"
"His name, Commander, was...."
Colonel Worf finished.
"Maurice Picard. A striking man, for a human. Permission to launch, Captains?"
Chekov nodded as time ran out on the illusion.
"Colonel, please to be delivering our package!"
Using the remote relays, Worf first triggered a second 'Picard Maneuver', more illusory than the first. Then, he set the target parameters as they exited warp once more.
"Behold... THIS!!!!"
True to Captain Scott's prediction, a nacelle came off as they exited the last time. But this was by design, as David's brother had said. Thrust off and forward by the ship's own motion, the nacelle flew off and actually impaled Ghidorah's lower torso. The nightmare shrieked, for it once again knew pain, and once again did not like it. Shuttle X took off, and Enterprise prepared itself to receive the prodigals back.
"Sulu, I want those bay doors kept open, and shields down and up before that bastard can blink one of its football-field eyes."
"Got it sir."
"Saavik, keep those beams focus tight. Peter, move this ship if you have to, but keep us away from Ghidorah!"
Back aboard the Shuttle, Spock held a remote.
"The time is... NOW."
The nacelle that impaled the Ancient Destroyer had been brim-filled with photon torpedoes. Spock pressed the trigger, and detonated those torpedoes.
Ghidorah began to shake, firing wildly, and at last blew up, almost looking indignant at this development. In its soft underbelly, the thing had been filleted.
Aboard Enterprise, it was Sulu who noticed what happened.
"Sir, he's not regenerating! Pete, is he-"
"Sorry, Commander. He's not cloaked, but neither is he dead."
From the observation deck, the children cheered as Shuttle X returned from its harrowing experience. When the deck was pressurized, all present ran out and greeted the survivors.
"Uncle Pavel!"
"How ees my leetle Demora?"
"Well, I guess I'm... EEEEEGGHAGGGH!!!"
At Demora's scream, Spock and everyone turned, and some began screaming of their own. Calmly, Spock took the initiative.
"Captain Kirk, this is Spock. We are aboard safely, but have encountered a problem."
"What problem, Spock?"
It was only 30 meters tall, now. But every inch was pure disaster on four equine legs. Spock's voice actually broke as he said it out loud.
"Jim - We Have An Intruder."
Captain Kirk started.
"An intruder? Spock, what do you mean?"
Peter turned toward his father and Captain, eyes aglow in a steady, rhythmic series of internal pulses. He looked ill. At the navigation console, Saavik just shook her head. Peter spoke up.
"Sir, the creature can shift size. He's currently thirty meters in diameter, and poised to attack the shuttlebay. Sir - King Ghidorah is aboard this ship! Permission -"
The Captain cut him off. "Granted! Son - just save those people."
"Aye, Sir. Saavik-kam - Protect this ship."
"Peter-Kam - protect the children, who are his favorite targets."
Peter turned intangible, and rocketed through the decks below, the words 'I Love You' being unnecessary for those whose love was so very deep and visible.
Captain Kirk watched his first son go to face the Dragon. He suddenly realized he had questions for the young woman who was his daughter and daughter-in-law.
"Saavik, can Ghidorah become any size? Say, microscopic?"
"No, Sir. He would then be only a microscopic physical threat. His power is a crude one, and needs the form of the Ancient Destroyer to be fully realized."
Kirk nodded.
"Thank God for small favors. Commander Uhura - turn on ship's internal recorders, specifically those in the shuttlebay section."
Nyta flicked one switch, and the screen came to life. She had anticipated her fiancés order. She whispered lightly as the image came into view. "If you harm my boy, monster - you'll find out the true meaning of 'wicked stepmother'. That I swear."
Her emotional investment in the young man was far too great to watch the screen with anything less than rapt attention. Still, she made for Saavik's console to ask a question.
"Saavik, there's this song inside my head, and I can't get it out. Can you probe -"
Saavik quite clearly smiled.
"Mother of our two hearts - she who held our hands when my Peter and I were children, and who dried our tears. You have been chosen. When the time comes - You will be by our side, as we fight the Enemy at Megiddo. Then, you will be beautiful, as you are now, and fly as though an angel."
In Uhura's mind, the song became crystal clear. So did many things.
"What about Jim?"
"My beloved 'Pop' will be one of Three Kings upon that day, the two good acting to defeat the tyrant Ghidorah. Pop's face is seen as through the bush, at night. Fierce and Primal, he fights for the Beauty that is Life. I can say no more, for few are those who can further see than when Ghidorah meets The Rock."
Then, events onscreen took over. Jim prayed, hard. "God, protect my sons."
As everyone stared, the now-elephantine form of Ghidorah took a step forward. David Marcus thought fast. Grabbing anti-gravs, he armed Genesis and held it out in front of him. Ghidorah's three heads now all looked like Death, but with a healthier pallor. It had four legs instead of two, which it used to back up when Genesis was turned on. David was angry, both for the loss of his mother and the fact that this devil- winged obscenity had the ability to follow them inside. He shook the device, looking like a high-tech caveman warding off a marauding bear.
"That's right - get back! You're afraid of what I helped cook up, aren't you? Sure, it makes sense. One brother can destroy you, and the other creates a device you fear. You've got a lot to answer for, you stinking animal. I'm a scientist, see, and what you've done to the universe -"
The monster never touched David, but it did lightly move its wings, causing a vast wind that knocked the young man back. He was unharmed, and Spock caught Genesis. Spock took note that if, in this form, Ghidorah had energy beams, he was reluctant to use them, perhaps for fear of triggering Genesis. He helped David up.
"Doctor Marcus - while I fully understand the need for emotional catharsis, I do not believe that taunting our foe will accomplish any worthwhile goals."
David was still dizzy. The sound of crying children wasn't helping anyone.
"You're right, Captain Spock, but I had to do something. Genesis - sir, Genesis is drained of power somehow!" If Spock thought he saw a grin on one of the wolfish dragon heads, he did not entirely dismiss it as a subjective view.
Chekov spoke up, while looking for the emergency switch that would jettison the shuttlebay. "We had better act, or we are all quite very much dead." He prayed Hikaru would forgive him for causing Demora's death in this manner. He thought he might.
Wielding his bat'leth, Colonel Worf stepped forward. "I shall act. Can a Son of Kahless do otherwise, when facing the Butcher Of Qo'noS?"
Annoyed by this gnat, Ghidorah went to stomp him flat. Though the foot was massive, Worf rolled, avoided it, then brought down his blade, which found its mark. The monster shrieked at the loss of a toe, but Worf shook his head and withdrew. He was crestfallen.
"I had no more success than one hundred heavy cruisers. A toe! My best placed, most well-timed blow - and all I netted was a toe. I am nothing. Unworthy to be the one who earns the place in Sto-Vo-Kor for those restless warrior souls."
Worf was not one for self-pity. But a battle is won or lost in the first motion, and he knew that his next fight would be one of suicide, not return. He could gird himself for either, but not for both. A bloody wound or a bloody corpse he could envision. But his failing lay in being unable to see Ghidorah that way. He gathered his thoughts, hoping at the end to strike a blow that someone else could exploit, later on. In his fury at having such limited success, he failed to see how many lives he saved by not allowing the creature to move forward, especially against the children, always a prime target of Ghidorah's. But a true warrior's harshest judge is always themselves.
Then, such thoughts became unnecessary. The deck-plating below Ghidorah began to rumble. The creature, still unsteady from the loss of its toe, which had not yet fully regenerated, tumbled over and fell. Spock and the others used this opportunity to clear out, even pulling away from the Observation Deck.
It didn't matter, though. Monitors all over the ship were still fixed on the intruder. Back at the rec-area, all but Spock watched as the deck-plating finally burst open, knocking Ghidorah straight into the ceiling. Spock made quickly for the bridge, grabbing a porta-view as he went.
In the rec-area, an exhausted David Marcus watched a lone human figure jump out from the rupture.
He was floating, and his eyes were like stars. Dragon and Dragonslayer stood face to face for the first time. Peter Kirk had arrived to do battle with Ghidorah.
With his awesome telekinetic abilities protecting him, he pulled back his fist and punched the middle head of this aspect of the Great Beast. To its shock, the monster flew back, and was cut to ribbons by the shuttlebay's neutronium-laced safety net. Peter gestured, and the pieces flew out into the vacuum of space as the bay-doors opened and closed quickly. It was far from over, but Peter allowed himself a few moments of satisfaction. He pointed at the bay-doors. The young hero sneered and spoke out loud, his fear neatly tucked away behind his righteous rage.
"This - is my father's house!"
On the Bridge, Captain Kirk also knew it wasn't done, for Ghidorah had survived far worse. But bursting with pride, he still almost shouted as the lift-doors came open, revealing Spock.
"That - Is My Son!"
They all turned and saw the returning friend, but Jim let that hang for the moment, hoping that Spock could finally mend an old, festering wound. Indeed, the Captain was momentarily bypassed, as the former Ambassador walked straight to the nav-console, and bid the young woman there stand up. She did, and each saluted in the Vulcan manner.
"Live long and prosper, Spock, Son of Sarek and Amanda."
The next words said utterly validated a young woman's very being. Heading back to the Bridge, Peter felt his wife's overwhelming joy, and it was his own. Spock nodded to her, and spoke as he had often wished he could.
"Live long and prosper, Saavik, Adopted of James, Wife of Peter, and Daughter - of Spock."
Saavik shook with joy, and Spock made perhaps the ultimate surrender of his dignity to one he had inadvertently wronged. To even Jim's shock, and especially to Xon's - Spock gave his little girl a hug, and spoke more healing words.
"You are my Beloved Child - in whom I am Well Pleased."
The embrace ended as a smiling Peter reached the Bridge. He could now feel Spock through his bond with Saavik, no longer a familiar stranger. There would be more pain, to be certain. But for now, the war continued. Kirk turned and looked at his son.
"Good Job, Lieutenant. Mister Sulu, what is the Enemy's current status?"
Sulu smacked the board, a whopper of a grin on his face.
"He's resumed the size and form of the Ancient Destroyer. He's headed away from us - and further into Federation space. Jim - we've got him on the run!"
Kirk quickly stared out at his family, completed by the arrival of David Marcus and Pavel Chekov. Knowing that Peter had said they could not destroy Ghidorah right then, he still hoped to land a few more blows before that final battle.
"Mister Saavik, Captain Sulu - lay in a pursuit course. Scotty, get down to Engineering - you know what I need. Captain Spock, if you would handle Mr. Scott's local station, I would be most appreciative. Nyta - as Console Officer, keep those surges down, we need every last boop and beep to do exactly what it should. Captain Chekov, as soon as course is laid in and plotted, relieve Mister Saavik at the Nav-Console. Peter, Saavik, keep us running, keep that monster on the run and keep the shields up. Number One -"
Kirk turned, and did not see Will Decker.
"For his sake, he better be badly wounded. Alright, everyone, forward -"
Jim took in a breath.
"Let's bring him low."
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EARTH, GALACTIC NEWS NETWORK HQ
"Using a 'stringer' we have until now kept secret aboard the USS Enterprise, GNN is the first to bring you footage of this epic battle between the Ancient Destroyer and the Flagship Of StarFleet. The powerful young man who dispatched Ghidorah so easily has not yet been identified, but experts say it fits with the prophecy of a 'Rock'. We expect an ID soon, and it seems that this young man is about to become quite well known."
For Saavik and Peter, life would never again be the same.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
The classic image of King Ghidorah was dead wrong. The sight, emblazoned in the racial memory of lifekind, of three bobbing heads and two barely- mobile wings, plodding their way through the interstellar corridors was actually that of the monster on planetary approach. Its method of travel was one of the few indicators that distance and motion bound even this fugitive from Known Physics.
Wings folded around it, heads straight, Ghidorah spun like a drill in the eternal night, moving at speeds that were, if anything, increased by its size and power usage. The nature of the beast made measuring that speed difficult. Suffice it to say, it could reach warp speed, when it needed and wanted it to be warp. Today it needed warp, and more warp. For the cliché had become truth. The Hunter was now the Hunted.
One lone starship should not have been able to wound the Ancient Destroyer. But Ghidorah had been distracted. The Genesis device, which it greatly feared for some unknown reason, had been aboard the now-crippled USS Reliant. Using this advantage, the USS Enterprise, fully prepared for single combat, pressed its attack with little damage and no loss of life. Even when a smaller "aspect" of Ghidorah invaded the ship, it was repulsed, costing the beast a useful alter-form. Now, Captain Kirk watched as his ship bore down on the Enemy Of Life.
"I want us close enough to hurt him, but not close enough to be hurt, if at all possible. Mister Kirk, recommendations. Specifically: What can we do to it now, even if we cannot achieve its final destruction?"
Peter Kirk was finally getting used to being the expert in this sorry affair.
"Sir, if we sufficiently weaken him, then Mister Saavik should be able to fine tune a series of tractor beams, which we can then use to bind him for transport to the Doomsday Machine's current location."
David Marcus smiled at this thought.
"Tie him up on the hood, eh, Big Brother?"
Jim turned at hearing this.
"David? When did Carol tell you?"
The smile faded.
"A few days before the wave hit. Another pointless argument. She told me in order to one-up me."
Jim smiled, and Nyta Uhura with him. David was confused.
"Just what's so damned funny?"
Uhura, attempting to keep the Bridge's overtaxed consoles operational, nonetheless gave the response.
"David, let's just say that your mother never did change, God Bless Her."
"You mean she was always like that?"
This bit of insight almost punched through David's anger over his mother's death. But as Peter would later tell him, that road was long and hard. Now Spock asked a question.
"Peter, in what manner will Saavik 'fine-tune' the tractor beams?"
The young couple turned to Saavik's now-acknowledged biological father, eyes casting a glow that the Bridge crew knew but that Spock, Chekov, and Marcus found surprising, to say the least. Saavik spoke.
"To coin a phrase, Father, mine is the busywork, while Peter handles the heavy lifting. He is - good for that- owww!"
Spock took it all in quickly. The two possessed advanced psycho-kinetic Abilities - and a fondness for displays of public physical affection. He noted Saavik start from her seat, obviously meaning that Peter had used his TK to 'goose' her.
When appropriate, he would gently speak to her upon this subject. That said, their attentions were not divided. They were Starfleet Officers, and kept to their duties as such. Sulu spoke up next.
"Captain, he's turning, preparing to fire. Mecha and Gold Heads - Brace for impact."
But that impact never came. Moving as though in Tai Chi, Peter and Saavik dispersed the beams harmlessly in space.
Sulu noted this, an apparent contradiction with an earlier statement Peter had made. "I thought you couldn't block his beam."
"We can block it, Captain Sulu. But what we can't do is stop it at the source. It's one thing to avoid the spray from a waterfall - and quite another to dam it up for all time."
Chekov stared at the board. "Keptin, something is wrong with the photon torpedoes. The array is all wrong."
Spock checked, as well, and nodded.
"That, Captain Chekov, is because they are now what I believe is referred to as 'Quantum' torpedoes. My compliments, Jim. Truly, you came ready to fight."
"Yes, I did. And with You here, Spock - with all of you here, I feel ready to win this fight. Saavik, status of the Enemy?"
The young woman scanned with her more precise abilities. "Good news, Captain. I doubt he has ever had to fire while being pursued before. I believe we can put our plan into effect, quite soon. Ghidorah is significantly drained."
Spock nodded.
"It would seem the creature is not only bound by distance and motion, but that they are great drains upon his power. Mister Kirk, may I suggest you use your more wide-field abilities to cast a field around the creature's heads? An umbrella, if you will, that holds in the rain."
Peter agreed.
"Yes, sir. It won't prove a severe drain, and should knock Ghidorah around with his own energy. He appears to be vulnerable to it. Just have to be careful not to block the mouths themselves. Oh, and Captain Spock - sir?"
"Yes, Lieutenant?"
"Welcome Back to the Family, sir."
"Despite it all, Peter - it is good to be back."
Again, the monster turned, but its beams flew back at it. Peter felt dizzier than he thought he would, but only Saavik knew this.
"Veakened or not, Hikaru, the creature's readings still top all scales. Can we win?"
"Pavel - can we not? Was Demora happy to see you?"
"She was - but then she saw the creature. Vhat are those children doing here? Who is running StarFleet, after Admiralty Hall?"
The pursuit continued, but Chekov's question struck at Captain Kirk.
"Spock, if Peter put paid to our 'beloved' Senior Command that day, and if their protégés were wiped away when Ghidorah absorbed its followers after the Coup, then who *is* running things back home?"
"Jim, the Constitution provides an answer. But I fear you will not like it."
McCoy seconded his old friend.
"You tell him, Spock. I couldn't find the courage to. Captain, you're gonna love this."
"Sarcastic, Doctor - but accurate, I fear."
"Quit the games, and give me the answer."
But before Spock could answer, the shields rocked with Ghidoran fire. At Sciences, Xon gave analysis.
"That was from the Death's Head, sir. It must have been charging. Some energy feedback through the consoles. Mister Kirk, why did you allow -"
Peter Kirk had fainted. In a moment, a concerned Uhura joined Saavik at his side, and then McCoy. The 'Rock' quickly awakened, and looked to his father.
"That hurt him worse than it did me, sir. He leaned his mouth against the edge of my shield before he fired. We've got him, sir. A spread of torpedoes, and he'll be immobile."
Bones leaned over Peter, and confirmed that both he and his closely- linked wife were okay. The Doctor whispered to them both. "You two have an obscenely lucky set of genetic codes - but for the baby's sake, try and rest when you can."
Saavik held her belly, and shook her head. "We offer no promises, Doctor."
Leonard snorted. "Yeah, that's in your DNA, too."
Jim asked again. "Spock, who is in charge of Starfleet, absent top Command?"
Spock closed his eyes, opened them, and gave forth the answer. "The Sciences and Exploration Committee Of the Federation Council."
Kirk's jaw dropped.
"No, not - Spock - they... I - Spock-"
Uhura broke the awkward silence that followed. "Captain - a message from the Federation Council. From the - should I put it on audio?"
Kirk shrugged. "Why not? After all, we know what follows, don't we?"
David shook his head. "I don't."
Peter took this opportunity to speak to his half-brother. "David, did you ever hear of the Mugatu? Or the SodiaVore of Planet M-113?"
"Yeah, the Salt Vampire, right?"
"Right. Well, despite the fact that the creature was in a rage, killing crewmembers, shifting shape, and refusing help - the Science and Exploration Committee took that incident and others like it - and tried to court-martial our Father. He spent his month-long stopover between the first and second five-year missions answering those charges."
McCoy nodded in agreement.
"If we on this end are a bit too quick on the trigger, leave us just say that S and E would prefer we go about unarmed. Kind of like those maniacs at the Hall - only they save their bigotry for field officers."
Rather than pull anything, Kirk told his fiancée to complete the connection. Even in this time, he would acknowledge what passed for Command.
"This is Captain Kirk, aboard the Enterprise. To whom am I speaking?"
"By order of the Federation Council, you are hereby ordered to cease and desist in your pursuit of King Ghidorah. The Science and Exploration Committee has made the following determination: we are dealing with a unique species."
The orders blew everyone away.
"Vell, of course we are dealing with a unique species. I say, make it an extinct one."
Sulu seconded. "Captain, please tell me you're not considering obeying these asinine orders."
Spock turned to his best friend.
"While I laud their ideals, the Council seems to misapprehend the creature's potential. Jim, I believe we all stand together on this one."
"Captain - there's more, Including a coded message. I'll de-encrypt while the rest plays."
"Since this ship and this command have often demonstrated a contempt for the rules of First Contact and the Prime Directive, steps have been taken to ensure compliance."
At Sciences, Xon was struggling to fight a sudden lack of response on the part of console controls. Uhura backed away from her sparking station. Xon cried out.
"Captain, the coded message contained a so-called 'virus'. The duotronic computers are seizing, locking up. Rerouting -"
Science Officer Xon had learned much of non-Vulcans, in his five years on the USS Enterprise. Despite his lectures to Saavik, he was a different man from the early data-spewing "stiff" that came aboard. A large part of that had been due to Pavel Chekov, who now realized he had never had a chance to say hello to his young friend - and that now he would never have a chance to say goodbye. Like a hidden phaser, the pent-up arc of energy erased the Vulcan, sending his spirit into Peter Kirk's mind, and sending a wave of grief through people who needed no more of that particular emotion. Perhaps not feeling it as keenly, Spock checked what remained of the console.
"Captain - computers are off line! We are helpless."
Sensing his enemy's weakness, Ghidorah turned in space and went back towards Enterprise. Peter shook his head.
"Dad, I can't. Without the ship to back us up, we're done for."
"The HELL you are! Some hero, giving up without a try. Aren't these the people who always pull it out?"
Chekov noticed his own former navigator. "Lieutenant Guinan? You used the service way, via the ladders?"
"I was on my way up, anyway, sir. I felt certain something was coming. Captain Kirk, I can get your computer back up."
"Then do so, Lieutenant. What do you need?"
Guinan stared at the console.
"I just need to surrender some of my soul, that's all."
What Guinan did next amazed them all.
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Below, on the Shuttlebay, Will Decker stared at Shuttle X, and at Genesis. He knew what was approaching Enterprise. He spoke to the empty air.
"I understand, Sir. I won't let you down."
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Lieutenant Guinan extended her hand toward the computer center that had just taken the life of Lieutenant Commander Xon. To everyone's shock, and especially that of Pavel Chekov, her former Captain, cables then shot out of that hand and fed into the computer console. It began to show slow signs of life. She spoke to Kirk, who watched this odd spectacle in as much wonder as anyone.
"Captain, I can undo a lot of the damage. But not all of it. Unfortunately at this time, a lot of what those monsters did to me has been reversed. I'd never thought I'd miss those old nanoprobes."
Chekov had looked to Guinan for advice during the dark times of Captain Terrell's withdrawal from Command on Reliant. He was not shocked to find there was yet another level to her.
"Guinan - am I correct in assuming that your cousin was not the only one the Borg assimilated, prior to Ghidorah's coming?"
Of all the Bridge crew, only Peter and Saavik also understood what a 'Borg' was. But all listened in rapt attention, despite the returning danger of Ghidorah.
"Aye, sir. When she returned to the Collective, she promptly turned me over. I was sent out as part of the first hive to deal with the monster. We - failed. My connection was severed, and I returned to my family, who used every treatment in the book to get rid of my implants. They couldn't get them all. I can use them without real consequence - but it brings back memories of being taken and used. Champions - May I speak?"
Peter and his wife realized it was they who were being addressed.
"Er - of course, Mister Guinan."
"I'm sorry I mocked you. But you two don't have the luxury of giving up. When Megiddo is found, there will you see your true face - "the Face, Glimpsed As Though Over A Hill". There, to teach that bastard the First Lesson of Strength - and of Other Kings."
Peter took in her words, and even though he had heard them elsewhere before, they still chilled him and Saavik to the bone. But now their father spoke. "Mister Guinan - shields?"
She frowned, her prominent cheeks accentuating that frown. "No, sir. But if we can get through this, I've managed to expunge all outside 'killswitch' codes. The one the Council used was placed there by Admiralty Hall. The feeble morons using the hammer of the fascist morons - sir."
Kirk hated agreeing with such a sentiment. But it seemed at times that if those at the top in the UFP weren't war-mongers, they were like World War One Aristocrats, visiting the front and finding the tired, hungry, dirty soldiers distasteful and worthy only of contempt.
He turned to his son. "Peter - shields?"
"A few strikes, sir. But I doubt he'll stop at just a few strikes. Nor can I move us away fast enough."
Chekov looked at Peter. "But I've seen you and Saavik perform miracles. Sulu said you blew up five starships!"
Saavik answered. "He did so by overpowering their shields, Captain. Unlike Ghidorah, we must obey the laws of physics. Those miracles you speak of all had scientific basis. In the end, we two merely move objects around... Peter-Kam! Objects."
Out of respect for Spock and his father, Peter did not then kiss his wife.
"Captain Kirk, we need a spread of weaponry. If it can be fired, fire it."
"Lieutenant Kirk, we are currently lacking guidance systems, and the number-crunching routines to guide us manually."
"Just fire, sir - we'll do the rest."
"Aye, Sir!"
If Peter suddenly turned expecting a glare for his presumption, a smiling Jim Kirk did not oblige. Sulu and Chekov did as their friend bid them.
"Weapons - Firing."
"Da. But they are merely flying wildly - I take that back."
Saavik took the several phaser beams that were unleashed and fine-tuned them into one beam. Peter took the careening photon-quantum torpedoes and held them into a path so tight, they were like one missile. Together, the children of the Enterprise, now children no longer, searched Ghidorah's hide for a place to strike. The monster sensed this, and stopped its approach. It seemed to hover in space, the ever-charging Death Head at the ready. Though distant, it still lashed out with the Mecha-Red and King-Gold beams, which struck at the wounded Enterprise.
Uhura gave the reports. "No damage, sir - but we are feeling it. And the children are scared."
"My Love - they are hardly alone in that."
Spock remembered the information passed to him from doomed Qo'noS.
"If the Lieutenants will shift their view to Ghidorah's upper right torso, you will see a small wound, a remnant of where the creature cut himself. He is just as vulnerable to his own substance as he is to his own energy. I suggest you strike there."
Together, the telekinetics cupped their hands and pulled back. The tear on the skin of the Ancient Destroyer became visible. Peter pulled back his hand and poured the torpedoes into the breach while the monster drew ever closer. Saavik then fired the coherent beam inside, and both moved the Enterprise back and Ghidorah forward, as much as they could. The beam detonated the torpedoes, igniting a firestorm inside that the creature's current frame could not survive. The explosion that followed was no less satisfying for the knowledge of its ultimate futility. It didn't need to finish him.
"Is he regenerating?"
Chekov checked sensors.
"Aye, sir. But he is also heading away again - at a good clip. Must be somewhat drained. Now - he's gone, sir. Either out of range or he engaged his cloak. Heading, Kelvan Relocation Colony. Also in that basic path are Bajor, several non-aligned worlds, and -"
Chekov froze, and Spock viewed his readings.
"A good estimation, Pavel. Especially in light of the creature's fondness for population centers. Captain, the current goal of the Ancient Destroyer would appear to be - Vulcan."
Jim shook his head.
"Like hell it is. Peter - current location of the Doomsday Machine?"
"In a minute, sir."
"No, not in a minute, Lieu-"
Peter was sitting, and rubbing his head. Jim looked at McCoy, who nodded.
"Alright, heroes. It's time for some enforced rest -in your quarters, or in Sickbay - but make no mistake, you will rest. If that thing comes back now, we're dead anyway. Spock, you want to help here?"
Jim motioned to Spock, who knew that "We'll talk later" was about as necessary a phrase for them as "I Love You" was for the young couple.
"Indeed, Doctor. I should like to speak - with my daughter and my son-in-law."
"Good, Spock. That way, they'll be sure and get some sleep."
"Doctor McCoy?"
"Yes, Spock?"
"Please do not ever change. The universe has already suffered far too many imbalances as it is."
The lift doors closed, and another epic battle resumed. David Marcus stood before Jim.
"Oh, God - David. I know how this sounds, but - can we talk later? The ship -"
"Relax, Captain. I can see what shape we're in. Actually, I want more to talk to Peter. I - was kind of a jerk to him, last time we met. But... God, what do I call you? Pop?"
"No. Your sister calls me Pop."
"I have a sister?"
"Saavik is my adopted daughter - though perhaps not for much longer. I'll miss her, in that respect, silly as it sounds."
"Dad, then? I heard Peter call you that."
"Dad it is. What's on your mind - besides Carol?"
"Believe me, Dad. She can wait. I am nowhere near ready to even think about how she died - or that she died at all. No, this has to do with Mister Spock, you're not gonna like it."
David told his revealed father, who indeed did not like this news at all.
"Thank You, David. I'll - talk to Spock. Now, just stand by my chair for a moment. There's something that I have to do."
He looked at Uhura, who activated the ships intercom speakers.
"All Hands, This Is the Captain. The situation seems murky, but our mission remains clear. When we get underway, we will continue our efforts to pursue and to ultimately destroy King Ghidorah. Command, or what passes for Command, may not be with us, but I see no alternative to pressing forward. We are one of a bare handful of ships in all of history to survive an encounter with the Beast. That is because I have the privilege of commanding what is the finest crew... period. No qualifiers. Just the Finest Crew. I would like to offer a Special Commendation to..
David held up his hand, and Jim stopped.
David whispered. "He'll kill you, Dad."
Uhura nodded. "He's right, Jim."
Kirk smiled. "Recommendations noted."
He resumed. "A special commendation to the Lieutenants Kirk, who, in concert with their crewmates, acted to save this ship. They make me proud to be their father, under whatever circumstances I ended up being so. No offense is meant to the two brothers of mine in whose place I stood. But I hold these two dear, even if they will kill me for this later. Kirk out."
He signed off, and David left the Bridge. Jim looked at Uhura.
"Lady, as soon as I have this ship on the road to full repair - I want a date certain out of you. Alright?"
"And here I thought our fearless leader was trying to squirm away. Will Spock be the Best Man?"
Nyta saw Kirk frown. "Not in this lifetime."
Uhura wondered at his words, but wisely decided to ask no more. She turned instead to Lieutenant Guinan.
"Mister Guinan, any luck in getting us up and around?"
"Some, sir. But while I've kept life support from collapsing, and should be able to give Engineering its life back - it's going to be a while before we're ready to face the monster again. And don't ask me what a while is. There's no Collective to call upon - thank God. May I make a suggestion, Commander?"
"Of course."
"Reliant's frame is done for. But her systems held up through it all. Suggest we cannibalize her - with apologies to Captain Chekov."
Eager to get his mind off his sudden anger with Spock, Kirk responded to Guinan's idea.
"Good idea, Lieutenant. No - make that Lieutenant Commander - if Captain Chekov approves, that is."
"I concur, Captain Kirk. Congratulations, Mister Guinan. Had it not been for Captain Terrell's difficulties, I would have recommended you long ago for promotion. Jim, you can depend on her - as you depend on me."
"Then that's all there is to say."
"No, sir. I'd like to add one last thing."
"By all means, Mister Guinan."
Any worries the El-Aurian had about losing her soul to the reactivation of her implants quickly faded, as she wiped away one small tear.
"I guess... There are all kinds of collectives. You just have to be choosy about which one you join."
Sulu spoke up.
"With that said - Jim, may I make a serious suggestion?"
"Always, Hikaru."
"Actually - two suggestions. One is to inform the rest of the fleet about that killswitch code, while telling the Council to back off. The second is this: I'm a Captain, Pavel is, Spock is, Nyta is, and so is Scotty. The Doctor - seems to think he is, on occasion. End that, sir. My ego was badly bruised by losing the Cooper. But I don't want to be called Captain again - until I have my own ship."
Chekov concurred. "A ship has one Captain. Especially this ship."
Uhura chimed in. "Until such time as Command wises up, 'Mrs. Captain' will have to do."
Kirk nodded.
"Thank you all. That means a lot to me, Hikaru, especially since Demora - hey, who's watching the kids in all this?"
Chekov grinned. "Somevun - personable."
In the Rec Area, Colonel Worf glared at his young charges as he tore yet another sign off his back. He thought of Mogh, and admired their spirit, at least. He read the sign, confused at what it said.
"I Am - Weasel?"
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KELVAN RELOCATION COLONY
Rojan stared at the night sky. Kelinda joined him.
"Rojan - He Comes."
Rojan smiled.
"The fruition of all plans, Kelinda. When Ghidorah falls before us - we shall own this quadrant outright. Are we ready to assume the forms of the Three?"
Kelinda nodded.
"I've never feasted on Dragon before."
Then, all on Kelva-2 - began to change.
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USS EXCELSIOR
"The Council needn't worry, sir. Unlike Kirk, I respect Command and know how to obey orders."
"Good, Captain Styles. Just stay clear of Enterprise. The Kirk boy, if provoked, could pose a threat. King Ghidorah is to be captured and studied, and by no means brought near the Planet-Killer."
"Councilor, again, don't worry. If Kirk's rickety antique can wound this species, then this Fleet - Twelve Excelsior-Class Ships strong - can easily capture him. While I, myself, have qualms about the secret shipyards where Admiralty Hall had all of these built, their use is undeniable. This time, the Buffalo will be saved from the rampaging Cowboy."
"Good. Captain, ignore all further orders. We must go."
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EARTH, PARIS - FEDERATION COUNCIL HEADQUARTERS
The doors burst open, and Starfleet Security quickly arrested the members and staff of the Science And Exploration Committee. The Federation Council President faced down the would-be coup leader.
"What have you done? You have redirected our remaining fleet towards a fool's errand, and crippled our flagship with no warning."
"Kirk and his ilk may carry your banner, Mister President. But they do not speak for us. This opportunity to study Ghidorah will not be sacrificed to a xenophobic, militaristic agenda. We are dealing with a unique species, and will not see it casually wiped away. What we can learn from Ghidorah - what Ghidorah may teach usaaahhhhhh!!!"
As the d'k tahg was pulled away, the Federation President sneered. "My son and his wife were visiting Qo'noS! What can anyone learn from the deaths of trillions? Take him away - and if he utters the words 'unique species' again, gag him - with the bandage you now place on his arm."
Try as he might, though, the President could not call back the Excelsior Group from its mission.
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SIGMA IOTIA TWO
"Hey - this is the Sinatra calling the Capone. WE GOT PROBLEMS!"
"Capone Here. What You got, Frankie?"
"I got the entire Starship Dillinger in my one hand, is what I got, Capone."
"Eh? You're nuts! The Dillinger is over 100 meters, gavon!"
"I know dat! What I'm holdin' is what's left of it. Worse, the Guy Fawkes ain't nowhere, neither. Capone! I'm seein' things - we're talkin stumpy, looks like a compass. Would yez send on a message to Bela?"
"Ok. Give."
"Cancel Christmas."
As Bela Oxmyx watched his fleet fall away, he reflected on how tough it had been to use Starfleet technology while retaining their 1920's Chicagoan culture. But he had done it.
He winced as he saw the Doomsday Machine appear in the sky.
"Boy, that Koik. Ya miss two lousy payments, and the guy loses all suspective!"
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USS ENTERPRISE
Kirk may have been upset with Spock for reasons he now chose to keep to himself, but he was the one to inspect the computers - and to deliver the bad news.
"Captain, our duotronic computers will never be the same again. Parts from Reliant, while they will help, cannot fully salvage them. In battle, that means defeat."
"Then we need, Spock, to eschew duotronic computers - and call on an old 'friend' for help."
"What old friend would that be, Jim?"
Kirk nodded.
"A Captain - Captain Dunsel, to be specific. Peter, does your grandfather still have the same companion?"
"Yes, sir. Granpa Tom - Doctor Thomas Sorel - is still working with Doctor Richard Daystrom."
"Working, Lieutenant?"
"I asked him once. He said it was none of my business - and it isn't."
"Jim, Spock added, "Tasorel's previous life on Romulus would have required a certain silence that we could never understand - and that perhaps he has never shaken off."
"That aside, Doctor Daystrom can be difficult. Tom always knew how to pick em'. Aurelan used to - never mind. Just locate them both, if need be. Because, God help us once again..."
Kirk breathed in, hating his necessary words.
"If we're going to win this battle, we may just need M5!"