TITLE: Standoff Challenge Entry: Two Ornithoid Lifeforms Utilizing a Single Sample of a Mineral Substance
AUTHOR: Mikejaffa
SYNOPSIS: Written in response to the “Standoff” challenge on TrekBBS: Freeman has two problems, and one of them is named “Captain Sokel.”
DISCLAIMER: Star Trek is owned by Paramount. I am making no money off writing and posting this fic.
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“Mariner,” T’Lyn whispered, “why does Starbase 80’s operations center resemble a railway station from 20th century North America?” She and Marner were following Captain Freeman through the station’s Ops Center.
“No idea,” Mariner whispered back. “How you holding up?”
“When you told me how bad it smells here, I thought you were engaging in the typical human trait of exaggeration.”
Freeman snapped, “Hush you two.” While she tolerated much from Mariner and her friends, she was already angry and not in the mood for ‘lower decker’ antics.
Commodore Bryan’s office had to be wood-paneled, because it couldn’t possibly be made of wood. The boxy structure was wedged into the back wall of Ops with multiple windows. Instead of sliding doors, it had a hinged door with a doorknob. Freeman pushed the door open and led Mariner and T’Lyn in. Bryan was an overweight, middle-aged man, balding with five o’clock shadow. He was hunched behind his desk. Bryan’s desk was in the corner of the room and completed the impression of having been transported from the 20th century: Although he wore and older style com badge on his brown uniform, there was a phone handset built into his com console, and multiple freestanding microphones. A fan in the other corner blew air around.
Freeman said, “Bryan.”
Bryan smiled a smile Mariner instantly wanted to punch.
“Carol,” Bryan said.
“Congratulations on your appointment as SB80’s commander. It suits you.”
Bryan chuckled. “And congratulations to Beckett on being Lieutenant Junior Grade…again. What is this, the third or fourth time? You know what happened last time, right? The Oberth she crashed? How do you crash a freaking Oberth anyway? What makes you think she’ll do any different to your ship?”
“Lieutenant J. G. Mariner has turned over a new leaf, Commodore.”
“Please, Carol. You really think she can stop undermining herself? Everyone knows the kid is a disaster waiting to happen except you. Of course, that’s what you get when you and your husband coddled her for so long. Now, if she were my kid, things would have been different.”
“We are not here to discussing parenting or anything else…irrelevant,” Freeman said, barely hiding her anger. “We are here about the part we ordered.”
“What part is that?”
“You know perfectly well what part I’m talking about.”
Bryan made a show of riffling through papers in a clipboard on his desk. His punchable smile never wavered as he read, “Ah, yes, here it is: One custom made warp plasma regulator for an old Cardassian frigate the Bajorans painted their flag on and pretend to use to patrol their solar system. Seems we can’t replicate the tech. It has to be made by a third party and delivered. And lucky us, SB80 is the distribution hub for Bajor’s sector. And lucky you, you get to make the delivery. Yeah, we have it.”
“And why didn’t you hand it over to us when we arrived three days ago?”
“Stuff as to be done. You know, labels printed, forms filled out, stuff like that. And that’s on top of…” He riffled the paper on his clipboard. “…other people being ahead of you.” He sat up and smiled lewdly. “Of course, if you’re in a hurry, we can make an…arrangement.”
Mariner could stand no more. She lunged forward and said, “What, you slimy--”
“Beckett, stand down,” Freeman said. “Bryan, if you think--”
Bryan’s phone rang. “’Scuse me.” He picked up the phone. “Yeah?” Whatever joy he felt at annoying Freeman went away. His smile vanished. “What Vulcan ship? No, we’re not expecting one.”
Freeman’s combadge beeped. “Ransom to Freeman,” Jack’s voice said.
Freeman tapped her badge. “Go ahead, Jack.”
“Captain, you and the lieutenants had better get back here.”
8
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When Freeman, Mariner, and T’Lyn got to the *Cerritos’s* bridge, the main screen showed a Vulcan cruiser on the opposite side of the SB 80 space station from the *Cerritos.* Boimler was at Con, and Rutherford was at Ops.
Jack said, “Captain, the *Sh’Val* just dropped out of warp and said they are standing by to beam Mr. T’Lyn aboard. I’ve put them on hold.”
“Thank you, Jack,” Freeman said as she settled into the captain’s chair. “Mr. Rutherford. Put him on the screen.”
The bridge of the *Sh’Val* appeared on the screen, Captain Sokel in his captain’s chair. Of course, if Sokel felt any impatience, he didn’t show it.
Freeman said, “Captain Sokel. To what do we owe this pleasure?”
“Captain Freeman. We are standing by to have Lieutenant Junior Grade T’Lyn beamed aboard.”
“I wasn’t aware she was beaming aboard.”
“I have put through a recall order recalling her to duty on the *Sh’Val.*”
“I’ve received no such order.”
“I am not responsible for any inefficiencies in Starfleet’s chain of command. I have been assured that you will have received the order by the end of business today at the latest. Further communication is not required.” He left the screen.
Standing next to T’Lyn, Mariner said, “Uhhhhhh, T’Lyn? Is there anything you would like to share with the class?”
“I believe I have relevant information, yes.”
Freeman rose from her chair. “Jack. Mariner. T’Lyn. Boimler. Rutherford. My ready room. Now. Mr. Shaxs. You have the bridge.”
Jack protested, “What did I do?”
“And Rutherford and I have been on bridge duty the whole time,” Boimler said.
“People,” Freeman said as she crossed to the ready room door, “I don’t know if you were aware of this, but that was an order.”
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Freeman sat behind her desk as T’Lyn outlined her history aboard the *Sh’Val* up until Sokel had transferred her off the ship.
Jack spoke first: “What is wrong with that guy? Ok, we’ve tossed Mariner in the brig so much they’re calling it the Mariner Suite. But we also give her credit when she deserves it. That rank pip that she got after that business aboard the *Voyager* is proof of that.”
T’Lyn said, “He was acting within his rights as captain and within the bounds of Vulcan fleet regulations, Commander.”
“Just because it’s legal doesn’t make it right, Lieutenant.”
Freeman said, “We can have that debate another time. Mr. T’Lyn. One yes-no question: Do you want to stay?”
“That would be my preference, Captain.”
“Not yes-no, Lieutenant.”
“Yes, Captain.”
“Ok. We have something to work with. Unfortunately, regulations don’t give me a lot of wiggle room. You are still a member of the Vulcan fleet. Legally, their orders take precedence. There’s not much I can do except delay, and only for a day at most.”
Rutherford’s gaze wandered to the window. It had a view of the space station and the *Sh’Val.*
Rutherford said ruefully, “Ironic. SB80 is like the worst place in Starfleet. Captain Sokel doesn’t realize how good you have it here considering the alternative.”
Boimler brightened. “Captain, maybe that’s it. If Sokel realized that this isn’t the worst place in Starfleet…”
“…he’d let her stay,” Freeman finished. “I knew there was a reason I liked having you kids around.”
Mariner smiled. “And there it is. How do you captains get those ideas, Mom?”
“Comes with being a captain, sweetie. You actually have to get promoted and get the chair.”
“Ooh. I knew there was a catch.”
“Return to your stations,” Freeman said. “Jack, put me in touch with Commodore Bryan. And then I’ll have an errand for Mister Shaxs.”
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Rutherford said from the Ops console, “I have Captain Sokel, Captain.”
“On screen.”
Sokel’s expression was unchanged from the last call. “Captain Freeman.”
“Captain Sokel. I have spoken with Lieutenant J. G. T’Lyn and reviewed her service record. I believe we should discuss the matter in person.”
“There is nothing to discuss.”
“I disagree, sir, and I have already sent my security chief aboard your ship to covey my personal invitation to the *Cerritos.*”
On the screen, a door on the *Sh’Val’s* bridge opened behind Sokel, and Shaxs stepped onto the deck.
Freeman said, “See you soon.”
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When Shaxs and Sokel came onto the *Cerritos’s* bridge, Rutherford, standing at the rear consoles, touched a control on his implant. The ‘Record’ LED lit up.
Sokel came down the portside ramp and came to stand in front of Captain Freeman. “Captain Freeman.”
“Captain Sokel. Welcome aboard the *Cerritos.*”
“A…pleasure, Captain. The ship does appear to be in good order. Now. What was it you wanted to discuss in person?”
“That recall. I’m not going to obey it. I plan to object to it and fight it all the way to the commander in chief if I have to.”
“On what grounds?”
“Concern over Mr. T’Lyn’s welfare.”
“Concern for a Vulcan’s welfare on a Vulcan ship?”
“I told you, I read her record. You have history of taking punitive actions against her for not being ‘too emotional.’ I believe you described her as ‘reckless’ and ‘unhinged.’”
“Standard procedure on any Vulcan ship.”
“Does that include transferring her off the ship after she saved everybody’s lives? Not even a commendation. One would think you’re more interested in enforcing conformity than protecting your crew. And as Mr. T’Lyn’s current commanding officer, I am within my rights to object if I have reason to believe she will be going back to a toxic environment.”
“Your opinions and beliefs are irrelevant. Your objections will fail. Mr. T’Lyn is a member of the Vulcan fleet. My orders will take precedence in the end.”
“Assuredly, but between myself, my husband—who’s an admiral—and our legal advocate, we can drag this out for months. And that assumes this doesn’t go public.”
“Public?”
Rutherford said, “Yeah, this news director at FNN has been pretty contrite for a couple of years and owes us one. And he likes scoops.”
Sokel said, “Is that why he is recording this, Captain Freeman? As part of some plot to pressure me?”
“Who said anything about pressuring, Captain Sokel?” Freeman asked innocently. “Mr. Rutherford is just recording this to commemorate the occasion. Isn’t that right, son?”
“Yes, Captain. We’ve never had a captain from another fleet visit our bridge.”
Boimler said, “But if it were to get off the ship along with details from her service record, well, it could be embarrassing. I mean, we’ll try and keep it in the ship’s data cloud, but, you know…” He trailed off with a shrug.
Mariner said excitedly, “Ooh, ooh, Rutherford, I think the points of his ears just turned green! You getting this?”
“Yeah, Mariner, I zoomed in. Nice.”
Freeman said smoothly, “On the other hand, if you did a little favor for us, I might see my way clear to not objecting. I would countersign the order as soon as I get it, and Mr. T’Lyn would be back aboard your ship in the morning.”
“Blackmail, Captain Freeman?”
“Negotiation, Captain Sokel.”
“I am not interested in ‘negotiating’ with you, Captain Freeman. These…gangster tactics will not profit you in the end. I am prepared to wait as long as I have to and endure whatever I have to to exercise my legal rights as Mr. T’Lyn’s commanding officer as long as she is a member of the Vulcan fleet. The end will be the same.”
“Really, Captain Sokel? I would have thought someone who brought his ship to collect her in person before the metaphorical ink had dried on the orders would be positively anxious to get her back. But perhaps I’ve misread you. In which case, further discussion is not required. Mr. Shaxs. Please escort our guest to the transporter room. See you at the first hearing, Captain.”
Shaxs came up behind Sokel.
Sokel glanced over his shoulder at Shaxs. Then he turned back to Freeman and said, “It would be illogical to suspend discussions without at least knowing what your terms are. What is this ‘favor’ you would ask?”
“It’s nothing, really,” Freeman said. “We arrived three days ago to take delivery of a part for a Bajoran frigate. The station has been…abnormally inefficient in delivering it to us. Noting how Vulcans prize efficiency and order, I was hoping you could go aboard and expedite things for us. You would get the part and bring it to me here on the bridge.”
“What is the part?”
“A warp plasma flow controller. Custom made. Basically a circuit board with isolinear chips. The box is about…” Freeman molded a volume of air about the size of a soccer ball with her hands. “About that big, Mr. Rutherford?”
“About that, Captain.”
Sokel said, “And if I get this part, you will obey the recall order?”
“I will leave the matter entirely between you and Mr. T’Lyn, Captain Sokel, without any further objection.”
“Very well. Would you please make arrangements for me to collect the part?”
“I’ve already changed the paperwork to name you as our agent, and Commodore Bryan is prepared to meet you in his office. I thought it would save time if I assumed your agreement.”
“I will be back within the hour, Captain Freeman.”
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Sokel wasn’t back in an hour. Or an hour and a half. At two hours, Freeman let the bridge crew go to lunch.
After eating, Freeman nursed a drink as she wandered over to the booth Mariner and her friends were using. They could see the station and the *Sh’Val* out the window.
Freeman said, “How we doing here, gang?”
T’Lyn said, “Captain, I was wondering—what’s ‘plan B’ if this doesn’t work?”
“Plan B?” Freeman said. “We’re past that, Lieutenant. Ever hear of a Hail Mary Play?”
“It was mentioned in a comparative philosophy class I took 30 years ago. I did not fully appreciate its meaning until now. To use another colloquial expression, can I then assume the fat lady is about to sing?”
Barnes’ voice came over the com: “Bridge to Captain!”
“Go ahead, Ensign.”
“Captain, the *Sh’Val* just armed her weapons systems…and we’re being hailed by Commodore Bryan. He wants to talk to you.”
“Pipe it down here. Yes, Commodore. What can I do for you?”
“Freeman!” Bryan wailed. “That Vulcan! He’s crazy! He’s going to blow up the station.”
“Surely, you’re exaggerating, sir. A Vulcan?”
“You didn’t see the look in his eyes, Carol! He’s crazy! I swear he’s going to open fire!”
“Well we can’t have that. Mr. Shaxs,” Freeman called languidly to the booth where Shaxs and the other senior officers were eating, “when you’re done with lunch, could you find a moment to go up to the bridge and put the ship on yellow alert? No rush.”
“Yes, Captain,” Shaxs said, sounding equally relaxed.
“What!” Bryan squealed. “You’re freaking crazy.”
“Nah, just going with the flow. SB80 has such a…relaxed view of life. I’ve decided to try it.”
“Freeman, you--”
“End communication.”
The com went silent.
Freeman said, “Well, Mr. T’Lyn, how about it? Is your old captain a big enough jackass to fire on a Federation starbase?”
“I wouldn’t have said so before today, Captain. But then no Vulcan has ever dealt with Starbase 80.”
“Mmm. Well, the place could use a refit. But in answer to your question, I think the Fat Lady hasn’t arrived at the theater just yet.”
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The *Sh’Val* did not fire on SB80. The bridge crew had returned to their stations by the time Sokel beamed back to the *Cerritos* with the part. He walked stiffly down the ramp from the turbolift. He handed the box to Freeman and said, “The part as agreed.”
“Thank you, Captain,” Freeman said. “And I see that the recall order has arrived.” She thumbed her PADD. “Countersigned, as agreed. It’s between you and Mr. T’Lyn now.”
Sokel took a step back and looked around the bridge at the other members of the crew. He sniffed the air. Then he said, “T’Lyn.”
T’Lyn came down the ramp and faced her old captain.
Sokel said, “T’Lyn, if you were to stay on this…ship, would you respond to my communications?”
“Yes, Captain, without interfering with my duties, of course.”
“That is acceptable.” He pulled his PADD out of his belt and entered a command. “I have rescinded the recall. You can stay. I find it satisfactory that you have associates who would go to such lengths for you.”
“They are my friends, Captain.”
“Indeed. I will take my leave of you.” He raised his hand in the Vulcan salute. “Live long and prosper, T’Lyn.”
T’Lyn returned the salute. “Peace and long life, Captain.”
“Captain Freeman. Well played. Permission to disembark.”
“Granted, Captain Sokel.”
“I know the way, Mr. Shaxs.” He started up the ramp.
Mariner called, “Hey, Sokel, if Vulcans are so smart, how come we invented chess?”
Sokel’s left eyebrow twitched up, but he said nothing. He left the bridge.
Freeman chuckled. “Can’t believe you said that, Beckett.”
“Mom?”
“Not chess, sweetie. Poker. I bluffed his ass out. And damn if it didn’t feel good doing it. You’re having a bad influence on your momma.”
THE END
AUTHOR: Mikejaffa
SYNOPSIS: Written in response to the “Standoff” challenge on TrekBBS: Freeman has two problems, and one of them is named “Captain Sokel.”
DISCLAIMER: Star Trek is owned by Paramount. I am making no money off writing and posting this fic.
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“Mariner,” T’Lyn whispered, “why does Starbase 80’s operations center resemble a railway station from 20th century North America?” She and Marner were following Captain Freeman through the station’s Ops Center.
“No idea,” Mariner whispered back. “How you holding up?”
“When you told me how bad it smells here, I thought you were engaging in the typical human trait of exaggeration.”
Freeman snapped, “Hush you two.” While she tolerated much from Mariner and her friends, she was already angry and not in the mood for ‘lower decker’ antics.
Commodore Bryan’s office had to be wood-paneled, because it couldn’t possibly be made of wood. The boxy structure was wedged into the back wall of Ops with multiple windows. Instead of sliding doors, it had a hinged door with a doorknob. Freeman pushed the door open and led Mariner and T’Lyn in. Bryan was an overweight, middle-aged man, balding with five o’clock shadow. He was hunched behind his desk. Bryan’s desk was in the corner of the room and completed the impression of having been transported from the 20th century: Although he wore and older style com badge on his brown uniform, there was a phone handset built into his com console, and multiple freestanding microphones. A fan in the other corner blew air around.
Freeman said, “Bryan.”
Bryan smiled a smile Mariner instantly wanted to punch.
“Carol,” Bryan said.
“Congratulations on your appointment as SB80’s commander. It suits you.”
Bryan chuckled. “And congratulations to Beckett on being Lieutenant Junior Grade…again. What is this, the third or fourth time? You know what happened last time, right? The Oberth she crashed? How do you crash a freaking Oberth anyway? What makes you think she’ll do any different to your ship?”
“Lieutenant J. G. Mariner has turned over a new leaf, Commodore.”
“Please, Carol. You really think she can stop undermining herself? Everyone knows the kid is a disaster waiting to happen except you. Of course, that’s what you get when you and your husband coddled her for so long. Now, if she were my kid, things would have been different.”
“We are not here to discussing parenting or anything else…irrelevant,” Freeman said, barely hiding her anger. “We are here about the part we ordered.”
“What part is that?”
“You know perfectly well what part I’m talking about.”
Bryan made a show of riffling through papers in a clipboard on his desk. His punchable smile never wavered as he read, “Ah, yes, here it is: One custom made warp plasma regulator for an old Cardassian frigate the Bajorans painted their flag on and pretend to use to patrol their solar system. Seems we can’t replicate the tech. It has to be made by a third party and delivered. And lucky us, SB80 is the distribution hub for Bajor’s sector. And lucky you, you get to make the delivery. Yeah, we have it.”
“And why didn’t you hand it over to us when we arrived three days ago?”
“Stuff as to be done. You know, labels printed, forms filled out, stuff like that. And that’s on top of…” He riffled the paper on his clipboard. “…other people being ahead of you.” He sat up and smiled lewdly. “Of course, if you’re in a hurry, we can make an…arrangement.”
Mariner could stand no more. She lunged forward and said, “What, you slimy--”
“Beckett, stand down,” Freeman said. “Bryan, if you think--”
Bryan’s phone rang. “’Scuse me.” He picked up the phone. “Yeah?” Whatever joy he felt at annoying Freeman went away. His smile vanished. “What Vulcan ship? No, we’re not expecting one.”
Freeman’s combadge beeped. “Ransom to Freeman,” Jack’s voice said.
Freeman tapped her badge. “Go ahead, Jack.”
“Captain, you and the lieutenants had better get back here.”
8
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When Freeman, Mariner, and T’Lyn got to the *Cerritos’s* bridge, the main screen showed a Vulcan cruiser on the opposite side of the SB 80 space station from the *Cerritos.* Boimler was at Con, and Rutherford was at Ops.
Jack said, “Captain, the *Sh’Val* just dropped out of warp and said they are standing by to beam Mr. T’Lyn aboard. I’ve put them on hold.”
“Thank you, Jack,” Freeman said as she settled into the captain’s chair. “Mr. Rutherford. Put him on the screen.”
The bridge of the *Sh’Val* appeared on the screen, Captain Sokel in his captain’s chair. Of course, if Sokel felt any impatience, he didn’t show it.
Freeman said, “Captain Sokel. To what do we owe this pleasure?”
“Captain Freeman. We are standing by to have Lieutenant Junior Grade T’Lyn beamed aboard.”
“I wasn’t aware she was beaming aboard.”
“I have put through a recall order recalling her to duty on the *Sh’Val.*”
“I’ve received no such order.”
“I am not responsible for any inefficiencies in Starfleet’s chain of command. I have been assured that you will have received the order by the end of business today at the latest. Further communication is not required.” He left the screen.
Standing next to T’Lyn, Mariner said, “Uhhhhhh, T’Lyn? Is there anything you would like to share with the class?”
“I believe I have relevant information, yes.”
Freeman rose from her chair. “Jack. Mariner. T’Lyn. Boimler. Rutherford. My ready room. Now. Mr. Shaxs. You have the bridge.”
Jack protested, “What did I do?”
“And Rutherford and I have been on bridge duty the whole time,” Boimler said.
“People,” Freeman said as she crossed to the ready room door, “I don’t know if you were aware of this, but that was an order.”
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Freeman sat behind her desk as T’Lyn outlined her history aboard the *Sh’Val* up until Sokel had transferred her off the ship.
Jack spoke first: “What is wrong with that guy? Ok, we’ve tossed Mariner in the brig so much they’re calling it the Mariner Suite. But we also give her credit when she deserves it. That rank pip that she got after that business aboard the *Voyager* is proof of that.”
T’Lyn said, “He was acting within his rights as captain and within the bounds of Vulcan fleet regulations, Commander.”
“Just because it’s legal doesn’t make it right, Lieutenant.”
Freeman said, “We can have that debate another time. Mr. T’Lyn. One yes-no question: Do you want to stay?”
“That would be my preference, Captain.”
“Not yes-no, Lieutenant.”
“Yes, Captain.”
“Ok. We have something to work with. Unfortunately, regulations don’t give me a lot of wiggle room. You are still a member of the Vulcan fleet. Legally, their orders take precedence. There’s not much I can do except delay, and only for a day at most.”
Rutherford’s gaze wandered to the window. It had a view of the space station and the *Sh’Val.*
Rutherford said ruefully, “Ironic. SB80 is like the worst place in Starfleet. Captain Sokel doesn’t realize how good you have it here considering the alternative.”
Boimler brightened. “Captain, maybe that’s it. If Sokel realized that this isn’t the worst place in Starfleet…”
“…he’d let her stay,” Freeman finished. “I knew there was a reason I liked having you kids around.”
Mariner smiled. “And there it is. How do you captains get those ideas, Mom?”
“Comes with being a captain, sweetie. You actually have to get promoted and get the chair.”
“Ooh. I knew there was a catch.”
“Return to your stations,” Freeman said. “Jack, put me in touch with Commodore Bryan. And then I’ll have an errand for Mister Shaxs.”
8
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Rutherford said from the Ops console, “I have Captain Sokel, Captain.”
“On screen.”
Sokel’s expression was unchanged from the last call. “Captain Freeman.”
“Captain Sokel. I have spoken with Lieutenant J. G. T’Lyn and reviewed her service record. I believe we should discuss the matter in person.”
“There is nothing to discuss.”
“I disagree, sir, and I have already sent my security chief aboard your ship to covey my personal invitation to the *Cerritos.*”
On the screen, a door on the *Sh’Val’s* bridge opened behind Sokel, and Shaxs stepped onto the deck.
Freeman said, “See you soon.”
8
8
When Shaxs and Sokel came onto the *Cerritos’s* bridge, Rutherford, standing at the rear consoles, touched a control on his implant. The ‘Record’ LED lit up.
Sokel came down the portside ramp and came to stand in front of Captain Freeman. “Captain Freeman.”
“Captain Sokel. Welcome aboard the *Cerritos.*”
“A…pleasure, Captain. The ship does appear to be in good order. Now. What was it you wanted to discuss in person?”
“That recall. I’m not going to obey it. I plan to object to it and fight it all the way to the commander in chief if I have to.”
“On what grounds?”
“Concern over Mr. T’Lyn’s welfare.”
“Concern for a Vulcan’s welfare on a Vulcan ship?”
“I told you, I read her record. You have history of taking punitive actions against her for not being ‘too emotional.’ I believe you described her as ‘reckless’ and ‘unhinged.’”
“Standard procedure on any Vulcan ship.”
“Does that include transferring her off the ship after she saved everybody’s lives? Not even a commendation. One would think you’re more interested in enforcing conformity than protecting your crew. And as Mr. T’Lyn’s current commanding officer, I am within my rights to object if I have reason to believe she will be going back to a toxic environment.”
“Your opinions and beliefs are irrelevant. Your objections will fail. Mr. T’Lyn is a member of the Vulcan fleet. My orders will take precedence in the end.”
“Assuredly, but between myself, my husband—who’s an admiral—and our legal advocate, we can drag this out for months. And that assumes this doesn’t go public.”
“Public?”
Rutherford said, “Yeah, this news director at FNN has been pretty contrite for a couple of years and owes us one. And he likes scoops.”
Sokel said, “Is that why he is recording this, Captain Freeman? As part of some plot to pressure me?”
“Who said anything about pressuring, Captain Sokel?” Freeman asked innocently. “Mr. Rutherford is just recording this to commemorate the occasion. Isn’t that right, son?”
“Yes, Captain. We’ve never had a captain from another fleet visit our bridge.”
Boimler said, “But if it were to get off the ship along with details from her service record, well, it could be embarrassing. I mean, we’ll try and keep it in the ship’s data cloud, but, you know…” He trailed off with a shrug.
Mariner said excitedly, “Ooh, ooh, Rutherford, I think the points of his ears just turned green! You getting this?”
“Yeah, Mariner, I zoomed in. Nice.”
Freeman said smoothly, “On the other hand, if you did a little favor for us, I might see my way clear to not objecting. I would countersign the order as soon as I get it, and Mr. T’Lyn would be back aboard your ship in the morning.”
“Blackmail, Captain Freeman?”
“Negotiation, Captain Sokel.”
“I am not interested in ‘negotiating’ with you, Captain Freeman. These…gangster tactics will not profit you in the end. I am prepared to wait as long as I have to and endure whatever I have to to exercise my legal rights as Mr. T’Lyn’s commanding officer as long as she is a member of the Vulcan fleet. The end will be the same.”
“Really, Captain Sokel? I would have thought someone who brought his ship to collect her in person before the metaphorical ink had dried on the orders would be positively anxious to get her back. But perhaps I’ve misread you. In which case, further discussion is not required. Mr. Shaxs. Please escort our guest to the transporter room. See you at the first hearing, Captain.”
Shaxs came up behind Sokel.
Sokel glanced over his shoulder at Shaxs. Then he turned back to Freeman and said, “It would be illogical to suspend discussions without at least knowing what your terms are. What is this ‘favor’ you would ask?”
“It’s nothing, really,” Freeman said. “We arrived three days ago to take delivery of a part for a Bajoran frigate. The station has been…abnormally inefficient in delivering it to us. Noting how Vulcans prize efficiency and order, I was hoping you could go aboard and expedite things for us. You would get the part and bring it to me here on the bridge.”
“What is the part?”
“A warp plasma flow controller. Custom made. Basically a circuit board with isolinear chips. The box is about…” Freeman molded a volume of air about the size of a soccer ball with her hands. “About that big, Mr. Rutherford?”
“About that, Captain.”
Sokel said, “And if I get this part, you will obey the recall order?”
“I will leave the matter entirely between you and Mr. T’Lyn, Captain Sokel, without any further objection.”
“Very well. Would you please make arrangements for me to collect the part?”
“I’ve already changed the paperwork to name you as our agent, and Commodore Bryan is prepared to meet you in his office. I thought it would save time if I assumed your agreement.”
“I will be back within the hour, Captain Freeman.”
8
8
Sokel wasn’t back in an hour. Or an hour and a half. At two hours, Freeman let the bridge crew go to lunch.
After eating, Freeman nursed a drink as she wandered over to the booth Mariner and her friends were using. They could see the station and the *Sh’Val* out the window.
Freeman said, “How we doing here, gang?”
T’Lyn said, “Captain, I was wondering—what’s ‘plan B’ if this doesn’t work?”
“Plan B?” Freeman said. “We’re past that, Lieutenant. Ever hear of a Hail Mary Play?”
“It was mentioned in a comparative philosophy class I took 30 years ago. I did not fully appreciate its meaning until now. To use another colloquial expression, can I then assume the fat lady is about to sing?”
Barnes’ voice came over the com: “Bridge to Captain!”
“Go ahead, Ensign.”
“Captain, the *Sh’Val* just armed her weapons systems…and we’re being hailed by Commodore Bryan. He wants to talk to you.”
“Pipe it down here. Yes, Commodore. What can I do for you?”
“Freeman!” Bryan wailed. “That Vulcan! He’s crazy! He’s going to blow up the station.”
“Surely, you’re exaggerating, sir. A Vulcan?”
“You didn’t see the look in his eyes, Carol! He’s crazy! I swear he’s going to open fire!”
“Well we can’t have that. Mr. Shaxs,” Freeman called languidly to the booth where Shaxs and the other senior officers were eating, “when you’re done with lunch, could you find a moment to go up to the bridge and put the ship on yellow alert? No rush.”
“Yes, Captain,” Shaxs said, sounding equally relaxed.
“What!” Bryan squealed. “You’re freaking crazy.”
“Nah, just going with the flow. SB80 has such a…relaxed view of life. I’ve decided to try it.”
“Freeman, you--”
“End communication.”
The com went silent.
Freeman said, “Well, Mr. T’Lyn, how about it? Is your old captain a big enough jackass to fire on a Federation starbase?”
“I wouldn’t have said so before today, Captain. But then no Vulcan has ever dealt with Starbase 80.”
“Mmm. Well, the place could use a refit. But in answer to your question, I think the Fat Lady hasn’t arrived at the theater just yet.”
8
8
The *Sh’Val* did not fire on SB80. The bridge crew had returned to their stations by the time Sokel beamed back to the *Cerritos* with the part. He walked stiffly down the ramp from the turbolift. He handed the box to Freeman and said, “The part as agreed.”
“Thank you, Captain,” Freeman said. “And I see that the recall order has arrived.” She thumbed her PADD. “Countersigned, as agreed. It’s between you and Mr. T’Lyn now.”
Sokel took a step back and looked around the bridge at the other members of the crew. He sniffed the air. Then he said, “T’Lyn.”
T’Lyn came down the ramp and faced her old captain.
Sokel said, “T’Lyn, if you were to stay on this…ship, would you respond to my communications?”
“Yes, Captain, without interfering with my duties, of course.”
“That is acceptable.” He pulled his PADD out of his belt and entered a command. “I have rescinded the recall. You can stay. I find it satisfactory that you have associates who would go to such lengths for you.”
“They are my friends, Captain.”
“Indeed. I will take my leave of you.” He raised his hand in the Vulcan salute. “Live long and prosper, T’Lyn.”
T’Lyn returned the salute. “Peace and long life, Captain.”
“Captain Freeman. Well played. Permission to disembark.”
“Granted, Captain Sokel.”
“I know the way, Mr. Shaxs.” He started up the ramp.
Mariner called, “Hey, Sokel, if Vulcans are so smart, how come we invented chess?”
Sokel’s left eyebrow twitched up, but he said nothing. He left the bridge.
Freeman chuckled. “Can’t believe you said that, Beckett.”
“Mom?”
“Not chess, sweetie. Poker. I bluffed his ass out. And damn if it didn’t feel good doing it. You’re having a bad influence on your momma.”
THE END
Classic Lower Decks vibe. Only small critique I can offer was the *asterisks* surrounding the *ship* names. Maybe italicize them instead?
