Star Trek Excelsior: Buccaneer Logic

[Rush Limborg]

Okay, Trekkers, Trekkies, Trecknecks and Conversationalists all across the fruited plain!

As per requests on the "Literature Thread", here is one of my Trek short stories. They'd been written with the intention of sending them to SNW--but of course...well, you know.

Okay, this is one of my favorites. It's an Excelsior tale, set a few months before Star Trek IV: The Undiscovered Country and "Flashback". It's Tuvok's first week aboard Excelsior. The title comes from a couple of references in the story to the Pirates of the Caribbean films.

This is a character-driven tale, with a great deal of fun!

And here...we...go.

Star Trek: Excelsior
Buccaneer Logic
Scene 1

His sword sliced through the air as he engaged in the traditional salute. Checking his grip, he inwardly smiled with undaunted glee as his chance to defend his honor was about to begin.

He studied his opponent, looking for any sign of fear, but the other simply stared back, eyes the color of the Seven Seas blazing with fire.

The former called out: “En garde!”

They then charged, swords clashing, swinging, and clashing again! He then saw it: a vulnerable spot!

He charged to the right in a bluff. His opponent moved to defend accordingly. Suddenly, the Crafty One tossed his sword to his left hand, where he plunged into his opponent’s side, victorious!

“Yield,” he grinned.

The other pulled off her helmet, showing a look of mild disgust. “What was that?”

Captain Hikaru Sulu of the U.S.S. Excelsior gave an innocent shrug. “Victory,” he responded, "Nothing less."

His latest opponent, Lt. Commander Janice Rand, couldn’t believe what she was hearing. “I thought this was supposed to be fair!”

“Wasn’t it?”

“Don’t give me that. You told me changing hands was illegal.”

Sulu frowned. “Uh… I did?”

Rand nodded. “You did.”

“Well, you must’ve heard me wrong, because I certainly don’t remember…”

“With –all –due –respect –Captain,” Rand replied, narrowing her eyes, “I think you just don’t like to lose.”

“Neither do you, I see.”

“I don’t like seeing the rules that you discussed being conveniently discarded in order for you to win!”

Sulu gave her a broad grin. “Temper, temper, mon ami. In the meantime, remember well that I, Captain Hikaru Sulu, have achieved victory once again, just as I have for decades on end –and will, forevermore!”

Rand sighed. “You –are hopeless.”

Still beaming, Sulu answered, “To my dying day!”

* * *​

 

[Rush Limborg]

Star Trek: Excelsior
Buccaneer Logic
Scenes 2 & 3

Excelsior: a word whose literal definition is…“wood shavings used for packaging”. A most curious name for a starship, Ensign Tuvok thought to himself as he looked out the window of the shuttlecraft, surveying the mighty craft beyond. However, is it indeed possible that such a name is simply to imply that the ship constantly “excels” at its performance? Yes, that is more logical.

With him were other recently graduated Academy cadets, all eagerly awaiting their first deep-space assignment. Tuvok chose not to socialize with them. They were constantly displaying emotion, which he found most… disquieting. He preferred to keep to himself, organizing his thoughts and planning ahead rather than engaging in what the others called “small talk”, which, under the circumstances, was a most illogical name –like everything else he had observed concerning human “off duty” rituals….

He mentally chided himself, is it logical to condemn others for their different views on emotion? Did not Surak himself say, “Infinite Diversity in Infinite Combinations”? Nonetheless, he remained alone with his thoughts. In a while, he would be assigned to his station, and would do his duty as an officer –no less. His promise sealed, he stood up as the shuttle docked with his new home.

* * *​

Janice Rand walked to the airlock, fighting to keep her composure. It had been only half an hour since her duel with Sulu, and she was in no mood to encounter by-the-book rookies whom she had to order to relax!

Or was she? After all, she needed something to take her mind off the incident. With a sigh, she nodded to the technician on duty, who opened the airlock. The trainees stepped out of the shuttle, clearly sharp and eager to please. Rand couldn’t help but be reminded of herself at that age…

Of course, she mused, they didn’t have to go through what I did in my childhood. I wonder if they ever realize how lucky they are… She had to force herself back to reality as she nodded to the shuttle pilot, who flew off shortly after the seal was closed once again.

The ensigns were lined up in a row. One of them in particular caught her attention: a tall, dark-skinned Vulcan who was a veritable model of spit-and-polish. Well, what did I expect? He’s a Vulcan! Still, there was something about him….

But it would have to wait. It was time to begin the briefing. Her hands clasped behind her back, Rand slowly walked back and forth in front of them.

“Graduates of Starfleet Academy,” she began, “You have been assigned to this ship because of the promise you have shown at the Academy to become the best Starfleet has to offer. Please understand that this ship will be in uncharted space for significant periods of time, so your skills may be needed more frequently than you would expect.”

She stopped in front of the Vulcan, looking directly at him. “The captain and first officer,” she continued, “as well as myself, will be expecting first-class work –nothing less. Is that clear?”

“Affirmative, sir,” the Vulcan answered. The others responded in kind.

Rand narrowed her eyes. “What’s your name, Ensign?”

“Tuvok, sir.”

Rand smiled inwardly. It was time to lighten the mood. “Mr. Tuvok, is it logical to refer to a human female as…‘sir’?”

Tuvok missed the quip. “With all due respect, sir, you are a superior officer, with more years of experience than I, and therefore, as Starfleet protocol demands, you are to be referred to as ‘sir’. Is that not logical?”

Rand frowned. “Well, this isn’t a gender-neutral crew, Mr. Tuvok. You will refer to me as ‘Commander’, not ‘sir’. Are we clear?”

“Affirmative, sir –Commander,” Tuvok corrected himself.

Resuming her pace, Rand announced, “You will have one week to familiarize yourself with this ship and its systems. Any questions?”

Tuvok spoke up. “Commander, might I suggest that a week is unnecessary?”

Rand raised an eyebrow. “Oh?”

“What we have previously learned at the Academy would seem to be sufficient for essential familiarization with ship systems. Any instances where operation differs from the standard methods could be learned within two or three days.”

Rand stood right in front of the Vulcan. “Are you questioning my orders, Ensign?”

“Negative. I am merely endeavoring to ensure that the excess time is used for more constructive purposes.”

“Ensign, like it or not, not every species has the computer-like mind that yours seems to posses. Everyone –including you –must have time to review what they know, learn what they don’t, and get all that they learn fully immersed in their minds. Furthermore, everyone must learn to interact –and I for one would prefer a crew that knows each other to a group of strangers. Add to that sufficient rest time, and I believe a week will suffice.”

Tuvok nodded. “As you wish, Commander.”

The other trainees seemed visibly relieved.

“Besides,” Rand added with a slight smile, “manuals are well and good, but nothing beats experience, wouldn’t you say?”

“Of course, Commander,” Tuvok said.

Rand turned to the others. “Dismissed.”

As she watched each one leave, Rand thought to herself, it’s going to be a long week…

* * *​

 

[Nerys Ghemor]

So far, I think your strongest section is the interactions between Tuvok and the rest of the crew. You really did well at portraying just how big a stick he has up his ass.

 

[Rush Limborg]

^Thanks, Nerys Dukat!

Star Trek Excelsior:
Buccaneer Logic
Scenes 3 &4

A few days later, Captain Sulu sat in the rec room, a bottle of Saurian Brandy in front of him, next to a filled mug. He was not drinking, however –he intended to wait for the opportune moment. Besides, he was content for now to watch the fresh faces of his new crewmembers. They all seemed to have settled in nicely, all smiles and relaxation –off duty, at least.

He caught a glimpse of Rand entering the room. He beckoned to her. Rand looked at him and, after getting a glass of her own, crossed to his table.

“I thought you were going to provide an example for these kids,” she remarked.

“Hmm?”

“Look at yourself –drinking in front of them!”

Sulu glanced at his still-untouched glass. “I’m not drinking yet.”

Rand took a seat. “Well, I’m not about to let you violate protocol…” She filled her glass “…alone.”

Sulu grinned. “I never thought of you as a drinking type.”

Rand returned the smile. “Only now and then. Besides, ‘use a little wine because of your stomach’…” as she rested her brow on her palm, “…or head.”

Sulu frowned. “You want to talk about it?”

Rand downed her drink. “No. Not really.”

“Well, not to worry. I plan to have a little celebration when this ‘orientation’ week is over.”

Rand refilled her glass, nodding for him to continue.

“I’ve been reviewing Starfleet history, and it just so happens that the old Enterprise NX-01 –you know, the one with Capt. Archer –had a little unofficial tradition.”

Rand stared at her glass, only half listening. “Go on.”

“Well, whenever there were periods when nothing interesting seemed to be happening, they often had showings of old 2-D motion picture classics.”

Rand looked up, still a little bored. “Movies?”

Sulu nodded. “And I thought, ‘well, since everything has been routine for a while, why not give it a try’?”

“What did you have in mind?”

Sulu beamed. “Only the three greatest adventure flicks ever filmed on the Seven Seas: The Curse of the Black Pearl; Dead Man’s Chest; and At World’s End!”

That caught Rand’s attention. “The pirate films?”

“Yep.”

“Where did you get those?”

“From a friend. Now all we have to do is invite these trainees.”

“I wouldn’t suggest doing that just yet, Sulu,” Rand pointed out, “We don’t exactly want their minds to wander for four days.”

“Granted. So… what’s up?”

Rand chuckled. “I couldn’t tell you.”

She looked to her left again. “Ah, Mr. Tuvok!”

A dark-skinned Vulcan came to the table. “Yes, Commander?”

Rand gave a smile which seemed to Sulu to be a little forced. “Captain Hikaru Sulu, this is Ensign Tuvok, one of our junior science officers.”

Sulu grinned. “Mr. Tuvok! Good to see you again.”

Tuvok nodded, still standing. “Greetings, Captain.”

Sulu glanced at Rand, who seemed to be avoiding his gaze. So this is what’s bothering her. He turned to the ensign. “So… how do you like your job?”

“It is sufficient for my needs, sir. All preferences are met.”

Sulu hesitated. This youngster was more rigid than Spock with tetanus.

Oh well. It was worth a try. “Well, I’m glad to hear it. Carry on.”

Tuvok nodded, and after taking his leave, walked out of the room.

Rand looked at Sulu. “I take it you’ve met before?”

“Once… on Deep Space 3. He was a cadet, on a field trip from the Academy during the pirate attack.”

Rand nodded, acknowledging the event –Excelsior’s first real mission under Sulu's command.

Sulu grinned at her. “The kid’s kind of stiff.”

He had meant it as a joke.

Rand gave him a pained look. “You have no idea…”

* * *​

“Captain’s log, Stardate 9490.3: All is well. The new junior officers are in their third day of orientation, all showing considerable talent in their fields. It is my belief that these kids will become an excellent addition to my crew. End log entry.”

Sulu leaned back into the captain’s chair. Beside him, Commander Masoud Valtane, his latest first officer, gave his report.

“No unusual activity detected as of yet, Captain. The sector is clear.” After a pause, he added, “no planetary bodies.”

Sulu grinned. “And that… irritates you, Number One?”

“I beg your pardon?”

“Oh, come now. You’re a xenogeologist, are you not?”

Valtane frowned. “Have you forgotten, sir?”

“No,” Sulu chucked. “So… is your brother at home?”

“No, sir, he is in the science department.”

Sulu laughed again. Valtane could be rather literal at times. “I mean, is he comfortable?”

“Ah. Yes, he is.”

Sulu nodded. Lieutenant Dmitri Valtane had been assigned to Excelsior around the same time as his brother. And the one thing worse than two brothers on the same ship were two brothers that looked exactly alike! Sulu constantly had to glance at their rank insignias to ensure that he was talking to the right person. Of course, Dmitri was somewhat less stiff….

Speaking of stiff, Sulu thought, I wonder how that Vulcan ensign is coping. With a small smile, he mused, I hope for his sake Rand can sleep tonight….

* * *​

 

[DavidFalkayn]

I'm enjoying the character work here, but it looks like you've got a bit of a problem with the coding in the last post.

 

[Rush Limborg]

I'm enjoying the character work here, but it looks like you've got a bit of a problem with the coding in the last post.

Yeah. I pasted the scenes from MS Word. It's in Times New Roman font.

I deleated the code stuff just now. That better?

Thanks, BTW!

 

[DavidFalkayn]

Yeah, it's much better now. There's a text formatting button in the left hand corner--if you continue to have problems, you might want to play with that a bit. Word 2007 with its XML coding is a pain. You've got a breezy style to your writing and it's good to see some "movie era" stories here. Nice touch mentioning the NX-01 too.

Looking forward to more.

 

[Rush Limborg]

Yeah, it's much better now. There's a text formatting button in the left hand corner--if you continue to have problems, you might want to play with that a bit. Word 2007 with its XML coding is a pain.

Thanks for the advice. Though technically, I've got Word '03.

At any rate, I'll keep that in mind. Thanks!

You've got a breezy style to your writing and it's good to see some "movie era" stories here. Nice touch mentioning the NX-01 too.

Looking forward to more.

Again, thanks! Yeah, I like to keep my "descriptions" as lean as possible.... Kinda helps with the pace, y'know?

 

[Rush Limborg]

Star Trek: Excelsior:
Buccaneer Logic
Scene 5

On Day 4 of the so-called “orientation”, Tuvok was finally assigned to his post –the tactical console of the bridge. He was on Gamma Shift –which meant, basically, that virtually none of the senior officers would be on duty.

Except for one, that is. Commander Rand –ironically, the same officer who “greeted” the Vulcan when he came aboard –was pulling double duty as G-Shift leader. She was currently at her post at the communications console. Besides the two of them, there was no one present –after all, the shift was made entirely of trainees, for now at least, and Sulu seemed bent on the original plan of an entire week of education before duties were assigned.

Tuvok, of course, was a fast learner –even for his race. At least, he acted like it. Rand had long since relented to giving him his station early.

“Commander…”

Rand turned to him. “Hm?”

“I… apologize if I seem brusque, but… should you not be in the command station?”

Rand glanced at the center seat. “Yes… I should, shouldn’t I?” she asked to no one in particular. “I suppose I could just set this console on automatic and let it alert me to anything unusual. Yes, your question is well founded, Tuvok…”

She turned to him. “But, considering that no one’s around, all I’ll do there,”(she indicated the other chair) “is sit and wait for something to come up. No, I want to be doing something with my time. Ever since I was a yeoman, I had to do something, or I’d snap. No matter how small the job…”

She hesitated, and shook her head slightly. “Look at me. I’m giving a lecture to someone who couldn’t care less!”

Tuvok briefly glanced down. “It is… warranted, Commander. You are entitled to it.”

Rand looked at him. She had not been expecting that. Tonight, the Vulcan actually seemed… considerate.

Tuvok nodded to her. “Please continue.”

Rand paused for a moment, and then chuckled to herself. At the ensign’s confused expression, she explained, “I was just thinking… One time, Captain Kirk assigned me to a landing party. We beamed down to an Earth-like planet… you familiar with that one?”

Tuvok hesitated for a split second before answering. “That was… the planet inhabited solely by children, am I correct?”

Rand smiled. “That’s the one. Anyway, I was a little surprised that he selected me –my duty was on the ship. Of course… he could’ve thought that I was in need of a little fresh air.”

Tuvok frowned. “Even in those days, captain, surely the ship life-support systems were capable of such necessities.”

Rand chuckled again. “It’s an expression, Tuvok. At any rate, we soon got ourselves into trouble, and the next thing you know, we were looking for a cure for a disease that never should have been created.”

Tuvok nodded. “Yes, Commander, that is common knowledge.”

“Well, what you probably never read about was that… well… for the most part, it was everyone else who did the work. Just about all I did was carry around supplies, put things in place, that sort of thing. The rest of my time was spent listening to the others converse.”

“Indeed.”

“Well… I did join in every once in a while, but still…”

She sighed, thinking back to one of the most maddening weeks of her career. “And… I’m not sure if I should tell you this, but… when that virus started getting worse… I snapped at Kirk.”

Tuvok’s eyebrow shot up.

“Well, no, it didn’t really have anything to do with the situation. See, there was this girl that…” Rand rested her forehead on her palm. “Blast. There I go again. You’re probably uninterested in that sort of thing…”

“Yes, Commander. I probably am.”

Rand looked at him. “Dry humor, Ensign?”

“Negative. I am simply agreeing with you. Vulcans are incapable of irony.”

Rand narrowed her eyes. “Right.”

Aware that this was leading nowhere, she suggested, “Now, let’s hear a little about you.”

Tuvok frowned. “With all due respect…”

“It needn’t be private. Just… exactly why did you join the fleet?”

“I was… advised to do so.”

“By…?”

“…My parents.”

Rand looked at him, frowning. “So… your career was chosen for you?”

“They were under the impression that I needed to… work among beings unlike myself. They told me that the career I was aspiring for was unbecoming.” Tuvok’s lip tightened. “They first informed me of this… selection… after the Academy accepted me.”

Rand’s jaw dropped. “They applied for your admission and didn’t tell you? Isn’t that… illogical?”

Tuvok then did something she had thought him incapable of doing –he sighed. “It was not my place to rebuke them. The decision had been made. You cannot begin to understand…”

“…lack of freedom? You don’t give me enough credit, Tuvok.”

“Of course. Forgive me.”

Rand smiled. There was hope for this kid after all. Well, he’s lucky –at least he had a family to guide him….

No sooner had she finished that thought than Tuvok returned to his former Vulcan attitude. “Commander, I would be most appreciative if what we have discussed is…”

“Don’t worry, Ensign. Your secret’s safe with me.”

Tuvok nodded his gratitude, the promise sealed.

* * *​

 

[Nerys Ghemor]

I'm actually kind of glad you bring up the role that Rand was relegated to, like most of the women on the Enterprise in TOS. I'll be very interested to see how you explain it, in the supposedly "enlightened" world of the Federation...

And I think I'm liking Tuvok more as a character, now that he's in some environment other than Voyager...

 

[Rush Limborg]

I'm actually kind of glad you bring up the role that Rand was relegated to, like most of the women on the Enterprise in TOS. I'll be very interested to see how you explain it, in the supposedly "enlightened" world of the Federation...

Hmm...y'know...that wasn't quite the point of what I had Rand say...I'd written that just to emphasize how she hated feeling useless.

On a side note: When I wrote Rand's speech, I was writing from the heart. I absolutely despise having to sit around and watch, feeling totally useless, while everyone else is working together to do something important.

I like J.R. I identify with her, somehow. It seems so easy for me to write stories that feature her--even though I'm no girl....

BTW, I kinda like your thought, Nerys. I just may address that subject in another tale....

Thanks for the input!

 

[Rush Limborg]

Star Trek: Excelsior
Buccaneer Logic
Scene 6

Sulu studied his foil, felt his grip. Satisfied, he let it slice the air. He absolutely adored the glorious art of swordsmanship.

Unfortunately, he had no opponent as of that time. Oh, well. He could wait.

“Aha!” he cried out as he engaged an imaginary opponent. “Avast there, scallywag! I’ve half a mind to skewer thy brawn!” He poked, jabbed, and swung his sword, humming an old pirate ditty as he did so.

Finally, he gave a final jab with his blade. “Ah!” he grinned excitedly. “Behold yet another glorious victory –of the legendary –Captain –Hikaru –SULU!”

Suddenly, his instinct told him that someone was watching him. He whirled around to see the Vulcan ensign, studying him from his own section of the gym. Tuvok, who had apparently been engaging in the martial arts of his home world, averted his gaze immediately, but not before Sulu noticed it.

“Why, Ensign…”

“Tuvok, sir.”

“…Tuvok. Right, well, is there something on your mind?”

The Vulcan tilted his head. “Sir?”

Sulu was about to respond, then thought better of it. “Never mind. So… you busy?”

Tuvok straightened. “Negative.”

“Oh, that’s wonderful!” Sulu grinned. “Then, would you care to join me?”

“Join you… in playacting, sir?”

Sulu gave a deep, hearty laugh. “No, no, no… in fencing!”

Tuvok glanced at the sword in his captain’s hand. “Violent activity I do not engage in –sir.”

“Violent, Ensign? Au contraire! This is high-spirited, swashbuckling adventure!”

Tuvok frowned. “Indeed.” He was clearly not impressed.

Sulu frowned. He was not about to lose a potential student. “Shall I make it… an order?” he asked, faking a stern tone of voice (and just barely succeeding).

The ensign raised an eyebrow and crossed the room to his captain. “As you wish, sir.”

“Good boy.” Sulu grinned, tossing the Vulcan a sword of his own. “Now, shall I explain the basics? It’s really quite simple –to me, at least.”

“Unnecessary, Captain. I was required to study various self-preservation techniques during Tactical Training at the Academy. I am aware of old Earth single combat of the 16th, 17th and 18th centuries.”

“Well, then,” Sulu replied, his smile widening, “let us begin!”

Donning their masks, the two studied each other in silence. At the call of “en garde”, they engaged! A collision of swords! A swing! Another clang! Ah, it felt good!

“Not bad before a beginner!” Sulu called out amid the clashing.

“Thank you, Captain;” Tuvok replied calmly, “I am rather impressed myself.” He jabbed, but Sulu was ready. He deflected every one of the Vulcan’s moves, which, as befits a true Vulcan, were completely organized in a pattern.

“You know,” Sulu remarked after a while, “if you keep being predictable, this will be a rather short round.”

“Aye, Captain,” Tuvok replied –and suddenly broke from his pattern! He darted to the left, swung around, and jabbed at Sulu’s side. He scored.

Sulu took of his helmet in shock. “Well… what do you know? I actually lost –to someone fresh out of the Academy, no less!”

Tuvok looked at him, confused. “I was merely following your suggestion, sir.”

“I know, but really… I haven’t been beaten since…”

Tuvok put away his accessories. “If you will excuse me, Captain, I am awaiting my next shift.” Taking his leave, he left the room, leaving behind an astounded Hikaru Sulu.

Across the room, Janice Rand leaned slightly against the wall. ‘Victory forevermore,’ eh? she mused, a slight, fulfilled smile appearing on her face.

* * *​

 

[CeJay]

I like the Excelsior setting and I think you have the characters down pretty good. Sulu, Rand and Tuvok all feel right. Sulu especially is very interesting character here, as he appears to be a man who has fun being the captain. We don't see that very often.

Good stuff.

 

[Rush Limborg]

^Thanks, CeJay!

NOW...this...is where the plot thickens....

Star Trek: Excelsior
Buccaneer Logic
Scenes 7, 8 & 9

Tuvok sat at his console, his mind only slightly on his work. He forced himself not to glance in the direction of Rand’s console. He simply could not allow himself to appear distracted. He had to concentrate on his duties.

Alas, his mind was elsewhere. He could not help but reflect on the conversation of the night before. The commander had seemed so open, so… approachable. She had surprised him in her willingness to… converse with a junior officer that she barely knew.

She… spoke to him as an equal.

Tuvok chided himself. He would not allow such emotion to interfere with his duty. He was not about to disappoint his family that way.

Unbidden, thoughts came to his mind. Memories of when he was informed of his acceptance into the Academy. Rand’s argument was his own. He too had questioned the logic of his parent’s decision, but their orders stood.

Another memory came to his mind: what the commander had said to him near the end of their conversation –her comment on a lack of freedom.

Tuvok frowned as he finally glanced in Rand’s direction. Exactly… what did she mean by that?

* * *​

Sulu sat in his quarters, contemplating. There was still no sign of anything of interest in this sector. Valtane –Commander Valtane –was getting a little restless. So it was only natural that Sulu brought up the subject of the…“movie night” –with his first officer. After a raised eyebrow, Valtane had agreed to attend.

Still, everything was going a little too smoothly. Somehow, he suspected a proverbial calm before the storm….

Pushing the thought from his mind, Sulu activated the recorder.

“Captain’s log, Stardate 9490.5: All is w-”

“Bridge to Captain Sulu –urgent!”

Well, well, well! It’s nice to see my instincts are still good. Sulu mused as he activated his monitor. “Sulu here,” he responded.

The face of Commander Valtane filled the screen in a rare moment of excitement. “Captain, I don’t believe this! We’ve detected a star system fifteen light-years away, bearing 094-mark-037.”

Sulu frowned. “Only fifteen light-years? Why didn’t we pick this up before?”

“You are not going to believe me, sir, but according to sensors… it still isn’t there.”

Realizing his mouth was open, Sulu closed it. “It… isn’t… there?”

“Negative, sir. The only thing picking it up is our visual readings.”

Sulu stroked his chin. This was getting more interesting by the second. “Go to yellow alert. Raise shields, too –until we know what we’re up against.’

“Aye, sir,” Valtane nodded.

Another thought occurred in Sulu’s mind. “Oh, and Masoud?” he added.

“Sir?”

“What say we… get those rookies to work?”

A rare smile played on the corners of Valtane’s mouth. “It would be a most… interesting test…”

Sulu finished the thought with a grin. “…to see how they can handle real pressure, eh, Commander?”

Masoud gave a slight nod. “So… will you be on the Bridge?”

Still grinning, Sulu answered, “Right away!”

He turned off the console and stood up to leave—

But, just as he approached the door, he remembered something.

In all the excitement, he had forgotten to close his log entry, resulting in the complete recording of the previous conversation.

He frowned, uncertain as to whether or not he should delete the entry or leave it.

Oh, well. He could modify it later.

“Uh… Computer… end log entry.

Upon hearing the beep, he left for the bridge. I really am getting old…

* * *​

Tuvok entered the bridge, flanked by two other junior officers. The first thing he noticed was the planetary system on the viewscreen, consisting solely of one planet, orbiting the star within Class-M limits.​

The second was that the First Officer –currently seated at the science console –bore a startling resemblance to a lieutenant in the science department.​

The third, that Captain Sulu –who as of now looked a great deal more dignified than he did in the gym –was now standing a few steps from him.​

“Welcome to the bridge, Mr. Tuvok… Mr. Sanders… and Miss Holloway,” he said, nodding to each one of the ensigns in turn. “I apologize for this short notice, but as you may have heard, these are most unusual circumstances. I’m organizing a landing party to beam down to the planet. It will consist of the three of you, Lt. Commander Rand, a security team…” he paused, apparently for dramatic effect, “…and myself.”​

Tuvok raised an eyebrow. “Captain, may I speak?”​

Sulu nodded hesitantly.​

“With all due respect, sir, is it not logical for the captain to remain onboard ship upon encountering an uncharted planet?”​

At her console, Rand rolled her eyes heavenward.​

Sulu didn’t bat an eye. “Ensign, you remember that duel yesterday?”​

“Yes, sir,” Tuvok responded, confused.​

“And… do you honestly think that your worthy opponent would be so cautious as to allow others to be at the forefront?”​

Tuvok didn’t hesitate either. “Negative.”​

Sulu nodded. “Good. I’m glad we understand each other.”​

Tuvok returned the nod.​

The captain indicated all three. “All right, people. You will be issued standard equipment –phasers, tricorders, and communicators. Meet us at Transporter Room 5 within half an hour. Are we clear?”​

“Aye, sir,” the ensigns replied.​

Sulu nodded. “Dismissed.”​

After the turbolift started on its way, Ensign Holloway turned to Tuvok. “You actually fought Captain Sulu in a duel?!”​

“Affirmative.”​

Sanders grinned. “So… who won?”​

Tuvok raised an eyebrow. “I did.”​

Holloway put a hand to her mouth to stifle a giggle.​

Tuvok looked at her in confusion. Exactly what did she find amusing?​

* * *​

 

[Mistral]

This is an interesting voice compared to the ones I am used to. I would like to see more-I'm not saying I like/dislike it-I need more time to decide on how the flavor tastes to me. But I am intrigued.

 

[Rush Limborg]

Star Trek: Excelsior
Buccaneer Logic
Scenes 10 & 11

The planet was barren. Desert winds blew across the landscape as the landing party beamed down, followed by a trio of security guards.

Tuvok activated his tricorder immediately. After a few seconds, he announced, “Captain, I am detecting a metallic structure 23.7 meters from our current position…”

Sulu turned to the Vulcan. “What direction, Ensign?”

“…on heading of 46.83 degrees, sir.”

Sulu nodded to the team. “Let’s go.”

* * *​

It wasn’t long before they reached it –a large, metal platform. The landing party approached with caution. Tuvok again pulled out his tricorder, followed by Holloway and Rand.

Tuvok’s eyebrow shot up, but Holloway beat him to the report. “Captain, that thing’s hollow.”

Sulu narrowed his eyes. “An entranceway?” he asked.

“That would seem to be the case, sir,” said Tuvok.

Sulu focused his attention on a series of markings on the metal. “Janice, come look at this!”

Tuvok blinked. Did he hear Sulu use an officer’s given name on duty?

Rand studied the alien script, and then reported, “This would appear to be a control panel, Captain. If I’m right…” She pressed one of the figures.

A loud, creaking noise followed. Tuvok immediately covered his ears, lest his sensitive hearing be compromised.

Finally, the screeching stopped. The doorway had opened.

Rand gave a small grin. “I was right!”

Sulu motioned to the guards. “Get down there and clear the area.”

Just before the squad descended, he added, “Keep a sharp eye down there. We don’t know what were up against.”

“Aye, sir,” was the response.

After the guards went down, silence followed. Then—

The sound of an energy weapon pierced the darkness, followed by a scream.

“READY PHASERS!” Sulu barked as he plunged down into the darkness.

A rather reckless move as far as Tuvok was concerned, but he followed the captain, as did the others.

They were greeted by a barrage of weapons fire. The team ducked, missing death by a few inches. Unfortunately, the beams of light came again. It was all everyone could do to avoid them.

Without warning, one of the rays struck Tuvok in the hand, sending waves of pain through his arm. He dropped his phaser as he ducked for cover.

As his eyes adjusted to the darkness, he was able to see more of what was going on. He now realized exactly what had caused the earlier scream –one of the security team was on the ground, one hand held in another as he tried to reach a pile of debris.

Curiously, the weapons were no longer firing at him.

Tuvok was also quick to note that he was being ignored as well.

But why? What was it that he had in common with the guard? The injured hand? Obviously not –logic suggested that the apparent security system finish off any threats. Unless…

Suddenly, a thought occurred to him. Ignoring the pain in his right hand, Tuvok reached with his left for the phaser on the floor.

He jerked it back to avoid a blast from the weapon. Fascinating…

He stood up and rushed to Sulu’s position.

“Captain,” he said, “I believe I understand the nature of this weaponry...”

“…A security system. Yes, I figured that,” Sulu responded.

Tuvok continued, “Captain, I recommend you put away your phaser.”

Sulu looked at him in shock. “Say what?!”

Tuvok tackled him, rescuing him from certain death.

“Thanks,” the captain replied as Tuvok continued.

“Sir, I suspect this security system was designed to eliminate clear threats –but no more. It detects weaponry, and responds accordingly only if the supposed assailant is prepared to fire.”

Sulu considered this. “Well, it’s worth a try.” Quickly, he replaced his phaser, calling to the others to do the same.

As Tuvok has suggested, the weapons ceased firing.

A grin slowly appeared on Sulu’s face. “Well…that was interesting,” he said.

Tuvok’s eyebrow cocked upward. “Indeed.”

* * *​

 

[Nerys Ghemor]

Interesting, a semi-humane system. I wonder if the people who created it will actually be so kind? Or maybe they like to toy with their prey...

 

[Rush Limborg]

And now...the conclusion....

Star Trek: Excelsior
Buccaneer Logic
Scenes 12, 13, 14 & 15

The following day was spent gathering information from the complex and processing the findings in the Excelsior laboratories. It was in one such lab that Tuvok found himself working alongside Lt. Dmitri Valtane.

“Ensign, could you hand me that?” Valtane asked, indicating a tricorder.

Tuvok handed him the device without comment. After a while, he asked, “Lieutenant… may I make an inquiry?”

Valtane nodded.

“Are you related in any way to the first officer?”

The lieutenant gave a slight smirk. “People always ask that. And yes, we’re brothers –identical twins, as you may have noticed.”

Tuvok nodded. Fascinating….

Valtane turned his attention to his computer screen. “Remarkable,” he muttered to himself, “Simply remarkable…”

“It is, certainly,” Tuvok replied. The data they had obtained included a complete schematic of the entire planet –as well as an explanation for the system’s invisibility from sensors. The designers apparently had equipped the planet to protect itself from any hostile force.

Also, Tuvok had theorized that the race was relatively peaceful, and therefore had designed a security system to attack only when threatened. It was a most logical design.

Valtane sat back in his chair. “It’s too bad, though.”

Tuvok frowned. “Lieutenant?”

“There’s still so much that we don’t know about these designers: who they are, what happened to them…”

“With all due respect, Mr. Valtane,” Tuvok interrupted, “reflecting on the information we lack will not assist us in processing what we have.”

Valtane nodded. “Yes, of course. There’ll be time for that afterwards….”

Sulu’s voice appeared over the intercom. “Attention, all decks. This is the captain speaking. You all have performed excellently for this mission. My commendations especially to Ensigns Sanders, Holloway, and Tuvok, for exemplary work on their first landing party assignment. Well done.”

Sulu continued, his amusement clear in his tone, “Final announcement: tomorrow at 1800, there will be a presentation of a motion picture trilogy. Everyone is hereby given that night off. Don’t miss it –and that’s an order! Sulu out.”

Valtane grinned at the captain’s quip. Turning to Tuvok, he asked, “So, are you going?”

“I must obey orders.”

Valtane nodded. “As should we all,” he said, returning to his screen.

* * *​

It was the beginning of a new week. And Sulu loved it.

Just about everyone had attended his gathering –and thoroughly enjoyed what they saw, proving that even “outdated” entertainment can please the masses.

And so he filled his mug with brandy once again, as he hummed to himself, content with the universe.

Looking up, he saw Tuvok enter the rec room. Grinning, Sulu said to him, “Why, Mr. Tuvok! Would you care to join me?”

Seating himself, the Vulcan answered, “Unfortunately, Captain, my race frowns upon the consumption of alcoholic beverages.”

“Well, never mind, then,” Sulu responded. Deciding to change the subject, he asked, “So… did you enjoy yourself last night?”

Tuvok looked at him blankly. “Sir, I am at a loss to explain the apparent glorification of seagoing criminals.”

Sulu frowned. “Pirates, you mean?”

“Exactly, sir….Why would humans ever view such men as…‘heroes’?”

“Uh… it’s kind of hard to explain…”

Rand, who was listening in, rescued the conversation. “Ensign… the 1700’s was a time of violence –and tyranny.”

“As I gathered…”

“Of course you did. Well, for some, pirates represented rugged independence –they seemed answerable only to themselves. And… their legends made them out to be those who were willing to stand up to the corruption of the European governments.”

“Illogical. Surely rebellion and thievery would not be effective methods for political statements.”

Sulu shook his head. “Ensign, one of the things you should know by now… is that humans aren’t exactly the most logical race in the galaxy.”

Tuvok nodded. “I assumed as much.”

The other two chuckled at this as Rand sat down.

Sulu asked again. “So, what did you think of the movies?”

Tuvok briefly glanced down before responding. “I found the characterization most fascinating…”

“Yes, it was, wasn’t it?” Rand replied.

I believe I already answered that. Tuvok mused, but he continued, “The storylines were of relatively high quality; the music and visual effects superior. The –‘action’ –was rather extensive… however, considering your explanations, I would overall give the films… what do you humans say… ‘Two thumbs up’.”

At the sound of that last phrase coming from a Vulcan, Rand and Sulu burst into laughter.

Tuvok’s raised eyebrow only increased the humor.

* * *​

Near the end of Gamma Shift, Rand stood by the center seat. At her regular station, there sat a young, brown-haired ensign. What was his name again? Slater, he said, didn’t he? At any rate, she still refused to sit in the darned chair –it was Sulu’s, no one else’s.

After all, she hated doing nothing.

She turned to the tactical console. Tuvok was there, trying hard not to be distracted. Everyone else was in a relaxed mood (due in part, no doubt, to Sulu’s little “celebration”), but not him. I can’t say I blame him, Rand thought, after all those “congratulations” from the other kids. He didn’t want to be a hero overnight –any more than I did....

Nonetheless, Tuvok had been the one to discover the secret behind that security system. He was virtually invaluable during that mission. And he may have saved the lives of the team.

So, Rand walked over to the Vulcan’s console. “You alright?” she asked.

Tuvok turned to her. “Yes, Commander. I am in sufficient health.”

Rand nodded. After a beat, she said, “I want you to know, Ensign… that I’m proud of you.”

Tuvok said nothing.

With a smile, Rand added, “And… I’m sure that your parents would be, too.”

Tuvok frowned. “Commander, with all due respect, pride is an emotion.”

“Perhaps…”

Silence followed. Finally Tuvok spoke. “Commander…”

“Yes?”

“Some time ago, you commented on an apparent ‘lack of freedom’ in my life before the Academy.”

Rand nodded for him to continue.

“You also said, after I doubted your understanding, that I was not giving you enough credit.”

“Is there a question in there, Tuvok?”

“Simply… what were you implying?”

Rand sighed. “Well… let’s just say that my childhood was… not painless.” At the Vulcan’s confused expression, she added, “I’d rather not talk about it.”

Tuvok nodded his understanding, and turned back to his console.

* * *​

Sulu drew his sword once again. As he practiced, he recalled his last duel. Tuvok had beaten him so easily –for the simple reason that Sulu had underestimated him.

No more. From this day forth, I vow that I will not be caught off guard ever again!

“Playacting again, eh?”

Sulu whirled around in shock. Rand stood in front of him, grinning.

Regaining his composure, Sulu asked her, “So… how long have you been there?”

“Only a few minutes,” Rand answered as she walked over to a shelf on the wall. “You seemed to be enjoying yourself, so I decided to watch you for a while.” She chose a foil as she continued, “Though I daresay you would enjoy… a rematch?”

Sulu chuckled. “By now I’d have thought that you’d figured out that I am unbeatable!”

Rand gave him a mischievous look. “And your bout with Tuvok was…?”

Sulu narrowed his eyes. “How do you know about that? Tuvok doesn’t really strike me as a braggart.”

“I… have my ways. But suffice it to say that you –are mortal.” Rand tapped the edge of the rapier with her finger.

Sulu flinched, recalling an incident when he had pricked his thumb by trying to do that –with a guard-less blade.

“Well, don’t bet on it!” he answered, donning his mask.

“So,” Rand said as she put on her own, “no rules?”

“No rules, except… win at any cost –other than honor, of course.”

Rand nodded, and saluted her opponent.

* * *​

And the adventure continues....​

 

[Mistral]

Was that the end? It was an interesting character study, but it begs for further exploration considering what we know about Tuvok from Flashback.

 

[Rush Limborg]

Was that the end? It was an interesting character study, but it begs for further exploration considering what we know about Tuvok from Flashback.

Exactly.

It's meant to be a beginning--a "pilot", in effect. I made a firm effort to put some things in there that hint at possible sequals.

For example: Ensigns Sanders and Holloway. I could write up a whole story about them--and, possibly, Tuvok. A "Lower Decks" tale, in effect.

And of course...the alien planet. Kinda screams for a sequal, don't it?
As many of you recall, at this point in time, Sulu and Co. are exploring "gaseous planetary anomalies" in the Beta Quadrant. One could actually say...that they're "Boldly Going Where No Man Has Gone Before"....

But this story's focus is the beginning of Tuvok's tour of duty on the Excelsior, and how he interacts with the crew for these first few days.

Consider it...a season opener (or second ep, whatever) for the "Excelsior" series that could've been.