TOS Border Dogs - 1: "The Merlin"

[TrekkieMonster]

Yeah, I actually liked that show, too.

I love the imagery of the shellacked frog mariachi band.

My office only has my Franklin Mint Pewter TOS ships, my obnoxiously loud and proudly displayed Oregon State University back-to-back College World Series Champions paraphernalia, and my Jerry Remy and Don Orsillo bobbleheads (unless you're a New Englander and a Red Sox fan, that wouldn't mean anything to you.)

I need more fun conversation pieces in my office.

 

[TheLoneRedshirt]

Chapter 6

I noticed that the atmosphere on the bridge was much clearer than my first visit and the smell of burning electronics had dissipated considerably. As I stepped off the lift, Lt. Erdon stood from the command chair and announced, "Captain on the bridge."

I must have had a goofy grin on my face with that. It was a simple gesture of respect, but I certainly appreciated it. It suddenly struck me - this was my ship, my first command. As I settled in the command chair, the sudden weight of responsibility pushed me a bit deeper into the seat. I swear that Brooks must be a mind reader, she had one of those "knowing looks" on her face. Hell, I can't describe the expression, but I know it when I see it.

Surveying my realm, I noticed two people who I had not met. Brooks again anticipated me, as she introduced them to me.

"Captain Parker, this is Lt.(j.g.) Trevor Rhys-Davies." A young, dark-skinned man stood up from OPS and nodded his head in greeting.

"A pleasure to meet you, captain," he said in a strong, British accent.

The XO then indicated a Caitian woman with reddish-gold fur and rare, bright blue eyes. "This is Ensign M'Roal. She's something of a jack-of-all-trades and is qualified on most all of the bridge stations."

"Grreetings, captain," M'Roal purred in a rumbling alto as her long tail swished languidly.

"Mr. Rhys-Davies, Mr. M'Roal, I'm happy to meet you both. Don't let me interrupt your work. XO, walk with me, please."

Brooks joined me in the lift. "Let me buy you a cup of coffee, XO, then you can regale me with all of the ship's woes."

Lt. Erdon favored me with one of her radiant smiles. Any brighter and I would have needed sun glasses. "Okay, but let's get it on the station. Our servitors are still screwed up and the coffee tastes like sludge."

"If it tastes like sludge, the servitor's fine. You don't have to worry until it tastes like swill." I followed her off the ship, anyway.

* * *

We walked around to the new Merchant's Alley that was coming to life on Deck 16 of the station. I was amazed to see so many vendors already in operation despite the construction activity. Lt. Ergon led me to a small cafe' that already was filling with Starfleet types, boomers, and other spacers. I ordered Terran Colombian coffee (black) while Brooks ordered some sort of herbal tea. We took a seat at a table near the front and watched the throngs move by.

"Okay, XO, tell me what's wrong with the Merlin. I'm all ears."

She took a careful sip of her hot tea, then set her mug on the table. I could tell she was considering where to begin.

"Let me begin by saying that in general, the Merlin is a good, solid ship. The same can be said for most of the crew. That being said, we've got some definite problems in both areas."

"Start with the ship, then we can discuss the crew."

She nodded, then began. "Okay. The computer problem is probably our biggest single concern, 'cause it affects so many other systems. If we get the computer fixed, 75% of the other problems go away."

I pondered this bit of information for a moment. "What do we need to get it fixed?"

Brooks blew out a breath in frustration. "Seriously? A completely new core. I'm convinced that the Mark 3 we installed last year is corrupted. The problem is, we take the problem to Fleet, they pass it on to Daystrom, and they swear there's no problem, so Fleet says there's no problem."

"Have you put Mutt on it?"

She shook her head. "This is way over his paygrade. Sure, he's great on getting supplies, spare parts, even the sickbay equipment you saw. But all of that's available on the station."

"Where else can we get a core? Besides going through Fleet and Daystrom?"

She opened her mouth to speak, then closed it. Her expression told me she had an idea. "Maybe the 'Raptor," she said as a small smile played on her lips.

"The who?"

"It's another Kestral - class ship. The USS Velociraptor. It was badly damaged in an ion storm a couple of years ago. It's been decommissioned and cannibalized for parts. Maybe the core is still intact . . ."

"Where is it?" I asked.

"In a Lagrange point 5 orbit around 'Cyclops'"

I was beginning to get lost. "Cyclops? What's Cyclops?"

"A moon orbiting Molari IV. There are several old hulks parked in orbit for scrap. That's where we'll find the 'Raptor"

I smiled. "Sounds like a plan!" She continued on about problems with the food synthesizers, environmental controls, and the impulse engines. I listened, absorbing the pertinent points. It was hard not being distracted by this gorgeous woman. And I wasn't alone. Another Starfleet officer was so taken by the XO he walked into the door facing as he exited the cafe'. Brooks seemed totally oblivious to her affect on males. I wondered if there were any Green Orions in her family tree. Her skin lacked any green pigmentation, being more the color of light mocha.

"Okay," I said, "Give me a thumbnail of the crew. Who are the go-to people and who's going to give me grief?"

She favored me with a sly smile. "Well, I probably fit in both categories. Seriously, you've got some good officers in Rhys-Davies, M'Roal and Bateson. Of course, Bateson is still green, but I've been impressed with him so far. The non-coms are a mixed bag. Chief Kruff is steady and dependable, but he's intimidated by Chief Dursk."

"Tell me more about Dursk."

She sighed. "I don't know, captain. He can be a problem at times. Seems like he spends more time in the station brig than on the ship whenever we're in port. He knows his stuff in engineering, but I think he tends to be lazy. He's not above bullying his subordinates and he had no respect for Captain Treadway. I don't think that will be a problem with you."

I waved aside the compliment. Aw shucks, ma'am. Just doin' my job. Aloud, I said, "Before, you said you didn't think he was part of the smuggling ring?"

She nodded. "I don't think he's dishonest. Just hard-headed. With some . . . guidance, he's got potential. And he's got courage too. There's no one better leading a boarding party."

"Who's Chief of the Boat?" I asked.

She grimaced. "We don't have one. Treadway didn't think it necessary, so I handled all of the issues with the enlisted personnel."

"Well, that's going to end. There are too many other things that need doing for you to tend to every crewman's runny nose. Tell you what, I want to make Dursk the COB."

I managed to surprise her with that. Her eyebrows shot up like they were on springs. "Dursk? Chief of the Boat?" She shook her head. "I don't know . . ."

"It's a carrot, Brooks. He's already got leverage with the crew. If we channel it properly, it might get him and the crew more motivated. If the carrot doesn't work, I can always break out the stick."

"Break it over his head, you mean." She paused, a troubled look on her face, "I don't know. It's a risky move, but it might work. The other NCO's will listen to him. But he needs to learn how to lead and not just push people around," Lt. Erdon's face still showed doubt.

"I'll make it on a trial basis. If Dursk can handle the job well over the next three months, I'll recommend his promotion to Senior Chief."

"Okay, you're the boss."

"So, tell me about the other NCO's and any problem crew members."

For the next hour, she told me about Chief Ortberg, (needs to lose weight), Crewman Hernandez (a "psycho"), Petty Officer 2nd Class Tatupu (drinking and gambling problems), and Crewman Bock (hygiene issues). There were other issues too, but I felt like I had a better picture of the ship and crew than before our little chat.

"How soon can we ship out?" I asked.

"Well, the last rotation of crew members on shore leave should be back by tomorrow at 1300 hours. That's plenty of time to get things buttoned up and ready."

"Good. We'll plan on departing tomorrow at 1500 hours and head for the Molari system. Baby needs a new computer core!"

* * *

I decided it was time to see if Chief Dursk had made progress with the environmental controls. When the XO and I reentered the ship, I noticed the locker-room smell had faded - a promising sign. Taking the ladder (I need the exercise) I made my way back down to engineering.

The large double doors opened obediently and I once more entered Chief Dursk's lair. This time, the air was much clearer. The humidity level seemed appropriate and the temperature was back to a reasonable level. Nothing like some gentle encouragement to bring about positive results. I walked over to the engineering office.

This time, Dursk was waiting for me. "Attention on the deck!" he bellowed, as Chief Kruff and another crewman quickly stood to attention."

"Stand easy, men. I just wanted to check on your progress."

I must say, I was impressed by what I saw. The office was immaculate as were Dursk, Kruff and the wide-eyed crewman. They all wore clean uniforms - Dursk and Kruff in their grey tunics and the crewman in a spotless blue engineering jumpsuit. I put my hands on my hips and looked around in admiration.

"First rate! Simply first rate!" I could see the looks of relief on the three men.

"Well done, Chief Dursk! Chief Kruff and crewman . . .?

"Lorenko, sir!"

"Lorenko . . . would you two excuse Chief Dursk and me, please."

Kruff and Lorenko moved out of the cubicle at flank speed. I noticed a slight sheen of perspiration of Dursk's forehead.

"Have a seat, chief. I've got a proposition for you."

An expression of relief mixed with puzzlement crossed Dursk's flat face. "Yes sir?"

I pulled up another chair and sat down. "The XO tells me that the Merlin is without a Chief of the Boat. I intend to remedy that situation. Here's the deal - I'm giving you the job as COB. You do a good job the next three months and stay out of trouble, I'll recommend your promotion to Senior Chief."

Dursk was smart enough to anticipate another shoe dropping. "Or? . . ."

I maintained my smile, but my eyes got hard. I can't tell you exactly how I do that. It's a gift. "Or, I bust you back to crewman recruit and make Kruff the COB. I'm sure he would enjoy the irony. I doubt you would."

It's hard to tell when a man with no neck swallows, but I could tell Dursk got the message. "Yes sir. THANK YOU sir! I won't let you down." He stood and offered his hand. I was impressed with the gesture.

Standing, I clasped his hand firmly but with no rancor. "I believe you, Chief. Now we need to get busy getting Merlin ready to depart tomorrow. We're going hunting for a new computer core."

Dursk didn't seem surprised by my announcement. "Aye, aye sir!"

Good response. I nodded and left engineering in search of some food.

* * *

 

[DavidFalkayn]

Parker's making this ship his, no doubts about that! He's putting together what will eventually become a good crew and ship. There's still plenty of names to take and butt to kick, but Silas is getting there...and it looks like he'd like to get somewhere else with Brooks...

 

[Maxillius]

Looks like all Dursk needed was a kick in the pants and a real leader. I know people like that.

 

[Dulak]

I hate when you type a reply and it gacks it...I'll try to recreate it.

First off, I've liked first person narratives ever since ERB's John Carter of Mars.

But what I really, really love is the dry, sarcastic wit that Parker exudes, and his tendency for understatement, except of course when he's not drooling over his first officer.

I' can't wait until he narrates the first real crisis they get into.

Honestly, I'd pay money for this in book form. Really.

 

[CeJay]

Still awesome, no doubt.

I was thinking that Parker is quite the confident first time commanding officer, especially on this ship. I guess that's just his character but I wonder if it shouldnt be a bit more of struggle for him to try and straighten up one of the 'worst' ships of the fleet.

This is no criticism at all. I am enjoying this a lot and looking forward to more!

 

[TheLoneRedshirt]

Cejay, a good observation. Parker sometimes has a tendency to be aggressive and overconfident. (He did shoot his previous CO, after all!).

He may soon discover that straightening out the crew of the Merlin will not be as simple as he first thought.

Glad you all are enjoying the story!

 

[Data Holmes]

Props, LRS. You've done some real good work here. Like many others have said, I've enjoyed what I've read so far.


Just a question, if you don't mind... Are you familiar with the Trek Tech book Ships of the Star Fleet volume two? If not, I highly recommend you seek out a copy. It's set some time after the setting of your story here, 2290's, but I think you'd find it both a good read and a bit of a help in your story.

 

[TheLoneRedshirt]

hutt359 said:

Just a question, if you don't mind... Are you familiar with the Trek Tech book Ships of the Star Fleet volume two? If not, I highly recommend you seek out a copy. It's set some time after the setting of your story here, 2290's, but I think you'd find it both a good read and a bit of a help in your story.

No, I'm not familiar with that particular book but I appreciate the tip. I'll see if I can run it down.

 

[Data Holmes]

TheLoneRedshirt said:

hutt359 said:

Just a question, if you don't mind... Are you familiar with the Trek Tech book Ships of the Star Fleet volume two? If not, I highly recommend you seek out a copy. It's set some time after the setting of your story here, 2290's, but I think you'd find it both a good read and a bit of a help in your story.

No, I'm not familiar with that particular book but I appreciate the tip. I'll see if I can run it down.

Ah, you should definatly track down a copy if you can! It is focused on the Akyazi class Perimeter Action Ship, and speaks some on the Perimeter Action Fleet...


The Star Fleet Boarder Service by another name.



I myself have played in the realm of the SBS for some time, from a tech manual side (and have written a few stories following exploits of a crew in the service, but not nearly as good as your work here)

A few others have done some marvelous work on the tech side of the subject as well... I could pass along the work if you'd like. Might let you add some to your material? Don't want to take up your thread here, so drop me a PM if you want.


Either way, keep up the good work.

 

[TheLoneRedshirt]

Chapter 7

I made my second foray into the galley, determined to find something to eat. Several crewmen were seated and began to rise as I entered. I motioned them to keep their seats and I approached the food slots, a bit wary this time.

Not wanting to look inept in front of the crew, I pretended to ponder my menu options. In fact, I was desperately looking for instructions! Then I noticed a small printed menu index which had previously been covered with the meatloaf warning. As I perused it, I noticed that the meatloaf option had been crossed off. For some reason, this filled me with a sense of relief.

Armed with new-found food knowledge, I pressed in the code for a turkey sandwich on wheat with mayo, swiss, and pickles. The requisite lights flashed and presto! My turkey sandwich appeared when the tiny door opened. Isn't technology marvelous?

I went to the beverage servitor and, despite the XO's warning, punched in coffee. When it appeared, I took a sip to test it. Sludge. Just like mom's! I happily made my way to a table.

Two crewmen were already seated at the long table and regarded me with a mix of surprise and trepidation. I nodded my head in greeting and tore into my sandwich. It struck me that I hadn't eaten in nearly 24 hours. I probably would have even tried the meatloaf, given no other option.

The crewmen continued to regard me the way a rabbit might regard a hungry coyote. I noticed one of them had a large piece of chocolate cake on his tray that was untouched.

"You gonna eat that?" I inquired through a mouthful of turkey sandwich. Okay, maybe not the most dignified thing a captain could do, but, hey, no point letting it go to waste.

That seemed to un-freeze the crewman. "Huh? Oh, no sir. Here y'go."

"Thanks! What's your name, crewman?"

"Motyer, sir. Crewman 1st Class Owen Motyer. This is Crewman 3rd Class Roxyn Kol."

I nodded to Kol, a sandy-haired young man with brown spots that started around his hair-line and disappeared down his neck.

"Where are you fellows from?" I asked.

Motyer answered first. "I'm from the Mars colony, but I've got a lot of family on Earth in central Europe."

"And what about you, Crewman Kol?"

"I'm from Trill, sir."

That was a new one to me. "I'm not familiar with Trill."

"It's in the Kalandra system. There aren't too many Trill in Starfleet."

"Well, I'm sure you'll represent your home-world well."

I savored the chocolate cake and the coffee (sludge - black). Motyer and Kol excused themselves, leaving me alone in the galley with my food and my thoughts. Again, the thought hit me that I was responsible not only for this ship, but for the lives of the crew such as Motyer and Kol. All of a sudden, I wasn't hungry anymore.

* * *

My first night attempting to sleep in my quarters was a study in futility. My mattress must have been designed by a Klingon interrogator. I woke up with aches in places that had never hurt before. If I wanted any rest on this ship, I'd have to requisition a new mattress before we shipped out. Maybe Mutt could scrounge up something better.

After squeezing into the sonic shower and changing into a clean uniform, I stopped by the galley for a cup of sludge and a doughnut, then headed to the bridge.

Lt.(j.g.) Rhys-Davies was in the command chair when I exited the lift onto the bridge. He nimbly hopped up from the center seat, relinquishing the conn to me.

I settled in, brushing doughnut crumbs from the front of my tunic and balancing my coffee cup on the arm of the chair. "Well, lieutenant, anything exciting happen on the graveyard shift?"

Rhys-Davies raised a quizzical eyebrow at the colloquialism but maintained his poise. "Nothing out of the ordinary to report, captain. We're still getting things tidied up with the bridge systems, but we're nearly done. The OPS board appears to be functioning normally, and the level four computer diagnostic is completed. Here are the results."

He handed me a data slate with the diagnostic report. I scanned over it, grunting at certain highlighted portions. The core was operational but the occasional glitch still appeared, cause unknown. So much for computer diagnostics. I was reminded of the saying that a doctor that treats himself has a fool for a patient. The same held true for our computer trying to fix itself. It was a catch-22 situation.

I took the stylus and initialed the report and handed the slate back to Rhys-Davies. He gave an apologetic shrug as he took the slate and left the bridge. Well, we only needed the computer to hold together for a couple more days. That shouldn't be a problem, should it? Murphy's law began to run through my head.

I decided to familiarize myself with the bridge stations. The layout was similar to what I remembered from my time on the Osprey. There were a few differences, however. Instead of a science station, there was a console dedicated to the tractor beams. Communications appeared unchanged, and engineering was where I remembered, although configured somewhat differently. And OPs was where the navigator sat on the Osprey while navigation was merged in with the helm station. In a few hours, all of this would come to life as we headed out for the first time under my command. I wasn't nervous, exactly, but if someone had tapped me on the shoulder I probably would have hit my head on the ceiling.

Ensign M'Roal was the only other person on the bridge and she regarded me with her blue eyes. "Arre you all rright, sirr?"

I gave her a reassuring smile. "Fine, ensign. Just excited about getting under way." The felinoid ensign returned my smile, displaying sharp, white teeth. It was a bit scary, truth be told. She turned back to her console while I forced myself not to watch the chronometer. There are few things more monotonous than bridge duty when you're docked to a station.

Fortunately, I was not going to have to worry about boredom for long. The communicator in my armrest chirped, I started, almost spilling my coffee.

"Erdon to Captain Parker."

"Parker, go ahead, XO."

"Sir, I'm in the starboard cargo hold, deck five. There's something here I think you ought to see."

Grateful for something to do, I virtually lept from the chair. "On my way, lieutenant. Parker out." I bounded towards the lift. "You have the bridge, Ensign M'Roal."

"Aye, sirr."

* * *

I made it to the cargo hold in less than two minutes. Not a terribly impressive feat on a small cutter. I entered to find Lt. Erdon and a crewman I did not yet know. Erdon did not look happy. "Show the captain what you found, Shaedo."

The Asian crewman indicated an open container. I walked over to stand by the diminutive woman. Peering in, I saw numerous vials of a green liquid. Curious, I picked up one and held it up. The liquid seemed to swirl and shimmer in the light.

"What is it?" I asked.

"Ris-vil-ouyan. It's a potent narcotic that the Orions like to sell on the border worlds. We call it 'brain blast.' It's fast-acting and stimulates the pleasure centers of the brain. It also temporarily boosts strength and . . . other things. An overdose can cause homicidal or suicidal behavior, coma and even death."

"What's it doing here?" I had to ask, but I was pretty sure I already knew the answer.

"It's not part of our manifest," Lt. Erdon said, drily. "Somebody emptied out this crate that was supposed to hold medical supplies, and filled it with the brain blast."

I was beginning to feel my face redden with anger. "Somebody? You mean someone on this ship."

She nodded. I turned to the crewman. "When did you discover this?"

To her credit, the crewman did not cringe under my gaze. "About 15 minutes ago, sir. I was checking the holds to make sure everything was secure before departure stations this afternoon. I noticed that this crate was not properly secured, so I opened it to see if anything was damaged. When I saw what was in there, I notified Lt. Erdon."

I nodded. "Good job, crewman . . . ?"

"Ri, Shaedo Ri, Crewman 2nd Class."

"Thank you, Shaedo. Do not tell anyone about this, understood?" I made full-bore eye contact.

She blinked and nodded. "Understood, sir. I won't tell anyone."

I favored her with a slight smile. "Crewman Ri, thank you for reporting this. And for keeping it to yourself for now. I appreciate it. You're dismissed."

Ri left me with the XO to ponder the crate full of narcotics.

"Do you want me to call station security to get rid of this stuff?" Erdon asked.

I shook my head. "No. Let's leave it here. Whoever put it here will eventually come back to get it. I want to find out who's smuggling drugs on my ship!" I paused and jerked my head toward the corridor. "What about Crewman Ri - is she trustworthy?"

Erdon nodded. "Shaedo is sharp. She'll keep her mouth shut." She looked around the room. "It would be simple to mount a small surveillance sensor in here. I could put one in that corner and one in the crate itself."

I was still angry, but I also felt a surge of exhilaration. This could be a break in rooting out the smugglers on the ship. "Make it happen, XO. But be discreet. I have no doubt that whoever put that stuff in here will be keeping close tabs on it."

"Discretion is my middle name, sir."

I opened my mouth with a smart-assed comment, but she held up her hand. "Please, sir, don't. It wasn't that funny the first time."

"Sorry, Brooks. Just get it done and keep me posted."

"Aye, sir."

* * *

 

[DavidFalkayn]

Someone's smuggling some nasty stuff here. The question is who? And why do I keep on getting that nagging feeling that wonky computer core is going to bite someone in the ass soon?

 

[Data Holmes]

DavidFalkayn said:
Someone's smuggling some nasty stuff here. The question is who? And why do I keep on getting that nagging feeling that wonky computer core is going to bite someone in the ass soon?

I'm still waiting for there to be a spy on board the crew...

 

[Dulak]

Hmm. Great segment, still really enjoying it, with the characters, probably wouldn't matter if they were on a garbage scow...

Anyway.. I'm going to have to start an Orion notebook, as they seem to be getting more play on this board than in any Star Trek series... Even if it was just a narcotic...this time.

Keep up the good work, and thank you.

 

[CeJay]

Ah clearly my previous comments were made to quickly. I really liked how you showed us a litte bit of insecurity here. This is the first time Parker will command a starship and a crew, there just had to be some anxiety there. It makes the character both more believable and symphatetic.

Now I'm looking forward to see what he'll do to whoever he catches smuggling drugs on his ship. It's gonna be a lot more ugly than throwing around a few desks, I'm sure.

 

[TheLoneRedshirt]

Chapter 8

The morning slowly eased into the afternoon. As 1500 hours approached, the butterflies in my stomach went from the occasional flit to a full-blown Broadway number. I concentrated on looking calm, cool and In Charge. I'm not sure I fooled Brooks. She gave me the occasional sly smile and shook her head. Easy for her, she's not the Old Man.

At 1455, the bridge crew was in place and departure stations was announced. Brooks Erdon was at OPs while Morgan Bateson manned the nav/helm console. M'Roal was at the comm station and Chief Kruff rode shotgun at the engineering station. I wondered how my hands could be so sweaty and my mouth so dry.

Thankfully, I managed to issue orders without stuttering. "Ensign M'Roal, inform traffic control we are ready for departure."

"Aye, sirr." The Caitian turned to her work station.

"All airlocks reported closed and sealed. All boards show green. We're ready to disconnect from station umbilicals," announced Erdon.

"We're cleared forr departure, sirr. Route Alpha," announced M'Roal.

"Mr. Bateson, thrusters at station-keeping. Mr. Erdon, disconnect umbilicals, release us from the docking ring."

The XO inputted my orders into her controls. Momentarily, we heard the muffled thuds and clanks as the umbilicals disconnected and the docking clamps released. We were on our own now, floating free of the station.

"Take us out on thrusters, helm. Route Alpha to the yard limit."

With a light touch on the thruster controls, Ensign Bateson guided our ship away from the Star Station. We glided past a few other ships, some orbiting the station, others in cocoon-like repair docks. One ship in particular caught my eye.

"Willya look at that?" I said, probably sounding like a teenager with a crush.

The graceful lines of the USS Enterprise loomed off of our starboard bow. I've always thought that Connies were the epitome of starship design.

"Maybe they'll give the "Big E" to you after Captain Pike is finished with her, Mr. Bateson." I had noticed the wistful expression on his face, probably not unlike mine.

"That'll give you five years to get ready, Morgan," chimed in Lt. Erdon. "Enterprise is headed out on another five-year mission."

"Yep, Pike's second. And Captain April did two as well. I guess ten years is the magic number on a Connie," I said. I also wondered about my magic number on the Merlin. If I screwed up, it would be measured in days or weeks, not years. Those were thoughts I didn't need to pursue. "Well folks, let's get our attention on our five day mission to Cyclops. Mr. Bateson, once we clear the yard set a course for the Molari system. One-half impulse 'til we clear the gravity well, then take us to warp four."

"Aye, sir," responded Bateson as he deftly made inputs to the helm.

In a few minutes we cleared the yard and Bateson cracked open the impulse throttles. I smiled at the throaty rumble echoing through the hull and the slight vibration in the deck - typical of the Kestral-class. As we gained speed, the vibration faded and the growl diminished, though not entirely. Relieved that we made it out of the yard without scratching the paint, I stood and stretched. "You have the conn, XO. I'm going to stretch my legs a bit."

* * *

I went up and down the ladders between decks to work off my nervous energy, then stopped by sickbay. Mutt was storing supplies but stopped when he saw me and smiled. "Can I help you sir?"

"No, I just wanted to thank you for finding that new mattress for my cabin. You sure procured it in short order."

The young man actually blushed. "Oh, you're welcome, sir. I just worked out a three-way deal with the station's quartermaster and the first officer on the Enterprise." He lowered his voice in a conspiratorial tone. "To be honest, skipper, that lady is kind of intimidating!" He straightened. "Anyway, I talked the quartermaster on the station into giving them the bio-filters they needed and in return, she gave me the mattress."

My mind reeled at all of this. I was impressed that Mutt had actually made a deal with the exec on Enterprise. I had not met the woman, but scuttlebutt had it that she was one intense hard case! I also felt guilty that he had gone to so much trouble over something as trivial as a mattress.

"Mutt, I do appreciate the effort, but you could have told me the station couldn't help you. You didn't have to chase a mattress down across the fleet!"

He smiled. "That's okay, sir. I like a challenge!"

I shook my head. "Well, I slept like a baby last night, so I can't argue with the results. Thanks again, Mutt!"

"Anytime, sir."

* * *

I poked my head here and there, still trying to get to know the crew. Finally, I made my way down to engineering. The growl of the impulse engines was noticeably louder here. I found Chief Dursk watching over the engines like a mother hen.

"Are we set to go to warp?" I asked in a raised voice over the din.

Dursk nodded. "Ready when you are, captain. Just give the word."

"I will, chief. As soon as we clear the system. How much can you give me."

"All the way to 6.8" he said, proudly.

I was impressed! Most Kestrals might make 6.4 if they were sucked into a black hole. Dursk might have his faults, but he was obviously a good engineer. I nodded in approval.

"Outstanding, chief! Hopefully we won't need that on our little field trip. How are the other systems running?"

At this question, Dursk developed a concerned expression. "Well, everything is running fine, as long as the damn computer doesn't crash. If it goes down again . . . well."

He didn't have to say anything else. That was our weak link, our Achille's heel, or any other cliched expression for vulnerable area you might have. We were taking a risk making this run to the Molari system. While not really dangerous, the embarrassment of another shut-down wouldn't do the crew's morale any good. Mine either, for that matter.

"We just need to hold it together a couple of days 'til we get to Cyclops. Do you have everything you need to swap the cores?"

Dursk nodded. "That won't be too complicated. We'll have an EVA crew make the transfer, but the install should be pretty easy. Assuming that the core on the 'Raptor is working. Or still there, for that matter."

That wasn't a happy thought. True, the records indicated that the Velociraptor's computer core was still on-board and had been functional. But someone with the know-how and want-to could bypass the security seals on the ship and help themselves. Not that there was a big market for old computer cores, but weirder things had happened. My butterflies had left, washed away by the acid now churning in my stomach.

"We'll deal with that when we get there, chief. Let's just make sure we do get there first. Carry on!" I left engineering in a somewhat less good mood and made my way back toward the bridge.

* * *

We made the jump to warp without incident and the ride was very smooth. Thus far, Merlin had performed flawlessly. I was just beginning to relax when the lights on the bridge flickered and several warning lights began to flash at OPs. Lt. Erdon let loose with a string of colorful curse words as we dropped out of warp.

"Status!" I barked, fearing the worst.

"Partial computer shut-down. Not as bad as last time, but bad enough." said Erdon.

I resisted the urge to bang my fist on the arm of my chair. "Alright, we've dropped out of warp, what else have we lost?"

"The mains are off-line but we still have impulse. Shields and weapons are off-line as are external sensors. Life support and environmental are okay." She frowned. "It seems that besides the warp drive its only the defensive and security systems that are down."

The hair on the nape of my neck began to prickle. This was just too convenient. "Ensign M'Roal. Send a security team to the starboard cargo hold on deck 5. Tell them to stay put until I get there and not let anyone else in or out."

"Acknowledged," M'Roal turned back to her station.

"What the hell? . . ." Erdon exclaimed suddenly as she scanned her board.

"What is it, XO?"

"I'm picking up an incoming transporter beam. Deck 5, starboard." She turned to me with a meaningful look. "We've got company!"

I hit the klaxon button on my chair. "Intruder alert, deck 5. I repeat, intruder alert, deck 5. Security teams respond on the double." I slapped off the switch. "M'Roal, you have the conn. XO, you're with me."

We quickly entered the turbo lift. I grabbed the control handle. "Deck 5!" We dropped quickly. I looked at Erdon. "It seems that someone has been expecting us."

Erdon was ticked. "Damn! I should've thought of this. It's not just a computer glitch. This is sabotage."

I was mad, too, but my mind was working. "This is a step up from just playing the black market, XO. Someone is deliberately placing this ship in danger. When I find out who it is . . ." I let the thought dangle in the air. Visions of torture and slow, painful death played through my mind.

* * *

 

[DavidFalkayn]

As 1500 hours approached, the butterflies in my stomach went from the occasional flit to a full-blown Broadway number.

I could see Mike Hammer on the bridge saying that line.

Also, whoever the smuggler(s) are, they better hope they don't get caught. The smuggling's bad enough, but by committing sabotage, they put the ship and their shipmates in danger--the unpardonable sin on any ship. The rest of the crew--the good, the bad, and the ugly--are going to be waiting in line to take their crack at them.

 

[Dulak]

Well, I have to say you are not wasting any time getting them into the thick of things... Kind of makes my leisurly three chapter workup on the Shepard look a little like War and Peace.

I have to say, with respect to the other fine authors here that this story has quickly moved to my number one favorite spot. I hope it enjoys a long and exciting life.

:thumbsup:

 

[Data Holmes]

I do like this series. Can't wait till the next installment.

 

[Gibraltar]

Okay, someone’s definitely upped the ante here. Like Parker said, smuggling is one thing, putting your ship and crew in danger to facilitate that smuggling is something else entirely.

I continue to enjoy the descriptiveness of Parker’s narrative, from mom’s sludge to the crew’s evident discomfort around him, the story flows effortlessly. You’ve got a well balanced cast of characters here, and I cant’ wait to see how they react to being boarded.

Well done.