Captains Log, Stardate 30 65 point 4. After running into a magnetic storm which caused sufficient damage to warrant immediate repair, we are diverting to the uncharted 'Relobeo' system in the hope of finding the raw materials we need to repair the Enterp
Kirk closed the log and handed it to yeoman Rand. "Spock, do you have an update on the Relobeo system?"
The Vulcan looked up from his scope and read his report. "Sensors report that the fifth planet in the system is the only body with sufficient quantities of Moanan for our requirements." Spock paused for a second then added, "It is a class M planet Captai
"Is it inhabited?"
"We're too far from the planet for sensors to give us that information, however there is some activity in the energy spectrum that would suggest a civilization of some kind."
"Thank you Mr. Spock." Kirk turned towards Sulu. "Mr. Sulu."
"Yes Captain." The navigator anticipating the next command found the coordinates for the fifth planet.
"Set course for Relobeo five. Warp four."
"Aye sir. Warp four."
The mighty Constellation class starship turned to it's new heading eager to rendezvous with the planet. On the bridge Kirk walked over to the turbo lift to pay a visit to McCoy. "You have the Conn. Mr. Spock."
"Well, swell of you to drop by Captain," McCoy motioned towards a chair, Jim sat down, "you damn well near wrecked my sickbay flying us though that storm."
"Sorry Bones, comes with the job." He placed a bottle of Anterian brandy on the table with two glasses. "Truce?"
"All the brains in the universe and they still can't build a ship that won't throw you around like crazy in a storm. What's worse you could have gone around it." McCoy disappeared into his office to find a suitable tool to open the bottle.
"I could have, but it would have meant a good six days to go round it. We don't have that luxury. The vaccine must arrive before it's sell by date."
"Before it's what?" Shouted McCoy from the other room.
"A term used when storing food, before food synthesizers where invented."
McCoy returned with a surgical instrument and opened the bottle, he poured two large servings then replaced the top. "Here's to calmer waters."
"I'll drink to that Doctor." Both men took a sip of the brandy. "Any casualties during the storm?" Kirk asked.
"Only one fractured wrist. Oh, and plenty of upset stomachs. That includes me."
"We're diverting to a nearby planet for some repairs, coming along?"
"Since you ruined my day I might as well get some shore leave in compensation."
"OK then Doctor," Kirk said smiling "Be in the transporter room in half an hour."
Just then the intercom buzzed. "Captain to the bridge." Kirk walked over to the intercom and pressed the transmit button.
"Kirk here. On my way."
As Kirk walked from the lift onto the bridge Spock rose from the command chair and stood beside it.
"What is it Spock?" Asked Kirk taking his seat.
"The planet Relobeo Five is, as our preliminary sensor scan predicted, very rich in Moanan."
"Very good mister Spock."
"The planet is also inhabited."
This could cause problems. The inhabitants may not welcome them with open arms.
"At what level of development?" Asked Kirk.
"They rate as class seven. Early space travel."
"Lieutenant Uhura, open hailing frequencies."
"Hailing Frequencies open Sir." Replied Uhura.
"This is Captain Kirk of the USS Enterprise a member of the United Federation of Planets. We come in peace. Do you read?"
"This is Jerra, President of the Northern sector. We welcome you."
"Thank you Mr. President. I have a request to make. Can I meet you?"
There was a short pause before the President answered.
"We have a landing strip to the east of our main city, my aids will send you the coordinates."
Lieutenant Uhura transfered the information to Spock who displayed it on the main bridge screen with the landing field depicted within a flashing circle.
"We have your landing coordinates Mr. President and will be with you shortly. Kirk out." He punched the channel closed then contacted engineering.
"Scott here." Came the reply.
"Mr. Scott, meet Mr. Spock and me at the shuttle bay in fifteen minutes equipped with Moanan mining equipment and the personnel to operate it."
"Aye Captain."
When Kirk and Spock reached the shuttle bay Scotty was already underway with the loading of mining equipment.
"Could we not beam this down Captain? The shuttle craft will be a wee bit heavy with all this on board."
"The inhabitants of this planet," Said Spock "rate only class seven, we should not let them see such advanced techniques as our transporter."
"Aye, the prime directive."
"Precisely Mr. Scott."
Shortly all the equipment and crew where loaded and ready for launch. The flight did not take long, Scotty was eager to repair the damage to his beloved Enterprise. After the shuttle had taxied to a welcoming committee Kirk opened the hatch and stepped
"Welcome to our planet Captain." Said a man donned in rich looking material ordained with medals.
"Mr. President." Said kirk holding his hand out in greeting. Jerra made no attempt to shake hands.
"Perhaps a salute would have been more appropriate." Whispered Spock.
"I'm sorry," said Kirk to Jerra "It's a form of greeting."
"Oh."
Said the President and then he raised his hand towards Kirk but withdrew it before Kirk could show him the rest of the greeting. He then introduced them to the members of his cabinet with him, Terru and Sarrel.
"We have been tracking you since you entered our system Captain, tell us, how does your ship travel so fast?"
"Er, shall we discuss this inside gentlemen." Said Kirk trying to change the direction of the conversation.
Inside the terminal Kirk managed to divert Jerra's curiosity over his ship onto the reason for his visit.
"So this Moanan as you call it, is in abundance here."
"yes Sir." Said Spock, "A most fortunate fact for us."
"Indeed." Answered the President deep in thought, "And how much would you be willing to pay for this substance?"
Kirk felt sure that he could make the President an offer that would satisfy both Jerra and the prime directive.
"Well I'm sure we can..." Kirk was cut off by a loud explosion that knocked them all to the ground.
"Southerner attack." Shouted Terru reaching for his communicator, "Base commander I want that flyer shot down now."
There was another explosion that sent glass flying into the terminal. Outside return fire had begun. The Southerner plane was turning for another pass but this time the base commander was ready. There was a short round of shots fired from a ground based
"Is everyone Ok?" Asked Kirk "Spock, Bones?"
"I am unharmed Captain." Replied Spock, McCoy nodded.
"Will you look at what they did to the Galileo Captain." Said Scott looking at the shuttle craft shaking his head. A substantial part of the port nacelle was torn open and the rear of the shuttle craft had been hit with some shrapnel.
"Mr. President," Shouted Kirk trying to keep his voice under control "Why weren't we warned about you being at war?"
But Jerra could not answer he had been hit by some flying rubble and lay unconscious on the floor.
"Stay out of this Kirk." Said Terru "Sarrel, get a medic. NOW."
Sarrel was already on his way barking orders into his communicator.
McCoy ran forwards to the fallen leader and ran a tricorder over his prone body. After a few seconds he faced Terru. "He's going to be fine. Mild concussion."
"Father!" A woman wearing a brightly colored robe with similar markings to Jerras uniform was running towards them. She came to a stop beside the President and held his hand.
"He is OK." Said Terru "Just unconscious."
Kirk felt fortunate that they had not arrived a few minutes later when they would have been at the mercy of the flyer.
"Scotty." He said
"Aye Captain."
"I want a complete damage report on the Galileo and it's cargo."
"Aye sir." Replied Scotty.
"Spock, contact the ship and have them keep an eye out for further attacks."
Kirk walked over to the President. The girl was holding onto Jerra's hand, staring at his face. Shortly Sarrel returned with a medical crew, they administered a drug to the President then loaded him into the ambulance.
"I suggest you follow us Kirk." Said Terru motioning towards another vehicle that had just pulled up.
"Mr. Scott. Spock and I are going with the President. Get the mining gear and shuttle craft into a safe place."
"Aye Sir, but repairing the Galileo is g'na take some time Captain."
"You've got three hours Mr. Scott. The Enterprise is keeping an eye out for attacks, at the first sign of danger beam up."
"Aye sir." Replied Scotty "I'll have her ready for'ya."
Kirk and Spock climbed into the vehicle with Terru which promptly sped out of the terminus following the ambulance.
At the hospital the President came round. He immediately gave orders for retaliatory action.
"Sir," Said Spock, "May I ask how long you have been fighting this war."
"Seven years now." Came the reply after a few more orders.
"Why where we not warned?" Asked Kirk, "You risked my crews lives."
"An attack so far inland is most unusual Captain." Replied Jerra, "You were simply unfortunate."
"Unfortunate!" Staggered Kirk.
"Gentlemen please." A Doctor intervened, "I must insist that you all leave this room, my patient must have rest."
Everyone dutifully moved into the corridor then to an adjacent room. Several high ranking officers quarrelled with each other and Terru about what protective measures should be brought into force to stop any future attempts on the Presidents life. During
"Scotty, anything to report on the shuttle craft?"
"It's coming along fine sir." Came the reply, "She'll be space worthy on time."
"Good work Scotty. What about the mining gear?"
"The main power unit for the collectors smashed beyond repair but I can adapt a couple of hand phasers as power cells."
"Good, Contact the ship when you are ready and have them scan for a good Moanan site in this area."
"Aye Captain Scott out."
Kirk replaced the communicator on his belt and was about to return to the room when Peddoc the Presidents daughter stopped him.
"Captain," She called "Can I speak with you?"
Kirk found her very attractive with her long blonde hair and flowing feline figure. So far she was the only ray of light on this mission.
"Peddoc isn't it?"
"Yes Captain. Why have you really come to this planet?"
"I've already explained, to collect a substance known as Moanan to repair my ship."
Peddoc gave him a look of sadness. "Truly?"
"Why should I lie?" Replied Kirk with an open handed gesture.
"Could you not end this war? Your weapons must be far superior to ours. Why don't you kill the Southerner cowards?" She said failing to control her heart felt anger for her fathers attackers.
"Who says I have the power to stop this war of yours."
"But you must. And you are here to help aren't you!"
At that moment they where interrupted by Kirk's communicator. It was Sulu. "Captain Kirk, please come in."
"Yes Sulu what is it?"
"We are tracking several missiles heading in your direction although trajectory predicts the target is some miles to your south."
"Thank you Mr. Sulu, keep us informed."
"Aye Sir. Sulu out."
"There, another attack Captain."
"Are you not guilty of similar attacks on the southern inhabitants of this planet?" It was Spock.
"It is simply in self defence." Answered Peddoc
"Indeed," Said Spock "From what I heard just now you are planning a massive attack aimed at the Southern sectors most populated area."
"They deserve it." Retorted Peddoc.
"And what will the reply be?" Asked Kirk "An even greater attack on you next time."
"But we have too. Not too retaliate would be seen as weakness and we would surely be invaded."
"The only logical solution then is to hold a peace conference." Said Spock.
"It's been tried and failed."
"You have to make it work. It's the only way." Said Kirk.
"No it's not, YOU can stop it all now. Destroy there weapons there military bases. Smash them." With that outburst she ran crying down the corridor leaving them in silence.
In the hours that followed Scotty had started extracting the Moanan from a very rich site located just outside the city. The operation had taken a long time for further attacks had taken place and the landing party where constantly warned of imminent att
"Peddoc is right Spock, we could end all this by vaporizing the missiles as they left there launch pads."
"But in so doing we would violate the prime directive, tampering with the natural development of worlds of a lower technological developed people than ourselves."
"Yes Spock. Damn. I see these people much as Earth was during the mid 20th century."
"Your world resolved it's problems before it was too late."
"Only just. We saw the sense but only just. What will happen to this world?"
"Only time will tell Captain."
There was another distant explosion.
"Captain. Scott here. We have collected enough Moanan for the repair."
"Thank you Mr. Scott. Meet us back at the Galileo and prepare for departure." Kirk opened a channel to the Enterprise, "Mr. Sulu."
"Aye Sir."
"Have a team ready to get to work with the Moanan ore. We shall be returning shortly." Kirk turned to Spock "What's the quickest way to the terminal?"
"I believe it to be in this direction." The Vulcan pointed to his right.
"Lets go then." They turned to walked towards a pedestrian conveyor-belt when a shout from Peddoc stopped them. She came running towards them.
"A conference." She manages to blurt out before catching her breath, "They agreed to a conference."
"That's great news Peddoc." Said Kirk embracing her "The first steps to a sane world."
"I hope so Captain. Will you return here after your voyage to deliver the vaccine to the other world?"
"I don't see why not, do you Mr. Spock." Said Kirk smiling.
"Unless Star Fleet has other plans Sir." Spock replied solemn faced.
"Farewell then Captain, Pleasant voyage." Peddoc kissed Kirk then handed him a small ornament. "A gift Captain."
"What is it?" Kirk asked studying the finely detailed animals lovingly crafted onto it.
"It's two symbols that stand for peace and eternity." She replied, "I made it for you."
"I'm honored Peddoc. I wish I could repay your generosity."
"Just promise me you will return."
Kirk grinned broadly "Try to stop me." They kissed then parted continuing for the terminal to meet the rest of the landing party.
On board the Enterprise Kirk gave the order to break orbit and rendezvous with the Delcetti system the moment the repairs had been carried out.
"Warp six Mr. Sulu." He ordered.
"Aye Captain Warp six."
The image of Relobeo Five shrank as the ship sped away into the void. Less than twenty minutes passed when...
"Captain." Said Uhura turning from her console, "I'm receiving a
message from Relobeo Five."
"On screen." Lieutenant
"Kirk." It was the President of the Northern sector. "We could not agree on a solution so we have taken action to put an end to the war and request your help in our fight."
"Sir," Interrupted Uhura "I have The Southern President on line.
"Put him on." Kirk ordered.
"Captain Kirk, you have to help us the Northern animals have launched a series of nuclear weapons against some of our outposts. Destroy them now."
"Both sides have launched Nuclear devices Captain." Interrupted Spock.
"Mr. Sulu, turn us around, best speed. " Kirk said jumping up "Mr. Chekov arm phasers prepare to destroy the missiles in mid flight."
"Sir, we will not make it in time." Spock said "I estimate first salvo of weapons to detonate in one point two three minutes."
Kirk wheeled round to Sulu.
"What's our ETA."
"Seven minutes Captain at maximum warp."
The statement Numbed Kirk's whole body. He staggered back to his chair.
"How could they of been so stupid?" He whispered. A silence fell over the bridge and time seemed to stand still. What seemed like hours later small flashes of light could be seen bursting on the planet then more intense until then whole world looked like
"Sir the planet is going to break up." Reported Spock breaking the silence.
"Get us out of here Sulu." Responded Kirk.
As the starship ran from the dying planet Kirk removed the ornament Peddoc had given him, the only surviving object of a now dead race. And he thought of the promise he could no longer keep.
