Vengeance

The Sr. Medical officer entered the brig. "Thank God."

"Along side him strode the Captian. "Would you just relax. Its only a delay, Bones. We'll be back before you know it."

"Yeah, you can act like that's Christmas to my ears."

"Look we wouldn't be going if it wasn't so important."

"Shut up, Jim. You know it's not going to be like a little adventure. But apparently nothing is too difficult for fabulous Captain Jim Kirk."

Dr. McCoy couldn't go one day in space without his usual complaints. "Yeah whatever"--Jim Kirk turn on the ship's transmission--"This is Captain Kirk. We've received a"--McCoy shoots a disgusted look and then rolls his eyes with his arms crossed--"complaint back at Starfleet Headquarters and they'd like for us to assist the problem. We'll be back at Earth in ten minutes. Kirk out." McCoy was uneasy about anything he thought seemed fishy.

On the bridge, the Lieutenants and officers were keeps the ship functional, making sure their arrival is on schedule. Each person aboard had their specific task, all 400. There couldn't be a single second of quietness with all the sounds of cadets moving between halls, engineering keeping the warp core steady, and the little beeping sounds of any other system in its working state. It was running like a usual voyage on the Starship Enterprise.

The helmsman checked the location status of the Enterprise. "Captain, we should be coming out of warp within two minutes." Hikaru Sulu was perhaps the best maneuverer in the chair that Starfleet had to offer. After all, he is the one driving the Enterprise. Everything must be accurate through his eyes in order to avoid damage to the ship.

The Captain smiled. "Thank you, Mr. Sulu." He turned around to communications. "Lieutenant Uhura. Anything to report?"

Nyota Uhura acknowledged the Captain. "Everything normal, Captain. Channels are open to Starfleet. If they say anything, you'll know." She spun around in her chair with her long dark hair following swiftly as she continued her monitoring.

Kirk was pleased with the crew. Everything was running perfectly, as usual. There couldn't be something possibly wrong and nothing could possibly go wrong. whatever they we called for, the Captain had a good feeling about. What could Dr McCoy complain about?

Kirk then directed his gaze to the Science officer, but no science officer was to be seen. He looked to the ensign. "Mr. Checkov. Do you know where science officer Spock is?"

Pavel Checkov was still working on his accent, though his language transfed from Russian to English has impressed even that of the Captain's."No, sir. I haff not heard from Mr. Spock since since our set course."

Spock not at his post? Vulcans' had high loyalty for senior commands. It may have been the most startling thing for first officer Spock to do. How could this Vulcan abandon his post without the consent of the Captain?

"Wait. Spock isn't here? Okay, Jim. I think there is definitely something wrong now," said McCoy. "This is so unVulcan of him. Hell, I'm going to remember this day forever."

This time Kirk had to admit, with Spock not being, well, Spock, something fishy was going on.

Uhura signaled the Captain over. "Captain, Starfleet headquarters are asking us to dock at bay 3. And they asked for you and Mr. Spock to the meeting immidiately."

Kirk was slightly taken aback. "What meeting? I don't recall a pre-invite or a heads up of a meeting. I though we were going for a quick update or a small matter."

"I'm sorry, Captain. I have no record of a scheduled conference, but it's their direct orders, and they do ask you come at once. It only came in just recently."

This was all strange indeed to the Captain. "Well I can't attend this meeting without Mr. Sp--"

The doors to the bridge from the elevator slid to the side and the First officer entered. Mr. Spock had no expression whatsoever as to lead anyone to his whereabouts.

Kirk said, "Mr. Spock, would you care to explain your absence?"

Spock did not immediately speak, perhaps due to thinking of a good reason not to disappoint the captain. His small delay of answer worried Kirk, for it may have been crucial. "Captain, I had received a message that the head of Starfleet himself has personally asked you and me to--"

"Attend a very important meeting, yes Mr. Spock I heard only recently." Kirk finished his sentence. though perhaps it unwise to think you know more than what a Vulcan is telling you.

"Actually, Captain, I had already been informed. My absentee had been due to this uncalled for conference. We are to attend to discuss a matter of which should concern everyone gravely."

If this meeting is so big, how come I'm only learning about this now? Kirk thought, feeling stupid and left out, even for being the Captain.

"Well, do you have any idea of what it's about?"

Spock froze for a moment again. "Khan Noonien Sing has escaped his cryosleep from a highly guarded facility under extreme watch. It is only logical to assume that he had outside help."

For once it seemed, everything and everyone on the brig went silent.