When Home is Gone

Part Thirteen - A Visitor

Ray's Point of View - Sickbay, USS Enterprise
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Kirk was on the bridge, deep in thought, when McCoy's voice came through the intercom on the arm of his chair.

"McCoy to Kirk, I think I know what's wrong with Luna and Spock. Luna is going into emergency surgery so if you need me, that's where I'll be. McCoy out."

Kirk was confused by McCoy's brief message, but when he heard 'emergency surgery', he knew it had to be brief. But McCoy's scans said that there was nothing wrong with her, why is she going into surgery?

"Keptin, long range scans are detecting that our shadow is now mowing tovards us on an intercept course."

Kirk looked over at Chekov, then at the main screen.

"On screen, Mr Chekov."

"Aye, Keptin."

The large screen at the front of the bridge began showing the back of the Enterprise and a small vessel coming towards her. Kirk didn't like the look of this ship, but regulations are regulations.

"Hail them, Uhura."

On screen, a man with dirty blond hair and dark eyes smiled at Kirk. Kirk's bad feeling became worse as he remembered Luna and Ray's description which fit perfectly with the person in front of him.

"This is Captain James Tiberius Kirk of the federation starship Enterprise. May I ask as to why you have been following us?"

"Well, hello Captain. You are currently in possession of something that belongs to me. I am just here to ask that you return it to us. You don't want this to end badly, do you?"

His face widened in a menacing smile. Kirk said nothing, briefly glancing at Sulu who was starting at him and nodding just enough for Sulu to see, but not the other ship.

Sulu turned back to his station and raised the shields to full power. If the other ship noticed, they didn't say anything. Sulu looked over at Uhura in silent communication and she turned around and activated red alert for all decks, but didn't allow the sirens to sound on the bridge and give them away.

She then turned to Chekov and he realised what they were doing. He returned to his station and powered up the forward phaser banks and armed the photon torpedoes. Then he faced Kirk and Kirk knew his plan was carried out. If anything happened, they would be ready.

"I can assure you, sir, that we are not carrying any cargo. Perhaps some material from another planet, but nothing more than that I'm afraid. By the way, I didn't quite catch your name."

The man on screen became visibly frustrated. But he tried, and failed, to hide it.

"I am truly sorry for my manners, Captain. My name is Ben and I believe that you are lying. You have a man and a woman aboard your ship. They must be returned to us. Now."

Kirk motioned for Uhura to end the hail. Only then did he realize that he was standing, and sat down, sighing deeply.