2. A Matter of Honor

Jamie Kirk thinks she's the luckiest kid in the quadrant. After her uncertain welcome aboard her father’s starship, life settles down. Now, surely a galaxy of adventure awaits! But when a visit to an intergalactic zoo goes wrong, Jamie finds herself trapped in hostile territory and over her head in trouble. If this is adventure, she should have stayed home.

Chapter 1

Jamie Kirk sat miserably in the captain’s office, staring at the monitor screen. A row of numbers—low numbers—stared back at her.

Her grades.

She flicked a quick glance at the figure sitting on the other side of the desk. He does not look pleased. Not at all.

Captain James Kirk folded his arms across his chest and leaned back in his chair. “When did you intend to share this little secret with me?”

Jamie shrugged. “I don’t know.”

It was clearly not the answer her father wanted to hear.

He sighed, picked up a stylus, and tapped the screen. The box labeled “Terran History” opened, and Jamie watched him frown as he silently read the report.

He shook his head. “I don’t like surprises, Cadet.”

Jamie winced. Apparently, not telling her father she was failing in three subjects was a serious blunder. Worse, having to hear about it from one of his officers appeared to irritate him even more.

Jamie had never worried about schoolwork before. Grandma had never sat her down and talked about grades—failing or otherwise. Instead, they’d traveled together and learned everything of interest not only in Iowa, but in much of the United States as well. They were planning a trip to the moon when— 

That was a long time ago, Jamie reminded herself sadly, before the accident. Before the Enterprise.

Since then, she’d lost her grandmother, lost her only other relatives on the planet Deneva, and found herself temporarily aboard her father’s starship. Starfleet red tape being what it was, a few days had stretched into a few weeks, and a few weeks into a few months.

It had now been over six months, and Jamie hoped Starfleet would become so entangled in red tape that they would forget she existed.

Unfortunately, the Enterprise was the source of her current problem. Jamie had never dreamed a starship could be such an interesting place. 

She’d come aboard in uncertainty, fearful of meeting a father she hadn’t seen in two years.

But one month later she felt she’d never lived anyplace else. There were so many fascinating things to see and do aboard the Enterprise that she found it impossible to find time to complete her school assignments.

“Jamie.” Her father’s voice sliced into her memories.

Jamie ducked her head. Waves of blond hair fell in her face. “I’m sorry.”

“You’re going to be a lot sorrier if these scores don’t go up. Sixty percent in Terran history, sixty-three percent in literature, and forty-nine in mathematics!” He let out a long, frustrated breath. “How did this happen?”

Jamie gulped. “I pass all the tests, but I don’t turn in the busywork. That sort of irritates my tutors.”

Kirk sighed. “I can see how it might.”

“I know how to do the math.” Jamie’s words came out in a rush. “Ask me anything, anything at all. It’s a waste of time to work problem after problem, when I already know how to do them. I’d much rather learn how to align the matter-antimatter pods down in engineering with Mr. Scott. He makes the theory easy to understand.”

“That’s not exactly in the curriculum for eight-year-olds.”

“I’m almost nine,” Jamie reminded him. “I know I’m not supposed to use school time to study matter-antimatter reactions, but it’s interesting.” She gave her father an impish grin. “Mr. Scott says the engineer is more important than the captain.”

Kirk frowned. “You shouldn’t bother Mr. Scott while he’s on duty.”

“Oh no, Captain. I’m very quiet. I follow him around, and he tells me things about the engines, the warp core, and the matter-antimatter pods.”

“I’ll bet he does,” Kirk mumbled. “He’s finally found someone willing to listen to him go on and on about his precious engines.”

Jamie giggled. When her father snapped off the screen, she sighed. The scolding must be over.

I got out of that one pretty well.

“Don’t believe for a minute that I’m finished with this, Cadet. I’ve been informed of the problem. Now, we’ll discuss the solution.” He crossed his arms and waited.

“Solution?” Oops. I guess I’m still in trouble.

Kirk nodded.

“You can take away my dessert card and forget it ever happened.” 

Silence. A shake of his head told Jamie the captain wasn’t going for it. 

“How will we prevent this from happening all over again?” he asked.

“Don’t make me do boring busywork.”

“I’ll see what I can do to make it a little more challenging but take a look—” He waved a hand over the stacks of disks and hard copies of reports strewn across his desk. “I don’t like paperwork either, but it’s got to be done.”

He smiled. “Let’s make a deal. You wade through your busywork, and I’ll wade through mine. If we both manage to conquer the paper monster in two weeks, we’ll take shore leave on Murdock’s Planet.”

“Murdock’s Planet?”

Kirk nodded. “I just learned the Federation won the bid for a shipment of topaline. The Enterprise has been ordered to pick it up and deliver it to the refineries on Delta Vega.”

“That doesn’t sound like a shore leave stop to me,” Jamie muttered.

“Murdock’s Planet boasts the largest zoo in the sector. We’ll spend the day there if I see your grades go up. Deal?”

Jamie gasped. A zoo? A whole day with her father? “Deal!”

She leaped from her chair and ran around the desk. She threw her arms around her father’s neck and gave him a hug. “I’ll do the work, Captain-Daddy-Sir. You just watch and see.”

Kirk returned the hug. “I figured you might.” He glanced at his chronometer and rose to his feet. “I’ve got to get up to the bridge and start my shift. See you at supper.”

 ****** 

Jamie looked up when her father entered the recreation hall two weeks later. He waved a hard copy of her grades as he crossed the room. A few minutes later, he slid beside her with his supper tray.

“Congratulations, Cadet. You came through.”

“It wasn’t bad once I got used to it.” She pulled the paper from her father’s hand. “And it didn’t take as long as I thought it would.”

“I got my paperwork done also.” Kirk speared a chunk of meat.

“I did some research on Murdock’s Planet,” Jamie said, taking a sip of milk.

Kirk’s eyebrows went up. “Oh? Good for you. What did you learn?” 

“That it’s a neutral planet. That means any ship can go there, even Klingons and Romulans. Did you know that?”

Kirk nodded.

Jamie frowned. Of course, he knows that. He’s the captain. He knows everything. Then she blurted, “Klingons and Romulans are enemies of the Federation.”

Kirk sipped his coffee. “So?”

“But if a Federation ship is already in orbit, and a Romulan ship comes, won’t they try to blow each other up?”

“No, Jamie.” Kirk chuckled. “Neutral planets welcome all beings. They realize that even though we may not be friends with the Klingons, we are not at war with them, either. Neither are we at war with the Romulans. You’ll see ships from many different systems in orbit around Murdock’s Planet. We’ll mind our own business, and they’ll mind theirs.”

Jamie wrinkled her forehead. “That means we might even meet a Klingon or a Romulan when we beam down, right? Even at the zoo?” When her father nodded, Jamie grinned. “I’d like that. I’ve never met a Klingon.”

“You saw a few on Deep Space Station K-7 last month,” Kirk said.

“I didn’t meet any up close. I’d like to. Klingons are fascinating,” she said, repeating the word she’d heard Commander Spock use so often. 

“I thought you wanted to see the zoo.”

“I do. But when I found out Murdock’s Planet was neutral, I thought maybe I could have a little extra excitement.”

Kirk shook his head. “I think you’ll find the zoo exciting enough without a Klingon tossed in. Now, finish your supper and get to bed. You have a big day tomorrow.”  

  

Chapter 2

 Captain’s Log, Stardate 2266.3

 

We are in orbit around Murdock’s Planet to secure a much-needed shipment of topaline for the refineries on Delta Vega. The Enterprise will not be staying forty-eight hours, as assumed from my previous orders. Ambassador Halley has informed me that although the Federation won the bid, we could find ourselves a possible target from the losing bidders—particularly from the Klingon Empire. Apparently, they are unwilling to accept their loss and still remain in orbit. I am ordered to make the necessary diplomatic arrangements for the transfer, beam up the precious cargo of topaline, and leave orbit—all within twelve hours.

 There was no good way to break the news. No way to soften the blow.

“I’m sorry, but that’s the way it is,” Kirk finished. He sat on Jamie’s bunk the next morning and gave her a sympathetic look. “This mix-up in my orders came as a surprise to me too, and I’m as disappointed as you are.”

“But why? What’s one more day?” Jamie asked. “It’s not fair.”

“Murdock’s Planet is afraid of trouble—Klingon trouble.”

Jamie slumped. “I thought you said we’re not at war.”

“We’re not, but the Klingons have other weapons besides disruptors. They might try something underhanded to snatch the topaline from us.”

“Topaline.” Jamie made a face. “What is it, anyway? And why does everybody want it so badly?”

“It’s a mineral used to build artificial domes on worlds without an atmosphere. Without topaline, the domes would lose their integrity, and poof!” Kirk threw his hands in the air. “All their air would leak out. Think about what that would mean to the people inside those domes.”

Jamie thought about it. And shuddered. “That would be very bad.”

“I agree,” Kirk said. “Unfortunately, topaline is rare. The Federation pays top price to make sure we get a steady supply.”

His look turned worried. “Worse, Colony IX in the Cruses System had an accident awhile back that weakened their dome. They need this shipment of topaline to repair it. And they need it right now.”

“The Klingons must need it too,” Jamie said. “But there’s probably not enough to go around.”

“No, there isn’t,” her father admitted. “The Klingons are just as anxious to get their hands on the topaline as we are. The Enterprise can’t afford to stick around and wait for the Klingons to take potshots at her. The Federation ambassador was very clear. Twelve hours. Not a minute longer.”

He rose from Jamie’s bunk and turned to go. “Listen, Jamie. My morning’s tied up with the topaline transfer, protocol visits with the ambassador who arranged the purchase, the government of Murdock’s—”

He sighed. “The list is endless. That means instead of a whole day together, it looks like I’ll have only a couple of hours this afternoon before we break orbit. I didn’t mean for it to turn out like this, and I’m sorry.”

Jamie shrugged. “Orders are orders, I guess.”

“That’s the way it is on a starship. Orders get changed; red alerts happen; shore leaves get canceled. You’ve known that since you came aboard.”

“I know. I won’t cry about it or anything.”

“Listen, Jamie,” Kirk said with forced cheerfulness. “I’ll try to think of a way we can salvage this shore leave. Don’t give up yet.”

Jamie looked at him. “Aye, aye, sir.”

But she wasn’t about to ask Mr. Spock to calculate the odds.

“Good news, Cadet.” Kirk slid his breakfast tray on the table and sat down. “I spoke with Ambassador Halley this morning, and your trip to the zoo is back on the schedule, with only a few minor changes.”

“What kind of changes?” Jamie asked warily. She’d already had enough changes this morning. 

“You beam down in half an hour. I’ll join you later this afternoon.”

Jamie looked at her father in astonishment. “You’re sending me to the zoo by myself?”

“Of course not. Ambassador Halley has made arrangements to provide you with an escort.”

“An escort? Who is it? Lt. Sulu?” Sulu was lots of fun!

Kirk shook his head. “No. The government often supplies courtesy escorts for important visitors, which you happen to be this time.”

He grinned. “Yes, indeed. The ambassador says the planetary council is quite pleased with the Federation’s generosity for their topaline. I guess some of it’s spilling over onto you. They’re delighted to give you a tour of their famous zoo.”

“I have to go to the zoo with a stranger?” She groaned. “I’d rather go by myself. Give me a communicator and I’ll be fine.”

Kirk gave Jamie his I’m-the-captain look. “No. You are eight years old.”

“Almost nine!” Jamie exclaimed.

Kirk ignored the outburst. “You may have a communicator, but you will also have an escort.” He scowled. “What kind of father would let an eight-year-old run around alone on a strange planet?”

“But—”

“I already accepted the offer, so I’ll hear no more about it.”

“I—”

“You will not beam down without an escort. Is that clear, Cadet?”

Right then Jamie wished she were an admiral. Then she would tell Captain Kirk that she didn’t have to obey his orders.

Her father didn’t wait for an answer. “It’s just for a few hours in the morning. I’ll beam down after lunch. Or you can stay aboard ship this morning and go with me later in the afternoon. What’s it going to be?”

Jamie let out a long, disappointed sigh. “I’ll go now.”

“That’s a wise choice.” Kirk stood and glanced at his chronometer. “We’ve got twenty minutes before we meet your escort. Time enough to finish your breakfast, clean up, and meet me in the transporter room.”

He paused, clearly waiting for a response

“Aye, sir,” Jamie mumbled and went back to her soggy cereal.

Golly, I sure wish I was an admiral.

Chapter 3

 “Well, Jocelyn, I don’t know how you manage it, but you always get the best jobs around here.”

Jocelyn Brady, public relations liaison for the planetary council, flung her thick, dark hair behind her shoulder and snorted. “What makes you say such a thing, Paula?” She glanced at the overhead chronometer and picked up her pace as the two women navigated the early morning crowds of the Aeson central transporter terminals.

Paula hastened to keep up. “My PR jobs usually include a Tellarite or two, and sometimes a Gorn.” She shivered. “You get to spend the entire morning with a little girl at the zoo. And not just any kid. I hear Captain Kirk is young, handsome, and available.”

“Starship captains are married to their ships, and I imagine this one’s no different,” Jocelyn reminded her friend. “And if you think dragging a couple of kids around a zoo all morning is easy, I’ll trade you.”

She looked at her friend while they waited for the turbolift. “I still wear bruises from my last escort assignment. Do you remember the children of that snooty ambassador from Cygnus III?”

Paula nodded. “Barely.”

The doors slid open, and the two friends entered.

“They were total monsters. I’d rather entertain a Gorn.”

“Or a Klingon?” Paula teased.

Jocelyn scowled. “That’s not funny. I don’t know what the council is thinking, asking me to include a Klingon boy. Neutral planet or not, escorting one of those kind is not my idea of a good time.”

“Diplomatic courtesy, my friend. On a neutral planet, all beings are treated equally. If the Klingon commander wants his son to become acquainted with our zoo facilities, we’ll afford him that privilege, just as we’re doing for the Federation captain.”

“There’s going to be trouble, Paula. Mark my words. The council would be wise to assign a security guard to the Klingon brat.”

Paula stopped in front of her office. She gave her friend a concerned look. “You’d better keep your prejudices at home where they belong, not on the job.”

Jocelyn waved Paula’s warning aside. “I’m just venting. You know I’d do nothing to hurt my job. I’ll take the kids but ask me this afternoon if it was an easy job or not.” She sighed. “I might not live through it.”

Paula laughed. “Play your cards right, Jocelyn, and you could end up with an invitation for a private tour of the Enterprise.”

Jocelyn snorted. “The captain of the Enterprise is going to be too busy with the topaline affair to even remember to pick up his own kid, much less notice I exist. Besides, I heard the starship’s not sticking around long enough to sightsee.”

“Perhaps,” Paula remarked. “But who knows? Anything’s possible.”

Jocelyn rolled her eyes and waved good-bye to her friend. Then she headed for the transporter terminal to begin her unpleasant assignment.

 ******

When Lt. Kyle activated the transporter, Jamie wondered what she was in for. A big brute of a guard? A skinny stick of a tour guide? Maybe her escort would not even be human.

Hmm, interesting possibilities.

A young woman appeared, slicing into Jamie’s imagination.

The lady was pretty, with long, thick dark hair, expressive black eyes, and pale, creamy skin. She was dressed in a professional yet comfortable-looking yellow and gray outfit.

“Welcome aboard the Enterprise,” her father said warmly. “I’m Captain James Kirk.”

Jocelyn stepped off the transporter. “I’m Jocelyn Brady, the council’s PR-at-large, at your service.”

Kirk nodded toward Jamie. “There’s your charge, my daughter, Jamie.”

Jamie didn’t acknowledge the introduction. She stayed right where she was, leaning against the bulkhead in watchful, wary silence.

“What an adorable little girl,” Jocelyn remarked. “I’m sure we’ll get along splendidly.” She turned to Jamie and waved. “Hello there, sweetie.”

Jamie rolled her eyes and said nothing.

Kirk caught her gaze. “Say ‘hello’ to Miss Brady, Jamie.”

“Hello, Miss Brady.”

Kirk crooked his finger and motioned her to the transporter platform.

Sighing, Jamie pushed away from the wall and followed Jocelyn up the steps.

"Well," Kirk said with forced cheerfulness, "we've all ben introduced." He placed a small, metallic object in Jamie's hands. "I'll signal you when I've finished this topaline business, okay?"

Jamie nodded and slipped the communicator into her pocket.

"If you need anything, call Mr. Spock. He's on the bridge all morning."

Jamie flicked a glance in Jocelyn’s direction and whispered, “Daddy, do I have to go with her?”

Jocelyn reached out and patted Jamie’s head. “Don’t worry about a thing, Captain Kirk. Jamie and I will have a marvelous time.” She bent down and cooed, “Won’t we, sweetie-pie?”

Jamie cringed. Nobody ever talked to her like that. She felt five years old. She glared at her father, who had the decency to look embarrassed.

“You have your orders, Cadet,” Kirk said in a voice Jamie knew well. He turned to Lt. Kyle. “Energize.”

The transporter room dissolved into a million sparkling dots.

******

Jocelyn’s attitude changed from sticky-sweet to bossy and impatient the minute they reformed on the transporter platform at Aeson Central.

“Come on, kid. We’ve gotta move.” She yanked Jamie from the platform.

“What’s the hurry?”

“I have another stop to make before we hit the zoo.” She pulled Jamie onto a sliding walkway that stretched from one end of the vast central terminal to the other.

Jamie watched in fascination as they slipped past ports of entry, shops, customs, and other interesting arches. Beings of several species passed by on another walkway going in the opposite direction, and Jamie waved.

“Don’t do that,” Jocelyn snapped. “A wave might be construed as a hostile gesture to some of the cultures represented.”

Jamie dropped her hand to her side, embarrassed. “I didn’t know.”

“Now you do,” came the woman’s sharp reply.

They soon arrived at another section of the terminal. A sign showed Jamie where she was: Gates E-1 through E-4: transporters for the Klingon Empire.

“What’re we doing here?” Jamie craned her neck. Was there a Klingon?

“I’m here to escort a Klingon boy to the zoo. Any objections?”

“A Klingon boy!” Jamie squealed her delight. “No objections at all, Miss Brady. I was hoping to meet a Klingon.”

“You’ll get your wish, then.”

“This tour might not be so bad, after all.”

Jocelyn rounded on Jamie. “Listen, kid. If you don’t want to go to the zoo, just say so. I can easily take you back to the Federation transporters and be rid of you.”

“I want to see the zoo,” Jamie replied. “I’m just disappointed because my dad couldn’t take me.”

Jocelyn snorted. “He’s a starship captain. He can’t drop everything to take a kid to the zoo. That’s why you’re stuck with me.”

“Stuck is right,” Jamie mumbled, too low for Jocelyn to hear.

The woman frowned. “What did you say?”

“Nothing.”

“I hope it’s nothing, because if you act up, I’ll take you back to the ship so fast, you won’t know what hit you. You won’t like what I tell your father.”

She tugged on Jamie’s hand. “Come on. Let’s find the Klingon kid.”

“Is he over there?” Jamie pointed to a scowling, dark-eyed boy. He was leaning against a counter with unfeigned impatience. He appeared to be about eleven or twelve Earth years of age.

“Yeah, that looks like a Klingon, all right.” Jocelyn hurried forward. “I wonder if we’ll be able to understand his gibberish.”

The boy straightened as Jamie and Jocelyn approached. “Do not distress yourself, human female,” he sneered. “I understand your barbaric tongue.”

Jamie gaped at him.

“It pays to know the enemy.” His scowl deepened. “I need no escort to visit a children’s zoo. My father consented to this insult only because your weak-minded council insisted.” He narrowed his eyes. “I believe you are planet security in disguise.”

Jocelyn folded her arms over her chest. “Are you finished?”

The boy gave a curt nod.

“Then let’s be on our way.”

The boy raised a finger and pointed it at Jamie. “Am I to understand I will be in the company of this . . . this creature?” 

Jamie’s delight at meeting a Klingon quickly dissolved into disgust. “Are all Klingons as rude as you? I’m not a creature. I’m a girl.”

“An Earther girl.” He snorted. “I have no use for the likes of you.”

“How can you say that? You don’t even know me. Have you ever met anyone from Earth?”

“No, but I’ve heard plenty about your kind.”

“Like what?” Jamie challenged, advancing on the boy.

Jocelyn yanked her back. “Shut up, both of you.” She kept a firm grip on Jamie’s arm and called to the Klingon boy to follow. As they proceeded to the tramway, she made a quick introduction. “This is Jamie,” she said. “And I assume you’re Kerla?”

Kerla nodded. 

“I’m Miss Brady, your escort. I am not security, no matter what you care to believe. We’re together for the morning, so we might as well make the best of it. Here are the rules: No slurs, no bickering, no overt acts of aggression against one another. Agreed?”

Jamie and Kerla eyed each other warily.

“Okay,” Jamie said.

“Agreed,” Kerla snapped.

Jocelyn looked at the two unlikely companions and sighed. Then she glanced heavenward and muttered, “This is going to be the longest morning of my life.”

 

Chapter 4 

Jocelyn, Jamie, and Kerla soon found themselves outside the gates of the Aeson zoo. A dozen carved images of strange beasts and flying creatures decorated the gates and surrounding waiting area.

In spite of her irritation with Kerla, Jamie couldn’t help but feel excited at the animals she was about to see. She glanced at Kerla. He looked bored.

When he saw Jamie looking at him, a slow smile spread over his face. “In which exhibit do they keep the humans, I wonder?”

“In the exhibit right next to the Klingons,” Jamie shot back. She grinned at Kerla’s look of shock. “That way they can insult each other all day long.”

The boy’s eyebrows shot up in surprise. “You are quick-witted,” he admitted. “Perhaps this day will not be a total waste.”

“Look here,” Jocelyn broke in. “Throwing you two together was not my idea. Some government official thinks we can foster good relations between the Federation and the Klingon Empire with this lame-brain scheme.”

“That’s impossible!” Jamie and Kerla shouted together. They looked at each other, and the ghost of a grin appeared on the boy’s face.

“Just keep your nasty comments to yourselves, do you hear?” Jocelyn said.  “Now. Do you have the passes the council provided?”

“Yes.” Jamie pulled hers out and showed it to Jocelyn.

Jocelyn took a quick glance at Kerla’s. “Here we go.”

She slid the plastic cards into a slot, then pressed the children’s thumbs and her own over the light. A moment later a transporter beam whisked them away from outside the gate and into the zoo proper.

The Aeson Zoo spread out before Jamie for what seemed like miles. The first thing she saw was the Savannah Lands of old Earth—acres of them—surrounded by water barriers and a low rock wall. Animals grazed, ran, and jumped past her as far as she could see.

Jamie hurried to the wall. A magnificent Terran giraffe wandered by not twenty meters from where she stood. It lifted its head to a bushy tree and began to munch while Jamie stared, open-mouthed, at its size and beauty.

Kerla drew alongside Jamie. “Watch out, Earther-girl. A ziplich might fly into your open mouth.”

Jamie shut her mouth but continued to gape at the giraffe.

“What shall we look at first, Jamie?” Jocelyn pointed to a large, colored map a few meters from the savanna exhibit. “Take your pick.”

Jamie turned around and faced her escort. Then she looked at Kerla, who stood fuming at the obvious snub.

Jamie noticed something else too. The zoo was beginning to fill with visitors. When they passed by, they gave Kerla a wide berth. A few pointed and stared. Others hurried past.

No one was smiling.

Jamie felt her cheeks turn red when she heard people whispering, “. . . alien monster” and “. . . who allowed him in here?”

Poor Kerla, Jamie thought. He looked uncomfortable and out of place.

How would I feel if I were visiting a Klingon zoo and had a Klingon guide? What if a bunch of nosy, rude Klingons were staring at me and making rude comments? What if people seemed afraid to look at me? 

She nudged Kerla. "What do you want to see?" 

      

“The Klingon exhibits, of course,” the boy answered at once.

“May we, Miss Brady?” Jamie asked their guide.

Perhaps Kerla was uncertain how to act in a strange culture with different customs. Maybe his rude remarks hid anxiety he was too proud to admit, for fear of appearing weak.

Jocelyn sighed. “All right. Come on.” She motioned them toward the section of the zoo labeled Rim worlds of the Klingon Empire. “You won’t like them, Jamie. They’re bloodthirsty beasts behind force fields. Totally unsuitable for children, especially little girls.”

Kerla turned dark with fury.

Jamie grinned to take away the sting of Jocelyn’s words. “Why, Miss Brady! That sounds exciting. I can’t wait.” She motioned to Kerla. “Come on. I’ll race you to the exhibit.”

Kerla’s eyebrows shot up. Then he gave her a slight nod. Together, they sprinted ahead of their guide.

By the time Jocelyn caught up, she was panting. “Don’t you ever run off again. I’ll lose my job if anything happens to you kids.” She wagged a finger in Jamie’s face. “And you, young lady. Your father will hear about this if you so much as leave my sight again. I wonder what he’d say if he knew you’re fraternizing with a—”

She broke off and turned red. Kerla was clenching his fists.

“Oh, don’t mind her, Kerla,” Jamie said. “She’s just a groundhog.”

Kerla’s expression changed to puzzlement. “Groundhog? What’s that?”

Jamie turned to the exhibit. “Someone who never leaves the planet. I feel sorry for her. She’s probably being rude because she’s afraid of you.”

“And you’re not?”

Jamie laughed. “Of course not. I’ve always wanted to meet a Klingon.”

“I see,” Kerla remarked quietly. He turned his back on Jocelyn and joined Jamie at the slashback exhibit.

 A small crowd had gathered around the confinement area of what the sign said was a rare animal from the Klingon worlds. A Duress Slashback almost never made a public appearance. It was such a deadly animal that few zoos even kept one.

Jamie shivered when she read the description. She looked around. “I don’t see any slashbacks,” she muttered to Kerla.

“Watch.” He began to speak in a strange, guttural tongue.

 As if by magic, a slashback appeared from deep within a dark hole. It happened so quickly, and the animal attacked the force field with such viciousness, that Jamie leaped back with a cry of alarm.

Kerla laughed at Jamie’s reaction and at the reaction of the small crowd of curious on-lookers. He spoke again, and the slashback froze. It stood on its hind legs, clearly mesmerized by the boy’s chanting speech.

The crowd murmured its approval as the slashback allowed itself to be examined. It was a vicious-looking beast. Long, needle-sharp fangs filled its mouth. Its back was covered with wide blade-like disks, which looked ready to slash open any unsuspecting victim.

Jamie swallowed. I hope Kerla doesn’t call that creature any closer!

The watching crowd grew quiet as Kerla worked with the beast. Then he gave a sudden, sharp command. The slashback, released from Kerla’s control, made a hasty retreat into its lair.

A collective sigh went up from the crowd, and they began to drift away to other exhibits.

The Klingon boy leaned on his elbows and stared at the empty exhibit.

Jamie followed suit. “Kerla?”

He grunted. “What?”

“Will it come back?”

 “Perhaps. If it knew I could offer it something to eat, like a juicy human child.” He gave Jamie a wide, Klingon smile.

Jamie backed away. “Does it really eat people?”

“Of course.” He grabbed Jamie around the waist and held her up. “Shall I call it back for dinner?”

Jamie gave a yell, wiggled free from Kerla’s grasp, and plopped to the ground. She put her hands on her hips and glared at him. “Don’t tease me.”

“But it was so enjoyable to hear you squeal. I never thought humans could be such fun.” He grinned. “I think I should take you back to Kronos. You amuse me.”

“Kronos? Is that the name of your home world?”

“Everybody knows that.”

“I didn’t know,” Jamie answered.

“Of course not. You’re just a small, stupid Earther-girl.” 

"Don't call me that. My name's Jamie."

Kerla grunted and stared at their guide, who was watching the scene with obvious disapproval. Then he gave Jamie a shove, as though he had tired of her. “Why don’t you leave me alone? I never asked for a guide, nor did I ask to nursemaid a small human female, either.”

He turned on Jocelyn. “It’s obvious you are repulsed by my sight. I can see it written all over your face. And your scent? It reeks of fear and disgust.”

“I’m not disgusted,” Jamie said. “You’re a very nice-looking Klingon. Nicer-looking than some I’ve seen before.”

Kerla was a handsome youth. His dark hair hung over his shoulders like any proper Klingon youth of highborn family, and his forehead bore the beginnings of what would later become very attractive ridges. His eyes were dark and his skin a light bronze. He was tall—nearly as tall as their guide—and surely had the strength to refuse to do anything she said.

Kerla barked a rude laugh. “What would you know about such things?”

“I know you’re unhappy that you’re stuck with me. But I’m glad.” She stood on tiptoes to reach his ear. “Please don’t leave. Being with you is better than being alone with the groundhog.”

Kerla gave Jamie a thoughtful look. Then he shrugged.

“Does that mean yes or no?” Jamie asked.

Jocelyn tried to regain some authority in the situation. “Let’s go, kids.”

“We ran all the way over here and saw only one creature,” Jamie argued. “I’ll bet there are a lot more Klingon animals right around here, and Kerla probably knows more about them than the zoo guides.”

“That is a certainty, Jamie.” A hint of warmth filled Kerla’s voice.

Jocelyn snorted. “I’m no zoo guide. I know nothing about these animals. I’m merely to make sure you get back to your parents in good shape.”

“Don’t you like children?” Jamie asked.

“Frankly, no. You two are just part of my job.” She gave Kerla a long, appraising look. “And since we’re being honest with each other, I might as well tell you that I don’t think much of Klingons, either.”

“That makes it mutual,” Kerla growled.

Jamie nodded her agreement.

The two looked at each other, wondering silently what was to be done. Kerla nodded. Then they turned their backs on their unwilling guide and headed for the next exhibit, leaving Jocelyn to follow . . . or not.

Chapter 5

When Jamie and Kerla learned their escort had no interest in seeing the zoo and didn’t even like children, they banded together to ignore her and tour the zoo on their own. Jocelyn uttered threats of hauling them back to their fathers, but one look from the fierce Klingon boy silenced her.

“Not only is she disgusted by me,” Kerla explained to Jamie in a pleased whisper, “but she fears me, as well. This can work to our advantage. I match her in height and can easily subdue her if she orders us around too much.”

Jamie nodded, but inside she was far from happy with the sudden change of leadership. She was pretty sure her father would be appalled to learn how she was acting toward Miss Brady.

Worse, she had a feeling he would hear about it sooner or later. Jocelyn might fear the Klingon boy and his parents, but Jamie doubted the woman stood in awe of Captain Kirk.

For now, however, Jamie had little choice but to follow Kerla. The Klingon she had so badly wanted to meet had taken over, and Jamie didn’t want to alienate him by “siding” with Miss Brady, no matter how many mental notes their guide was keeping.

And anyway, Jamie reasoned, Miss Brady has been impatient and bossy right from the beginning.

“It would take three or four days to see every exhibit in the Aeson Zoo,” Kerla commented two hours later as they rested beside the Vulcan Exhibits.

“I wish I had three days to see it all,” Jamie agreed with a sigh.

Except for the guilty feeling about how she was ignoring Miss Brady, Jamie had never had such fun. Kerla was an interesting companion, once she’d gained his respect. It appeared as if he’d taken her under his wing, like an older brother. She didn’t know why—or how long it would last.

Jocelyn summed it up well the next time they stopped to rest. “A nice little friendship you’ve got going here, kids,” she said with a worried smile. “I wonder what your fathers would say about it.”

Kerla said nothing. He had stopped speaking to Jocelyn an hour ago.

“My dad wouldn’t care,” Jamie said.

“I’m not so sure about that,” Jocelyn muttered. She closed her eyes and let out a long, tired breath. “Haven’t you seen enough?”

"Not me," Jamie said. 

Kerla glared at their guide.

“At least sit down and rest for half a moment,” Jocelyn pleaded. She stumbled toward a bench across from the Andorian Exhibit.

“Let’s go see another exhibit,” Kerla told Jamie.

Jocelyn obviously was not going to let such defiance go by this time. She pointed to a bench. “Young lady, you will sit down or I call your father right now.” It was clear she had endured enough from her two charges.

Reluctantly, Jamie obeyed. So far, Jocelyn had put up with the kids’ running around, but Jamie knew better than to push this grouchy lady too far. She glanced up at Kerla and shrugged.            

Kerla followed Jamie to the bench, but he refused to sit. “No human female will order me around.” He caught Jamie’s unhappy look and moved closer. “I believe Miss Brady is a security guard in disguise,” he whispered. “Don’t worry. I won’t leave you alone with her.”

Jamie peered into the Andorian Exhibit. The sounds coming from it piqued her curiosity. We’re wasting time just sitting here.

She took a deep breath and spoke to Jocelyn in her nicest, meeting-dignitaries voice, “Miss Brady? Would you let Kerla and me visit the Andorian Exhibit for a few minutes while you’re resting?”

Jocelyn snorted. “I wouldn’t trust the two of you out of my sight for a few seconds, much less a few minutes. You sit still and keep your mouths shut. I’m exhausted.” She pulled off one of her shoes and began rubbing her foot. “My feet are killing me.”

Jamie slumped on the bench and pouted. She felt a light tap on her shoulder and looked up.

“Let’s go,” Kerla mouthed silently.

Jamie shook her head. She didn’t dare.

“Jocelyn! Jocelyn Brady!” A loud, clear voice sliced through the silence.

Jamie looked up. A dark-haired young man was jogging up the trail, waving his arms for attention. He sprinted up and threw himself onto the bench beside Jocelyn, drawing in deep breaths.

“Daryl Conner!” Jocelyn exclaimed in happy greeting. “I haven’t seen you for two years, not since you left Murdock’s Planet for the frontier.”

Jamie eyed this new development with interest.

Daryl clasped Jocelyn’s hands. “They told me you were on some PR service this morning, but I’m only in for the day, and I had to see you.” He gave the kids a quick glance then turned back to Jocelyn. “Got a minute to catch up on things?”

Jocelyn blushed. “I’d like nothing better, but I’ve got these two kids to haul around the zoo . . .” Her voice trailed off as she eyed her charges.

“Don’t worry about us, Miss Brady,” Jamie assured her. “We’ll go see the Andorian animals while you’re visiting. Come on, Kerla.”

Before their guide could change her mind, Jamie and Kerla disappeared into a heavily wooded area of the zoo interwoven with trails and small exhibits.

“I can only talk for a bit, Daryl.” Jocelyn’s voice echoed through the foliage. “I don’t dare leave those two out of my sight for more than a few minutes and . . .”

 “Nicely done, Jamie,” Kerla commented when they were out of earshot of their guide. “I was wondering how much longer you would endure the groundhog. Now, we’re free from our guard and can explore whatever we like without interruption.”

Jamie hesitated. She hadn’t intended to run off for good. She planned to enjoy the Andorian exhibit while their guide rested, and then return.

But Miss Brady was getting grouchier by the minute, and Jamie longed to be rid of her mean looks and rude comments. The thought of not returning seemed intriguing.

She ventured a new question. “Does this mean you’re going to stay with me, or are you going to take off on you own? If we’re going to get in trouble for running away, I’d just as soon not get in trouble alone.”

Kerla looked surprised. “Have I not protected you so far? I would not dishonor myself by abandoning you now.”

“I didn’t know how long it was going to last, Kerla. You weren’t very nice this morning.”

“I apologize for that,” Kerla said, shaking his head. “I was in a foul mood. My father . . . well, suffice to say he put everyone in a bad humor yesterday. I confess I took it out on you.”

He smiled. “But you responded like a Klingon female, with a challenge, and you have earned my respect. I’ve put my misery behind me and plan to enjoy the zoo with you.” 

“All right.” Jamie followed Kerla as he made his way deeper into the Andorian exhibit. “I’ll see the rest of the zoo with you. When my dad shows up, maybe you can help explain why we left Miss Brady. Then we can all see the rest of the zoo together.”

Kerla froze. “I don’t think my father will allow that.”

“Why not? He allowed you to go around with Miss Brady.”

“True,” Kerla agreed. “But like you, I expected a private tour. My father has no idea I’m in the company of a common human girl. You see, he has his position to uphold. I am his only son, so I must uphold his status also. He is Commander Koloth of the battle cruiser Degreth.”

Kerla puffed up with unmistakable pride in his father. “One of the Empire’s finest ships, I might add. I don’t suppose you’ve ever heard of it?”

Jamie wrinkled her brow. “No. But I’ve heard the name Koloth before. I just can’t remember when.” She looked up. “What’s it like?”

“What’s what like?” Kerla asked.

“A Klingon battle cruiser.”

“It’s a marvelous ship! The pride of the Empire. This is my first patrol aboard the Degreth.” Kerla gazed at Jamie with a superior look. “I passed my Rite of Ascension, and it pleased my father to allow me to accompany him on his patrol.”

Jamie grinned. “It sounds exciting.”

Kerla blew out a breath. “Actually, it’s not as exciting as I thought it would be,” he admitted. “My father is in a rotten mood. That’s why I’m planetside instead of aboard ship.”

He grasped her arm. “Listen, Jamie. You’re the first human who has treated me with courtesy. I won’t let you get lost. I give you my word. And all that talk about my father not allowing me to be in your company?”

Jamie winkled her forehead. “What about it?”

“I’m here. My father is aboard the Degreth. I would very much like to see the rest of the zoo with you.” He grinned. “And my father needn’t ever know. Let’s go.” 

Chapter 6

 Jocelyn Brady discovered Jamie and Kerla’s disappearance half an hour later. She knew they’d ignored her most of the morning, and she’d let it go. Her orders were to escort the children around the zoo and see that they were safely returned to their families.

Her instructions did not include entertaining her charges, so she was unconcerned whether they liked her. They had maintained an uneasy truce so far, but what if they suddenly turned up missing?

“Daryl.” Jocelyn held up her hand to forestall her friend’s lengthy narrative. “Don’t you think those kids ought to be back by now?”

“I don’t know.” Daryl shrugged. “I haven’t been paying attention.”

Jocelyn leaped to her feet. “I haven’t been paying enough attention. Come on. Give me a hand finding those two troublemakers.”

Fifteen minutes later, Jocelyn knew she was in trouble. Jamie and Kerla were not in the Andorian Exhibit, nor were they in any of the adjacent areas. “I’m gonna kill those kids.” She pushed her sweat-drenched hair away.

Daryl grinned. “You’ve got to find ’em before you can kill ’em.”

“Don’t treat this as a prank, Daryl.”

“Two kids in a zoo are safe,” Daryl said. “They’ll turn up eventually.”

Jocelyn threw herself onto a bench. “Those sneaky little brats.”

She rounded on her friend. “What do I tell Jamie’s father when he shows up? ‘I’m sorry, Captain Kirk, but your ship can’t warp out of orbit. I seem to have misplaced your daughter.’”

She suppressed a scream. “When the council learns that the Starfleet captain refuses to take the topaline and break orbit because he’s too busy trying to find his kid, I’m going to be canned. Finished. Jobless!”

She shook her head. “And what about that horrible Klingon boy? His father I wouldn’t even want to meet, much less explain this mess. I’ve heard of Klingon torture.”

Daryl considered. “Hmm, I see what you mean. Perhaps you should call Captain Kirk and explain the situation. He can probably find her faster than you can. Starships can do a great many things.”

"Jocelyn's face reddened. "My jog is on the line here. I'll call zoo security first and see what they can do about it. I'd just as soon have the girl in my hands when I march her up to her father and explain the incident." 

“Have it your way,” Daryl said. “But I think you’re making too much of it. Where can they go? The zoo is secure. They can’t leave the grounds without beaming out, and security will have the beam-out gates monitored as soon as you inform them. Quit worrying.”

He smiled and squeezed her arm. “I’ve got to head back to my duty station. Let me know how it all turns out, will ya?”

Jocelyn gave her friend a sour look and an unenthusiastic wave as she headed toward the nearest comm station to report the missing children.

******

Unaware of the headaches they had caused, Jamie and Kerla dashed from exhibit to exhibit. They laughed and chatted as if they had known each other for years rather than for mere hours.

Kerla couldn’t remember the last time he had taken such pleasure in an activity. Passing the Rite of Ascension was an honor, of course, but part of him still enjoyed being a boy.

He never imagined a human girl could be so interesting. It didn’t take him long to discover that Jamie challenged all his presuppositions about Earthers that had been drilled into him since early childhood.  

Why, this girl was not the cowardly, sneaking, untrustworthy, soft-bellied, ugly creature he had learned about on Kronos. Jamie appeared every bit as civilized and honorable as a Klingon girl. She responded to his baiting with wit and a temper, and her eyes glittered with excitement when she challenged him back. She was intelligent too. The girl seemed able to keep up with him in whatever he proposed.

As for being ugly? Well, Kerla did not find her so. He found her quite pleasing to look at. More pleasing than any of his numerous girl cousins.

Kerla broke into harsh, Klingon laughter as he imagined the look on their escort’s face when she discovered their prank. He hadn’t laughed so hard since the time his friend and he had poured Snathel oil into the ventilation ducts on the last day of school. What a smell that had caused! He choked just remembering it.

“What’s so funny?” Jamie asked.

They were sitting on a bench outside the Rigellian exhibit. She had talked Kerla into trying an ice cream confection. He’d decided it was delicious, but it melted faster than he could eat it.

“I was thinking that I haven’t had such a good time in a long while. Not since Kronos, anyway. I’ve been with my father for three months, and although the Degreth is interesting, there is a definite lack of humor aboard. Everybody is so serious all the time. I’m actually glad you happened along.”

Kerla grinned and took another bite of the ice cream bar. “And our escort. What a great way to liven up an otherwise boring morning. She’s everything I imagined an Earther to be—rude, ill-tempered, bossy, and probably without a shred of honor. But you”—Kerla shook his head—“you’re nothing like what I expected. I’ve met very few humans before today, and the ones I did meet? Well, most of them acted like Miss Brady.”

“I’ve never met a Klingon before,” Jamie said. “I’ve seen Klingons, of course. Back on K-7 some Klingons got into a huge fight with the crew. I stayed out of the way. This is the best time I’ve had in months. I can hardly wait to tell my dad. He didn’t think I’d see any Klingons.”

Kerla regarded Jamie with a puzzled look. “What are you talking about? How do you know Space Station K-7? For that matter, what are you doing here? Is your father an ambassador or diplomat or something?”

“No. He’s here to pick up some rocks.”

“Rocks? He’s a geologist?”

Jamie giggled. “Not those kinds of rocks. Special rocks. Something called . . . uh . . . topa . . . topal—”

“Topaline?” Kerla whispered.

Jamie nodded. “That’s it. Topaline. It’s used to make shield domes on planets without air.”

“I know what it’s for,” Kerla replied sourly. “A freighter pilot? Your father’s a freighter pilot?”

Jamie shook her head. “No. He’s a starship captain. They want to make sure the topaline gets to where it’s going.”

“A starship?” Kerla dropped the rest of the ice cream bar into his lap. It melted in a drippy puddle of cream. “A Federation starship?”

“Yes,” Jamie replied proudly. “The Enterprise. Best ship in the fleet. My father’s the captain.”

Kerla ignored the ice cream mess in his lap. “Is it Kirk?”

Jamie nodded. 

"The same Kirk who plagued my father's ship with those tribbles?"

“Your father’s ship?” Jamie bit her lip. “Uh-oh. Now I remember the name Koloth. Everybody thought it was a good joke when Mr. Scott beamed all those tribbles off the Enterprise and onto the Klingon ship.”

Kerla shook his head. “I assure you it was no joke. It was a vile curse. Ever since the tribble incident, my father has vowed revenge.”

“How did he get rid of the tribbles? They multiply so fast.”

Kerla was silent a moment. Then he said, “It’s best if you don’t know. But I will tell you this—as it was being done, my father put Captain Kirk’s name to each one of those loathsome, furry balls of trouble.”

Jamie winced. “You’re right. I don’t want to know. But were you on station K-7? I never saw you.”

“I stayed aboard ship.” Kerla shuddered and brushed at the mess on his lap with his napkin. “Let’s not talk about those horrible tribbles. There are some things even a Klingon cannot bear discussing.”

He tossed the napkin aside and gazed at Jamie with new interest. “The Enterprise!” His eyes gleamed. “What’s it like aboard such a vessel?”

“You really want to know?”

“Indeed! I want to know everything.”

Jamie chatted for fifteen minutes about the ship. Then she sighed wistfully. “Telling you isn’t good enough. I wish I could show you the ship.”  

“You can’t wish it more than I.” Kerla sighed. “Oh, to see a Federation starship! I could hold my head above the others back on Kronos. To be the son of the commander of the Empire’s finest battle cruiser is an honor, but to stand aboard the enemy’s ship—now that would really be something.”

He let out a disappointed breath. “Here you are, the closest I’ll ever get to a starship, and I might as well be a thousand light years away.”

“Maybe I could take you aboard,” Jamie suggested, “if you really want to see it that bad.”

“There is nothing I would rather do.” Kerla frowned, deep in thought. “But your offer would require careful planning.” Then he brightened. “But it would be worth it.”

He smacked his fist into the palm of his hand. “Let’s do it, Jamie. Name your price. What do you want in exchange for showing me the Enterprise?”

“Why, nothing! You’re my friend.”

Kerla shook his head. “No, Jamie. I must repay you. Klingons always repay their debts. Hmm.” He paused then smiled. “Perhaps you’d like to see my ship? The Degreth? That seems an equal trade.”

Jamie gasped. “I would love to see your ship. Nobody aboard the Enterprise has ever done that. But how are we supposed to do it? Can you bring visitors aboard whenever you like?”

“Not exactly. That’s where the careful planning comes in. I’d have to sneak you aboard.”

Jamie nodded. “Same here.” She caught the Klingon boy’s intense gaze. “Do you really think we can do it?”

A smile spread across Kerla’s face. “It’s worth a try, don’t you think?”

But what if we get caught? Jamie almost asked. But she clamped her mouth shut. Asking that question would make her look scared. And weak. I don’t want Kerla to think I’m a baby.   

Jamie grinned, even as she wondered how she would get Kerla aboard. She doubted Mr. Spock would give her permission to beam a Klingon boy onto the Enterprise.

I won’t ask him, Jamie decided. She would ask the transporter chief, Lt. Kyle, to beam her aboard without mentioning her guest. If Kerla stood right next to her, he’d be caught in the beam. Once there, she could charm the transporter chief into letting her friend have a quick peek at the ship.

She hoped.

If not . . . well, she was a fast runner, and she knew every air duct on the ship. Kerla would get his tour of the Enterprise, even if she ended up grounded for the rest of her life.

“All right,” she decided, smiling up at Kerla. “Let’s visit the Enterprise first and then we can explore the Degreth—”

“Hey, you kids!” The shout of a young man in a zoo security uniform broke into their conversation. “Come over here. I want to talk to you.”

Jamie caught her breath. “Oh, no! Miss Brady’s going to be furious.”

“Only if she catches us,” Kerla hissed. “Come on!”

He snatched Jamie’s hand and yanked her from the bench. Leaping across the gravel trail, he took off into the densely wooded area of the exhibits of the Vegan Colonies.

The trails were narrow and winding, a literal maze within the naturally forested exhibits. Kerla, his hand firmly grasping Jamie’s, bounded from the designated trail and pushed his way deeper into the underbrush. 

“I can’t run any faster,” Jamie wheezed. She stumbled along behind her 

friend. Her heart pounded against the inside of her chest.

Suddenly, she felt herself lifted off the ground. Kerla tucked her under his arm and set off with long, jogging strides deeper into the forest.

A few minutes later, he tossed Jamie to the ground in a stand of thick, green ferns. He held her down and covered her mouth with his hand. “Shh.”

Jamie watched Kerla with wide eyes.

The Klingon boy looked as if he were having a grand time. His eyes blazed, and his face was flushed a dark bronze. He raised himself above the ferns and peered out. Then he lifted his hand from Jamie’s mouth. “I think we lost him.”

Jamie sat up and tried to catch her breath. “We are . . . going . . . to get into so . . . much trouble.”

“Yes! Isn’t it exhilarating? Zoo security men run like slugs. I enjoyed making him give chase.” He fell back and started laughing.

Jamie didn’t know what to do. “Maybe we should go back.”

Kerla sat up. He lost his smile. “And get sent to my father in disgrace?” He shook his head. “It’s too late to go back. Besides, don’t you want to show me your ship?”

“Yes. But the guards know where we are now. They’ll pinpoint our life signs in no time and beam us right to—”

“I forgot about that!” Kerla ripped a bulky device from his belt. “There’s no time to think our strategy through. We’ll visit my ship first, before security catches us. From there we can figure out how to get aboard the Enterprise.”

Jamie nodded her agreement. “Okay.”

Kerla grinned. “You are courageous, Earther-girl,” he said with rough affection. “Survive and succeed.” He laughed and flipped open his communicator.

“Courageous? Is the Degreth dangerous?”

“No,” Kerla replied. “The ship’s fine. It’s the crew that’s dangerous.”

Jamie was pondering what Kerla meant when the Klingon boy disappeared in a sparkling yellow glow.

 

Chapter 7

 Jamie was alone.

A minute passed. Then two minutes. Then five. She shrank farther back into the brush. If you’ve left me here to face security all by myself, I’ll never forgive you, Kerla!  

Then she heard a whine, and the familiar tingle of dizziness overtook her. A moment later she was standing in a low-lit transporter room.

Kerla stood behind the control panel. He smiled when he saw her materialize. Rushing around the panel, he grabbed her hand and pulled her from the platform.

“Well, here you are. What do you think of the Degreth?”

Jamie looked around. “Why is everything so dark and gloomy? The Enterprise is bright and cheerful.”

Kerla looked puzzled. “It looks fine to me. Why waste light the eye does not need?” He hurried to the doors. They slid open. “Come on.”

He ducked his head around the corner and motioned Jamie forward. “Let’s get out of here before Tork gets back. We can’t let him catch us.”

He led Jamie through the deserted corridor and into a small room. The doors whooshed shut.

Kerla fell against the wall with a sigh of relief. “We made it this far.”

“Yeah. But where are we?”

“In a storage room.”

“Very interesting,” Jamie remarked without enthusiasm. “What next?”

Kerla scowled. “How should I know? It’s not like I planned anything. What do you want to see?”

“The bridge?”

Kerla shook his head. “I don’t think that would be a good idea. What about engineering? Or the armory? Perhaps the detention cells?”

“Not the detention cells,” Jamie answered quickly.

“I suppose not,” Kerla agreed with a short laugh. “Come on.”

They left the storage area and started down another empty corridor. “How about the galley? No one will be there this time of day. You can try a Klingon dish, maybe platz-ruh or—”

A shrill beeping sliced through the silent corridor. 

Kerla froze. “What’s that?”

        “My communicator. Somebody’s checking up on me. My tour is over.”

Jamie knew there was no escaping a summons from her father. She reached into her pocket and pulled out the communicator. “If you want to come with me, just stay close and—”

“Don’t answer it!” With one swipe, he snatched the device out of Jamie’s hand. “You had a communications device? Why didn’t you say so?”

“You never asked.”

“We could have beamed to your ship first.” He looked around wildly. “If only I’d thought it through for a moment.”

“Why? What’s wrong?”

“Officer J’nan will locate the signal immediately.”

“So what?”

Kerla didn’t answer. Instead, he raced down the corridor, found a disposal chute, and shoved the communicator into it. Then he fell against the bulkhead and slid to the floor. “That should buy us some time.”

Jamie gasped. Kerla had just disposed of an expensive piece of Federation equipment and her only link with the Enterprise.

“My dad’s gonna have a fit! You just destroyed his communicator. And how am I supposed to get home?”

Kerla jumped to his feet and grabbed Jamie’s arm. He began to retrace his steps back to the transporter room. “A wrecked communicator is the least of your worries,” he snapped. “They’ve probably already pinpointed the signal. We’ve got to get out of here and back to the planet. To the transporter room, and hurry.”

“Why?”

“Stupid Earth girl. Because you’re not supposed to be here, remember?”

An alarm went off. Harsh Klingon words flowed from the speaker.

“What’s it saying?” A hard knot of fear settled in Jamie’s stomach.

“Intruder alert. That’s you, Jamie.”

“Intruder?” She didn’t like the sound of that.

“Your communicator went off, so now the whole ship’s on alert.” He broke into a run.

Jamie scrambled to keep up as the Klingon boy raced through the long, narrow corridor glowing with the amber of alert. “Can’t you explain?”

Kerla whirled on Jamie. He grabbed her shoulders and gave her a shake. “You don’t explain anything to a security guard aboard a Klingon battle cruiser. I’ve been a fool. I never should have brought you aboard.”

Terror made his words harsh. “I’ve got to get you off this ship.”

“Mevyap!”

Kerla froze, his hands still clutching Jamie’s shoulders. He caught her gaze and gave her a long, piercing look. “Do exactly as I say,” he mouthed.

Jamie peeked past Kerla’s shoulder. A burly Klingon warrior held a disruptor pistol in his hand. He was speaking in harsh, clipped tones.

Jamie didn’t understand the words, but she had no trouble figuring out the meaning. One look at Kerla’s pale face told her she was in trouble.

Serious trouble.

Kerla swallowed, shoved Jamie behind him, and turned to face the guard. “Lieutenant Krax,” he said in Federation English. 

Krax lowered his disruptor. “What are you doing, prowling the corridors during an alert?” he answered in the same tongue. “Aren’t you supposed to be planetside?”

“I’m headed for the transporter room now,” Kerla replied. “Let me pass.”

Krax narrowed his eyes. “An unauthorized communications signal as come from this section. I will know its source.” He raised his disruptor. “What are you hiding behind your back, commander’s son?”

“Nothing worthy of your attention,” Kerla snapped.

“Everything aboard this ship is worthy of my attention, Kerla,” the guard barked. “And why are we speaking this barbaric tongue?”

“I’m practicing,” Kerla growled.

With a sudden twist of his arm, he snatched Jamie and pulled her around. Clapping a warning hand over her mouth, he held her tightly and glared at Krax. “This is none of your affair. I’m going to see my father. I suggest you stand aside and let me pass.”

Krax put away his disruptor. “Your father is on the bridge.”

“I know where he is.”

“Why, then, do you travel in the opposite direction?”

Kerla took a step toward Krax. “Are you going to let me pass or not?”

Krax stepped aside and waved Kerla in front of him. “You’re in an ill humor today, Kerla. You do not mind if I join you and your”—his brow furled—“guest on the bridge? The commander awaits my report.”

“As you will,” Kerla muttered. With a warning glance at Jamie, the boy hurried into the ’lift. He set the controls for the bridge and glared at Krax. 

Krax raised his finger and pointed at Jamie. “What is this, Kerla?”

Kerla stood stone-faced and refused to answer. He removed his hand from Jamie’s mouth but continued to hold her tightly.

Jamie quickly found her voice. “Where are we go—”

She yelped when Kerla pinched her on the arm. She gaped at him.

What is happening? she wanted to shout. But she didn’t dare. That pinch had hurt.

Kerla looked away.

Hot tears sprang to Jamie’s eyes at her friend’s sudden indifference. She hadn’t understood a single word Kerla and the guard had spoken—even if it was in English—but she knew something was horribly, dreadfully wrong.

The ’lift slowly made its way up. The silence was unbearable.

Jamie stared at the deck, wishing she were big enough to make Kerla tell her what was going on. She blinked furiously, clenched her fists, and promised to make him pay for scaring her so badly.

The ’lift doors finally opened. The guard, with Kerla and Jamie at his heels, stepped out onto the bridge of the Degreth.

Jamie’s heart plunged to her toes. Oh, no. Not the bridge!

The bridge of a Klingon battleship was more than she’d bargained for. Suddenly, what had started out as a lark had transformed into a very real, very dangerous situation.

Jamie wished she’d never agreed to see the inside of a Klingon ship. She wished she were back at the zoo, even if it meant being punished for running away from Miss Brady. 

She looked at Kerla, who ignored her. His attention was fixed on the center seat. Jamie followed his gaze as the chair whirled around and she got her first glimpse of the Klingon commander, Koloth.

Koloth sat in full military attire. He was drumming his fingers against his armrest, but when he saw the figures standing before him, his fingers froze in midair. He narrowed his eyes and cocked his head in obvious perplexity.

“Well?” Without waiting for a reply, he waved a careless hand toward Jamie. “This is the intruder? Krax! Report!”

Jamie’s eyes opened wide. He was speaking Federation English. Why? Surely it wasn’t because he wanted to be polite. But for whatever reason, she was grateful. She pricked up her ears and listened.

Krax came stiffly to attention and joined Jamie and Kerla in front of Koloth’s chair. “I investigated the communications signal in section D-22, m’lord. I found only your son and this human.”

“How did she get aboard my ship?”

Krax stiffened. “Your son knows the answer, Commander.”

“Kerla?” Koloth turned to his son. “Explain.”

Kerla saluted his father and came to attention. “Father,” he said with obvious pride, “she’s mine. I brought her aboard.”

Koloth nodded patiently. “I see that. For what purpose, my son?”

“For you, m’lord.”

Koloth straightened. A smile cracked his hardened features. Suddenly, he chuckled. Then he laughed. Finally, he howled. The rest of the bridge crew took their commander’s cue and joined him in loud, raucous laughter.

Kerla stood quietly, but his face darkened with embarrassment.

Jamie covered her ears.

Koloth’s laughter died away. “For me, Kerla? What possible use could I have for this small scrap of humanity?”

“M’lord!” Kerla said stiffly. He ignored the smirking guards and avoided Jamie’s eyes. “I assure you this human is a prize worth keeping. Do you not recognize the uniform she wears and the insignia on her tunic? She is from the Enterprise. Captain Kirk is her father. You can surely find a use for her.”

The guards’ laughter died on their lips. The amused look left Koloth’s face. His eyes shone with renewed interest.

“Indeed, a most valuable prize.” He saluted his son. “You have done well, my son. I salute you. Bring her to me,” Koloth commanded his guard.

“No!” Jamie shrieked. Slipping from Kerla’s grip, she dodged the guards and raced for the lift. The doors whooshed open, but Jamie didn’t make it.

Krax snatched her up and carried her—kicking and squirming—to the commander. He dumped her roughly onto the deck.

Before Koloth could yank her to her feet, Jamie leaped for Kerla. She plummeted him with her fists. “You tricked me! I hate you!”

Kerla tried to ward off the blows. He backed up, then tripped and crashed to the ground.

 Jamie fell with him, landing on his chest. She hit him in the face, pulled his hair, and shouted, “Never trust a Klingon! You have no honor!” 

Kerla regained his balance and tossed Jamie from his chest like a rag doll. He stood up, straightened his tunic, and glowered at Jamie in hurt pride. The bridge crew was smiling. Even the commander looked amused.  

Kerla snorted with anger and humiliation. His next words were full of contempt. “Do not speak to me again. What does a weakling human know of honor?”

He turned stiffly to his father. “I have brought you a prize, Commander. I request permission to return to the surface of the planet and continue my explorations.”

“Permission granted.” Koloth chuckled. “I too would get away from this human girl as quickly as I could. She’s a regular Durgath’s cub, this one.”

“Kerla,” Jamie pleaded. She struggled to free herself from the guard who held her tightly. “I’m sorry I attacked you. Don’t leave me here. Please stay.”

Kerla shook his head. “You belong to my father now.”

Without another word, he turned on his heel and marched to the ’lift. 

 

Chapter 8

 Commander Koloth watched his son leave the bridge. Then he turned to his small guest. For a full minute he said nothing. He just looked at her.

Jamie stared back. This isn’t really happening, she thought frantically. I’ll wake up any second and find out it’s just a terrible nightmare. How could I be so dumb as to trust a Klingon?

 Then a worse thought crossed her mind. Nobody knows where I am. A sob caught in her throat, but she forced it down. No Klingon will see me cry.

“Is what my son said true?”

The clipped, harsh voice of Commander Koloth jerked Jamie from her frightened thoughts. She blinked and gave him a puzzled look. “What?”

 “You heard me.” He leaned forward, forcing Jamie to jump back a step. “I have plans for you m’girl.” He grinned. “But first things first. Your father is James Kirk, captain of the starship Enterprise. Correct?”

Jamie glared at Koloth. There must be a reason he wanted to know that, and it certainly meant nothing good for her father or for the Enterprise.

She shook her head. “No. Your son made that up to look important. My father’s in charge of the Aeson Zoo. He’ll be awfully mad that I’m here. You better let me go home or else—”

“Enough!” Koloth reached out and swept Jamie near him with one hand. Then his voice grew deceptively soft. “You answer bravely, little one. And although your bold lie wins my respect, it will not win my lenience. I expect instant obedience, so you will answer my question—truthfully.”

Jamie looked Koloth in the eye. “I don’t know any Captain Kirk.”

Koloth sighed. “I see that you are stubborn, just like your father. No matter.” He shrugged and selected a small, round, metallic device from an assortment of odd-looking devices near his armrest.

He held it up. “Do you know what this is?”

Jamie shook her head.

“It’s an agonizer, and I assure you it is properly named. It’s very useful for training. I regret having to use it, but I will have the truth from your own lips. A taste of it will convince you to answer.”

He tossed the agonizer to the guard, who took it with a delighted grin. “Lowest intensity, minimum duration, Krax. And unless you want to be next, you’d better make sure of the settings.”

Krax’s smile faded. “That is a setting for a Klingon infant.”

“That may be,” Koloth warned, “but my orders stand.”

Jamie looked fearfully at the guard and backed away. Krax snatched her up and pressed the agonizer to her shoulder.

The shock and pain that coursed through her body was like nothing Jamie had ever felt before. A cry rose to her lips, and everything went black.

Then she found herself sitting on the deck. The pain was gone, and her cry cut off before she even knew what had happened.

But she was badly shaken.

Koloth leaned over and pulled her to her feet. “Now, brave but foolish child, let’s try it again, shall we? Is James Kirk your father?”

“Yes.” Jamie clenched her fists. She was shaking in fear and rage.

“Very good.” Koloth turned to speak to his communications officer.

In a fit of hopeless terror, Jamie brought her fist down on the Klingon’s leg. “I hope my father blows your ship into a million pieces!” 

Koloth caught her fist as it came down for a second blow. “That would be most inconvenient for you, since you are now aboard my ship.”

“I don’t care!” She jerked her fist from Koloth’s grasp and glowered at him. “I still hope he blows it up!” 

Koloth grinned. “I like you, small human. You recover quickly from our little training device and show much courage and spirit." Then he sobered. "I hope for your sake that your father wants you back."

He turned to his communication’s officer. “J’nan, hail the Federation ship.” His smile grew wider. “I can’t wait to see Kirk’s face.”

His laughter rang out throughout the bridge.

******

James Kirk had experienced a long, miserable morning planetside, arranging for the Enterprise to receive the precious shipment of topaline. The entire procedure, at most a one-hour affair, had dragged on for hours, tied up in the usual red tape of bureaucracy.

It seemed as if the left hand knew not what the right hand did. He’d been forced to endure the unpleasant company of desk-bound paper-pushers all morning, something he abhorred.

He had also spent his time wondering why he’d been required to personally transport down in the first place. He’d missed lunch, and he was worried he might miss the two short hours he’d promised Jamie at the zoo.

The captain was in a sour mood when he finally beamed up to the ship to grab a quick bite to eat, so it was no wonder he reacted poorly to the news that greeted him when he checked in on the bridge.

“What do you mean nobody can find her?” he demanded when he heard the news of Jamie’s disappearance. “That’s the whole reason for an escort.”

The captain plunked down in his chair and took a bite of his half-eaten chicken sandwich. “All right, Mr. Spock, let’s have the whole story.”

Spock paused before relaying news to his already frustrated captain.

“It appears that Jamie and her escort parted company some hours ago.”

Kirk’s eyebrows shot up. “How in the world did that happen?”

“Nobody knows,” Spock answered. “The woman was sketchy with the details when she reported the disappearance to zoo security. They made a standard search and closed off the exits, but they could locate neither Jamie nor the other child the escort had in her care.”

Kirk’s eyebrows rose. “What other child?”

Spock frowned. “They were not forthcoming with their explanations. All I learned was they eventually advised the planetary council, who in turned contacted us.” 

“That’s it?”

“Not exactly, sir,” Lt. Uhura put in. “The council is working on the problem, and they ask for our patience.”

Kirk clenched his fist and brought it down on the armrest, punching the intercom. “I’ll take it out of the council’s hands right now. Transporter room, lock on to Jamie’s communicator signal and beam her aboard. Then tell her I’d like to have a little chat with her in my office.” He rose.

“Sir,” Uhura said, “Mr. Spock already tried that. Lt. Kyle couldn’t lock on to her signal.”

Kirk sat back down and turned to his first officer. “Spock?”

Spock stepped down into the command pit and approached Kirk’s chair. “As soon as I received the message from the council, I asked Lt. Uhura to signal her communicator.”

“And?”

Spock raised one eyebrow. “The signal was cut off before the lieutenant could get a fix on it. She has been unable to lock on to her position since.”

Lt. Uhura broke in. “We tried to reach you, Captain, but the Council said you were involved in important matters, and it would have to wait until you returned to the ship.”

“Important? What a joke.” He gazed thoughtfully at the planet filling the screen in front of him. “Over an hour ago, huh?”

Where can she be? Has she lost the communicator? He stared at the view screen a few moments longer, pondering the situation.

“Lt. Uhura,” he finally decided, “put me through to the Federation ambassador on Murdock’s Planet. I’d better find out what’s going on. We’ve got to break orbit in a couple of hours, and I can’t leave Jamie behind.”

Kirk waited impatiently while Uhura put the call through. He glanced at Mr. Spock and saw concern in his first officer’s eyes. No communicator was a bad sign.

“Ambassador Halley, Captain.”

 The view screen lit up, revealing a thin-faced, sharp-featured human with a balding head and graying sideburns. He was dressed in the blue and white of the Federation Diplomatic Corps and sat behind a desk, busily working at a computer terminal.

He looked up at the monitor screen, saw Kirk, and grew alert. “Captain Kirk. Is everything proceeding satisfactorily? The topaline is secure?”

Kirk nodded.

Halley smiled. "Excellent. Then there's no reason to wait. I'll get you clearance to break orbit immediately." 

“I’m afraid not, sir. I just found out that my daughter is missing.”

Halley cleared his throat. “Ah . . . yes. A minor incident, I assure you. I just heard about it from the council. The young woman assigned as your daughter’s escort is being reprimanded. The council has initiated a Code 3, full-scale search of the Aeson Zoo. I expect they’ll find her in the next few minutes. Nothing to worry about, Captain. Everything is under control.”

“She’s been missing for over two hours, sir.” Kirk tried to remain polite. “I don’t understand why your council took so long to report this to my watch officer. If someone had contacted the Enterprise as soon as Jamie was discovered missing, we could have located and beamed her aboard instantly. Now”—Kirk spread his hands wide to indicate his helplessness—“without her communicator signal, we can’t locate her at all.”

He leaned closer to the screen. “Ambassador Halley, what happened?”

Halley sighed. “I don’t know. I’ll patch you through to zoo security. Security Chief Patton knows more than I do.”

The screen flickered and settled into a new image. A large, dark-haired man seemed surprised to be receiving a hail. He wasn’t smiling. “I’m Geoffrey Patton, in charge of the search detail. You must be Captain Kirk. I’m sorry, but I have no news for you. We’re doing what we can.”

“Can you tell me how all this happened?”

Patton’s face turned stormy. “We’ve thoroughly questioned the children’s escort, Jocelyn Brady. I’ve heard a less-than-glowing report about your daughter and the boy.”

“Boy?” Kirk’s stomach lurched. “What boy?”

Miss Brady reports the kids gave her a merry chase all morning and then finally ran off. What did you expect her to do?”

Kirk frowned. “I expected her to report it right away, sir.”

“She did. To our security.”

Kirk shifted in his chair. “Who is this boy that is also missing?”

“I’m not at liberty to release any names other than your daughter’s, Captain. I’m sorry. Ambassador Halley’s orders.”

“That makes me most uneasy, Mr. Patton.”

The security chief sighed. “I don’t doubt it, but you’ll have to talk to the ambassador. Something to do with the embassy, I think.”

He shrugged. “We’ll find your little girl, Captain. Don’t worry.”

“Don’t worry? What kind of advice is that?” Kirk sat up straighter in his chair. “I’ve got a shipload of valuable topaline, Ambassador Halley is trying to push me out of orbit, my daughter is missing on a planet of over five million inhabitants, she’s in the company of an unknown boy, and you’re telling me not to worry?”

“I can’t offer you anything more,” Patton replied. “Perhaps you can get satisfaction from the Federation embassy or the planetary council. Now, if you’ll excuse me, Captain, I’d like to get back to work. Aeson Zoo—out.”

The view screen went blank.

Kirk slammed his fist down on the armrest. He felt helpless, a sensation he detested.

Uhura looked up. “Captain, there’s a call coming in. It’s from the Klingon ship Degreth. Commander Koloth.”

“Koloth!” Kirk muttered. “I wonder what he wants?”

“The topaline,” Chekov mumbled to Sulu, who nodded in agreement.

Kirk sighed. “Put him through, Uhura.” 

 

Chapter 9

 The view screen sprang to life. The Klingon bridge glowed dully around Commander Koloth’s image.

“What do you want, Commander?” Kirk asked impatiently.

The Klingon commander gave Kirk a toothy grin. “Is that any way to greet an old acquaintance, Captain?”

“I prefer not to greet you at all, Koloth. I have a lot on my mind today, and I’m not in the mood to banter words with you.”     

“I see. May I congratulate your Federation on their winning bid for the topaline? We envy you. The Empire badly needs that topaline.”

“You didn’t call to exchange pleasantries or to congratulate me.” Kirk frowned. “Get to the point.”

“Let’s not be hasty, Captain.” Koloth gazed intently into the screen’s pick-up. “I’m authorized to offer you a good price for your topaline.”

I bet you are, Kirk thought. “The matter is out of my hands,” he said aloud. “The Enterprise is only carrying the topaline. I had nothing to do 

2. A Mater of Honor

with the bidding. You know that. Why are you wasting my time?”

Koloth did not reply.

“I have a ship to run,” Kirk said. “And since we are breaking orbit in less than two hours, you will understand if I make this communication brief. Is there anything else on your mind?”

Koloth smiled one of those exasperating Klingon smiles, the kind Kirk had come to recognize as meaning nothing good. “I want you to consider my next words carefully, Captain. I am going to make you an offer for your topaline, one you cannot refuse.”

Kirk blew out an impatient breath. “Commander, I have no authority to listen to any of your offers.”

“You’d better listen to this one,” Koloth snapped.

Kirk paused. There was something unsettling about Koloth’s manner. “All right,” he said carefully. “What is this offer I can’t refuse?”

Koloth leaned back in his chair and waved to someone off-screen

A moment later, a Klingon guard dragged a small, rumpled girl into the screen’s pick-up.

An invisible fist plunged into Kirk’s stomach. “Jamie.” 

Koloth grinned. “Ah! So, this small scrap of humanity does belong to you. Excellent.” 

Jamie stared at the screen, her eyes wide and scared. She made no protest when Koloth lifted her up and plopped her down in his lap.

The invisible fist turned into a cold, hard knot, which settled in Kirk’s stomach. Never in his worst nightmare had he envisioned the scenario that was now playing out on his bridge. He was the captain of the mightiest vessel of the Federation of Planets, yet he was suddenly and utterly helpless.

The rage he wanted to vent toward Koloth faded to numbness. Ineffective anger would give the Klingon commander nothing but pleasure.  

“Koloth,” Kirk said when he found his voice, “You are in violation of the treaty. Kidnapping Federation citizens is—”

“I’ve kidnapped no one,” Koloth said with a sigh of affected weariness. “I found her trespassing aboard my ship. A sorry day indeed when the Federation stoops to using children as spies. I’m disappointed in you. Whatever did you hope to gain?”

“That’s a ridiculous accusation.” Kirk looked from Jamie to Koloth. “I had no idea she was aboard your ship.” His fingers gripped the armrests. “I demand her immediate release.”

“You are in no position to demand anything,” Koloth shot back. “And you’re not much of a father if you can’t keep track of your own child. But it is of no matter how she came to be in my hands. The important thing is . . . I have something you want.”

He paused, glanced at Jamie, and smiled grimly. “You do want her back, don’t you, Kirk?” He returned his gaze to the screen. “And it’s fortunate that you happen to have something I want—the topaline. Are you perhaps interested in my offer, after all?”

Kirk didn’t answer. Instead he said, “I want to speak with Jamie.”

“By all means.” Koloth nudged her. “Go on, child. You may speak.”

“I’m s-sorry,” Jamie stammered. Tears filled her eyes, but she didn’t cry.

“It’s okay, honey,” Kirk said in a reassuring voice. “Everything’s going to be all right.” He hoped he could keep that promise.

Koloth laughed, startling Jamie and irritating Kirk. “Isn’t that just like a human to say such placating nonsense? Face reality, Captain. Everything will be all right only if I get my topaline. And no amount of mealy-mouthed assurances will mean a thing if I don’t.”

Kirk ignored Koloth and gave Jamie a puzzled look. “Just answer me this, Jamie. What in blazes are you doing aboard a Klingon battle cruiser?”

Jamie dropped her gaze to her lap and shrugged.

He tried again. “I already know you ran away from Miss Brady. I’m not angry. Just tell me how you got aboard Koloth’s ship. Did one of Koloth’s men kidnap you?”

Jamie shook her head. “Kerla brought me aboard.”

“Kerla? Who’s that?”

“He and I were on the tour of the zoo. Miss Brady was awful to us. Specially to Kerla. So we decided—”

“Allow me to clarify things, Captain.” Koloth cut in. “Kerla is my son. Most of the credit for this victory goes to him. His first coup against the Federation. He’ll go far.”

“By kidnapping little girls?”

“No. By capturing important pawns in the deadly game our two governments play. You humans play a game very similar to ours. It is called chess. I believe the correct terminology for this particular move is check.”

Koloth’s grin faded. “You have one of your hours to get the topaline 

2. A Mater of Honor

ready for transport to my ship’s hold.”

Kirk’s stomach clenched. “You know I can’t give you the topaline, Koloth. Not even you would stoop so low and use a child this way.”

“Wouldn’t I?” Koloth reached into a shallow compartment on his armrest. When he pulled out his hand, he held a small, round device. “This will convince you that I will stoop as low as I must to get what I want.”

He held up the agonizer. “The pain is severe, but it leaves no permanent damage.” Koloth turned to Jamie. “Perhaps you can convince your father to give me the topaline.”

Jamie tried to wrench free from Koloth, but he held her fast. “Please, Daddy. Give him the topaline. I don’t want to get zapped again. It hurts.”

“Again? You used that barbaric device on her?”

“Only out of necessity,” Koloth replied mildly. “I did not wish to use it. I don’t want to use it now. That will be your decision.”

“All right, Koloth. You win. The topaline is yours.”

“Excellent.” He tossed the agonizer away and smiled his triumph. “The topaline will be beamed to my cargo hold within the hour.”

“Agreed,” Kirk replied. “In the meantime, I want your word that Jamie will be well-treated aboard your vessel.”

“Of course, Captain. I do not wish her ill. I only want the topaline.”

The screen returned to the view of Murdock’s Planet.

“Get him back, Uhura,” Kirk ordered.

“I’m sorry, sir, but the signal was cut off on their end, and they won’t answer the hail.” Uhura’s voice caught. “I’m so terribly sorry, Captain.”

Kirk stared at the view screen and struggled with what he had just done. He had promised Koloth something he had no authority to deliver. The precious mineral had been purchased to repair the life-support dome over Colony IX. Six thousand people were depending on that topaline. Without it they would have to be evacuated or die. 

Kirk was caught in the middle of the most difficult decision of his career. If he turned over the topaline to the Klingons, he would no doubt lose his command. Starfleet would not overlook such a breach of orders.

Worse, he would be sacrificing the lives of six thousand innocent men, women, and children.

However, if he didn’t give Koloth what he wanted, what would happen to Jamie? He couldn’t leave her with the Klingons. Relations between the Federation and the Empire were hostile at best.

Kirk cleared his throat and turned to his first officer. “Spock, do you see any other options?”

“Captain . . . Jim,” Spock said with concern. “Your options are limited. The only other course of action I see is to offer Koloth something he wants more than the topaline.”

“What would Koloth want more than topaline?”

“I admit the odds of finding something more valuable to Koloth than topaline are . . .” Spock paused, arrested by the look on his captain’s face. “Perhaps you do not wish to know the odds at this time.”

Kirk gave the Vulcan a grim look. “Well, Spock, if you come up with anything, I’ll be ready to hear it.” He stood up, defeated. “Take the con, would you? I’m going to sickbay. Oh, and start readying the topaline for transfer to the Degreth.”

“Captain—”

“I know, Spock. But I told Koloth I would.”

Kirk left the bridge without another word.

 

 

Chapter 10

 Koloth broke the transmission with the Enterprise and leaned back in his chair, satisfied. This was turning out better than he had ever dreamed. He would return to the Empire a hero for securing the desperately needed topaline for his Empire. What horizons would open before him!

He remembered his son, who had made it possible. Smart boy, Koloth thought with pride.

Yes, he’d get his topaline, for Kirk couldn’t refuse. No decent father, not even a despised Earther, would let his child be kept by the enemy. He shuddered when he thought of the possibility of Kerla in the hands of the Federation, to be raised learning to hate his own people.

Koloth had heard plenty of propaganda, and although his encounters with Kirk had been mostly honorable—save for the tribble curse—he knew the stories he’d heard about the Federation held some truth. To leave his son in their hands would be unthinkable! 

No, Kirk would do everything possible to get his child back.

Koloth spared a brief glance at the human child in question. The guard had returned her to an out-of-the-way corner. The girl had drawn her knees up to her chin and sat numbly, staring at the Klingon bridge.

Jamie—is that what Kirk had called her?—certainly put on a brave front. In spite of her obvious terror, Koloth knew his guards would be kicked if they approached her.

He wished she would cry and carry on so he would have an excuse to despise her. Instead, he was grudgingly starting to respect her courage, as he respected his battle encounters with her father.

Ah, well, Koloth thought with contentment. Even if Kirk doesn’t come through with the topaline, I still have the last word. Just knowing the Federation captain has lost what he values most, perhaps even more than his precious ship, will sustain me for a long time. It might even make up for the tribble plague with which he cursed my ship. 

“Commander!” The communications officer yelped.

“What now? Kirk’s ready to transport?”

“Nay, Commander. It is the planetary council. They want to know why you never replied to the message regarding your son.”

“What?”

“There was an earlier message that stated Kerla was missing from his scheduled tour at the human’s zoo facilities.”

Koloth waved an impatient arm. “What do they want me to say? Kerla can take care of himself. In fact, the situation resolved itself when he returned to the ship. Tell them I have more important things on my mind.” 

Koloth returned his attention to more pleasant contemplations. He knew that securing the topaline for his Empire would result in the High Command officially forgetting the Sherman’s Planet fiasco. It was a very satisfactory arrangement as far as he could see. All in all, the commander was pleased with the situation.

He turned to regard his prisoner once again.

Jamie looked up. Commander Koloth was gazing at her thoughtfully. What is he thinking? And what’s taking Daddy so long to beam me home?

She wondered where Kerla had gone. It seemed she had been here forever. She was so tired. It was a lot of work pretending to be brave.

The Klingon commander broke the uncomfortable silence. “Are you hungry, child?”

Jamie shook her head. She would starve before she ate Klingon food. It was probably poisoned. “I want to go home.”

“No doubt. Arrangements are being made.”

 “Commander!” J’nan’s voice broke in.

“J’nan, I’m going to have the agonizer on you if you don’t stop interrupting me like this.” Koloth whirled in his seat, clearly irritated with his communication’s officer.

“Sir. It’s the planetary council again. They insist on speaking with you. It’s about your son.”

“What has he done?”

“I do not know.”

“Open a channel.” He pointed to Jamie. “Make sure she stays out of the pick-up. The council might not take lightly the fact that I’m holding a Federation citizen in orbit around their planet.”

The screen came to life in a blaze.

“Who are you?” Koloth demanded.

“I am Councilor Mollen, Commander. I am head of the planetary council. I find it distressing to learn that you have taken so little interest in your son’s well-being. To say you have more important things to attend to does not speak well of your relationship with your son.”

“What are you blathering about, Councilor?”

“We informed you that your son was missing some time ago. No reply. We contacted you again a few minutes ago, and you say you have other—”

“Kerla can take care of himself. Besides, I just saw him. He’s no more lost than I am. He’s had his communications device all day. He can’t get lost with that.”

The councilor’s face paled. “What did you say?”

“I saw him less than an hour ago aboard my ship.”

“The council has a full-scale search going for the two missing children. They ran away from their escort and have been traipsing about the zoo on their own ever since, or so we thought. What about the girl?”

"What girl?" From the corner of his eye, Koloth watched Jamie struggle to get away from the guard. Krax had covered her mouth and was holding her firmly. 

“The Federation child,” Mollen said. “You didn’t know the two were together all day? Their escort says they were on friendly terms most of the morning and planned their little escapade together.”

“I know nothing about it. Kerla is fine, so this transmission ends now.”

The screen went dark.

Koloth motioned to Krax. “Release her.” Then he ordered Jamie to stand by his side.

Jamie hurried over, startled by the angry tone in the Klingon’s voice.

“You and my son were together on a tour of the zoo, correct?”

Jamie nodded.

“Exactly how did he manage to kidnap you and bring you aboard?”

“He didn’t kidnap me,” Jamie explained. “I came aboard because I wanted to. We got caught when my communicator went off. Kerla dumped it down a disposal unit, but it was too late.”

“You came aboard a Klingon ship because you wanted to?” Koloth’s eyes blazed. “Did you not realize how dangerous such a decision might be?”

“No.” Jamie shrugged. “But I know that now. Kerla was just going to show me around. Then I was going to show him the Enterprise.” 

“You planned to take Kerla aboard the Enterprise?”

“Yes. But before I could, zoo security started chasing us. We didn’t want to get into more trouble for running away from Miss Brady, so Kerla decided we’d see his ship first. Then my communicator signaled, and we got caught by him.” She pointed to Krax. “And you know the rest.”

Koloth pulled at his beard and regarded Jamie thoughtfully. “Why did you run away from your escort?”

Jamie scowled. “Miss Brady wasn’t nice. She didn’t like Kerla. She bossed us all morning long. We knew she was only taking us around the zoo because it was part of her job.”

“Hmm,” Koloth said. “And my son? How did he treat you?”

Jamie looked up into the commander’s dark eyes. “At first he was rude and didn’t want me around. He teased me and said mean things.”

“Go on.”

“I teased him back. I figured he was just being mean because he was as unhappy as I was about having Miss Brady as our escort.”

She stepped closer to Koloth and lowered her voice. “Don’t tell Kerla, but I felt sorry that the other people at the zoo wouldn’t look at him. They acted afraid of him, as if he were a creepy alien. I wanted to be his friend.”

Jamie moved away from Koloth. “And we were friends, until we came aboard your ship. Now I see that he was just pretending to be my friend so he could give me to you.”

She crossed her arms over her chest. “Your son has no honor, Commander, and I hate him. I hope I never see him again.”

Koloth gave Jamie a strange look. “There is something peculiar going on here,” he murmured. “Kerla’s honor is very important to him.”

He drummed his fingers on the armrest. “J’nan,” he barked at his communications officer. “Find Kerla and beam him aboard. I have a few questions I’d like to ask him.”

He turned back to Jamie. “Things might not be as they appear, child. Kerla is deceiving someone, and that someone may be me.”

******

Kerla brought the heel of his boot down on his communication device and ground it into the pavement of the Aeson Zoo. Then he scooped up the pieces and tossed them into a trash receptacle.

He let out a long, slow breath and leaned against the rough bark of a nearby tree. “That should keep me clear of the ship for a while.”

When he’d left Jamie on the bridge of the Degreth, Kerla knew he had only a short time to disappear. His father was nobody’s fool. He would eventually figure out—either from the zoo personal or from Jamie—that Kerla’s presenting the girl to his father as a captive was a last-minute attempt to conceal the true reason for her being aboard the Degreth.

Kerla shuddered. He had no wish to incur his father’s wrath, but he was honor-bound to rescue Jamie from the Degreth. He had pledged friendship with her, and she trusted him. It was certain Jamie hated him now, for what looked like his betrayal, but it had been the only way Kerla could maintain his freedom and be allowed to leave the ship.

He slammed his fist into his palm. He knew exactly what his father would use Jamie for. “I will not be part of such a dishonorable plan,” Kerla vowed. “The Empire needs the topaline, but not at the price of my honor.”

He drew himself up to his full height and headed for the zoo security office. I hope somebody will let me contact the Enterprise, or—

He swallowed and forced himself to finish his thoughts. Those I'aM humans might just send me back to the Degreth. 

Kerla could not let that happen. He would not let it happen. Somehow, some way, he would talk to the captain of the Enterprise.

His knees suddenly felt like piltatE . . . the extra-runny kind.

Talk to the Federation captain? I must be mad to think I can talk to a Starfleet officer and live! When he learns what I’ve done, he’ll . . . he’ll—”

Kerla swallowed the bile that rose to his throat. Stop this! There is no fear! I am a warrior.

But Kerla’s knees continued to wobble as he made his way into the low-lying building that housed zoo security. He’d seen it nestled among the green-and-violet foliage near the Terran exhibits earlier that morning, when he’d first arrived. 

Kerla slipped through the automatic doors without drawing attention. The building was crowded with tourists and their families. Zoo attendants and security personnel wandered the corridors. Kerla studied the directory, running his finger down the unfamiliar English words until he came to Security Office: 117.

He hurried down the long corridor and stopped in front of the door. Drawing a deep breath, he activated the signal.

The door slid open, revealing a large room cluttered with men and women. They were all poring over map grids and colored panels. Their voices resonated like machinery. Occasionally, a large man with a thick mop of dark hair shouted orders then returned to his comm board and continued his monitoring.

Kerla headed for the dark-haired man. The sign on his desk revealed his name. Geoffery Patton. “Excuse me. Are you in charge of security?”

Patton’s head snapped up. He glared at Kerla with ill-disguised impatience. “Who let you in here? This is authorized personnel only.” He waved his hand. “Go on. Get out.”

Kerla leaned over and rested his shaking hands on the desktop. “Listen to me. I must speak to the captain of the USS Enterprise. It is a matter of extreme urgency.”

Patton straightened. “This isn’t the port master’s office. This is a zoo. And right now, we’re in the middle of a search operation.”

“You’re looking for a girl,” Kerla said. “But she’s not here. She’s—”

“Hold on.” Geoffrey Patton’s eyes opened wide. He pointed a finger at Kerla. “Aren’t you the Klingon kid we’re looking for? The one who’s supposedly back on his ship, safe and sound?”

He rounded his desk and grasped Kerla’s sleeve. “Come with me.”

Patton led Kerla into a small room at the back of the security office. Once there, the large man released him. “Do you know there’s been a Code 3 search going on for you and the Federation girl these past two hours?”

“Yes, sir,” Kerla admitted. “We beamed out of the zoo and onto my father’s ship, the Degreth. That is why your search has been unsuccessful.”

Patton looked ready to explode. “And the girl? Where is she now?”

“Aboard the Degreth.” Kerla caught the chief’s icy-blue gaze. Humans aren’t weak and cowardly. This human looks ready to slice and dice me. He pushed down his flight-or-fight instinct. “Do you have the authority to put a call through to the Enterprise?”

“I can get a relay through the port master’s office. Why?”

“My father intends to use my friend Jamie to wrestle the Federation’s topaline from Captain Kirk.”

“You can’t be serious.”

Kerla ground his teeth in impatience and frustration. Not to mention worry. Jamie had been aboard the Degreth a long time. She must be scared out of her wits.

But probably not as frightened as I am right now, Kerla mused. “I would not make up something like this,” he insisted.

“And you, a mere boy, are going to remedy the situation by talking to a starship captain?” Patton reached for a comm link. “I’ll pass your information along to the Federation embassy. Ambassador Halley will—”

“No!” Kerla felt the blood drain from his face. He slapped the man’s hand away from the communications panel. “You can’t involve the diplomats! You don’t know my father like I do. I have an idea how my friend can be returned unharmed, and how the Federation can keep its topaline.”

Patton gave Kerla a nod. “Go on.”

“I want to beam aboard the Enterprise and offer myself as a hostage. Captain Kirk will then have something to trade for Jamie.”

Kerla spoke faster when he saw the man softening. “This whole affair is my fault, and I wish to make it right. My honor is at stake.”

“Your honor?” Patton frowned thoughtfully. “I’ve heard Klingons value of honor even above life.” 

“It is true.”

The security chief looked long and hard at Kerla. “If you’re telling the truth, then you’re taking a big risk. There is much riding on your young shoulders, boy.”

“I believe I can succeed, if you let me speak with Captain Kirk.”

Patton let out a long, deep breath. “All right. I’ll contact the Enterprise. But I don’t know if Kirk will even talk to you. He may ask me to clap you in irons.”

“I’ll take that chance,” Kerla said, “for the sake of my honor and for my friend.”

 

 

Chapter 11

 Kirk sat in sickbay, nursing a Saurian brandy from McCoy’s “medicinal” stock. He swirled it around, watching the amber liquid intently, his thoughts a thousand light-years away.

The doctor poured a brandy for himself and replaced the flask.

“Of course, you’ll give Koloth the blasted rocks,” McCoy insisted. “There’s got to be more topaline somewhere.”

Kirk shook his head. “I’m afraid there isn’t, Bones. It’s rare and costly. But yes, I will give Koloth the topaline.”

He sighed, defeated. His decision meant the end of his command, and possibly his career. “I’ll give him the mineral and put a call through to Starfleet to evacuate Colony IX. At least no lives will be lost.”

He regarded McCoy in misery. “What if the colonists couldn’t be evacuated, Bones? Would I sacrifice six thousand lives for one?”

McCoy laid a sympathetic hand on his friend’s shoulder. “You don’t have to make that decision, Jim. Not today.”

Kirk smiled bitterly and lifted his drink. “Here’s to James Kirk—rotten commander one way, rotten father the other.” With a gulp, he downed the burning liquid and stood up. “Either way, I lose.”

“Jim—”

“Don’t, Bones. There’s nothing you can do.” He checked the chronometer. “I’ve wasted enough time here. I’d better get back to the bridge and oversee the transfer.”

“Wait,” McCoy said. “What I can’t understand is why Ambassador Halley didn’t tell you up front that a Klingon youth was involved. This boy and Jamie are missing, then poof! Jamie ends up on the Degreth. There’s something strange in all this.”

Kirk frowned in thought. “The security chief told me the boy’s name was being withheld by Halley’s request, that’s true. But for what reason?”

McCoy snorted. “If you’d known Jamie was missing along with a Klingon boy, would you have sat still and let Halley pass you off to zoo security? No! You’d have demanded action from the embassy.”

He shook his head. “They deserve some of the blame for this disaster. I think you should put pressure on Halley. He can use his influence with the council. In turn, the council can put pressure on Koloth through the Klingon embassy.”

He paused. “Jim, it’s worth a try.”

Kirk nodded. “You’re right, Bones. It’s about time someone made things hot for our self-important ambassador.” He indicated his empty glass. “Thanks for the drink.”

 “What is it, Captain Kirk?” Ambassador Halley sighed. “There is no news, but I promise we’ll let you know. Do not continue to call this office.”

“Ambassador, you have not been completely frank with me.”

“What do you mean?”

“Who is this other missing kid? Is it a Klingon boy?”

Halley’s face turned dark with fury. “I told Patton to keep a lid on this to avoid any misunderstandings. He’s going to—”

“No, Ambassador. Patton didn’t tell me.” He leaned back in his chair. “I’d like to know by whose authority you kept this information from me?”

Halley looked down at his workspace. His whole demeanor changed from arrogant to regret. It was obvious he knew the captain could make things difficult for him with the Federation Diplomatic Corps. 

“I’m waiting,” Kirk prompted.

Halley sighed. “I made the decision to keep the identity of the other child quiet. I was afraid you might jump to conclusions and do something rash. You have a powerful vessel. Who knows what you might have done?” 

"Give me a little credit, sir."

“I apologize, Captain.” He shifted uncomfortably in his seat. “Which brings me to another matter.”

“Yes?”

“Apparently, the Klingon boy has been found.” He spread his hands in appeal. “We still haven’t located your daughter, but I assure you that every measure is being taken to—”

“Jamie isn’t lost any longer either. I know exactly where she is.”

“You do?” The relief in Halley’s voice bordered on hysteria. “Then why are you calling me and putting me through all this? Do you know how much time and manpower the council has invested in—”

“She’s aboard the Klingon battle cruiser Degreth,” Kirk interrupted. “Commander Koloth entertained hopes of carrying away the topaline for his Empire. When he couldn’t get it the honest way, he found another. It’s obvious his son helped him.”

He leaned forward and dropped the courtesies. “Listen, Ambassador. Koloth and I have matched wits before. He is desperate to get the topaline, and he holds a grudge against me and my ship.”

Halley’s face drained of color. “The Klingon commander wouldn’t dare do what you’re suggesting.”

“He already has. If I want Jamie back, I must transport the topaline to his ship in less than”—Kirk checked the chronometer—“half an hour.”

“You can’t!”

“I can. And I will, unless you think of some way of getting Jamie off that ship. Use your influence to contact the Klingon embassy, or whoever can give me satisfaction.”

“Don’t tell me how to do my job, Kirk.”

“Then do your job,” Kirk snapped. “Get my daughter off that Klingon ship, or I will.”

“Captain,” Halley persisted, “your first responsibility is to the Federation. You must break orbit in less than an hour. The embassy will work to have your daughter released. Leave it to us professionals. Surely you are aware of the delicacy of the situation.”

“Be assured that I am well aware of the situation,” Kirk said between clenched teeth. “But let me make this very clear, Ambassador Halley. The Enterprise will not be leaving Murdock’s Planet until Jamie is aboard. I plan to transfer the topaline to Koloth. Be advised that if you attempt to prevent me in any way, I will open fire on the Degreth. You’ll have one lovely mess on your hands then. Enterprise out!”

Uhura cut the transmission and gaped at her captain.

Kirk turned to regard his bridge crew. “That sure felt good.”

Then reality sank in. He was bluffing, and his crew knew it. He wouldn’t fire on the Klingon ship and risk interplanetary war.

“Sir,” Uhura announced, “there’s another message coming through from the surface. A relay through the port master from Aeson Zoo Security. He says it’s urgent.”

“Put him on, Lieutenant.”

The screen lit up. Patton nodded at Kirk. “Hello again, Captain.”

“Chief Patton.”

“I have an unusual guest in my office. He insists on beaming up to speak with you.”

“For what purpose?” Kirk asked, glancing at Spock.

Patton adjusted his viewer until his guest came into view. “He’s a Klingon boy, Captain. He wants to make a deal.”

Kirk’s heart leaped. “By all means. I’ll contact my transporter chief and beam him up right away. Kirk out.”

 “Well,” Patton remarked with a smile. “You got your wish. You’ve been invited aboard the starship.”

Kerla let out the breath he had been holding. “I hope I don’t regret this,” he whispered, full of terror. “I might find myself in their detention facility.”

Patton shook his head. “Starship commanders don’t lock up children, Klingon or otherwise. You’ll get a fair shake from Captain Kirk. I promise.” He reached out a meaty hand. “Good-bye, Kerla. And good luck.”

Kerla shook the man’s hand. “Thank you for your assistance. This has been a learning experience for me.” He frowned thoughtfully. “I never realized humans valued honor also.”

“And I am reassured to know there are honorable Klingons.” Patton grinned and waved as the transporter whisked Kerla away.

******

Kerla closed his eyes. When he opened them, he was standing in a brightly lit room, surrounded by humans. He had no trouble picking out Jamie's father. The Federation captain stood in front of the transporter console, with his hands clasped behind his back. His bearing and stance looked surprisingly similar to his own father's.

He saluted Kirk with what he hoped was respect. “Captain Kirk.”

“That is correct. And you are . . .?”

Kerla froze when he saw a phaser weapon at a security guard’s waist. He couldn’t answer. He kept a firm grip on his fear and tried not to think about the tales he’d heard of the tortures inflicted upon captive Klingons. He felt a sudden shortness of breath.

So many humans! And guards with weapons!

Now he knew how Jamie had felt aboard the Degreth.

“Are you all right?” Kirk asked.

Kerla drew a deep breath. I am a Klingon warrior. There is no fear.

“My name is Kerla t’Kai’sai. I offer myself as hostage in exchange for your daughter, who was forced to remain aboard the Degreth against her will. My father is Commander Koloth. I suspect he has plans to use Jamie to obtain your topaline.”

Kirk’s eyebrows went up. “You have summed the situation up quickly and succinctly, Kerla. I have less than half an hour to arrange the transfer.” He took a step forward. “I’ve had some interesting conversations with your father. It’s obvious he knows nothing of your plan.”

Kerla laughed, a nervous, frightened laugh. “Of course not. If he knew, I would not be here now. I’d be locked in my quarters.”

Kirk frowned in confusion. “The topaline means a lot to your father and to the Empire. Why are you risking this?”

“It is a matter of honor, Captain. My honor. Jamie trusted me. We’re friends.”

“Go on,” Kirk indicated they should leave the transporter room.

Kerla tried to keep his attention on his story, but the vastness of the starship amazed him. “To be truthful, Captain, this whole affair is my fault. It was my idea to explore our respective ships. We ended up on the Degreth by accident.” He gave Kirk the ghost of a smile. “We were supposed to see the Enterprise first.”

“I see,” Kirk replied with a frown.

A door whooshed open. The captain led Kerla into a briefing room and motioned him to sit down.

“Unfortunately,” Kerla continued, taking his seat. “Jamie now hates me a great deal. She thinks I tricked her into coming aboard and betrayed her to my father. But I didn’t. You must believe me!”

Kerla tried to read the captain, but he sensed nothing. No fear. No anger. No revulsion. He’s very good at keeping his cool, Kerla thought. I can’t tell if he believes me or not.

“I gave Jamie to my father and pretended that was my intention all along.” He bowed his head in shame. “But I couldn’t think of anything else to do once we were caught.” He raised his head and caught the captain’s interested gaze. “And we were caught quickly when Jamie’s communicator signaled. If my father discovered we were friends, and that I was trying to get her off the ship, I would have become a prisoner too. Then who would have helped her?”

The captain seemed to relax. “Go on.”

“The only way I could help Jamie was to make it appear as if I had planned the whole thing. And it worked. I was praised and allowed to continue my explorations down on Murdock’s Planet. I took the first opportunity to try and contact you, and here I am. I’m sorry I couldn’t come up with a better plan. I did not wish to leave my friend alone aboard the Degreth, but I had to. I hope you understand. I realize now how foolish and childish it was to try to sneak aboard and explore the enemies’ ships.”

He stared at the tabletop. “I have disgraced my father and abandoned my friend. I do not deserve to live.”

Kirk laid a hand on Kerla’s arm. “No, Kerla. You are a brave young man, who has taken a desperate situation and tried to resolve it with honor.” He grinned. “I understand the temptation to sneak aboard an enemy vessel.”

“You do?” Kerla raised his head in surprise.

Kirk nodded and squeezed Kerla’s arm in a friendly grip. “I would have jumped at the chance and worried about the consequences later, just like you and Jamie. It’s only natural you wanted to explore. The worse that should have happened was that a couple of kids lose a few privileges.”

He chuckled. “If you’d been caught aboard the Enterprise, that’s exactly what would have happened.”

Kerla was not convinced. Who are you trying to fool, Captain? I know all about your death camps.

Kirk removed his hand from Kerla's arm. "You are an honorable boy, Kerla. I am grateful for your offer of an exchange."

Kerla’s eyes widened. “You will do it?”

He had come aboard hoping for just such an answer, but deep inside, he had not really believed it could happen.

“Of course.”

Kerla let out a breath of relief. “You’re not going to lock me in your brig and starve me, or send me to a death camp or anything?”

Kirk laughed. “Of course not! Did Jamie say I would?”

“No. It’s just that I’ve heard things.”

Kerla felt as if the galaxy had suddenly flipped, and he was dizzy with relief. No torture or imprisonment today!

“I like you, Captain Kirk,” he said. “You have honor and harbor no thoughts of revenge against me for bringing Jamie aboard my father’s ship. I wish we could all be friends.”

“I too,” Kirk admitted. Then he asked, “Will Koloth agree to your plan?”

Kerla’s mouth fell open at such a ridiculous question. “I am his son—his heir. He will certainly make the exchange. He will be very angry with me, however, and I do not look forward to my return.”

Then he brightened. “When the topaline is out of his reach and his anger has cooled, my father will agree that it was the only honorable thing I could have done.”

Kerla stood up, tall and proud. “Well, Captain Kirk, I guess we’d better get this over with. I get to see the bridge, don’t I?”

Kirk slapped Kerla on the back. “Of course. And anything else you’d care to look at on the way.”

He motioned to the security guards to return to their posts. Then he personally led Kerla up to the bridge. On the way, he gave in to Kerla’s curious questions and answered the best he could without compromising the security of the ship.

By the time they reached the bridge, Kerla had lost all fear. He smiled brightly at the bridge crew. “Greetings.”

Kirk quickly introduced him to his officers. “This is Kerla, a young guest from the Degreth. He’ll be with us only a short time.”

The captain nodded at his Vulcan first officer. “Spock, do you remember when you mentioned we should find something Koloth wants more than topaline?”

Spock raised an eyebrow. “You found something.”

Kirk turned to Uhura. “Get me Koloth, Lieutenant. I think he might be ready to send Jamie home.” Still smiling, he sat down in his chair. “Kerla, stay out of the pick-up until I call for you.”

Kerla ducked away. “Yes, sir.”

“I have Koloth, Captain,” Uhura said.

“Put him on.”

The Degreth’s bridge came to life. “Captain Kirk, you are very prompt. I am impressed. You are calling, of course, to inform me that the topaline is ready for transfer.”

“Not exactly. I’ve come up with a counteroffer.”

“Counteroffer?” Koloth narrowed his eyes. “What do you mean?”

“First things first. Let me see Jamie.”

Koloth motioned off screen. 

Jamie’s face lit up when she saw her father. “Are you beaming me home now?”

“Soon, Cadet. Have you been treated well?”

Jamie nodded. “But I’m tired and hungry. I don’t like it here.”

“We’ve had an interesting time,” Koloth cut in. “Now, about the topaline—”

“Not so fast, Koloth. I’d like to make a counter move in that chess game to which you were referring earlier.” Kirk motioned Kerla into viewer range. “Check mate.”

“Kerla!” Koloth leaped from his chair, brushing Jamie carelessly from his lap.

She yelped and tumbled to the deck in a heap.

Koloth spoke rapidly in Klingonese.

Kerla came stiffly to attention and answered in the same language. Then he turned to Kirk. “My father is most displeased with the new arrangements, Captain.” He’s more than displeased. He’s furious.

“I don’t doubt it,” Kirk agreed sympathetically.

“I hope Jamie has the good sense to stay out of my father’s way,” he whispered.

Instead, Jamie stepped closer to the pick-up. “What are you doing aboard the Enterprise?” She clenched her fists. “You left me. You lied to me and gave me to your father.”

She focused her attention on the captain. "Don't listen to him, Daddy. He's mean and hateful and dishonorable."

“Jamie,” Kerla pleaded, “it is not as it appears. You will see that I did not betray you. I have done all this to rescue you.”

“Some rescue!” Jamie yelled at Kerla. “I’m still here, two seconds away from your father’s agonizer. You’re aboard the Enterprise, safe and sound.”

“Jamie,” Kirk ordered. “Be still.”

Jamie shot daggers at Kerla, but she obeyed and said nothing more.

“You call being held prisoner by the Federation captain safe?” Kerla felt his face darken in annoyance. “Why, you ungrateful, impatient—”

“Peace, Kerla,” Koloth growled. “This solves nothing.”

He reached out and yanked Jamie out of the way. “All right, Kirk. You win. But to learn that my own son had a hand in this treachery is—” He shook his head and fell into his seat in clear defeat. 

Kirk rose. “Shall I beam over to the Degreth with your son?”

Koloth snorted. “I already have one human too many aboard my ship.”

“You may beam to the Enterprise if you wish.”

“I wouldn’t step foot on your ship if it were the last refuge in space.”

Kirk sighed. “I get the picture. Where shall we make the exchange?”

“Murdock’s Planet,” Koloth forced out between clenched teeth. “In fifteen minutes.” He glared at Kirk, at Jamie, and lastly at Kerla.

Then he raised a finger and pointed at his son. “You had better have a good explanation for this, Kerla. Degreth out!”

 

 

Chapter 12

 Kirk had no intention of securing permission to beam down. He didn’t even bother to ask. He knew what the answer would be. Ambassador Halley would insist that the embassy should handle such a delicate situation.

The last thing Kirk needed was ineptitude. Halley’s office had already proven their incompetence in the current situation, and he wasn’t about to give them another go at it.

He only hoped the port master’s office was too busy to notice a couple of stray transporter beams into a grassy field some miles out of town. If he was caught, the fine for beaming down without permission would be costly for the captain, and the reprimand sent to Starfleet would not look good on his record.

He had no choice, however. Not if he wanted to get Jamie back.

Kirk and Kerla transported to the surface of Murdock’s planet at the agreed-upon coordinates. At the last minute, Spock had tried to include two security guards, but the captain refused.

“The less transporter activity, the better,” he argued.

Spock reluctantly agreed.

Kirk became alert as soon as he and Kerla materialized on the surface. It was a gorgeous afternoon. The planet’s sun shone bright and hot on the field where they appeared. Kirk glanced around. For all he knew, Koloth was even now waiting for him, ready to stun him and yank Kerla to safety.

He felt movement beside him and saw Kerla turning a quick circle. His face wore an expression of uncertainty.

Perhaps Kerla isn’t completely sure his father will come through, Kirk mused. He laid a hand on the boy’s shoulder. “Afraid you might get stuck living with the Federation for the rest of your life?”

Kerla stared stonily across the field and didn’t reply.

“Believe me, Kerla,” Kirk assured him. “We’re not the monsters your government makes us out to be.”

“I know that now, Captain,” Kerla agreed. “But—”

“No one will force you to stay with the Federation, regardless of whether Koloth keeps his part of the bargain or not.”

Kerla gasped. “You will allow me to return home, even if my father refuses to give Jamie back to you?”

Kirk nodded. “You’ve committed no crime for which I can hold you. If your father warped out of orbit right now, you could join him in less than a week. That’s your right in the Federation.”

He held the boy’s astonished look. “I would go after Koloth, of course, but I have no quarrel with you.”

“Why do you tell me this?” Kerla swallowed. “When my father beams down, I could . . .” His words trailed off.

Kirk was nodding. "You came to my ship freely. I will not allow your father to believe that I hold you against your will."

Kerla stood up straight and saluted the captain in Klingon fashion. "Kai, Captain Kirk. You have honor. I am proud to have met you." He smiled. "Do not be anxious. My father will return Jamie, or I will never go back." 

The shimmering of a transporter caught the attention of Kirk and his young companion. They whirled to see Koloth and Jamie materializing a dozen yards away. It took every bit of self-control Kirk had to keep from drawing his phaser at the alarming sight.

Koloth held Jamie securely around her waist, suspended above ground. A disrupter pistol rested against her head. She wore a look of weary acceptance, as though she were too exhausted to care what happened to her any longer.

“My dear Captain Kirk,” Koloth greeted him, tightening his grip on Jamie. “We meet again. How foolish to come to this meeting unprepared.”

Kirk said nothing.

“As you can see,” Koloth continued, “I have the upper hand. I do not know what tricks you used to kidnap my son, but I am finished with this foolishness. Allow Kerla to approach me. Then order your crew to transport the topaline to the Degreth.”

Kirk chose his words carefully. “Commander, I am not preventing Kerla from approaching you. I have drawn no weapon—nor do I intend to—unless you give me sufficient reason.”

He looked at Jamie, and his heart turned over. “And Koloth, you’re doing your best to give me a reason.” He reached out and laid a hand on Kerla’s shoulder. “Your son is here by his own free will. He may approach you at any time. Am I correct, Kerla?”

Kerla looked at his father with smoldering eyes. “You are correct, Captain Kirk. I shall not approach you, Father, until you let my friend go, even if it means staying with the humans for the rest of my life.”

“What prevents me from overpowering you, Kirk, and forcibly rescuing my son from whatever brainwashing has been going on?” Koloth asked. “Then not only will I have my son back, but I will also have obtained an important starship captain with which to bargain for my topaline.”

“Is that what you really want, Koloth?” Kirk pulled out a small hand phaser and brought it into view. “If it comes to that, someone is going to get hurt. Do you want it to be these kids? Your son?”

Koloth eyed the phaser warily. Then he sighed and tossed his disrupter to the ground. “Ah, well. I had hoped you were bluffing, but I see in your eyes that you are not,” he confessed with a smile. “It would have been interesting, however. My son and I against a lone starship captain.”

“No, Father,” Kerla spoke up. “Against the captain and me.”

“I see,” Koloth said softly. He lowered Jamie to the ground but kept a firm grip on her arm. He stared at his son, as if uncertain how to proceed.

Kerla broke the awkward silence. “I am a Klingon. Your son. You taught me that honor is above all. Must I be dishonored for some rocks?”

He took two steps forward. “Let her go, Father.”

Koloth stood his ground and kept his grip on Jamie.

Kerla stopped. “Did you not make an agreement with Captain Kirk? You agreed to trade us. Where is your honor?”

“Beware, Kerla,” Koloth growled. “You go too far. Be silent.”

“I will not be silent. I pledged friendship with Jamie and guaranteed her safety aboard the Degreth. I knew of no other way to fulfill that pledge than to go to Captain Kirk.”

“But Kerla,” Koloth asked, “Why did you not just tell me the truth?”

“The truth?” Kerla gasped. “That I brought the daughter of your enemy aboard your ship for a tour? That I could have an Earther girl as a friend?”

He shook his head. “No, Father. You would not have accepted the truth, and Jamie would have been without any way of escape. This is the only way I preserve my honor.”

 The boy drew a deep breath and let his gaze fall on Jamie. “I failed as your friend, I’ve disappointed my father, and I’ve cheated our Empire out of both a blow to the Federation and a load of precious topaline. All for the sake of honor. I wish I had no honor. It would be easier.” He bowed his head. “Do as you will, Father. I shall remain with the Earthers.”

Koloth regarded his son with amazement. “Kai, Kerla.”

Koloth removed his hand from around Jamie’s arm. “That you proved himself a warrior today is beyond doubt. You are willing to spend the rest of your life among humans rather than be dishonored. It is enough.”

Kerla looked up at the unexpected word of praise. “Father?”

“It is as you say. Honor is above all. I had forgotten what I myself taught you. In my desperation and greed, I had forgotten.”

Koloth lowered himself to one knee and regarded his small prisoner. He gripped her shoulders and gave her a look of approval.

“You were a brave and honorable hostage, Jamie Kirk, worthy of a Klingon. I apologize for the episode involving the agonizer. It was unworthy of me.”

Jamie’s lip quivered. She didn’t know how much longer she could keep her tears back, but the commander had called her honorable. She supposed it meant she must be brave a little while longer.

“I didn’t get to see much of your ship, sir,” she remarked, brushing a straggly lock of hair from her eyes.

“No, you didn’t.” Koloth rose to his feet, clearly amused. He gave her a gentle push toward Kirk. “Go to your father, child. My victory is cut off because of honor. But if honor is thrown aside whenever one wishes, then how will our Empire survive?”

He smiled at his son. “Come, Kerla. I am anxious to hear about your stay aboard the Enterprise. Were your eyes open while you were wandering the corridors? Tell me everything you saw.”

Kerla grinned and breathed out his relief. With a spring in his step, he started for his father.

Jamie met Kerla halfway. They stopped and looked at each other. Neither one spoke.

Finally, Jamie whispered, “Thank you, Kerla. I understand now. I’m sorry for the things I said to you back on the Degreth, and when I saw you on the bridge of the Enterprise.” She sighed. “I guess I should have trusted you, but I was so scared.”

Kerla shrugged. “I didn’t care if you thought I betrayed you. All that mattered was getting you home.” Then he grinned. “You sure have a temper, but you’ll not take me by surprise the next time.”

He reached out and grabbed Jamie’s hand, Federation-style, and shook it. “So long.”

“I doubt I’ll ever see you again,” Jamie replied, returning the handshake.

“You never know.” Kerla released Jamie’s hand and stepped away from her. Then reaching under the collar of his tunic, he pulled out a slender chain and held it up.

Dangling from the chain was an odd pendant—a strange design of a soaring bird, with a small purple jewel for an eye.

“This is for you,” Kerla lifted the pendant from around his neck and dropped it around Jamie’s neck. “It is the symbol of my father’s house. See?” He turned it over and pointed out the tiny engraved letters. “Our house and lineage.”

“You’re giving it to me?”

Kerla nodded. “If you ever find yourself in the Klingon Empire and in need of protection, just show this pendant. The House of Kai’sai is an important clan on Kronos. No one will dare touch you.”

Jamie let the pendant drop around her neck. It hung suspended next to the Enterprise insignia on her uniform—an odd combination. She looked up at the Klingon youth. “But I have nothing to give you in return.”

“You’ve already given me more than the pendant is worth—a new perception of humans. A valuable education.” He straightened to his full height and gave her a Klingon salute. “Survive and succeed, Jamie Kirk. My earther friend.”

Without waiting for a response, Kerla turned and walked proudly to his father. Koloth watched the exchange with his arms folded across his chest and a scowl on his face.

“Survive and succeed, Kerla t’Ka’sai!” Jamie shouted after the boy.

Then she turned all her attention on her father, who waited a dozen yards away. With a burst of hidden energy, she ran and threw her arms around his neck.

The tears she’d valiantly held back all afternoon burst forth like floodwaters. She buried her head in his chest and sobbed.

“Jamie,” Kirk whispered, holding her tightly. He lifted her up and reached for his communicator.

Koloth’s amused voice brought him around. “I begin to wish the children had met under other, less stressful conditions. Your daughter is an agreeable child. I believe I would not mind so much if she took a tour of the Degreth, after all.”

Kerla’s mouth was a round “O.”

Jamie stared at Koloth in disbelief. She sniffed back her tears.

Commander Koloth put his hands on his hips. “Well, Jamie Kirk? Shall I give you a tour of my ship?”

“Thank you, Commander,” Jamie replied, wrapping her arms tighter around her father’s neck. “But the only ship I want to see right now is the Enterprise.”

"I understand." Koloth draped an arm around Kerla's shoulder and jabbed a finger in Jamie's direction. "Guard that pendant well, child. It is not be worn lightly. It practically makes us related."

Then Koloth opened his communicator and barked a short command. The two Klingons dissolved in a haze of yellow light.

Kirk let out a long, slow breath and lowered Jamie to the grassy field.

He lifted the pendant and turned it over in his hand. “I have a feeling this is more than just a pretty bauble, Jamie. This pendant has some significance to Koloth. I was watching his face when Kerla took it off and gave it to you. He looked astonished, and not terribly pleased.”

He let it drop around her neck. “Hang on to it. You never know when it might come in handy.”

Kirk reached for his communicator. “Let’s get out of here before the embassy’s security forces descend on us. It would be embarrassing to ask Mr. Spock to bail us out of jail for violating transporter policies.”

He pulled Jamie into a hug and picked her up. “Besides, I have a little surprise for Ambassador Halley.” 

He smiled. The ambassador was probably frantic, trying to arrange for Jamie’s release. He really ought to call the embassy and report the outcome.

Nah, he decided. I think I’ll let the man sweat a little while longer.

Kirk grinned with a sudden idea. He’d inform Ambassador Halley of Jamie’s safe return when they warped out of orbit in a few minutes. Just mention it, like a postscript.

He chuckled softly and flipped open his communicator. “Beam us up, Enterprise. We’re coming home.”

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