CHAPTER 3

Captain Kirk arrived on the bridge:

Helm, set course for the Klingon home world warp eight. Uhura, contact Engineer Scott and Dr. McCoy and have them meet us in the briefing room. Mr. Spock you're with me."

Kirk and Spock arrived at the briefing room shortly, followed by Scotty and Dr. McCoy.

"Gentlemen, Sulu apprised us of what happened to the Excelsior and the situation couldn't be more dire and critical. Sulu reports that the Excelsior was attacked by a rogue Starfleet strike force and stated Gary Mitchell was in command!"

Spock raised his eyebrow as Scotty huffed and puffed:

"Gary Mitchell? But he's dead! You killed him over 20 years ago on Delta Vega, Captain?"

Kirk replied:

"I know it sounds incredible but it appears to be true. We can count on Captain Sulu's recollection. Sulu recognized Gary. The bad news is something has happened to Starfleet Command and the Earth and it's my best guess Gary Mitchell is to blame. Even worse news is that Gary most likely blames me for his exile of Delta Vega and he's seeking his revenge. Before Gary's strike force attacked the Excelsior, Gary questioned Sulu as to our whereabouts. It is unclear why Gary was unable to find us directly himself if he has taken over Starfleet by using the galactic positioning system that charts all the known locations of Starfleet vessels. Mr. Spock, can you offer us an explanation about that?"

Spock nodded yes:

"Actually I may be able to answer that good question. While I was in command of the Enterprise engaging in the rescue mission of you and Doctor McCoy at Rura Penthe, I disabled the Enterprise's transponder beacon. I fortunate oversight on my part following that mission was a neglected to reengage the transponder. Thus our current whereabouts are not registered with the galactic positioning system."

Kirk was surprised and amused by what Spock just said:

"You, Mr. Spock? An oversight?"

Spock's face showed no emotion:

"Yes, an oversight on my part, regrettable for me, but fortunate for us all as you can gather."

McCoy interjected:

"Well, thank god for Spock getting senile in his old age! It must have been dying then coming back to life that caused him to become absentminded!"

Kirk replied:

"Good, then at least we know Gary and his strike force have little idea where to hunt for us. At any rate I wish to inform you that I have set course for Cronos. High Chancellor Azetbur owes us a favor for saving her life yesterday. It is my full intention to call in that favor as soon as we arrive there.

'Scotty? Are you up to date on Klingon cloaking device technology?"

Scotty replied:

"Well, to be honest I don't really know, but if it's your intention to get Azetbur to give us a Klingon cloaking device, if it's anything like that Romulan cloaking device we stole 20 years ago, I should be able to manage it okay, especially if Azetbur will be kind enough to lend us a couple Klingon beasties with the know-how."

Kirk was pleased:

"Very well, Scotty, I know you'll figure out how it's done as soon as we have one. That's all I have to say for now, you're all dismissed!"    

 

****

From the Enterprise's starting point a day's warp from Camp Khitomer and after traveling at warp-8 in the opposite direction to reach the Excelsior's position and after traveling at warp-8 for six hours now in the opposite direction to escape Gary Mitchell's strike force, the travel time to the Klingon home world Cronos was two days at warp-5 because warp-8 could only be maintained for a short time. On the second day of that voyage Kirk was seated in his command chair on the bridge when Captain Sulu stepped out of the turbo-lift.

"Captain Sulu reporting for duty, Captain!"

Kirk rotated his chair to see Sulu who looked no worse for wear. A testament to 23rd century medicine and Dr. McCoy's famous advanced surgical skills. Kirk nodded at Sulu:

"Helmsman you're relieved. Captain Sulu you may take his place at the helm and welcome aboard!"

Sulu sat down at the helm then turned around to face Kirk:

"Captain, I thought I would mention that Dr. McCoy has informed me of our situation. Still on course for Cronos at warp-5."

Kirk nodded:

"Steady as she goes Mr. Sulu."

****

Mr. Spock approached Kirk still sitting in his command chair:

"Captain, may I have a word with you?"

Kirk smiled:

"Yes. Mr. Spock."

Spock continued:

"I feel assured that Azetbur will return the favor for saving her life and she will agree to give us a Klingon cloaking device for Chief Engineer Scott to puzzle over. The acquisition and installation of a cloaking device in my view was a logical next step if Gary Mitchell has used his powers to command Starfleet vessels and crews to do his bidding. After all we are but one ship possibly being pursued by hundreds of Federation ships so we are hopelessly outnumbered."

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