The transporter chief mentioned it when I came on board, McCoy said as he approached the scanner.
Sighing, Rosenhaus made a mental note to keep his damn mouth shut next time he talked to George Howard.
Peering at the readout, McCoy said, Seems to be working. Whatd you use?
Its a serum that was developed at Starfleet HQ about five years ago to treat an Andorian who was sufferi
McCoy looked up sharply. What!? Dr. Derubbios treatment? On a human?
Yes, Rosenhaus said with a smile. I interned under him when
Doctor! Jazayerli said in a voice of warning.
Just after the nurse spoke, an alarm went off on the biobed scanner. Rosenhaus looked up to see that Braker was going into cardiac arrest.
What the hell? That shouldnt be happening! Rosenhaus said.
Then both he and McCoy cried, Cordrazine, two milliliters! in perfect unison.
Well, Rosenhaus thought dryly, at least we agree on something.
Jazayerli prepared a hypo and, to Rosenhauss annoyance, handed it to McCoy, who applied it to Brakers neck.
Within a moment, her heart started up again. Weve got to flush this damn serum out of her system, now! McCoy said.
We dont know that the serum is causing this, Rosenhaus said. It could be
McCoy interrupted. Nurse, get me eighty CCs of dicloripin. Then he turned to Rosenhaus. Dave Derubbios serum is fatal to humanswhen it interacts with human blood, it creates xelaxine.
Rosenhauss face fell. What? Xelaxine was toxic to humans. For that matter, it was toxic to Andorians, but it didnt
Then he thought about the differences between Andorian and human blood, and saw the possible connections.
Here you go, Doctor, Jazayerli said, handing McCoy the hypo.
As he applied the hypo to Braker, McCoy said, Didnt you run one of those damned computer simulations you were going on about before?
Of course I did. Rosenhaus was offended that McCoy would even consider the possibility that he didnt do so. I tested it on the virus and the gland and it showed
McCoy looked up. Just the virus and the gland?
What do you mean? Rosenhaus asked, looking up to see that Brakers vitals were returning to normal.
They may call em artificial intelligence, son, but trust me, they aint that bright. You tell em to test the virus and the gland, thats all theyll check! You didnt check how this might affect the blood cells or any of the organs it came into contact with!
Rosenhaus closed his eyes. Youre right. I didntI mean, I He sighed. Im sorry, Doctor, I
You dont need to apologize to me, you need to apologize to this woman here, he said, pointing to Braker. Assuming she lives through this. He sighed. Assuming we all do, and dont go off half-cocked. McCoy took one last look at Brakers vitals, then ran a Feinberger over her. Times like this, Doctor, we have to be extra carefulboth with what we do and who we say it to. Shipsre like small towns. Word spreads like wildfire. He looked up. And another thingyou dont need to prove anything. You said before that I should treat you with the respect you deserve, and thats fine, but you gotta earn the respect. Turning the Feinberger off, he picked up Brakers chart and handed it to Jazayerli. The virus is still in the gland. Update the chart, please, Nurse.
Of course, sir.
Rosenhaus sighed. That was the first time hed ever heard Jazayerli use the word sir to refer to a doctor.
Now then, McCoy said, lets take a look at this serum. Obviously it made some headwaywe just have to figure out how to make it work without killing the patient.
Stunned, Rosenhaus said, Uh, right.
Something wrong, Doctor?
Youre being nice to me. I just almost killed a woman. You spent half the day chewing my head off when I didnt do anything, but nowwhen you actually have cause to scream at meyoure being calm and reasonable.
Smiling, McCoy said, Son, all the titles in the world dont mean a damn thing. Yeah, were both chief medical officers, but at heart, were just human. Me, Im an old country doctor who let his temper get the better of him. You, youre a young kid who made a mistake. Luckily, that mistake wasnt fatal. He put an encouraging hand on the younger mans shoulder. So lets see what we can do to make the mistake work for us, all right?
Rosenhuas nodded. Lets get to work, Doctor.
Chapter Five
C OMMODORE , youre not being reasonable.
Matt Decker rubbed the bridge of his nose between his thumb and forefinger in a futile attempt to stave off the pounding headache he was developing. Normally, hed call sickbay for a remedy, but his own sickbay staff was presently occupied with the search for a cure, and the local hospitals and dispensaries had much bigger problems right now.
Dealing with the infinite demands of running a colony under siege by disease and terror, however, was combining with his lack of sleep to create a phaser on overload in his sinuses.
Now, topping it all off, he had to deal with a tiresome bureaucrat.
He stared at that bureaucrats face on the small viewscreen embedded in the desk hed taken over. It sat opposite another like desk, which Kirk had taken over, in the small office in the Government Center. The office normally belonged to some government functionary or other. Neither Decker nor the young captain had felt comfortable taking over the office of the late Chief Representative. Besides, they could do the job as easily from here as anywhere else. Indeed, they could have adminstered from orbit, but both of them saw that as precisely the wrong kind of symbolism. They needed to be among the Proximan people if this was to work.
Mr. Malruse, Decker said, Im under no obligation to be reasonable. Proxima is currently in a state of martial law. That means what I say goes. It also gives me broad discretionary powers as to who to say it to and where to put them when they dont do what I say. Am I making myself clear?
The face on the viewscreen in front of Decker scrunched into a frown. Commodore, I have several contracts I need to fulfill. While the current situation is regrettable, I cant just
Decker leaned forward and put on his intimidating look, the one hed used to good effect on subordinates and his son alike. I see Im not making myself clear. As of now, you dont have any contracts to fulfill. You dont have a business. All youve got is a mandate from the person running things to take over the supervision of food distribution to the counties of Arafel, New Punjab, and Rivershore. What youve also got is my promise that your not fulfilling this mandate would be a bad career move. Now am I making myself clear?
Malruses frown somehow grew deeper, something Decker wouldnt have credited it capable of. I dont appreciate threats, Commodore.
Oh, this isnt a threat. Its an explanation. So whats it going to be, Mr. Malruse?
Decker watched as Malruses face flashed several facial expressions over the course of about three seconds, ranging from anger to annoyance and finally to resignation. Very well, Commodore. My people will start taking charge of the food distribution within the hour.
Glad to hear it. The person youll be coordinating with is Ensign Litwackshes my assistant chief of security. Shell be there to make sure everything goes smoothly. Decker assumed the implication was obvious.
Of course, Commodore, Malruse said with a sigh, then signed off.
As soon as the screen went dark, the phaser in his sinuses did go on overload. If I had known that this was going to entail forcing private-sector nincompoops to do public-works projects, Idve told Kirk to go hang himself.
That wasnt entirely fair, Decker knew. Most of the slack of public jobs had been taken up by private enterprise with remarkable ease. In some cases, the work was more efficient. But, given the situation, Decker or Kirk had to deal with it only if something went wrong, so he was hyperaware of the few problems and needed to remind himself of how much was actually going smoothly.
He was about to get some coffee when his communicator beeped twice. Oh great, now what? He pulled it out of his belt as he headed for the food slot embedded in the wall. Decker here.
T
akeshewada here. A ships just pulled into orbit and you need to talk to the pilot.
Uh, why ca?
I tried to handle it, Takeshewada said, as usual anticipating him. I explained about the quarantine and the dangers and the fact that every second she spends in orbit she risks contracting a fatal disease that we dont have a cure for. I told her about the martial law. I, in fact, went on at great length on the subject of why she needs to beat a hasty retreat out of orbit, if not out of the entire star system. You know what her reply was? Let me speak to whoevers in charge.
Decker sighed as he entered the command for coffee into the food slots panel. Thats me, isnt it?
Unless you want to fob this off on Kirk.
Fob what off on Kirk? came a voice from the doorway. It was Kirk, returning from his latest state-of-the-colony address to the people. They had agreed early on that Kirkyounger, better looking, and generally less intimidating than Deckerwould be the voice of the temporary government to the people of Proxima, and he had been giving those every couple of hours or so. Decker had admired the strategy. It reassured the Proximans that there was somebody in chargeespecially since Kirk had made an effort to put substance in the addresses, specifying what was being done.
To answer the question, Decker said, Someone in orbit who wont take get the hell out of here for an answer. Back to the communicator, he said, Have Howard pipe it down here, Number One.
Have fun.
Decker could picture Takeshewadas not-quite-a-smile in his minds eye. I get the feeling Im in for another fun conversation, he thought with a sigh.
He went back to his desk, coffee in hand. Kirk came around to stand behind him. Decker was silently grateful for Kirks presence, as the younger man would likely be a calming influence. Kirk had a certain charisma about him that he used to good effect on people he dealt with. Takeshewada had a similar qualityDecker himself had never had the patience for such things.
The screen lit up to show the face of the most beautiful woman Matt Decker had ever seen in his life.
You must be Commodore Decker, she said in a voice that sounded like the songs of angels.
Yes, Kirk said before Decker could reply, and Im James T. Kirk. How can we help you?
Im Aidulac, captain of the Sun , she said with a bright smile that seemed to light up the viewscreen. I have this problem that Im sure you two could easily solve.
Well be happy to do anything at all that we can to help you, Kirk said, again cutting Decker off before he could say anything. Not that he minded that muchhe was just happy to be looking into Aidulacs beautiful black eyes.
I have this cargo that needs to be brought down immediately. That commander on the Constellation gave me some song and dance about a virus, but I
Its not a song and dance, Im afraid, Decker said.
The virus is quite real, and very dangerous. Honestly, you should probably leave orbit as soon as you can for your own safety. He spoke in an urgent tone, as he was actually frightened of the possibility that Aidulac might be harmed by the virus. Surely your cargo
The items are perishable, Aidulac said, and she pouted in a manner that melted Deckers heart. Surely you can at least let me land one shuttle?
Kirk asked, Why not transport it down?
It cant be transported. So can you help me, please?
Decker pried his eyes away from the vision of gloriousness on the screen and turned to look at Kirk. What do you say, Captain, can we
Then he blinked. He realized that he suddenly couldnt recall what Aidulac looked like, even though hed been looking at her for the past minute. More to the point, his head cleared and he realized just what hed been thinking during that minute. And then he remembered the Constellation 'strip to Pegasus Major.
Computer, disengage video transmission, now!
Kirk was aghast as the screen went dark. Commodore, why did you do that? That poor woman needs our help.
Commodore, I dont understand, why have you
Dont even think about it, Captain Aidulac. You are hereby instructed to leave orbit, or I will order the Constellation to fire on you. Do I make myself clear?
Kirk grabbed Deckers shoulder. Commodore, what are you doing? This woman has a simple
This woman, Kirk, is a Siren.
A blank expression came over Kirks face. A what?
Can I assume, Decker said, addressing himself to the darkened viewscreen, that the Sun 'sregistry is to the Peladon Affiliation, Captain Aidulac?
The silence that met the question spoke volumes.
As I expected. Captain Kirk, maybe youre familiar with the world of Pegasus Major IV. A humanoid race evolved there known as the Peladons, who eventually founded an Affiliation that encompasses the entire solar system. On that planet, theres a sect of specially trained women who can exert great influence on the male of the speciesas well as the males of several other species. Vulcan men have proven to be able to overcome it, and Andorians are immune for some reason, but every other species theyve encountered that has men in it have succumbed. The first Federation captain to deal with one called them Sirens.
Commodore, youre being horribly unfair. I just want
Still there, Aidulac? Id have thought youd have obeyed my instructions by now. He took out his communicator. Decker to Constellation. Has the Sun left orbit yet?
Takeshewada here. Not yet. Orders?
Give her two more minutes, Number One, then blast her out of the sky.
Aidulacs voicenow sounding rather petulant, though Decker suspected it was the same tone of voice she used when pouting earlier, he simply was interpreting it differently nowcame through the desks speakers. Therell be no need for violence, Commodore. But I can assure you, I have friends at Starfleet
All men, Im sure, Decker muttered.
and theyre going to hear about this. Trust me, these arent men you want to have as enemies.
Theyll have to get in line, Captain, Decker said with a snort, thinking back on all the people hed pissed off in his decades of service. Proxima out.
As he cut off the connection, Takeshewada said, Shes leaving orbit now, Commodore. She was a Siren, wasnt she?
Decker blinked. You knew?
It was a guess. I wasnt entirely sure. Best way to be sure was to gauge your response. If you gave in, Id know for sure.
Sighing, Decker said, Remind me to yell at you for that later.
Of course, sir. Again, Decker could envision his first officers not-a-smile. Constellation out.
Closing his communicator and directing several unkind thoughts in Takeshewadas direction, Decker turned to look at Kirk. The captain had an angry look on his face.
Im sorry, Commodore. I cant believe I fell for such aa cheap parlor trick.
Easy, Kirk, its no parlor trick. The Peladons have been breeding and training Sirens for centuries. Hell, I knew about em, and I almost gave in.
Kirk shook his head. Still, its not a weakness a commanding officer can afford.
Shrugging, Decker said, Maybe. But the good COs figure out how to pay it off anyhow. Decker leaned back in his chair. So, howd the address go?
Well enough, Kirk said after a hesitation. The captain obviously didnt want to change the subject, but Decker had always thought of recriminations as being generally useless, self-recrimination even more so. His mindset was more toward solving the problem than apportioning blame.
Before Kirk could elaborate, Deckers communicator beeped.
Sighing, Decker muttered, Does it ever end?
Never soon enough, Kirk replied with a smile.
With a snort, Decker opened the communicator. Decker here.
A cacophany of noise erupted from the communicatorpeople shouting, mostly, and the occasional sound of soft impacts. Vascogne here, Commodore, said Deckers security chief. Weve got a situation.
You still at SCMC?
Yes, sir. Vascogne had just reported everything being quiet at the Sierra City Medical Center a mere hour earlier.
What have they done th
is time? Decker wondered. What kind of situation?
Somebody started a rumor that they found a cure up on the Constellation. Now everyones trying to get into the hospital to get it. Request permission to pacify the crowd, Commodore.
Deckers eyes grew wide. Vascogne wouldnt have made the request if he thought there was a better alternative. For a security chief, the middle-aged lieutenant was remarkably nonaggressive. Is that your recommendation, Lieutenant?
There was a pause, and an oof sound could be heard through the speaker amidst the growing crowd noise. Its my opinion, sir, that no other option is viable.
Commodore, wait, Kirk said before Decker could give the order. Id like to try something else.
I really hate my job, Lieutenant Etienne Vascogne thought as he pulled the large Proximan off his leg.
Keep these people back! he screamed at his people, who were mixed in with some local police.
Shouldve joined the police force back home on Gammac like Uncle Claude wanted me to, he thought as he awaited the arrival of his commanding officer.
Vascogne was glad that Captain Kirk had apparently come up with some kind of alternative to shooting these poor people down. He hadnt been able to come up with a better plan of his own, and stunning a large crowd was infinitely preferable, to his mind, to said large crowd stomping all over him. The people were pressing up against the cordon with such force, Vascogne couldnt tell whether it was his own sweat he smelled or that of the person shouting epithets into his face.
Most of the cries of the people in that crowd were so much white noise, but certain phrases kept cropping up We want the cure! Give us the cure! Stop holding out on us! Cure now! Some held signs with similar sentiments. Despite himself, Vascogne was impressed with how quickly the signs had been put together, given that the rumors had started less than an hour earlier.
Suddenly, an amplified voice blared out over the crowd. Please, ladies and gentlemen, there is no cure!
Vascogne allowed himself an instant to turn around, and he saw both Decker and Captain Kirk standing at the hospital entrance. He wondered briefly how the hell they got there, and then realized that they must have transported. Thats quite the loud crowd, he thought, if they can drown out a transporter. Either that or Im just getting old
STAR TREK - The Brave and the Bold Book One Page 7
