THE FACE OF THE ENEMY.
A short story by Heidi
Space..the final frontier..so cold, so vast, so lonely.
The time is the 23rd century, the place is a small planetoid in 367 Theta system, somewhere near the Romulan Neutral Zone.
The small landing party from the USS Hawking was to investigate the unusual algae that grew on what was otherwise a barren rock orbiting an orange sun, a sun that was greater in age than our own bright one. This sun was past its prime, slowly dying, unable to give life to the 4 planets that circled it.
To captain Shann, it seemed the planets were engaged in a slow macabre dance, and one day, the tune would end.
His away team compromised of a medic, 2 security men and the specialists – a geologist and a botanist and teamleader – commander Sasco. These two would study the algae and its ability to adapt to the ever-increasing hostile environment, as well as the strange mineral deposits that occurred in just ONE spot of the planet.
Really, there ought not be a reason to send security with the team. After all, it wasn’t like there was any life on that world, apart from the algae. But captain Shann had to follow protocol, and Lieutenant- commander Saavik was a stickler for reminding him ( or anyone else for that matter ) of the regulations, when it seemed an officer was in ‘danger’ of neglecting them.
They had not been the only ones there on the planet, however. Now the ship was playing a cat and mouse ‘game’ with the Hawkin as the mouse and an unidentified alien ship whose firepower was greatly superior, as the cat. Shann had been using the other planets as obstacles to hide behind. His senior science officer – Arnold Merchant and the chief of security – T’Renn ( a Vulcan ), were doing their utmost to find a weakness in the hostile ship. As for the away team, Shann could only hope that they didn’t have their counterparts too. He hoped he could retrieve them before it was too late.
Meanwhile on the planet below….
The away team had indeed met their counterparts, and they were heavily outnumbered. The other aliens possessed a hidden complex deep beneath the planets surface. The Hawkin’s scanners hadn’t quite been able to read it for what it was and it was assumed the mineral was a natural occurrance. But it was the material the complex was made of. .Lieutenant - commander Saavik, ensign Hecatius, nurse Fobakkerti ( a Deltan ) and the two human security men – Zak Forbes and Rory O’ Riorke had been over powered and taken prisoner. Unfortunately O’Riorke had been killed defending his team-mates, and Forbes was injured, though not too seriously.
They had been put into a cell and awaited their fate, but not without discussing how they might escape.
It was also a shock for them to discover that they weren’t the only people being held. Another cell held no less than 10 Romulans!.
Of course, Commander Sasco was NOT in the cell with the team, because he had managed to run and hide and had killed the alien who had pursued him. These aliens – whoever they were wore armour and helmets that hid their faces. This was to Sasco’s advantage as he put on the armour and helmet and went back to the complex, trying to find a way in, to rescue his people or at least find a way to communicate with the Hawkin. The commander knew that their Andorian captain would not abandon them lightly.
"hey – look!" said ensign Forbes, as he pointed to the walls of the main chamber that the cells looked out onto. Everyone moved to the front of the cell to get a look. All except Saavik, who had quietly noticed but decided to say nothing, knowing it would un-nerve her team. They all noticed the array of ‘tools’ on the wall, obviously for use on prisoners, but also, higher up on the walls – like trophies, were body parts. Ears, fingers, even arms and sheets of skin….
"Oh God! I think I’m gonna be sick!!!!" Fobakkerti literally squealed.
"What?! You’re a medic. You should be used to seeing gory things!" replied Forbes. The truth was HE too felt sick and scared, but as a security man, he didn’t want the others to see it.
"We must not forget that commander Sasco has evaded capture, and may well be planning to facilitate our release" Saavik spoke up, trying to keep the group focused on whatever may help them from becoming hysterical. The wall decorations were indeed a gruesome sight.
CHAPTER TWO
It took 2 hours for commander Sasco to deal with each guard he came across and locate where the rest of the team were being held. He even had the key of the chamber’s guard, so he could release them. Now all they had to do was get out of the complex that shielded their ship’s sensors from detecting them and they’d be picked up. That is – IF the Hawking was still there.
Commander Sasco threw the key to the ground as they walked off, and ensign Hecatius picked it up, then walked towards the cell where the Romulans were being held.
"Just what do you think you’re doing, ensign?" demanded Sasco.
"I’m going to let the Romulans out, sir" she replied.
"The HELL you are!" he replied with force
"We can’t just leave them to their fate, sir – to THAT fate" as she glanced at the wall, Hecatius replied with surprise in her tone.
She couldn’t believe what she heard next…
"Yes we can and we are!" replied Sasco. His eyes narrowed and there was a cold edge to his voice.
"Move out people, we haven’t much time".
It seemed to Hecatius that he expected her to meekly follow orders, but she turned back to the cell and lifted the key to the panel. The Romulans watched her with interest but said nothing and made no move towards the forcefield.
“Damn you, ensign! I don’t think I made myself clear – I’m not suggesting you leave them. I’m ORDERING YOU TO LEAVE THEM”.
The rest of the team looked uncomfortable with the scene unfolding before them, and Saavik waited with an intensity in her eyes. Everyone knew she had less reason than anyone else to care what happened to these Romulans. She looked as if she were about to say something to Sasco, but Hecatius wasted no time in her response.
“Sir, I am sorry, but I CANNOT leave these people to be dissected and pulled apart alive, I don’t like them anymore than you but no-one deserves to be treated like that”.
“It’s PRECISELY what they deserve! They’re animals!! Let them get a taste of their own medicine, and die slowly- as their victims have!”.
Hecatius’ heart was pounding. She didn’t want to disobey orders, but there was a higher ‘law’ at work in her heart, and she simply could not walk away. Commander Sasco was livid, his eyes ablaze with rage.
“Release those Romulans and I’ll see to it that you get court-martialled, you’ll NEVER serve in Starfleet after this!!”
Hecatius felt like crying. This was it for her then – the end of her career, her DREAM, before it had really begun. This was serious. But again, she knew what she would do, her mind was made up, no matter what the cost to herself.
“Sir, to stand by what you’ve just said, is to be no better than them. I joined Starfleet because I knew WE Federation members VALUE LIFE, the lives of ALL sentient beings. And as a follower of the priniples of Surak, I cannot leave them when it’s in my power to help”. Hecatius didn’t wait to hear a further response, but shut off the forcefield, allowing the Romulans out.
“Besides, I’m only doing what I hope some-one would do for me if the situation was reversed”
“What you’re doing, ensign, is aiding the ENEMY. But then, what should I expect from a half-Rommie?!” retorted Sasco.
Those words stung Hecatius. But she ignored them and soon the Romulans stepped out. Sasco had stormed off in mute disgust and the team followed despondently. The Romulan commander regarded Hecatius …..
CHAPTER THREE
…The Commander introduced himself.
"I am Tarok ir’ Shhaeierrhth tr’Vaemomnn. I’m glad you are not as narrow-minded as your commander, but it looks as if you will be treated dishonourably for your efforts. However, should our paths ever cross, you can be assured I will treat you with the courtesy you have shown me."
Tarok gestured to a female in the group – a young woman who looked no more than 20, but who (like the Vulcans) may easily of been 65!.
"This is my niece, Arrienye. The fate these animals have planned for her does not bear thinking about. You have preserved our honour. I owe you the debt of ‘Mnehei’sahe’."
The Romulans saluted in their fashion and swiftly left. Hecatius turned to catch up with the others. She nearly bumped into Saavik, who had lingered in the corridor to hear what transpired.
"What?! Don’t you trust me either?" asked a by-now irrate Hecatius, as they sped down the corridor and out the door – and not a moment too soon, for now the sirens were blaring. Was it they or the Romulans who had set it off?.
"It was never an issue of trusting you, but the Romulans. I wanted to be sure they did not harm you"
"Stangely enough, it’s not the Romulans I need to worry about" replied Hecatius.
They joined the away-team and fortunately for them, the Hawking was there to beam them out. No sooner were they aboard than Sasco demanded that security escort Hecatius to the brig. However, Saavik spoke up…
2I will protest this action if you insist on taking it sir, I believe you have no authority to place Hecatius in the brig at this time, and are breaking regulation forty-eight- point twelve, which states ‘ No crewman shall be placed in the brig without formal procedure of arrest and the charge or charges are to be clearly stated to the accused, there being at least one fellow crewman to witness the procedure’
By what charge do you intend to do this sir?"
Needless to say, Sasco was not happy at the regulation-quoting Vulcan, the very same one who had not hesitated to remind the famous captain Kirk of Starfleet’s ways. But also, he was at a loss for words and in danger of looking foolish in front of everyone. He quickly recovered his wits and committed himself to the deed.
"Treason, if you must insist!"
There was a sharp intake of breath by Fobakkerti, and all present were shocked at the severity of the accusation. Hecatius went pale, but Saavik remained calm and unmoved by the commander. She turned to the security guard.
"You heard the commander?"
"Yes, Lieutenant-commander"
"Then, do your duty"
As Hecatius was led away, there were several voices of angry protest. It was unbelievable to Hecatius’ friends that she was a traitor. Saavik sharply turned to face Sasco.
"You will regret your rash judgements, sir". And then she walked off.
CHAPTER FOUR
Saavik had made her report to the captain, including an official complaint as to the commander’s conduct. Commander Sasco had also made his report. 1 hour later, both officers and ensign Hecatius stood before the captain in his ready-room…
"I’ve read all the reports. I’ve heard the eyewitness accounts of what happened. Of what was said" captain Shann emphasised the last word. He continued.
"And to be honest, I really can’t understand why you, Commander Sasco, could possibly think Hecatius’ actions were treasonable. If every officer or crewman who showed mercy to an ‘enemy’ in such circumstances were accused of treason for that act, then Captains Kirk and Garth (of Izar) and Archer and many others would stand guilty – including my grandfather. I think you’ve allowed personal prejudice to get in the way of sound judgement, and certainly you have overstepped the line by bringing Hecatius’ heritage into it. Have you anything to say?"
"I acted in what I believed to be the proper manner, given that I was responsible for the safety of the team. Who knows what those Romulans would of done?!"
"I’ll tell you what they did, commander. Their ship picked them up and just as we were about to be blown to pieces by the enemy ship, the Romulans attacked them and rescued our butts. Together, we destroyed a ship too powerful for either of us. Together, we have come out of this experience relatively intact. And – correct me if I’m wrong commander – our ambassadors are working for peace with the Romulan Star Empire, so that together they and our federation can enjoy trade and friendship. But we can’t just leave it to the professional diplomats, commander. We all have our part to play, and that includes laying aside our personal opinions and fears."
"Captain, I wasn’t acting out of fear! And in my opinion, Hecatius is too young and inexperienced to make those kind of decisions – to take that kind of a gamble!"
Captain Shann relaxed into the back of his chair and sighed. He looked at all 3 crewmen before him.
He knew their backgrounds, he knew their strengths and weaknesses, even some of their interests.
Shann knew that Saavik liked to play the Vulcan word-game “Fu” with T’Renn in the evenings. He knew that Hecatius played a Terran instrument – the Dulcimer, and he knew that Sasco sparred with the Andorian security officer that was solid as a rock. In fact much of Sasco’s free time was spent honing his boxing skills. Shann also knew that Sasco’s aunt and uncle died in an attack by Romulans where they worked on a science orbital station. It had happened 15 years ago. He knew of the grievances the other two had suffered. It was his job to get to know his crew. He was the captain.
Who had not suffered a tragedy in their family life? Shann doubted it was many.
That as why he couldn’t let it become an excuse for misconduct.
"I’m disappointed that you see it that way. A part of an officer’s job is to know the will of his captain – to know what his captain expects of him, and that certainly includes how we treat others. It seems that ensign Hecatius is more in tune with my will than you are. We represent the federation’s ideals, not ourselves. I’m going to offer you the chance to apply for a transfer. Because if you remain on my ship, then you’ll receive a demotion. The choice is yours, you have twelve hours to decide"
"I don’t need twelve hours, sir. My mind is already made up. I request a transfer"
CHAPTER FIVE
So that is how it was resolved. Commander Sasco transferred to outpost 74, near the Klingon border. The amount of trouble they had there would certainly give Sasco the opportunity to vent his anger in border skirmishes. It saddened Shann though, to think how that man was letting anger fuel anger. Such a dangerous thing. As for ensign Hecatius, she received a promotion to the next rank – lieutenant- junior grade. Shann was glad for the majority of his crew. They were good people – a lot of them would be re-assigned next year as the Hawking was due to be decommissioned. Shann himself had replaced captain Delaney, and so he had only commanded the Hawking for 1 year and 11 months.
He turned his thoughts to the Christmas celebrations that he needed to plan with his senior staff.
This crew deserved something SPECIAL…..
Footnote:- Mnehei-Sahe, a concept of honourable conduct, even towards one's enemies.
THE END
