Crisis of Consciousness Read Online Free PDF Page B

Mister Spock, but a dampening field of that strength would take a great deal of energy, would it not?”
    “It would,” the Vulcan agreed.
    “Powerful ship.” Kirk took a lingering glance at the Kenisian vessel on the main viewer as it turned slowly away, as if the Enterprise were going to bear down on it. “But why send only one?”
    “We have no fleet,” Pippenge offered, still standing above Kirk’s chair, one hand clasped tightly on the rail. “Perhaps they have surveilled us.”
    Kirk wagged a finger at the viewscreen. “But did they expect to find us here?”
    “They did not seem unprepared for the contingency,” Spock said.
    “Captain, they’re hailing us,” Uhura said.
    The captain stepped back down to the center seat.
    “We’ve bloodied their noses.” Kirk tried to offer Pippenge some sort of comfort. “They may not be used to that.” He motioned for Uhura to put them through.
    “Only audio,” Uhura said.
    “Clearly we have underestimated you, Captain . ”
    Kirk paused, choosing his next words carefully. They were lucky, this time, but it could have gone much worse. “We’ve both survived that initial mistake. Would you care to discuss the matter? Without the looming threat of violence?”
    There was a bit of a wait for a reply, and Kirk assumed that the Kenisian captain was also choosing her words carefully. “Yes, we would. We are humbled by your grace in this matter . ”
    “The United Federation of Planets prefers conversation to conflict. And the Maabas are now a protectorate of the Federation.” It was one thing to put out one’s hand in a gesture of peace, but Kirk thought it important to make a point that the Federation wasn’t backing off the agreement with the Maabas. Not just for the Kenisian’s sake, but for Pippenge’s.
    “We understand . ”
    “We would host you, and a small delegation, here on the Enterprise , if you like.”
    Another pause, as she considered Kirk’s proposal. If she refused, he wasn’t sure what her next move would be.
    “We accept your gracious offer . ”
    Pippenge released a puff of breath.
    “Are you familiar with matter-energy teleportation technology?” Kirk asked.
    “Yes. We employ such a system for materials—not usually for living beings.”
    “We can transport you to our vessel.” Sensing Pippenge’s discomfort, Kirk met the ambassador’s eyes and tried to give him as well as the Kenisian captain assurance. “No harm will come to you.”
    “ENERGIZE.”
    Chief Kyle slowly pulled down the sliders as the Kenisian captain materialized.
    As the transporter effect’s sparkle and hum faded, she made a long gasp, but she quickly recovered.
    Kyle stifled a gulp as they all noticed her upswept eyebrows and gracefully pointed ears.
    “Vulcanoid,” the captain said quietly, and his science officer agreed with a tacit brow raise.
    Her hair was auburn and arranged high on her head with well-maintained curls that sprang down on one side. Atop bright white slacks she wore a loose navy tunic which glittered at her neck and at the end of long sleeve cuffs. It could, Kirk realized, be either adornment or rank insignia. “That,” the Kenisian said breathlessly, regaining her composure, “was an interesting experience, Captain.”
    Kirk instinctively stepped forward to help her as she nearly stumbled off the platform. “I’ve always enjoyed it.” He took her elbow and guided her down the steps.
    “I did not.” She waved him off as she found her footing. “We don’t use such a method for living beings. I was merely surprised by the sensation.” Her eyes, large and dark, met his own for a long moment, then looked to where he still held her arm.
    The captain pulled his hand back instantly. He looked from her to his first officer, and she followed his gaze.
    When she saw Spock, her eyes widened but she quickly recovered from any shock and bowed her head slightly to all of them. “We are Zhatan, Kenisian Fleet Commander and Ambassador.”