Star Trek Bozeman Part III By: Brad Fore Based on Star Trek� created by Gene Roddenberry Prologue Everyone was smiles in the crew lounge of the Enterprise. The bridge crews from three ships were there. The captains were in their corner, Bateson, Picard, and Kirk. At a table, were the doctors, Dr. McCoy, Dr. Crusher, and Dr. Robinson. Standing near the bar were the three engineers: Scotty, LaForge, and Keesee. And, lounging on the sofas were Brad Foreman, Derek Kestner, and Whitney Gallimore. The main purpose of this event was to celebrate Earth�s safety. However, there was another reason for this gathering: Teilani�s birthday. Kirk had asked her to come meet some of his friends, old and new. Foreman, seeing Kirk motioning for him, took Whitney by the hand and let her up to where Kirk and Teilani were standing. Kirk said to Foreman, �Well, nice to see that traditions don�t change.� He tilted his head toward Whitney. She blushed, and Foreman smiled broadly. He said to Kirk, �It is an honor to meet you again, sir.� �Oh, no, please, it�s Jim, Mr. Foreman.� �Uh, yes...Jim, sir.� Kirk rolled his eyes, saying, �That�s what I hate most about Starfleet is all those �sirs�.� They all laughed at that one. Kirk, after a drink of Romulan Ale, said, �So...now, *ack*, the synthesized stuff just isn�t as good as the real thing. Anyway, Mr. Foreman, I believe you have a question to ask this young lady?� �Uh, yes, si-Jim.� Brad paused, then turned to Whitney, �Will you marry me?� All of a sudden, Whitney�s eyes filled with tears. Brad�s heart stood still. Kirk and Teilani eyed her, anxiously. Then, she gave her answer... ...Continued From Part One They all stood in silence, waiting for an answer. Whitney opened her mouth, but she was cut off by the intercom, �All Bridge personnel from all three ships please report to the Observation Lounge immediately.� Whitney turned abruptly and left the Lounge, followed closely by Mr. Foreman, Kirk, and Teilani. As the Bridge crews filed in the Observation Lounge of the Enterprise, Picard turned to his first officer, �Number One, what is the meaning of this intrusion? We were in the middle of-� Riker cut him off, �Sir, to be straight forth, we have just lost all communication with every ship in the quadrant.� Picard replied, �Are you sure it isn�t an internal malfunction?� Riker replied, �Aye, sir, the Bozeman and the Sovereign are still trackable. But all other ships within communications and tracking range have been lost. The Bozeman and the Sovereign are experiencing the same problem.� Picard turned to the crews. �May I have your attention? This briefing is classified until further notice. Computer, begin recording.� As the monotonous chirp of an answer was heard from the computer, Picard motioned for Riker to speak. Riker stood, and said, �I have just been informed that our three ships have lost all communication with every ship within tracking range. The cause is as of yet unknown. I am going to ask that all ships go to red alert until further notice, this is a crisis situation. If, indeed, the entire Starfleet communications network is down, then the Federation is at extreme risk. We have determined that our three ships would remain under communication if we were to split up, so, with captain�s permission, I intend to order Starfleet Procedure # 364: �in the event of an all communications failure, all ships still within communication with each other will do everything in their power to repair Starfleet communications�. In other words, we�re going to spit up, and see what we can do. Questions?� Kirk was the first to speak. �Commander, what else do we know about the communications failure?�: Riker replied, �That it appears to be isolated to the Federation only, and that it wasn�t caused by natural forces.� Montgomery Scott cut in, �Aye, laddie, but do we know yet whether or not those ships were destroyed?� Riker answered, �No, sir, we do not. I wish I knew more on that, but I don�t.� Ms. Gallimore asked, �Sir, what would happen to the Federation if, during a communications blackout like this, the Federation was attacked by an enemy race?� Riker paused for a moment, then said, �Ms. Gallimore, I doubt that will happen.� Whitney persisted, �But if it does, sir?� Rker replied, �Then the Federation wouldn�t be able to carry on a complex battle without communications, and therefore, we could not fight a strong enemy.� Brad Foreman cut in, �Sir, how do we know that this blackout isn�t just limited to our ships� ability to scan long-range ships, and not an entire Federation blackout?� Riker replied, �Quite simple, Mr. Foreman, we don�t. But, until we find out either way, we will treat this crisis as if it were for the entire Federation.� Picard cut in, �Thank you, Number One. Now, due to the fact that our three respective ships will have to work together, we must choose a leader. Technically, since Captain Kirk was born before either me or Captain Bateson, that gives him seniority.� Kirk replied, �Thanks, Jean-Luc, but no thanks. I�ve had my share of leading. I move that we let Morgan have it. After all, his crew has proven that they can work very well together, and he has proven that he can lead.� Picard answered, �Anyone object?� Seeing no objection, Picard continued, �All right, then, note in Ship�s log we are now under the command of Captain Bateson. I suggest that we all now return to our ships to find out what�s the matter with our communications. May we all have good luck and Godspeed.� Back on the Bozeman, Lt. Commander Brad Foreman walked briskly to his quarters. As he rounded the corner, the doors, recognizing his bio-signature, opened, revealing his dark living area. I don�t remember turning the lights out, he thought as he said , �Computer, activate lights.� As the lights came activated to a dim setting, he saw a figure sitting on his couch. He said, �Who are you, I can�t see you.� The figure remained still, and, as Brad looked closer, he began to make out who it was. He said, �Whitney! What a pleasant surprise.� The figure still didn�t speak. Brad ordered, �Computer, normal brightness.� As the lights brightened up, the figure became clearer. There sat Whitney, motionless, in a pool of her own blood. �Medic!,� Brad screamed. As he ran over to her, he heard the computer reply, �Please specify deck and area.� �Deck twelve, Brad Foreman�s quarters,� Brad replied, shakily. Brad immediately flipped open his tricorder. He said, seeing the readout, �Oh, Whitney, hang on.� Suddenly, Dr. Alex Robinson came running in through the door. He rushed over to Whitney, and, opening his tricorder, said, �She�s fading. Robinson to Transporter Room, three to beam directly to Sick Bay.� As the three were engulfed by the blue world of transportation, Brad thought to himself, C�mon, Whitney, I know you can make it. Brad Foreman sat impatiently in his quarters. He saw awaiting the outcome of Whitney�s emergency surgery to repair a phaser wound to her lungs. Dr. Robinson didn�t think that a cloned lung would be necessary, but that either option would be risky. If she had to wait for a cloned lung to be grown, then, quite possibly, she might not make it that long. But, the surgery she was in right now could cause her heart to fail, and that would be fatal, along with her other complications. Suddenly, Brad heard over the intercom Captain Bateson, �Lt. Commander Foreman, report to Sick Bay, repeat, Lt. Commander Foreman to Sick Bay.� He jumped to his feat, and went flying out the door. Once he was in Sick Bay, Dr. Robinson came over to him. �What�s the results, Doctor?,� Brad asked. Dr. Robinson replied, �She�s in recovery, however, there was a problem during her operation. While we were post opp. examining her, we found a rare and deadly string of the Veridian Flu.� Brad asked, worriedly, �Is there a cure?� The Doctor replied, �Yes, one cure. But, it�s found on Veridian III. It�s a natural occurring herb in the northern mid-latitude zone.� �Doctor, do you think that the Captain will allow the Bozeman to go to Veridian III?� Dr. Robinson replied, �I don�t know, you�ll have to ask him.� �I will, then. Thank you for everything, Doctor.� �Anytime.� Brad Foreman strolled onto the Bridge of the Bozeman. He turned to the First Officer, Gabriel Bush, and asked, �Where is the Captain, sir?� Bush replied, �In his ready room, why?� Foreman continued, �I wish to speak with him. It�s about Ms. Gallimore.� Bush�s face turned to one of understanding. �Very well, then, Mr. Foreman, go right on in.� �Thank you, sir.� Brad turned and walked to the front of the Bridge, stepped up to the Ready Room door, and pressed the door chime. He heard the Captain�s voice from the other side, �Come in.� As he stepped forward, the doors opened before him, revealing the Captain�s Ready Room. He walked over to the Captain�s desk, and said, �Sir, I would like to ask a favor of you.� Bateson replied, �Sure. Please, sit down.� When Foreman had sat down, he said, �Sir, to be straight out, Ms. Gallimore has taken the Veridian Flu.� Foreman looked at his captain, and he thought he saw a look of true desperation, more than what would be expected from such a man over just his crew. But, immediately, that look was gone, when Bateson said, �And what is it you ask of me?� Foreman continued, �I wish to proceed to Veridian III, to collect a plant that Dr. Robinson has informed me will cure the Veridian Flu.� Bateson sat there, thinking for a moment, then replied, �Mr. Foreman, I know how much this girl means to you, and if it were entirely up to you, I would. But, Kirk and Picard won�t jeopardize this mission for that purpose alone. I�m sorry, Mr. Foreman, but it won�t work.� Brad pleaded, �But, sir, could you not say that that is where you want the Bozeman to search?� Bateson remained motionless for a moment, as if to plan out what he would say if he allowed that. He then said, �Mr. Foreman, it�s not often that I change my mind once it�s made up, but, here, you�ve made me see the light. Yes, Mr. Foreman, I will do it, on one condition, you have to agree to stay by her side during the whole thing. No coming on the Bridge to take your shift, I�ll see that you are covered. Understood?� Foreman smiled broadly, �Yes, sir!� Bateson flicked his wrist, motioning toward the door, �All right, Mr. Foreman, you have you�re orders.� Brad said, �Aye, sir,� got up, and walked out of the Ready Room, onto the Bridge. He walked over to Derek Kestner�s station, and said, �Derek, did you hear about Whitney?� Mr. Kestner replied, �Yes, I did, is she all right?� Foreman answered, �She has taken the Veridian Flu, but Captain Bateson has agreed to take the Bozeman to Veridian III to get a cure plant.� Derek said, �That�s good, very good. Well, keep me posted, okay?� Foreman smiled at his friend, �I will, Derek. See ya �round.� Foreman turned, and got onto to turbolift. A few minutes later, Foreman turned a corner, and entered Sick Bay. He strolled over to the bed where Whitney lay, and he stared at her beautiful hair, her serene face. He could�ve stayed there forever, in thought. But, he turned and walked over to Dr. Robinson�s office. As he entered the doorway, he saw Dr. Robinson with his back to him, talking to a figure on a comm link. Looking closer, Foreman saw that the figure was a Romulan. He quickly stepped aside, hiding behind the bulkhead next to the entrance to the office. He listened closely, and heard Dr. Robinson say, �Yes, Commodore Teruk, I have everything under control. Yes, the plan about the comm failure worked perfectly. Sir, in twenty-four hours, the Bozeman will be in the Veridian System, ready for your fleet to take her by force. Yes, sir, the woman does have the Veridian Flu, and yes, it is deadly. No, no one suspects a thing. Your plan is foolproof, My Lord. I will be ready for transport once we enter the Veridian System. Robinson out.� Foreman turned suddenly to hear a familiar voice whisper, �Brad?� He rushed over to Whitney�s side, and said, �I�m here, Whitney.� She asked, hoarsely, �Did you hear what Dr. Robinson said?� Foreman replied, �When?� �Just then, about the comm blackout.� �Did you hear everything, Whitney?� �Yes, Brad. I�m scared. What if the cure Dr. Robinson says is on Veridian III isn�t a cure?� Brad took her hand, �I�ll make sure he�s right. Don�t worry, Whitney, I�ll be right back, I�m gonna go and get Captain Bateson, okay?� She smiled up at him, �Okay. I won�t go anywhere.� Brad smiled back at her, then walked out the Sick Bay doors. Just as he got out of earshot of Sick Bay, he tapped his comm badge. �Foreman to Captain Bateson?� After a short pause, Bateson replied, �I�m here, Foreman, is everything all right?� Brad replied, �No sir, I need you to call Dr. Robinson out of Sick Bay, to do anything that will take at least an hour. Rework the Life Support Station on the Bridge perhaps?� �What for?� �Sir, there is an urgent matter you, Whitney, and I need to discuss, and we need to be sure that Dr. Robinson is out of earshot.� �Consider it done, Bateson out.� As Foreman made his way back to Sick Bay, he heard over the intercom, �Dr. Robinson, report to the Bridge, please, Dr. Robinson to the Bridge.� As Foreman entered Sick Bay, he stepped aside to allow Dr. Robinson to pass. As the Doctor left, Foreman walked over to Whitney�s side. A short time later, Captain Bateson entered the room. �How are you, Ms. Gallimore?� She nodded, and Bateson continued, �So, Foreman, why have you called me down here?� After Brad finished, and Whitney backed up his story, Bateson said to them both, �Mark my words, no Romulan is going to take my vessel as long as I�m in command!� Bateson tapped his comm badge, �Bateson to Kirk and Picard.� Kirk answered, �Kirk here.� Picard said, �Yes, Captain?� Bateson�s face turned to stone. �There�s been a change of plans, we all are going to Veridian.� The three ships sped along in subspace, the Bozeman in the lead, followed in behind by the Enterprise and the Sovereign. Onboard the Bozeman, Lt. Commander Brad Foreman sat beside Lt. Whitney Gallimore, holding her hand. �How much longer, doc?,� Foreman asked Dr. Crusher, who had temporarily transferred to the Bozeman. The Doctor replied, �Not very long, Mr. Foreman.� Dr. Crusher was running a test on Whitney to determine how she became infected with the Veridian Flu. If it could be found that Dr. Robinson had placed the Flu in Whitney�s body, then he could be convicted of attempted murder, along with his other charges of Endangering Federation Security, Conspiring with a Romulan, and embezzlement. Whitney looked up at Dr. Crusher, �Doctor, how long will I make it without the cure?� Dr. Crusher answered, �Oh, I wouldn�t worry, Ms. Gallimore, the Veridian Flu doesn�t go into it�s final stages for at least two weeks. We�ll be on Veridian within the hour.� The Doctor closed down the scanner, and reported, �Just as we had suspected, a needle insertion, just behind her ear. The insertion matches the Bozeman�s medical equipment.� Whitney cut in, �It must�ve happened while I was in here for a routine check-up last week. Dr. Robinson gave me a sedative, he said to check my heart rate during sleep, and I fell asleep. When I woke up, the back of my ear was sore, but I paid it no mind. You don�t connect your doctor with pain, only a releasing of pain. Thanks, Doctor.� Dr. Crusher smiled, �Oh, don�t mention it, Ms. Gallimore.� Dr. Crusher walked back toward her new office, and Brad took again Whitney�s hand. She said to him, �I bet your wondering why I haven�t answered your question yet, aren�t you?� Brad smiled, �The thought had crossed my mind, yes.� Whitney continued, �And, Brad, the answer is, I would be honored to be your wife.� Brad drew closer to her, and was embraced in a loving kiss. As they backed slowly away, Whitney whispered, �How soon?� Brad replied, �As soon as possible.� �Slow to impulse,� Captain Bateson said in approach of Veridian III. �Aye, sir,� Andy Welch replied. The small fleet of ships slowed to full impulse as Veridian III loomed in the distance. Bateson ordered, �Yellow Alert.� Brad Foreman replied from Tactical, �Aye, sir.� Brad briefly recalled the Captain saying, �Foreman, I need you on the Bridge.� Followed by his asking look at Whitney. She said to him, �Go on, I�ll be fine.� Captain Bateson brought Foreman out of his thoughts by saying, �ETA to Veridian orbit?� Lt. Derek Kestner replied, �Two minutes, twenty-seven seconds.� Bateson ordered, �Scan for enemy vessels.� Mike Dennis replied, �There are no vessels other than the Enterprise and the Sovereign within scanning range.� �Keep me posted, Dennis. Mr. Foreman, what is weapon�s status?� After a glance at his controls, Foreman replied, �Sir, we have a full torpedo compliment, and phasers are charged and ready.� �Thank you, Mr. Foreman.� Suddenly, the yellow lighting shifted to the more prominent Red Alert. Glancing at the screen, Bateson saw four Romulan Warbirds decloak before the Bozeman. Bateson yelled, �Raise shields!� As the order was given, the Warbird in front opened fire on the Bozeman. Bateson ordered, �Return Fire!� As the Bozeman fired phasers, quantum torpedoes were seen speeding past the Bozeman from the Enterprise and the Sovereign. All three weapons hit the Warbird, sending her cascading away from the Federation ships. �Fire!,� Bateson continued. Three photon torpedoes sped out, along with several phaser blasts from the other ships. Most of those firing attempts struck the leading Warbird, and, due to concentration of firepower, and the location of the hits, the Warbird ignited in a violent explosion. But, the other three only stepped up their firing. The Bozeman was struck on the saucer, sending her flying to starboard. Two more disrupter blasts hit the Enterprise and the Sovereign, causing them to buckle. As the firing continued on both sides, Bateson ordered, �Report!� Brad Foreman replied, �Shields at sixty percent!� Mike Dennis cut in, �Sir, I have just scanned the Romulan cruisers. Within their cargo bays are the plants needed to cure Lt. Gallimore.� Bateson asked, �All of them?� Dennis replied, �All that were found naturally on the planet, which wasn�t but about three-fourths of a metric ton.� Bateson turned to Foreman, �Is there any way to beam all those plants out?� Foreman replied, �Aye sir, with cargo transporters and personnel transporters working overtime, we could have them all out of there in two beams, using all three ships, of course.� Bateson turned to Wizz Dayton, �Hail Picard and Kirk, tell them what we're planning. Get our cargo holds free, and set to accommodate our new cargo. Tell Kirk and Picard to do the same." Foreman said, "Sir, the cargo holds are ready, and Enterprise reports she and Kirk are ready." Bateson said, "Good, activate transporters." As the transporters did their job, Derek shouted, "The Romluans are leaving the system." Bateson shot around to Foreman, "How many of the plants do we have?" Foreman looked up, "About eighty-five percent. Enough to ensure the survivial of the species." Bateson said "Let them go, then. I want Dr. Crusher to meet me in the Bozeman's Cargo Bay, so she can retrieve a sample." Picard sat in his ready room, talking with fleet Admiral Hays. He said to the Admiral, �So, you see, Admiral, the comm blackout wasn�t for the entire Federation as we had speculated, it only blocked out the Bozeman�s. But, since we remained so close to the Bozeman, it affected the Enterprise and the Sovereign, as well.� Admiral Hays asked, �How�s Bateson�s Lieutenant doing?� Picard replied, �Good, sir, very good.� �Did she take to the treatment?� �Excellent, sir.� �Well, good.� �What are our next orders, sir?� �I want all three of your ships to return to space dock, for full repairs.� �Aye, sir, Picard out.� Picard sat there a while, sipping on his Earl Grey tea, deep in thought, mainly of another battle he could safely say was a draw. |
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