Star Trek: Artemis

"Do you know where we are?" Melanie asked.

"Jeffries Tube 27 section beta three," Soltara immediately replied. She was on her hands and knees crawling through the cramped confines of the Jeffries Tube. Melanie was crouched before her.

"You're probably wondering why we're here," Melanie said.

"The question had crossed my mind."

"I was studying the blueprints last night and noticed that this hatch-" Melanie indicated the small, closed hatch in the side of the tube beside her. "-opens into cargo bay seven. But a similar hatch on the deck below us is also supposed to lead to cargo bay seven. They can't both go there."

"Logically, since cargo bay seven does not span more than one deck," said Soltara.

"You've also probably been wondering why I brought you here with me," Melanie said with a smile.

"I have, Captain."

"A good commanding officer must know every nook and cranny of her ship like the back of her hand. I wanted you to have the opportunity to study the ship with me," Melanie said.

"I'm honored, Captain, but I'm not certain the back of my hand contains nooks and crannies," Soltara replied.

Melanie swallowed a laugh while she pried the hatch open. "You're also smaller than I am. Climb in," she said.

Soltara poked her head through the opening and, certain she wouldn't take a nasty tumble to the bottom of cargo bay seven, crawled through.

"Well hello there, Tara," Soltara heard from above her. She looked up into the smiling face of Doctor Langley. "And what are you up to, I wonder," the doctor said in a jovial tone. "Exploring the catacombs of an ancient castle perhaps? Or maybe you're crawling through wardrobes in search of Narnia."

"I am exploring the Jeffries Tubes of the Artemis," Soltara replied.

The doctor laughed heartily. "Oh you kids and your crazy games."

Soltara peeked back into the Jeffries Tube. "We are not in cargo bay seven, Captain. Unfortunately."

"So I see," Melanie said as she caught a glimpse of Doctor Langley's office from the hole near the floor.

"Ah, Captain McKnight! Good to see you here too. Normally my patients come through the door, but no matter. You're in luck! I have some time available. If you'd like to get that physical finally out of the way, we can start right now," said the doctor.

"No, no! Can't!" Melanie said with wide eyes. "We're very busy. How about next week?"

Langley gave the captain a knowing smile. "Now come, Captain, you of all people should know the importance of keeping a crew in tip top condition. You can't put me off forever!"

"I can try," Melanie said under her breath. "Come along Soltara. I have an unlabeled hatch on deck ten to check out."

"Before you go, have a jumja stick," said Doctor Langley. "I picked them up on Bajor during a seminar a couple of months ago." Langley selected a large sweet from a jar on his desk and forced it into Soltara's hand.

Soltara stared at the object with severe disinterest. "I do not care for a jumja stick, Doctor."

"Of course you care for a jumja stick. I've never met a kid who didn't," said the doctor. Before Soltara could protest further, Langley held the door of the open hatch and shooed the ensign back inside the Jeffries Tube.

"This is the one. It's not labeled on the specs at all," said Melanie. She and Soltara were situated before another unremarkable hatch, this one somewhat bigger than the one that had led them into the doctor's office.

"I believe we are outside Ten Forward, Captain," Soltara said. She was still holding the jumja stick, though had chosen not to indulge in the candy.

"Exactly right. I'm just not sure what part of Ten Forward," Melanie replied. She pulled the handle to release the lock and pushed the hatch open. She crawled through and stood up to find herself behind the bar.

The Bolian bartender looked horrified. "Captain, if you are inspecting my stores, I can assure you I have no hidden stock of Romulan Ale," he said.

Soltara dusted her knees with her free hand as she appeared behind the captain. "No, we've consumed all the Romulan Ale already," said the Vulcan.

"Fortunately," Melanie added.

"If you're serving drinks this evening, Captain," said Commander Acheron from across the room, "my daughter would like a glass of lemonade."

"Commander!" said Melanie. "What a pleasant surprise. Having dinner with the family?"

"Yes, please, I don't think you've been introduced. My wife, Naomi, and my daughter, Amber. This is Captain McKnight and Ensign Soltara."

"A pleasure," said Melanie as she shook Mrs. Acheron's hand.

Amber was completely fascinated with Soltara who was no bigger than she was and wore a Starfleet uniform. "Hi! I'm ten. Want to be friends?" she asked.

"Being friends with the Commander's daughter would be quite satisfactory," Soltara replied. "Have a jumja stick."

"Thanks!" Amber eagerly accepted Soltara's unwanted sweet and began licking into it. "You want my ice cream?" the girl asked.

"I do not think eating ice cream would be appropriate at the moment," Soltara replied. "Captain McKnight and I-"

"Eat the ice cream, Ensign," Melanie said.

"Yes, Captain."

Soltara got little more than a taste of the ice cream when a message came over the comm system. "Bridge to Captain McKnight. We're approaching Farpoint Station."

Melanie tapped her communicator. "Understood. I'll be right there."

"Shoot, is it that late already?" Acheron asked. He kissed his wife and daughter on the cheek and got up from the table. "Finish up without me."

Amber smiled and waved the officers off. "Bye daddy. Bye Tara."

The Vulcan paused for half a step but didn't lose her emotionless reserve. "It's Soltara," she said without a glance back.

"Open a hailing frequency," Melanie said.

"Frequency open," tactical replied.

"This is Captain McKnight of the U.S.S. Artemis calling Farpoint Station," said Melanie.

The viewscreen flickered to show an image of an older gentleman wearing ornate gray robes. "Secretary Parek," the man replied. "May I be of assistance?"

Melanie glanced to Commander Acheron who appeared to be as confused as she was. "I was under the impression we could assist you. We received a call for help nearly twelve hours ago," Melanie explained. "Something about faulty self-sealing stembolts in the central weather network."

Secretary Parek looked disturbed for a moment. He presented Melanie with a sickeningly sweet smile. "I'm afraid someone jumped the gun on that one, Captain. I assure you, we have no problem with the weather network."

"Our sensors are showing a thunderstorm approaching the main settlement, Secretary."

"We like a little rain now and then."

"Might I have a word with Grappler Vreen?" Melanie asked.

Parek shook his head. "No," he said, drawing the word out in a long breath. "No, no, no. I'm afraid Grappler Vreen is very busy at the moment."

"Could I make an appointment?" Melanie asked.

"Grappler Vreen has a full schedule," Parek said with an air of importance. "And so am I. If you'll excuse me, Captain."

Just like that the communication was cut off and Melanie found herself staring at an image of the planet from orbit. "Have you ever had the feeling you weren't wanted?" she asked Commander Acheron.

"We're being hailed, Captain," the tactical officer said. "On a coded channel."

"What the devil? On screen," Melanie replied.

"Captain. My name is Tor. I'm the engineer in charge of the weather network. I sent that distress call." The individual on the viewscreen was a much younger man than the secretary had been.

"Can you tell me what this is about, Mister Tor?" Melanie asked.

Tor could be seen manipulating a computer console. "Not here, Captain. It won't be long before the Central Assembly blocks this channel. I'm sending you coordinates. Please meet me as soon as you can. Tor out."

Melanie clenched her teeth as she was cut off for the second time in as many minutes. She forced herself to relax before asking, "Opinions?"

"This Tor fellow is either terrified or paranoid," Acheron said.

"Yeah, where's a Betazoid when you want one?" Melanie asked.

"Secretary Parek wasn't being completely truthful about one thing," Haley said.

"Only one?" replied Melanie.

"That thunderstorm isn't a little rain cloud, Mel," Haley said. "It's pretty severe, and my sensor show their power relays are shoddy at best."

"Soltara, where do those transporter coordinates take us?"

Soltara's fingers danced over her console. "Inside the weather network station, Captain. Second subterranean floor, east block, twelve point three meters from the..."

"Thank you, Ensign," said Melanie quickly. The Captain tapped her comm badge. "Chief Reyna, meet me in transporter room two. Haley, you're with me. The bridge is yours, Commander."

Melanie found herself in a dusty room filled with dials and pipes and holographic readouts. She and her away team had barely materialized when Tor the engineer looked up from a crude computer. A smile lit the engineer's face. "Captain, thank you. Will you help us with repairs?"

Melanie held up a hand. "Hold on. We've been told there isn't a problem here."

"Of course. That's what they want you to think," Tor replied.

"Who?" asked Haley.

"Vreen and Parek," Tor said.

"Maybe you should start at the beginning," Melanie suggested.

Tor pulled his fingers through his greasy hair. "We've been having a series of malfunctions lately," Tor explained. He chuckled and said," Then again, that's nothing new. What is new are the regulations governing repairs. We used to file all requests for materials with the supply depot. Now we have to go through the Grappler's office. The paper work alone inhibits our ability to make repairs on schedule, and now the systems have been going down mere weeks after we've fixed them. Last week our entire gravitational generator went into overload during negotiations with the Madu. Do you know how angry a delegation of overgrown bees can be when they're too heavy to fly? It was a disaster!"

"I still don't see where we come in," Melanie said.

Tor wrung his hands. "I didn't know what else to do, so I called in the Federation. When Vreen found out he fired me from my post. He even threatened to have me exiled. If he knew I were here now..."

"Why didn't you take your concerns to the Grappler?" Melanie asked.

"No one's been able to see Vreen in months. Not since his new regulations came into effect. He keeps himself locked up in his mansion, visited only by members of high class society, while the rest of us scratch out a living."

"Chief, see what you can find out about those stembolts." Melanie still had no idea what was going on, but she could at least see about setting up repairs.

Reyna squirmed out from beneath a rusted power console and brushed her fingers through her electric blue hair, smearing grime across her forehead. "Here's your problem," she said, presenting a piece of equipment that fit in the palm of her hand. "The seals of these self-sealing stembolts are cracked. It's what you get when you trade with Pakleds."

Tor's surprise was obvious. "We don't trade with Pakleds. They can barely keep their ships together with conventional bolts. What do they know of self-sealing technology."

Reyna tossed the broken stembolt on the console. "Doesn't matter how you got it. Those stembolts are definitely Pakled," she said.

Melanie's comm badge chirped. "Artemis to Captain McKnight," Acheron's voice announced.

Melanie tapped her badge. "McKnight here. Go ahead, Commander," she said.

"Captain, we've got some company up here," Acheron said. "Two Ferenghi ships have just entered orbit."

"Ferenghi?" Tor asked. By the sound of his voice, today was full of surprises for the engineer.

"It seems they're having better luck contacting the Grappler," Acheron said. "We've detected a communication directly to Vreen's office."

"Thank you, Commander. Stand by," Melanie said.

"That solves the mystery of where the self-sealing stembolts came from. The Ferenghi are known to exploit the Pakleds," Reyna said.

"And everyone else they meet," Haley added.

Tor shook his head. "No, we don't trade with the Ferenghi either. Their taxes and levies put too much strain on our economy," he said.

"Do you have any idea why Vreen would be interested in a meeting with the Ferenghi?" Melanie asked.

"None, Captain."

"McKnight to Acheron. How long before that storm hits the settlement?"

"Another three hours or so, Captain," Acheron replied.

"Reyna, organize a repair team and assist the engineer. Think you can get the weather network operational in three hours?" Melanie asked.

"I'm on it," Reyna replied. She pressed her communicator and began relaying orders to the Artemis.

Melanie smiled at Haley. "I think it's time we visited the Grappler."

"As I've told you before, Grappler Vreen is an extremely busy man and cannot be disturbed. If this is about your ludicrous claims about our weather network..."

Melanie held up a hand to interrupt Secretary Parek. The man was red in the face and looked like he might suffer a heart attack at any moment. "No, no, we've already been over that," Melanie said with a smile. "I'm sorry for the misunderstanding, but since we're here, I thought I'd meet with the Grappler anyway to see if there's anything the Federation can do for Farpoint."

Parek's face returned to a normal shade of pink and he settled into his chair. "Ah. Yes, but the Grappler is still unavailable," he said.

"He has time for Ferenghi visitors, but not for a representative of the Federation?" Melanie asked.

"I don't know what you're talking about," Parek replied. He averted his eyes from Melanie's and made a show of shuffling papers on his desk. "As it happens, the Grappler is preparing for this evening's festivities."

"I wasn't aware this was a special day for Farpoint," Melanie said.

"The birthday festivities for the Grappler's daughter," said Parek. "She turns ten today." Parek smirked. "Highly exclusive party. The children of Farpoint's finest citizens will be attending. Doctors, lawyers, politicians..."

Melanie leaned over the desk. "Starship captains?" she asked.

"Excuse me?" Parek asked, confused.

"I'm hurt, Secretary," Melanie pouted. "The Federation sends a ship to Farpoint after a request for aid. I know, a misunderstanding," she added quickly before Parek could protest yet again. "I would think extending an invitation to a little girl's birthday party to the Captain's daughter would be an excellent way to express your thanks for bringing us out of our way."

Parek squirmed in his seat. Melanie could sense he was struggling with whether or not to offer the invitation. Finally he smiled. "Forgive me, Captain, I wasn't aware you had a daughter," Parek said in a voice suddenly dripping with benevolence. "Festivities will be held in the Grappler's home at seven. I can forward further details to your ship, if you'd like."

Melanie clapped her hands together and smiled. "That would be wonderful, Secretary. Thank you."

Parek waved the captain out and grumbled something under his breath. Possibly something about having the infernal Starfleet woman out of his graying hair.

Haley waited until they were out of the Secretary's office before saying, "I don't know where you're going with this, Mel, and I hate to point out the obvious but, you don't have a daughter."

"The hell I don't," Melanie replied.

"You have got to be kidding," Soltara said as she stared up at Melanie.

Melanie smiled. She was enjoying this far more than she had any right to. "I'm afraid not. I want you to pose as my daughter," the captain said.

"And spend the evening with a group of children," Soltara added. "I don't think so. Why don't you send Amber instead."

"Amber isn't a Starfleet officer, and you're mistaking this as a request," Melanie said. "I'm giving you an order, Ensign. This is a mission. I need you to find out what Vreen and the Ferenghi are up to."

Soltara shifted her weight from one foot to the other. "Very well, Captain."

The smile returned to Melanie's face. "Great! Wear this dress I picked out for you. You'll look pretty," she said.

"Pretty?"

"And this circlet as well. It'll help disguise your ears. Remember, you have to look human."

Soltara clenched her teeth. Would the insults never end?

Soltara materialized in the entrance of a large, stately mansion, wearing a white dress full of frills and flounces and large puffed shoulders. Fitted around her head was a silver circlet that widened at the sides to cover her pointed ears while still making a fashion statement.

Soltara had never been more humiliated in her life. She was already working on a transfer request in her head.

A greasy little man greeted Soltara. "Welcome, Miss Tara. Miss Ceelee and the other children are in the playroom down the hall to your right."

Soltara opened her mouth to correct the man, but no sound came out. Tara? Damn you, Captain, Soltara thought. Instead, Soltara offered a small box wrapped in gold and silver paper. "I brought a present for Ceelee," she said.

"I shall put it with the others," the butler said, relieving Soltara of the package. "Miss Ceelee will open her presents after dinner."

The playroom the butler had mentioned was a chaotic free for all full of kids. Three boys tumbled about the floor in a wrestling match, Ceelee was talking animatedly at the centre of a ring of giggling girls, and plenty of other small groups of children were running around screaming at the top of their lungs. Soltara wasn't paying much attention to any of them. She was busy looking for any clue that could tell her where Grappler Vreen could be found.

A little girl ran up to Soltara beaming a gap toothed grin. "I haven't seen you before," the girl said. "What's your name?"

"Tara," Soltara replied with difficulty. "Mother is the captain of the Federation starship in orbit." Soltara fought an urge to vomit around her words.

"Oh," the girl said, sounding bored. "I'm Peek. My daddy's an architect. He designed this mansion," she said importantly.

"I see," Soltara said.

The girl squeezed Soltara's hand and tried to lead her away. "We're going to play spin the bottle. Want to play with us?"

"No."

"Come on. It'll be fun."

Soltara had no idea what the rules of spin the bottle were, but she knew she didn't want to play any games. Peek ushered her over to a ring of kids sitting on the floor. Soltara reluctantly sat with them and stared at the bottle placed at the centre of the circle. Now what? If you rubbed the bottle, was a Q supposed to appear?

Peek spun the bottle and Soltara watched as it slowed and came to a rest. Peek smiled at the girl the bottle pointed at and said, "You have really pretty hair." That girl then spun the bottle and said to a third, "I like your dress."

Was that it? You simply gave a compliment to whoever the bottle pointed at. That was easy enough, and the game gave Soltara cover to survey the room. She didn't have to pay much attention to the game, but did notice when the bottle ended up pointing at a little boy. The girl who had initiated the turn leaned over and kissed the boy's cheek. Well, that was one way to pay a compliment, Soltara supposed.

She was paying less attention to the game when the bottle stopped and pointed at her. She looked up to find a boy practically pouncing her. He smeared his lips sloppily over hers.

Soltara screamed and shoved the boy onto his backside. She had a sudden violent urge to smash the bottle over his head only her duty to her mission restrained. She would need weeks of meditation to properly regain inner peace and balance.

Soltara wiped her lips with the back of her hand and got to her feet. "Where are you going? It's your turn," Peek pouted.

"I am finished playing," Soltara said.

Peek rolled her eyes and she and the other children resumed their game. Soltara wandered into the hallway. Checking to ensure no on was around to stop her, Soltara decided to search for the Grappler on the second floor.

Once she was away from the room full of noisy kids, Soltara could detect voices coming from the study. She crept along the upper story hall and discovered the study door was open a crack.

"I assure you, Vreen, we can have another shipment of self-sealing stembolts delivered within a week," Soltara heard a voice say. The high pitched giggle that followed told Soltara the voice belonged to a Ferenghi, and one who was quite pleased with himself.

"I hope so. The last shipment was rather faulty," replied Grappler Vreen in a tone that was far from unhappy.

"There is, of course, a small replacement fee," the Ferenghi said.

"Understandable," Vreen replied. "Mr. Parek, I think it's only suitable we add a small percentage for ourselves as well."

Parek replied with a slight chuckle. "We have been inconvenienced by all these meetings, Grappler. I think we deserve a suitable bonus for our time."

"Then it's settled," Vreen said. "Though I'm afraid we're already over budget on this contract." Vreen didn't sound much concerned.

"May I suggest we slash funding on the mid-season festival, Grappler," Parek said.

"Excellent!" replied Vreen.

"If you will just sign here," said the Ferenghi.

Soltara pressed the comm badge hidden under her dress. "Soltara to Artemis," she whispered. "I have found the Grappler and the Ferenghi. It appears they are..."

Soltara was interrupted as the door opened and an angry looking Ferenghi peered out at her. Over her communicator Soltara heard the Captain's voice. "Soltara? Soltara, respond."

"It's not nice to spy on people, little girl," the Ferenghi said. His lips curled in a sinister sneer and he pointed a phaser at her.

"That's the Starfleet captain's brat," said Parek as he and Vreen joined the Ferenghi.

"Get her!" Vreen shouted.

Soltara spun around and dashed down the hall. She dove around a corner just as phaser fire lanced behind her, smashing a vase and scattering flowers over the floor.

"Is that a phaser I hear?" Melanie asked.

"Yes, Captain. I am under attack," Soltara calmly replied. "It would appear Grappler Vreen is unhappy with my discovery of his plot to increase his personal wealth at the expense of the citizens of Farpoint." She slipped into a room to avoid another phaser attack, but found herself trapped in a bedroom. Vreen and Parek quickly crowded the door to prevent her escape.

"Come quietly, kid, and we won't have to hurt you," Parek said. He moved to approach her when a powerful hand planted itself on his shoulder to restrain his advance. Parek turned around and came face to face with the chief of security of the Artemis, a large, barrel chested, silver skinned individual with blazing red eyes. "Who the hell are you?" Parek squeaked.

Behind the security chief, Melanie had a phaser trained on Vreen. Beside her stood Tor. "What is the meaning of this, Grappler?" he asked. His face was red with fury.

Vreen cleared his throat and straightened his robes. "I have no idea what you're talking about," he said.

"Trading for banned technology below safety standards, leeching funds from departments and ordinary citizens..."

Vreen smiled slyly. "Prove it," he said. The smile vanished and Vreen's face turned pale as Tor presented a Ferenghi data PADD.

"The authorities are on their way," Melanie said.

"You'll pay for this. Both of you," Vreen spat.

Vreen and Parek were led away by Tor and the security chief. Melanie smiled at Soltara. "Good work, Ensign. Are you okay?"

Soltara glared at Melanie and tapped her comm badge. "Soltara to Artemis. One to beam up."

Melanie sat back in her command chair, ready to leave Farpoint Station far behind her. The turbolift doors whooshed open and Soltara entered the bridge. The Vulcan clasped her hands behind her back and stood before Melanie.

"Yes, Soltara. Is there something I can do for you?" Melanie asked.

"I would like to inform you, Captain, that I will not be speaking to you for the next twenty-four hours," Soltara replied. "I will do my duty and follow your orders, but I will not verbally respond to you." Soltara turned away from Melanie and settled into her seat at the helm.

Melanie had to bite her fist to stifle her laughter. She cleared her throat and turned to Commander Acheron seated at her right. "It looks like I'm getting the silent treatment. Do you ever get this from Amber?" she said

"Every now and then," Acheron said with a slight smirk.

"From one parent to another, how do you suggest I handle this?" Melanie asked.

"I find making Amber laughs usually helps," Acheron said. "It's hard to stay mad at someone when you're laughing at them."

"Oh dear," Melanie said, shifting her gaze from Acheron to Soltara and back again. "I'm afraid if I make my daughter laugh she'll never speak to me again."

Soltara, meanwhile, stared intently at her console during the entire conversation.

Melanie straightened up in her seat. "Ensign Soltara, lay in a course for the Deneb system. Warp factor seven."

Soltara manipulated her console. "Commander Acheron, please inform the Captain that course has been laid in," she said.

Acheron glanced at Melanie who was too busy fighting back a need to laugh to reply. "Very good, Ensign," Acheron said. "Engage."