A/N: I'm going to try my hand at another long story. This one is going to focus on the combined abilities of everyone's favorite Head Nurse and Communications Officer. As I'm back at school now, I'm expecting updates to be pretty spread out, but I will do my best to stick to one chapter a week, 10-15 days between chapters at maximum (barring some sort of really unfortunate accident). I hope you enjoy reading it!

The USS Enterprise kept its course. They were shooting the gap between Klingon and Tholian space, a potentially dangerous maneuver, but a necessary one. Starfleet had ordered the flagship out to Starbase 38, a research station close to the edge of explored space. Starbase 38 was nearly the Federation's 'Welcome Center'. Many called it 'Gateway' or 'Mile One', as it stood on the edge of everything they had mapped with certainty. Indeed, it was the 'Gateway' into the unknown. It was the last regular Starbase on the Federation's charts in that direction, and likely the first to be encountered by any wayward species moving inward from the Beta Quadrant. This was precisely what Starfleet wanted. Starbase 38 served as both an exploratory waypoint and a potential welcome committee. Any exploratory beings would be able to meet this shining example of Federation hospitality first thing. Many of the fleet's finest had their own opinions about the practicality of the base, but that had little sway with the politicians. No, the sensibly armed yet 'peaceful' base was here to stay.

That's where the Enterprise was headed with prominent researcher Tillmann Gehrke. Doctor Gehrke was a German-born xenolinguist with a passion for diplomacy. Any cadet remotely interested in a Communications position swallowed his papers such as 'The Importance of Inflections in Any Multi-Lingual Discussion' and the like whole. In addition to literary achievement, Gehrke also had a reputation as a stellar lecturer. Both his knowledge and experience were deemed 'invaluable' by Starfleet and, at his request, had granted him permission to settle down at Starbase 38. Gehrke would continue his much-coveted research in addition to his new responsibilities on the welcome committee.

Both Doctor Gehrke and his assistant, Ensign Domanova, were present on the Bridge when Ensign Chekov reported their progress.

"We are approximately four hours from our destination, Keptin."

Captain Kirk shifted his weight in the chair. As monotonous as this trip had been so far, a certain wariness had come from passing so close to both Klingon and Tholian space. He knew the likelihood of an attack was slim to none. Still, they'd run into worse scrapes with even further distance. Either way, they were proceeding at warp 8. If anything did attack them, it would have a heck of a time keeping up.

"Thank you, Mister Chekov. Mister Sulu," He turned to the helm, glancing back at the view screen. "Anything to report?"

Sulu began to shake his head out of habit before correcting himself and responding verbally. "No sir. She's handling just fine."

Kirk nodded more to himself than anyone else. "Good work. Keep it up." He swiveled in his chair. Spock was nose deep in his scanners. Ever vigilant, the Enterprise would have to keep a close eye on their surroundings. One misstep could land them in hot water with either the Klingons or the Tholians. It's good that Spock is keeping watch, Kirk thought as he shot a glance back at the view screen, Who knows what kind of trouble we could run into out here? Well, I suppose it's a good thing we have Doctor Gehrke onboard. If anyone can talk us out of an interplanetary war, it's him.

A quiet laugh drew his attention. He looked over to see the linguist in an animated conversation with his Communications Officer. Lieutenant Uhura was in the middle of a Swahili joke, which Doctor Gehrke apparently appreciated. He chuckled again, responding in German. Kirk couldn't help but smile. Doctor Gehrke was a likable character- he even got along with Doctor McCoy- which, Kirk supposed, aided his efforts as a diplomat and lecturer. Gehrke had made many friends amongst the crew. This had surprised Kirk, given the typical nature of Federation diplomats. Usually, the Enterprise hosted an array of supercilious ambassadors, most of whom loathed the entire process. There would be complaints from passengers and crewmen alike. Kirk would have to remind his people not to engage the guests in combat.

Gehrke was different. He lunched in the mess hall with the crew, instead of demanding private meals and banquets with the officers. The linguist discussed everything from politics to pastimes, always listening to and engaging his audiences. There was nary a quiet meal, and everyone seemed to enjoy it.

Suddenly, the laughter stopped. Uhura had one hand held up, the other pressed to her earpiece. She listened for a moment, before turning to Kirk.

"Captain, we're being hailed. The USS Sophia. Their captain is asking for you, sir."

Kirk nodded, turning to Spock. "Do you know the Sophia, Spock? The name seems familiar, but I'm having trouble placing her…"

Spock looked up from his work. "The USS Sophia, NCC 2010-7, is a Sydney-Class transport vessel, under the command of Captain Suriee Lauriston. The Sophia has just entered scanner range. I was about to report their presence when Lieutenant Uhura received the transmission. It seems as though they have been expecting us."

"Ah, Lauriston! She was the helmsman on the Republic while I was with them. I wonder what the Sophia is doing all the way out here?" He grinned at Spock, who simply stared back at him. "Anyways, I'm sure Lauriston will tell us. Put her on, Lieutenant!"

Uhura's 'yes, Captain' echoed across the quiet Bridge. Kirk returned his attention to the view screen, eagerly awaiting the transmission. Spock returned to his work on the scanners.

In a moment, the stars had disappeared. Flickering in their place was the Bridge of the Sophia, Captain Lauriston at the conn. She smiled as her own view screen came to life.

"Kirk. How've you been?"

Kirk grinned. He hadn't seen Lauriston since he'd transferred off the Republic to return to Starfleet Academy. She looked essentially the same as before, only this time she had the stripes of a Captain instead of an Ensign. Several fond memories of the Republic came back to him then. Most of the time, he could only recall Ben Finney and the Court Martial. Yet, he had enjoyed much of his time on the ship. He remembered an eventful day in the rec room where all of the Command Ensigns had pitted themselves against Sciences in a rough game of dodge ball. Back when he was merely 'a stack of books with legs', contests like these were more challenging than he would find them now. His mental recollection of that game included many hard hits and a good few blocks on his behalf from Lauriston.

"I'm doing pretty well, Lauriston. How's command been treating you? You haven't changed a bit since the Republic."

The other captain laughed. "That's a pretty good joke. I'm surprised I haven't gone grey from all the close scrapes we've had in this sector alone."

Kirk's eyebrows rose. "You're stationed all the way out here?"

"Not exactly." Lauriston clarified. "The Sophia's officially stationed out of Starbase 67 as a transport vessel for these in-between trips. We're taking the Gateway's CMO all the way back home for maternity leave. The Admiralty's also approved shore leave for all of us Sophies. I'd say the crew's pretty excited."

Several of Lauriston's Bridge personnel fought to hide their grins. From what Kirk could tell, they were all giddy. What crew wouldn't be, stationed at the edge of Federation Space with the Klingons on the left, and the Tholians on the right? Not to mention a whole host of other dangers.

"Congrats, Suriee. Sounds like you all deserve some time off. So, you just came from Starbase 38? How's the weather over there?"

It was well known amongst starship Captains that Starbase Commanders were another breed and often had territory issues. It was almost common practice to warn incoming ships about the local climate. Having some idea of a Starbase CO's temperament could mean a world of difference in their relations.

Lauriston pushed down a grimace. "Well, we didn't hit it off, Jim, but Commodore Corbett seemed like he could be a decent guy. He runs a tight station, hyper-vigilant when it comes to protocol, especially concerning incoming vessels. You'll want to have all your ducks in a row for this one."

Kirk nodded slowly, considering things. So, this Corbett is a stickler for protocol. I'd better let everyone know, and soon. Better still if we can organize all possible 'landing parties' accordingly. Get any group of people straightened out before we even arrive.

"I'll keep that in mind. Well, Suriee, I'd hate to keep you and yours from that leave. I'll let you and the Sophies get along."

Lauriston gave him a mock salute. "Thanks, Jim. I'll see you when I see you. Lauriston out."

The view screen went dark. The stars reappeared, and for a moment the Bridge crew could see the little Sydney-class floating out in space. Then, the Sophie disappeared in a streak of light.

"She's making warp four, Captain." Sulu commented from the helm. "I'd say that's a pretty good takeoff speed for a vessel of that type."

Kirk smiled. "Lauriston will push her engines, if I know her like I used to. She was always itching to gun it on the Republic. Never got the chance. I bet she has her helm pull back as soon as they're out of scanner range. Though, I wouldn't be surprised if the Sophie could do warp six in a pinch. She'd be close to bursting, but in a pinch…"

He trailed off, thinking of Lauriston and the Republic. Kirk remembered the other captain's words. Get our ducks in a row, eh? Well, now's the time to do it. I'll make sure Gehrke's security detail is assigned, as well as everyone with research to drop off. In addition to chauffeuring the linguist, the Enterprise was delivering some biomedical research results to the science officers on the Starbase. One Lieutenant Commander Linois was doing a study on various chemical components found in this region of space. Kirk didn't really have a clue about it, but Spock had assured him that this study was 'most fascinating'.

Either way, he had some business to attend to. "Mister Sulu, take the conn. Spock, with me. We've got to get some paperwork done before we reach Starbase 38." He rose, beckoning for Spock to follow. They proceeded to the turbolift.

"Deck Six." He turned to his First Officer. "Once we get an idea of the scope of our landing crews, can you contact your researchers and determine who we'll need to send down and with what?"

"Affirmative, Captain. I have already begun to categorize the necessary personnel for our needs. Might I suggest that we hold a conference with these individuals before our arrival."

"That's a pretty good idea, Spock. Once we get down there, we'll have everyone assemble. Shouldn't be too much trouble."

"I agree, Captain."

They arrived on Deck Six. There was a little foot traffic as they made their way to the conference room, but nothing too much. Crewmen nodded at the pair as they passed, some on their way to their quarters, some just now going to their stations. Kirk remembered that, yes it was around the time for shifts to change. Good. He realized. Everyone who's likely to be leaving later on will be awake and alert. This should be a productive meeting.

He and Spock arrived in the conference room. Empty as it was, there was still that feeling of business completed. Kirk could think of countless meetings held here in both calm and crisis. Department Heads, diplomats, ambassadors, all kinds had gathered here to discuss what was what. This was where they came to make decisions. Right now, it was a matter of protocol.

"Spock…" Kirk began, taking a seat. "Which of your researchers did you have in mind for this assignment? I was thinking Flores, Bozian, and Delgado to deliver the reports to Starbase 38's science officers."

Spock considered his Captain's words. "I agree that Flores and Delgado are excellent choices for the task at hand. Bozian, though a competent researchers, primarily specializes in biology, not chemistry. Perhaps Buolos would make a more logical choice…?"

Kirk smacked the table with his palm. "Buolos! You're right, Spock. I had the two mixed up. Now why did…" He snapped in realization. "They were both on the team when we visited the research lab on Para V. That's it."

"You recall correctly, Captain. Shall I assemble the researchers?"

Kirk shook his head. "Not yet, Spock. We still need to select the security detail. If Corbett's anything like what Lauriston said- she didn't say much, but I think I read some of her cues- he's probably one for ceremony too. The more distinguished the guest or the occasion, the more 'effort' he'll expect us to put into it. I'd suggest we put Chief Giotto on it, for sure. I'd say Freeman too- his record will look good to Corbett, given his time as CSO. And Meriwether. She's next in line for Chief. Normally, I'd say no to sending all three down at once… Actually, never mind on Freeman. We need somebody holding down the fort, especially in this part of space."

Spock took note of the change. He had been recording information on his PADD for some time now. "I agree with you logic, Captain. It would be wise to leave the ship well guarded and alert for any danger. Although our departure will be brief, there is no reason to believe that everything will proceed in an orderly fashion."

"Or a predictable one." Kirk added, resting his elbows on the table. True, the Tholians didn't wander out of their space often. For that at least, Kirk was grateful. However, they'd encountered wayward Klingons in just about every single sector they'd explored, expectedly or not. And now, they were practically warping through the Klingons' backyard. It would be ridiculous to leave the ship unguarded for a second, regardless of how safe the Starbase's track record was.

"All right." He continued after a moment. "So we have Giotto down, and Meriwether. Who else? I think a compliment of at least four would give off the right message. Lauriston's hardly a cool customer, that's not quite her style. If that rubbed Corbett the wrong way, then we'll have to be the soul of order. What do you say, Spock?"

Spock finished recording the last snippet of data. "It would be prudent to conform with Commodore Corbett's style of management, regardless of our own methods. If we wish to conduct our assignment as efficiently and smoothly as possible, I would recommend sending Lieutenant Zajimovic along with the security detail, as well as Lieutenant Valero. Both are distinguished officers with records as impeccable as that of Lieutenant Meriwether."

"I like the way you think. Tack on Ensign Raschke as well for an even five."

Spock eyed him for a moment, weighing the decision whether to point out that five was indeed not an even number. Logic dictated, and so it was done.

"Captain. Mathematical principle states that five is not an even number, as it is not perfectly divisible by two. Might I inquire as to why you would refer, illogically, to five as even?"

Kirk chuckled. "Aesthetically, Spock, it will look well-rounded to have five on hand. Just a hunch, more than anything, although I can see why 'even five' would be considered highly illogical. No, it's more a matter of perspective, I think. In my experience with fleet Commodores, I feel like I've got Corbett about figured out. He's welcoming a distinguished linguist and the flagship as part of a direct order from the Admiralty. He'll do whatever it is he thinks will put out the image of a crack Starbase, a well-oiled machine of protocol and polished excellence. That includes holding everyone else to higher-than-reasonable standards. If that's his game, then we'll just have to play if we want a smooth time of it."

"I see. We are to fulfill these unspoken expectations of the Commodore's, with only an indirect warning to guide us. Fascinating."

"What's fascinating, exactly, Spock?" Kirk paused, his hand hovering just over the comm in preparation to summon his new teams.

"Human behavior in general, Captain. Specific to this circumstance: the codes of conduct that humans hold each other to, especially within their own circles. This dynamic likely evolved of your species' bureaucratic dabbles, and would make a most interesting study."

"I never thought of it like that, Spock. True, we do have our own social codes, as do most species, but the way you put it earlier strikes a funny note."

Spock picked his PADD up to make another note. "What precisely are you referring to?"

"Well, y-" At that moment, the ship lurched. Kirk gripped the table to steady himself. In an instant the klaxon was blaring. Red Alert. Kirk lunged for the comm again.

"Bridge, report! What's going on up there?"

The Enterprise shuddered again before Sulu could respond.

"They came out of nowhere, sir! An unidentified vessel, bearing one point-"

A crash and a scream cut off Sulu's words.

"Sulu! Answer me! What's happening?" The icy hand of fear gripped his heart. What had happened to Sulu? He was helpless, listening in on a battle that he wasn't a part of. Yet.

"I'm fine, sir, but Doctor Gehrke has sustained an injury. Lieutenant Uhura, can you-"

"No, Sulu, keep her trying to hail that other ship. I'll call Bones myself. Kirk out."

He signed off and pressed a different button.

"McCoy! Get to the Bridge, now! We've got casualties. Sulu's up there and Spock and I are on our way."

There was a huff and a sigh from the other end.

"Fine, Jim, fine! I'm on my way."

McCoy ended the call without another word. Just as well, Kirk thought. Aloud, he summoned Spock.

"We don't have time to waste. Grab that PADD and let's move!"

Together, the raced to the turbolift. McCoy was inside, waiting impatiently. Despite the situation, or perhaps because of it, the Doctor seemed more surly than usual.

"Y'all couldn't've just waited 'til I was already on the Bridge! Well, hurry up! I've got a patient. Time's a' wastin'!"

Kirk grabbed the turbolift handle. "Bridge" Was his only comment. McCoy proceeded to ignore them both for the duration of the trip. The lift stopped. When the doors opened, the three men were met with unparalleled chaos. Sulu was still in the captain's chair, but it looked like he would willingly vacate. Sparks were flying from three consoles, Chekov was picking himself up off the floor, and McCoy found his first patient.

Ensign Domanova was on his knees, bending over the still form of Doctor Gehrke. From the looks of things, a section of the Communications console had blown, leaving him to collect the shrapnel. McCoy shoved Spock out of his path. He was at Gehrke's side at once, already running his tricorder over the linguist.

Kirk relieved Sulu. The Helmsman bounded over to resume his post. Spock crossed the distance to his station, only to find it one of the casualties of battle.

"Any idea who's firing on us?"

"None yet, sir. They didn't hail us." Sulu replied, trying desperately to guide the Enterprise into a more defensible position.

"Uhura! Anything on hailing frequencies? Any frequencies?"

Uhura, looking disheveled but unharmed by her charred console, shook her head. "Nothing I can make out. I'm running the Universal Translator through all frequencies just in case."

"The Translator?" The view screen, still agonizingly empty, consumed Kirk's attention. "What for?"

Sulu took this one up. "It's unlike any other ship I've ever seen. Not Klingon, not Tholian. Completely unfamiliar."

"Good, then, keep doing it, Lieutenant. Chekov, are we picking anything up on the scanners?"

Chekov had reclaimed his seat and was now punching buttons furiously.

"Aye, sir, although what it is, I cannot say. Logging the readings now…"

The ship shuddered. Kirk slammed his fist onto the armrest before rethinking. He comm'd Engineering.

"Scotty! What are our options? How are the shields?"

He could hear the grinding of metal on the other end of the line. Scotty's having a rough time of it too. This doesn't look good…

"We have phasers online, sir! As far as shields go…"

There was a crackle and the line went dead.

"Scotty? Scotty! Answer me! Uhura," He snapped, "What happened?"

The Lieutenant was mashing buttons with a ferocity that rivaled Chekov's. "I don't know sir. The line just went dead. In fact, sir… I think I've lost all power to my console."

Kirk growled, a rare sound even on the Bridge. He was downright furious. There was no way he'd tolerate this. If anyone needed another indicator of their Captain's mood, this was it. "Will somebody get me some answers? We can't even see them! Sulu, bring us around! I want a visual, now!"

Sulu did his best, but the helm was responding sluggishly. Suddenly, it was there- a ship unlike any they'd ever seen. Almost entirely circular, the main section of the ship sat between two-thirds of an arc that wrapped around the sides and back of the sphere, suspending it. Electricity shot out from the inside edges of the arc, striking the sphere and various points. The whole thing glowed.

"Chekov, scan it. I want to know everything."

Something blinked on the hull of the other ship. An object hurtled into clarity faster than they could think. The Enterprise rocked. The lights died, plunging the Bridge into darkness. Emergency lights powered on, but soon those began to flicker as well. Before they would lose gravity, Kirk gave an order.

"Sulu! Fire phasers now!"

The helmsman punched it.

"Direct hit, sir!"

The sphere shook under the impact. Several of the electrical strikes ceased altogether. It was the enemy's turn to brace for impact. It was gratifying, but unexpected. Whatever power they could spare for the phasers wouldn't cause the enemy ship to rock about like that. Unless it's a much smaller, less protected class of ship than one would expect to have that kind of firepower. Kirk decided to save his musings for later. The spherical ship appeared to be retreating.

"Don't pursue, Sulu," He ordered, "I don't know if we can."

The ship was vibrating lightly and the lights were still out. Only the red alert and emergency lights were still in operation. Kirk supposed he must be thankful for that. At least we have some power. I don't know what they hit, but at least we can limp to 38 on impulse. If nothing else, then Lauriston isn't so far away. We still have the shuttles, too, if worse comes to worse.

"Jim."

It was McCoy. In all honesty, he'd forgotten about the doctor and patient as soon as he'd sat in the chair. When they were at full battle stations firing upon the enemy, he was all in. Kirk vacated his chair to tend to his guest.

"What's the situation, McCoy?"

The Doctor was sitting on his heels, holding a tricorder. Domanova was at his side, looking up anxiously.

"It's not good, Jim, I can say that much. There's not much light in here, but Gehrke's got some arterial damage. His neck's been just about shredded on one side, too. Gotta get him to Sickbay right away. Can you spare Uhura? I don't speak German."

Kirk wondered at the request, but soon heard the murmuring. Gehrke was incoherent but could at any moment provide something useful. Unfortunately, at this point it was in his native tongue.

"Go. Uhura, you're with McCoy. Spock, see if you can get Scotty back on. I want to know what's happening to my ship!"

McCoy and Domanova carried Doctor Gehrke to the turbolift followed closely by Lieutenant Uhura. Kirk sat back in his chair, considering his upcoming ship wide announcement. He'd get a status report soon enough, internal communications online or not. Chekov would have those scans analyzed and in his lap in a matter of minutes, provided everything stayed in one piece. One way or another, he'd get his answers. Then, he could prepare for when they next met this mysterious ship. Yes, Kirk could feel it in his gut, yes we will meet again.

A/N: Thanks for reading! I'd like to hear what you think, what you liked, and anything you noticed that didn't work! I love to hear from y'all.