Star Trek_ Generations - J M. Dillard [21]
At first, Sulu did not comprehend; and then realized, with slow-dawning dread, that Chekov had been one of the old group who had attended the maiden launch of the Enterprise-B. A single thought eclipsed all others, blotting out the klaxons wail, the frenzied activity on the bridge:
Demora
He caught his breath, suddenly cold with fear.
But noit would have been Captain Harrimans place to contact him if something had happened to her. Unless Pavel, as a friend, wanted to break it to him first.
Unless …
Ask him to stand by. Sulu turned to Valtane and ordered brusquely, Time.
One minute, thirteen seconds to core breach, sir.
In thirteen seconds, Sulu told Docksey, get us out of here. Warp ten. Lojur
Understood, Captain. Transporter room reports that all but seven of the lifeboat operators have been brought aboard. Well get them all, sir.
Sulu released a small sigh, rose from his chair, and stepped over to stand beside Rand. Put it through to this station, Commander.
She touched a control. At the station in front of her, a small viewscreen brightened in a burst of visual static, then resolved itself into the image of Pavel Chekov.
Sulu bent down, resting his palms on Rands console to study his old friend. Chekov seemed to have aged abruptly since Sulu had last spoken with him. Yet it was not the extra gray hairs or lines etched in his face that gave that impression.
No, Sulu decided. It was the look of dazed grief in Chekovs glistening, red-rimmed eyes. That look struck the Excelsior captain like a physical blow; he recoiled from it, stunned.
Pavel, he said softly. My God, Pavel … He tried to form the question that sprang to his lips, and could not; it hung unspoken between them. Who died?
Hikaru. Chekovs tone was dull, controlled, but Sulu heard the undercurrent of emotion that threatened to break through. I am so sorry to be the one to tell you. During the launch, the Enterprise-B was trapped in some sort of … energy disturbance. The hull was breached.
Demora, Sulu said swiftly, but before the final syllable was out of his mouth, Chekov shook his head.
Behind them, Lojur called, All lifeboat operators aboard.
Engaging engines, Docksey reported. Warp ten. Sulu heard them with only peripheral awareness, as though they were suddenly far distant, the events unfolding on the bridge insignificant. The small image of his friend now consumed his attention.
She is fine, Chekov said stiffly. Still on duty. But … the captain went down to the deflector room in an attempt to rescue the ship. He succeeded, but was … Overwhelmed, Chekov lowered his head.
… killed …
The captain? Sulu blinked at the screen in confusion. He knew Harriman, the captain of the Enterprise-B, as an acquaintance; but they were not friends. Why would Chekov be calling him about
Beside him, a small moan of despair escaped Rands lips before she could raise her hand to them. Sulu glanced down at her, and knew; a jolt of emotion passed down the length of his spine like pure, cold electricity. He gripped the edge of Rands console and whispered, The captain …
The thought seemed impossible. He could imagine hearing such news about Scotty, or the doctor, even Chekov, but KirkKirk was larger than life. A legend. Immortal. Kirk could not die
Scott is notifying Uhura and Kirks nephew, Chekov said awkwardlyas if searching for the appropriate words and finding them elusive. And I will notify Mr. Spock. Starfleet is arranging a memorial service. He hesitated. Im sorry, Hikaru. I dont know what else to say. I cant believe this has happened …
Pavel. Sulu touched the edge of the screen. Pavel, my friend. Thank you for being the one to tell me. Take care …
Chekovs stricken face wavered and was gone.
Sulu placed a hand on Rands shoulder, then turned to face his crew. Cancel red alert. He spoke quietly, but there was a hardness in his voice that allowed it to carry over the screaming klaxon.
Sir? Valtane directed a questioning stare at his captain; Lojur and Docksey followed suit.
Cancel red