Demands of Honor by Kevin Ryan Read Free Book Online Page A

the most danger, but now that the decision was made, Kirk was sure that Giotto was already reviewing rescue scenarios in his head.
    â€œLieutenant Parrish,” Kirk said. “Recommendations on the rescue mission.”
    Lieutenant Leslie Parrish was one of the few surviving crew members from the incidents on Systems 1324 and 7348. She was also one of only two survivors from her squad of the Klingon assault on Starbase 42, where the Klingons had taken too many good people, including Sam Fuller. She had about as much experience at fighting Klingons in close quarters as anyone alive in Starfleet today.
    â€œI would send in one full squad, hit the Klingons hard and quick. Because of their cultural prejudices against ‘Earthers,’ they don’t expect much from us. As a result, they have a hard time adjusting to setbacks. Chances are we can get in and out before they can mount an effective response.”
    Kirk shifted his gaze to Giotto. “I agree, sir,” Giotto said.
    â€œI would like to volunteer my squad for the job, Captain,” Parrish said. “Besides my own experience with Klingons, we also have Michael Fuller on our team.”
    She was right. As a survivor of the Battle of Donatu V, Fuller had even more experience with Klingons thanParrish did herself. Of course, there were complications with Fuller, and with Parrish herself for that matter. However, the place to have those discussions was not in an open meeting.
    â€œThank you, Lieutenant, I will take that offer under advisement. Lieutenant Uhura, continue to monitor all communications from the Klingons. Mister Spock, please let me know when long-range scanners have a lock on the merchant Klingon vessel now holding the prisoners. I want to know as much about that ship as possible. Then Kirk scanned the room, looking for any questions or concerns, but there were none, just people anxious to get back to their jobs now that the ship was getting closer to Klingon space.
    â€œMister Spock, Doctor McCoy, and Lieutenant Commander Giotto, stay with me. Everyone else is dismissed,” Kirk said, and the group filed out of the briefing room. Kirk was not surprised to see that Lieutenant Parrish remained behind.
    â€œCaptain, may I have a word?” she asked.
    Kirk knew this was coming. “Of course.”
    â€œSir, have you considered my request? My squad—”
    The captain raised his hand and said, “Is the best choice for the rescue mission.” Parrish nodded, but Kirk continued, “But you will not be leading them.”
    â€œSir?”
    â€œLieutenant, we have had this discussion before. You are pregnant and I will not send you into a dangerous situation. You have remained on duty only to train your squad.”
    â€œBut, sir, there is no squad leader on board with more experience in close fighting with Klingons. I understandyour concerns about my condition, but these circumstances are
extraordinary.
”
    â€œThey are, Lieutenant, and it
is
true that no current squad leader has more experience than you in this area. That is why I am relieving you of command of your squad and promoting Mister Fuller to section chief. He will command the squad and the mission.”
    Parrish looked sick. “Sir, my squad—”
    â€œI’m sorry, Lieutenant. You have done an excellent job training them, but you cannot go.”
    Parrish’s face was set, but Kirk could see a swirl of emotion beneath it. After a moment, she said, “If Fuller is squad leader, that will leave an opening in the squad. I recommend Ensign Jawer to replace him.”
    It made sense. Jawer was also a survivor of the three encounters with the Klingons.
    Kirk nodded. “I will have Lieutenant Commander Giotto make it official. Thank you, Lieutenant.” Then, before she could turn to go, he said, “I’m sorry, Leslie.”
    But her face was a mask. She simply nodded and left the briefing room.
    Leslie Parrish