The Original Series
Morning Star - Part 18
by Dave K. Jones
(sonirj1@yahoo.com)

Morning Star

Chapter 63

Admiral Nogura hit the cut off switch on his console. The staff had just watched Admiral Karle's battle report, her update on conditions on the Planet of Morning, and her requests for further instructions. "Well, what do we do now?" he asked the assembled brass.

Vice Admiral Rick Thompkins, Fleet Judge Advocate, was the first to speak. "If Karle were a witness in a court action I'd have several questions to ask her on cross examination. She's clearly leaving something out. The first part of her report is vague. I find myself wondering why."

"One thing is obvious, at least to me," said Bill Parks. "And that is the fact that if it hadn't been for the fortunate arrival of the Klingons we would be minus three star ships right now. I don't wonder why her report is vague, it's a tactic to avoid official censure."

Nogura sighed patiently and puffed cigar smoke in the direction of the closest air conditioning duct. The blatant animosity that Parks felt for Karle was beginning to get in the way of common sense. "Let's not get carried away, Bill. I see no reason to suspect anything at this point. Karle is busy and some details may have been overlooked, nothing more." Nogura gave Parks a cold look. "We're here to discuss future policy, not waste time nit-picking. The official report is that three of our ship, with the willing help of our allies, faced a force of enemy ships nine times their number and came out victorious. The Federation Council will receive that report by noon at the latest. Any further comment?"

Parks would not be denied his opportunity to toss fuel on the fire. "You're protecting her. Why?"

Nogura was getting tired of this kind of sparring that seemed to inhabit every meeting of the staff. It was time to put this kind of thing to rest. He took the cigar out of his mouth and pointed it directly at Parks. "That will be enough of that, Bill. All we hear out of you is how everyone else is screwing up, and I'm getting damned tired of it. You either focus your wits on what we can continue to do for the good of the Federation, or you can tender your resignation." Bill Parks was stunned, surprise and consternation evident in his expression. His reaction was felt around the entire conference table. Parks looked as if he was going to comment further but finally fixed his gaze on the table top in front of him and sulked.

It was time to get back on track. "Our next concern is whether we permit Karle to take further action against these aliens," said Nogura. He knew they were playing a fencing match with factors that complicated the issue. For one, the media had blown the story of the fate of the Morning Planet completely out of proportion to the importance with which Star Fleet regarded it, at least at the top brass level. The threat of the enemy alliance, the true focus of all this fleet activity, was now of secondary importance in the public mind. Another major factor was the effect of the presence of a Klingon battle group openly aiding Admiral Karle on conditions in the Klingon Empire. It was clear that not all the Klingon clans were in favor of an alliance with the Romulans, and their open defiance of their government was shaking their empire to its core. If Star Fleet could take advantage of that unrest it would accomplish their ultimate goal of disrupting the alliance, and thus provide enough time to gather sufficient forces to counter it.

Nogura, if not the rest of his staff, knew that the Federation Council, to which they had to answer, was a political body of elected officials who always gauged their decisions according to the requirements of their constituents and the political climate at the time. Getting elected, and remaining that way, was their top most concern. In the present circumstance, public opinion was strong and loud enough to influence the council to respond more to the problems of the Planet of Morning and put the major military focus of the enemy alliance as secondary-something that Star Fleet had to try to avoid doing.

In the middle was Star Fleet Command, facing an ever increasing conflict of interest. They had to obey the Federation Council on the one hand; on the other they were in the shaky position of willfully violating one of the founding policies of the Federation, which forbade any attack by Star Fleet on anyone without sufficient provocation. In this case their was little or no provocation. The Aliens, so far, had made no attacks on the Federation or any of its members. The Planet of Morning was not, as yet, a member of the Federation. A technicality, to be sure, but one that could be well used if there came a time for fault finding.

The only way out of the dilemma, in Nogura's mind, was if the aliens that Karle fought were, in fact, the Godless Ones referred to by the people of the Morning Planet. If that were so, it might be possible to justify past and future actions against them by supposing them to be a viable threat to Federation security.

Nogura groaned. The debate over the legal aspects of the present situation would take decades unless Star Fleet picked its way through this mess with great care. The saving factor was the enemy alliance. It was a definite threat to the Federation, and any actions which would have a destructive effect the alliance could, arguably, be necessary for the continued safety of the Federation. It all came back to the question of just how far the Federation Council, a political and very public opinion oriented group, was prepared to go in the interests of security, especially their own.

"Admiral?"

Nogura came to. He realized that in his musings he had been puffing smoke rings in the air, and everyone at the conference table had a grin on their face, except Bill Parks. He cleared his throat and tapped cigar ash onto the carpet. "Gentlemen, I can't see how we can evade our responsibility in this matter. We have to find out all we can about this new alien threat, not only to the Morning Planet but also to ourselves, and do whatever is prudent to end it. I recommend we allow Karle to proceed, to take whatever steps are necessary to that end."

There was a pause around the conference table while everyone considered Nogura's words. The silence was broken by none other than Bill Parks, whose voice was subdued as he said, "That's fine, just fine. One thing, though, bothers me. The Klingons, while they might be useful at the present time, are still Klingons. How do we know Karle can control them?"

Nogura was reassured as to why he had picked Parks to be part of his top Star Fleet staff. The man had the ability to put his finger directly on the crux of every problem. Grinning, Nogura replied, "We don't. But, whatever happens from now on, we have the Klingons to blame for it."

Chapter 64

Captain James Kirk met Lieutenant Dennis Grimes in the main transporter room to bid the young officer farewell. They shook hands. "Well, I hope everything works out for you, Lieutenant. I have included my recommendations in your personnel record. You're a good officer and I'm sorry to lose you." Kirk hoped his little speech didn't sound too trite.

"Thank you, Captain. It's been a privilege to serve aboard the Enterprise, and under your command. Sorry it has to come to such a sudden end." Grimes paused and grinned. "You never know, sir, I might be back before you know it."

"Oh?"

"Yessir." Grimes could see the interest in Kirk's eyes, but a lot of details still had to be worked out. Finally he said, "The Planet of Morning is without any means of support. No industry left, nothing for the survivors to offer in terms of trade. Maybe someone can work something out in their favor."

Kirk nodded. Dennis Grimes was one of those individuals who was wasting his time serving in Star Fleet. "Well, good luck in everything you do, Mr. Grimes. You're going to need it."

Grimes flashed another toothy grin. "That, Captain, is what makes it so much fun." He stepped onto the transporter pad and a second later he was gone.

* * * * *

Yorktown, Hood, and Potemkin arrived to join the ships of Karle's Squadron. Their respective captains beamed over to the Lexington to report to Admiral Karle. They were disappointed to miss the recent action.

Karle smiled and said, "Don't worry, gentlemen, you'll get your feet wet soon enough."

* * * * *

Thirty minutes after Lieutenant Grimes left to join the shuttle for Earth Kirk was visited in his cabin by Commander Satariano. The priest handed him an official Star Fleet form filled out in perfect order. It was Satariano's resignation. Kirk had long since gone beyond surprise when it came to the ins and outs of the daily events during a typical mission, so all he could do was shake his head and ask, "Why?"

"Nothing cloak and dagger, I assure you Captain," said Satariano with his familiar grin on his face. "I think I've finally found my niche in this universe of ours."

Kirk cleared his throat, looked at the form again to give himself some time to think of something to say. Satariano noticed Kirk's hesitation and explained further. "Actually, it's quite logical, all of it. These Morning People need someone for spiritual leadership and I can't think of any priest in existence who wouldn't jump at the chance to have an entire planet for their flock."

"Yes, but-" Kirk floundered, then decided directness was the right way to face any sudden situation. "Isn't this a little rash, Mr. Satariano? Star Fleet and the Federation will get around to this sort of thing when the time is right. Your services are needed aboard my ship."

"That's just the point, sir. Now is the time. The People of Morning are in dire need of a revival of faith. What has happened to them, the effects of their ordeal, have taken away the well of strength that made them the extraordinary people they were, and are. I want to help them."

In spite of himself Kirk felt a surge of annoyance at Satariano. "Commander, forgive me for speaking my mind, but I think you're being presumptuous as hell about this. Isn't it for the People of Morning to decide if they need any reviving? You have no right to appoint yourself as their savior, nor even decide they need one. This might even be construed to be a violation of the Prime Directive. That directive applies to all Federation personnel whether they wear a Star Fleet uniform or not."

The ever present grim on Satariano's face slipped into a puzzled frown at this unforeseen resistance by Captain Kirk. For a moment he was at a loss as what to say. It was obvious Kirk was waiting some kind of answer, so Satariano finally said, "I am not qualified to be anyone's savior, Captain. I'm sorry if I gave you that impression. The People of Morning already believe in an omnipotent God to whom they owe their existence and their salvation. It happens to be the same God we all worship. Is it wrong of me to want to help them, to nurture them back to a full relationship with that God?"

Kirk sighed and flipped Satariano's resignation onto his desk top. "How can you possibly know their beliefs, whether lost or not? You're an outsider. How do you know these people even want any help? "

Satariano nodded, his face grave. "I see what you mean, Captain, believe me. I-I guess I might be jumping the gun a little, but I've talked with Aplixta and several of the others among the survivors and I do believe there is a real need for spiritual guidance, and I also believe they are open to it and will welcome it." He paused for a moment, fishing for something to say that would convey his true feelings to Kirk. He realized there was little he could do about what Kirk thought. Finally he shrugged and said, "I just want to try."

Kirk stared at the priest while, in his mind, he considered some of the implications of what Satariano was doing. Kirk was not a religious man, though he did, deep down, believe in a creator. You couldn't hop around the galaxy for very long without realizing the whole thing couldn't have just "happened". He also believed such thoughts and convictions were a very private thing and not to be pushed on anyone. This tactic of Satariano's seemed so sudden to Kirk, so reckless. However, there was little he could do to stop the man, if resigning his commission was what he wanted to do.

Another question came to Kirk mind and he asked, "Have you contacted your religious superiors on Earth about this?"

"I sent my request and am awaiting their answer," replied Satariano. "I can't believe their answer could be anything but approval. After all, Captain, that's what the church exists for, does it not?"

Kirk shook his head. "I haven't the time to debate this any further, Commander. In any event, it's not my decision to make. I'll forward your formal resignation through channels and include your reasons. The Federation Council will decide whether you will have the right to approach these people, spiritually or not, and you will abide by that ruling, mister, or I'll come after you. Until those decisions are made you are still a Star Fleet Officer. Have you completed your report for Admiral Karle?"

Satariano stiffened slightly and said, "Yessir. I'm ready whenever you are."

Chapter 65

The main conference room on the Enterprise was full again. Kang and Mara were present with two other battle cruiser captains, and Senior Commander Khurik, from the Balarian Squadron. On the Lexington a similar group was assembled with Admiral Karle, as were other groups gathered on the Exeter, Yorktown, Hood, and Potemkin. It was time to hear Commander Satariano's report on what had been found in the historical records of the People of Morning.

In addition to the inter-ship com link that tied all the conference rooms together, there was a tight beam to Star Base Ten and Star Fleet Command. The beam, though tight, was compromised in dozens of locations by media relay ships, with permission from the Federation Council.

Satariano, on the Enterprise, began his dissertation. "I think it best to begin by describing the People of Morning as they were before the tragedy that ended their civilization. Then we can focus our attention on the unfortunate events that led up to the brink of total destruction." Satariano slid a tape into the com set in front of him. "These pictures were discovered in a vault in their computer center. I'm showing you scenes from a planet, and a culture, that achieved goals that the majority of civilizations we know only dream of. They had a single government, single language, and a single religion. Their planet was run on a world-wide economy, with a single medium of exchange. They were a uniquely united people who, in the last century and a half of their history, devoted themselves to the peaceful study of the arts, humanities, and sciences without the common tendency toward the development of weaponry that is the natural result of the international and inter-racial frictions in every other culture known to our Federation."

"Because of their world wide unification they made more rapid progress in the sciences than the inhabitants of the Earth of the same period. If we were to construct a time line for comparison, the People of Morning would be on the moon at least fifty years sooner than the Apollo 11 landing of the 20th Century. They would develop atomic energy more than sixty years sooner, and if they had been allowed to progress at the rate they were maintaining at the time of their first contact with the Godless Ones they would have achieved warp technology, possibly even advanced warp technology, before these discoveries were made by the Federation. If that first contact had been delayed for as little as ten years the outcome of the resulting conflict may well have been reversed."

Satariano removed the tape from the viewer. "But they weren't allowed the time. It was during a period of excitement, during a push to explore their solar system, that the tragic contact with the Godless Ones was made. They had the technology to construct weapons, but had never foreseen the need for them. The ship the Enterprise discovered in deep space was constructed during this period, but originally as a probe to send to other stars in the search for, and possible contact with, other life. A peaceful endeavor, with the hope of sharing knowledge, not as a last ditch attempt to find help. In their attempts to discover other life the People of Morning were more successful than they had ever dreamed, but the dream soon turned into a nightmare."

Satariano paused, looking at his notes. Admiral Karle took the opportunity to ask a question. "Commander, were these people advanced enough in communications to receive subspace transmissions from any of our ships or outposts?"

Satariano shook his head. "Not subspace, though it is possible they were close. There is evidence, however, that they did receive normal space transmissions from Star Base Ten, or that area, a few years prior to their contact with the Godless Ones. One of the small colonies established on the outer rim of their solar system was actually a radio transmitting and receiving installation. They continually broadcast a compact introduction message in the hope it would be intercepted. They were also continually monitoring the firmament for incoming messages."

"Is there any evidence that the Godless Ones intercepted their outgoing messages, and that's how they found the Morning Star System?" asked Captain Benning of the USS Hood.

"There is no record of any radio communications between the People of Morning and their enemy. In fact, our own ships have been unsuccessful in their repeated attempts to contact the ships of the Godless Ones by either subspace or normal space transmissions." He paused, again, for a moment, then said, "It's my personal feeling, after going over all the data, that the fatal contact was an accident. The Godless Ones simply stumbled on the Morning Star System while out hunting for victims."

In hopes of anticipating the next question, Satariano said, "I know everyone is eagerly wondering if there is any record of the physical appearance of the Godless Ones. I have found numerous references concerning their physical form in the records I've studied, but it seems that these are more a report of impressions than of actual witness descriptions. It is said they were flying creatures, were thought to be insect-like, and were reportedly able to sting their victims to render them helpless. As I said, there is no factual account, only impressions and ideas of how the Godless Ones might have looked."

Satariano quickly moved on. "Now allow me to go over a bit of data that you might find disturbing. As I've already indicated, the Morning People apparently did receive normal space radio messages that originated from the area of Star Base Ten. It was the considered opinion of the officers who first studied the derelict ship that it was on a fixed course for our base. When the radio installation on the rim of the Morning Star System was attacked it is more than probable that all data collected since the station's completion was intact. If so, then the Godless Ones were able to access information proved the existence of our own outposts and colonies."

Jim Kirk felt a definite sense of relief flood through him. Since the beginning of all of this he'd had his doubts about the legality of Federation forces imposing themselves on another sentient civilization without sufficient evidence of a direct threat. It would seem that the evidence was now abundant.

"If that were true, Commander, why haven't any of our own people been bothered by these things?" asked Captain Steele.

"Simple," answered Satariano. "They haven't had the need. So far the Planet of Morning has provided these devils with the resources they require. It takes a while to work through a billion and a half people, even if two thirds of them died by their own hand."

"There are few records of what happened directly after the first contact," continued Satariano. "The People of Morning were totally unprepared for this kind of thing, but they offered what resistance they could. Their resistance delayed the approach of the Godless Ones to the home planet long enough for the Morning People to make what preparations they could. When the Godless Ones actually landed on the Morning Planet the resistance to them was fanatical, but doomed. There had been no time for the development of much of a defense. It was during this time that the People of Morning made a collective decision to deny themselves, and their planet, to the enemy. They worked feverishly to construct the dirtiest nuclear warheads that their science made possible, and placed them strategically around their planet so that when detonated they would enshroud the planet in a blanket of radiation so intense that life such as their own, and it seems the Godless Ones, would not be possible for centuries."

Senior Commander Khurik nodded, his face twisted into a wide smile. "They arranged their own civilization's mass Hegh'bat Ceremony. There is honor in this action taken by the Morning People."

"Yes, that is one way of looking at it, Commander Khurik. On the other hand, I fail to see much honor in the fate of the People of Morning. A dignified and wise people driven to suicide on a scale that boggles the imagination. Hundreds of millions of people giving poison to their children because the alternative is far, far worse. Honor, sir? I think not." Satariano was on the verge of tears.

Spock asked the next question. "Commander, is there any reference to the origin of the Godless Ones?"

This gave Satariano something to help him get control of his inner distress. When the priest spoke his voice was rough. "Regretfully, nothing conclusive. It was noted that the enemy ships always entered and exited the solar system from the direction of the stellar constellation Ebulestee. As we all have come to know, the Morning People called their enemy the Ebu because of this. I attempted to discover exactly where, in the firmament above the Morning Planet, this constellation was located. With the help of Lieutenant Grimes I found Ebulestee on one of their star charts. The ships that attacked our squadron came directly from the heart of that constellation. That is the sum of all data we have concerning their origin."

Satariano took a breath. "But to get on with the report, we now know that at least a dozen shelters were constructed in the hope that some of the Morning People could be saved by hiding out, and possibly existing long enough for the radiation to dissipate to a level where life could, again, exist on the planet's surface. Not much of a chance, really, but desperate as they were, they took it. All but one of these shelters were discovered by the Godless Ones. The twelve hundred souls in that surviving shelter are all that now remain of the billion and a half people that once inhabited this world. At least, all that we know of. It's a good possibility that there are many Morning People still alive, somewhere, as slaves of their enemy. God only knows what their fate may be."

There was silence and reflection by those who sat around the conference table on the Enterprise. In every mind, however, there was a common thought. For all who had listened to Satariano's report, from the top man in his penthouse office in Star Fleet Headquarters to the lowest rank on the star ships of Karle's Squadron, everyone now knew what they were there for.

Chapter 66

PLANET OF MORNING
November 28, 2268
Thanksgiving Day

There was a heavy frost on the ground when Father Nicholas Satariano stepped out into the garden adjoining the chapel in which he now lived and worked. The air was frigidly cold, his breath steaming out in front of him in white clouds. He crammed his hands deep into the pockets of his overcoat, but as usual his fingertips were cold anyway.

Dawn was just beginning to brighten the eastern sky of the Morning Planet, the stars dimming at the approach of another day. He stood in his favorite place next to the tall tree that grew in the center of the garden and listened to the silence of the early morning. Far off he heard a voice in the direction of the homes that clustered close to the ziggurat. Someone called a greeting to a friend.

Out in the predawn darkness a new civilization was now beginning. Morning People were starting the climb that would, one day, bring them out of the depths of their shock, our of their unimaginable grief, to the re-establishment of their world. Star Fleet and the Federation would be there to help them, but the task would be a long one. The Morning People were strong, and they would survive.

Satariano wrapped the overcoat more tightly around him. He chilled easily these days which, he supposed, was due to age. He grinned because he knew Dr. McCoy would tell him he wasn't all that old-yet. Not that it mattered how old he was. For the first time in a very long time he was beginning to know real peace. He gazed up at the stars blazing in the sky like gems tossed across a black velvet bowl. Out there, beyond the orbit of the outermost planet of the system, Karle's Squadron was making its final preparations for departure. They were going in search of the Godless Ones. He said a silent prayer for them.

There was a crunch of gravel behind him and he turned to see Aplixta approaching. The man was shrouded in his own overcoat. Aplixta's voice was muffled by the wraps of heavy cloth when he said, "I thought you weren't getting up for this." There was no need for a translater now, Satariano had broken the communications barrier.

The priest shrugged, a movement mostly lost in the bulkiness of his coat. "I couldn't sleep, I'm too excited. Anyway, I thought it appropriate to see Karle's ships off on their quest, and to wish them luck."

They both watched the sky as if they could actually see the fifteen ships of the squadron as it left. The USS Wasp had only recently joined Karle's command, and it was rumored the Ticonderoga and the Hornet were coming. Satariano wished he could see them as they went, leaving a beautiful combination warp rainbow behind them as they went.

Aplixta said, "I wonder if they will ever find the Ebu."

Satariano didn't answer, there was no need to. There was no way to know. After a moment of silence he glanced at his watch. "Well, if they left on time they're now long gone." He shivered violently despite the warm coat. He looked around at Aplixta. "Lets go have some coffee."

They turned together and went back into the warmth of the chapel.

THE END