Constellations Read Online Free Page B

desire to help, but…” He shook his head, his brow furrowing as he pondered the situation. “It’s as if she feels responsible for them somehow, as though she can save them, but why? From what?”
    McCoy had to admit that the same questions were troubling him, as well.
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    â€œWhat do you mean, classified?”
    Feeling his temper flare as he listened to the open communicator channel, Kirk rose from his chair and began to pace the small room at the front of Dr. Jendra’s clinic.
    From the communicator in his hand, the voice of Ensign Pavel Chekov replied, “I am sorry, Captain, but all attempts to access the mission logs of the NGC-667 survey team are being rejected. Starfleet Command has flagged them off-limits except to authorized personnel.” Static eroded the quality of the transmission, despite the signal-enhancing effects of channeling the connection through the larger and more powerful communications system of the shuttlecraft Columbus, which sat concealed in a wooded valley three kilometers distant.
    It had taken a bit of digging by the resourceful ensign—with Spock helping him to create an A7 computer specialist’s rating and access key—just to discover that there was more to Jendra’s mission to NGC 667 than was recorded in the official file Kirk had already reviewed prior to the Enterprise ’s arrival in the system. Still, even the Vulcan’s formidable prowess with Starfleet computer technology had proven insufficient to penetrate the security apparently surrounding the information Kirk now sought.
    â€œCaptain,” came another voice from the communicator, this one belonging to Lieutenant Hikaru Sulu, “Lieutenant Uhura has just informed me that she’s received a subspace message from Admiral Komack. He wants to talk to you as soon as possible, and Uhura says the admiral doesn’t sound very happy.”
    From where he sat near the window at the front of the room that overlooked the village’s main street, McCoy said, “Komack upset? That’s a surprise.”
    â€œNot now, Bones,” Kirk snapped. To his communicator, he said, “Stall the admiral, Mr. Sulu. What’s the status on transporters?”
    The Enterprise helmsman replied, “Mr. Scott reports he’s made some progress, but he’s still running safety tests. He thinks he can certify it safe for biomatter within three hours, sir.”
    It was not the best news, the captain thought, but it would have to do. “Keep me informed, Lieutenant. Kirk out.” As he closed the communicator and returned it to an inside pocket of his robe, Kirk shook his head. “I knew something about this wasn’t right.” He looked to McCoy. “She came back here for a reason, Bones, and it has something to do with whatever Starfleet has classified about her first mission here.”
    â€œShe’s a doctor, Jim,” McCoy replied. “It’s what she does.” He waved through the window. “Can’t say I blame her. Lord knows how many primitive cultures we’ve visited where I wished I could stay longer, help them in some lasting way.”
    Clasping his hands behind his back, Spock said, “Even with the advanced technology and pharmaceuticals at her disposal, one physician cannot hope to make a lasting impact on any society by treating random incidents of illness and injury. The risk Dr. Jendra poses toward adversely affecting this culture’s development should any of her advanced equipment be discovered is exponentially greater than any help she might offer. Logic suggests that—”
    â€œLogic is probably the last thing on her mind!” McCoy barked. “Can’t you drop that damned Vulcan stoicism and just try to connect with someone’s feelings for once?”
    â€œActually, he’s right, Leonard.”
    Kirk whirled toward the voice behind him to see Jendra standing in the doorway, regarding