Bearding The Lion - Chapter 18

 Free Enterprise  -  Bearding The Lion - Chapter 18


Commander Tamarra McPhearson, Lt. Commander Xena Anol and her security team of ten took the lift down together and debarked. They were met by fifteen more once there.

“Ma'am? May I have a brief and private word with you?” the Lt. Commander asked, as she pulled Tamarra to the side.

“Yes.” Tamarra replied, and sighed mentally.

“Have you noticed that Solon's party is all male?” Xena asked, as her intense blue eyes stared into her superior's

“Yes?” Tamarra asked, privately wondering where this conversation was going.

“Ma'am, in my humble opinion, I think Solon brought those men here for you to chose one. That's only my humble opinion though.” Xena replied. “I have taken the liberty of checking all of their backgrounds and they are all, what do you Vulcans call it? Unbonded. . . . . . .” she continued. Tamarra sighed and swore in Spanish.

“My sentiments exactly.” Xena replied. Apparently she either understood Spanish, or just the swear words.

“My orders have changed. Find every one of Solon's team and confine them to the brig. I will deal with Solon.” Tamarra said. Xena snapped off orders, and her people went to work quickly and efficiently. Tamarra apprised Tyr of the situation, cut the channel and continued to enter the quad. She was stopped by Xena's voice.

“Ma'am, you'll need backup.” she said, authoritatively.

“Very well, Lt Commander. Choose two.” Tamarra replied. She watched as the Nietzschean Chief of Security, selected two of her best people with subtle head signals then continued to her destination with them following.


* * * * * *


She found Solon sitting at his desk and reading his computer screen. He didn't even raise his head to register their presence.

“Solon. I wish to speak to you.” Tamarra stated, coldly in a business-like manner.

“Is this to be an interrogation?” Solon asked, indicating Xena and her two officers.

“No it is not.” Tamarra replied. “But, you're gonna wish it was when I get finished with you.” she thought, as she gave Xena the head signal to step outside. Xena gave her one of those looks which said “Are you sure that's wise?” Tamarra nodded yes, and all three officers left.

“Solon. What are you doing?” Tamarra demanded, once they were alone.

“I am studying the schematics of. . . . .” Solon started. Tamarra didn't know if he was attempting to insert humor into a possibly volatile situation, but she was not in the mood. . . . .

“What is your real purpose for being on this ship?” she asked.

“I believe I have stated our purpose several times in the past. Honestly, I do not comprehend your predilection for having things repeated. It must be your close affiliation with. . . .” Solon started.

“Why are you here, Solon?” she asked, putting a stop to her Uncle's tangent.

“We are performing a sociological study of how the Nietzscheans interact with other species, in a close living and working environment.” he stated simply.

“Where are the women, Solon?” Tamarra asked.

“The women?” Solon asked. Sounding like he'd also been afflicted with the same disorder he'd accused his niece of.

“Yes the women. I researched and discovered that there are seven Vulcan female experts in Xeno-sociology/psychcology. Seven! In fact, they are even more qualified than the current team you have! So why are THEY not here?” Tamarra queried.

“It took you long enough to notice. . . . .” Solon started.

“Huh?” Tamarra thought, as she raised her right eyebrow.

“Tamarra, it is close to your time and I have been informed that you have not made the proper arrangements. I do not believe you want a repeat performance of what happened the last time.” Solon said.

Tamarra did a slow burn. What Solon was referring to was her last Pon Farr, which turned out to be a personal horror show and disaster. To this day she believed she had been set up. But, she didn't possess the means to investigate and adjudicate the incidents.

“Solon, I do not wish to discuss the matter.” she replied, coldly.

“I am only concerned for your welfare.” Solon said.

“Yes, by bringing me a group men to chose from like they are a sting of horses. No thank you, Solon!” was her cold response.

“I was attempting to present as many options as possible. . . . but with that creature always following and hovering over you. . . .” he continued.

“Creature? What creature? Oh. . . . . . ” Tamarra thought.

“Oh you mean Khan. Khan is the ship's. . .” she started.

“I am not speaking about Khan.” Solon stated, firmly. Tamarra's mouth sagged open with disbelief.

“OMG! Solon! How could you? He is human!” She shouted.

“He is not Human! Tyr Anasazi and his ilk are biologically engineered anathemas which do not deserve to live another second!” Solon replied, with a sneer.

“The Nietzscheans are peaceful beings, who comprise 15% of the Federation's population. What in heaven's name do you propose to do? Exterminate them all? They have a right to live, just as much as we do!” Tamarra shot back.

“I see that your close affiliation with them has severely clouded your judgment. You have become emotional, irrational and illogical.” Solon said, as he stood.

“Spare me, Solon! There are Federation and Starfleet regulations against what you want to do! By the way, what's the name of your so-called organization so that I am forewarned.” she asked.

“Vulcans Against Nietzscheans.” Solon replied, with just a tinge of pride. After all, he was it's founder and fearless leader.

“How quaint. Am I to assume all members of your so-called team are members of said abomination?” Tamarra asked.

“Yes they are. And we are doing the Federation and Starfleet a service.” Solon proclaimed, self righteously.

“And to think he wanted me to become bonded to one of them! Yick!.” Tamarra thought, as she suppressed a shudder

“Solon I cannot allow you to continue your seditious activities. . . .” she said, as she drew and pointed her phaser at Solon. In less than a heartbeat she found herself staring at a phaser pointed back at her. Solon obviously had secreted the weapon somewhere on or in his desk.

"Crap! How'd that happen? I should have remembered to inspect all the luggage Team Solon brought with them." she thought.

For the next minute there was an old fashioned Texas standoff. Solon against Tamarra. Tamarra against Solon.

Then three things happened at once. The door to Solon's office flew open, Tamarra was unceremoniously knocked flat on her butt, and Solon was phasered into heavy stun heaven. All done by Lt. Commander Xena Anol!

“Ma'am, forgive me for being so rough, but your safety was tantamount.” Xena said, as she helped Tamarra up. Standing the grown Vulcan woman up on her feet, as easily as a mother would stand a two year old on it's feet.

“Thank you, Xena.” Tamarra said.

“No problem. Just doing my job.” Xena said, as she flashed a brilliant smile. And a new friendship was born.