Star Trek: The Rift by Peter David

Author:Peter David
Language: eng
Format: mobi
Tags: Science Fiction, Star Trek, Fiction
ISBN: 9780671747961
Publisher: Pocket Books
Published: 1991-01-02T08:00:00+00:00

Chapter Fourteen

"Fascinating."

The shuttlecraft circled one of the larger

cities that comprised the Calligarian Worldnet.

The city issued an unmistakable homing beacon,

guiding the shuttle to that particular city platform.

Scotty steered with sure hands, trying not to let

himself be distracted by the awesome sight of the

perpetually burning Calligarian homeworld.

An aperture opened in the top of the domed

city, and Scotty looked to Spock the moment that

it appeared. Spock gave a small nod, which was

all the instruction that Scott needed to angle the

shuttlecraft down toward the opening that had been

provided.

Once through, the dome shut behind them, and

Scotty followed the continuing summons of the homing

beacon until it brought them to a landing area that had

apparently been set up specifically for them.

"Bring us in, Mr. Scott," said Spock.

"Aye, sir," replied Scotty.

On the landing area below they saw a number ofindividuals waiting for them. Even from a distance

Spock recognized one of them immediately as the

Calligarian who had been introduced as Alt,

the Master of the Status. And standing next to him

appeared to be the one called Macro. He did

not recognize any of the others.

Scotty landed the shuttle smoothly, except

of course the landing was not smooth enough for Shondar

Dorkin, who complained loudly and made sure

to let Mr. Scott know that a cross-eyed

Tellarite child could have done a better job bringing

the vehicle down. Scotty did not reply but

instead contented himself with imagining the shuttle being

brought down on top of the Tellarite's head.

Once Scotty had shut down the engines he

opened up the door, and the contact crew emerged from

the shuttle. What struck Scotty immediately was the

almost overwhelming silence that seemed to pervade the

entire city. It was as if everyone and everything in the

area was listening, hushed with anticipation.

Alt stepped forward and inclined his head

slightly. "Mr. Spock, I believe it

was?"

"I am honored that you remember me," said

Spock. "And your Captain Pike?" 209

"He has retired," Spock said

diplomatically. Now was hardly the time to cite

chapter and verse of the final fate of Christopher

Pike.

"And you are in command now?"

"I am in command of this contact team," Spock

said. "May I introduce--"

And now it was Macro who spoke. He seemed

surlier than when Spock had first met him. More

irritated. The good doctor would have said that

Macro looked like he had a burr up his butt.

"Are you in command of the Enterprise? Or is perhaps

that one--what was his name?" He seemed to be making

a great effort to remember something, but Spock

immediately percvd that Macro knew perfectly

well whom he was thinking of. "Oh, yes.

Tyler."

"Commodore Tyler has remained aboard the

Enterprise," said Spock quietly, sensing the

waves of hostility that seemed to be undulating from

Macro. "The arrival of your Master Builder

prompted him to remain behind to serve as her

liaison."

"Yes," said Macro softly. "Yes, Iwd think that he did. And he is the commander of your

ship?"

"No. The commander is Captain James t.

Kirk."

Macro tilted his chin defiantly. "And why

is he not here? Are we not worth his time?"

"The current directive from Starfleet,"

Spock said patiently, "is for ship commanders

to remain aboard their ship whenever possible."

"We prefer to deal with leaders of men,"

Macro told him.

And Mr. Scott, with quiet confidence, said,

"If Mr.

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