Web of the Romulans (Star Trek: The Original Series Book 10) by M.S. Murdock

Author:M.S. Murdock [Murdock, M.S.]
Language: eng
Format: azw3
Publisher: Pocket Books/Star Trek
Published: 2000-09-22T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 9

"Computer!" Kirk barked, slamming his hand against the controls.

"Ouch! You don't have to be so rough!" said Countess in a sulky voice.

A gleam was born in the captain's eyes. Spock, watching it grow, felt a stab of trepidation. He was always nervous when Kirk began to work from inspiration instead of logic.

"Countess …" said Kirk in a voice that made Uhura, Yeoman Kouc and Ensign Stewart blush. Spock looked startled and McCoy incredulous but the captain continued in his dark, velvet voice. What he had in mind was a long shot, but it was all he had.

"Countess … I'm sorry. I didn't mean to hurt you … will you forgive me?"

The computer was silent and beads of perspiration appeared on Kirk's forehead. He gave a quick glance to the approaching Romulan.

"Countess?"

"I will forgive you," Countess answered generously.

"Thank you. I'll try to control myself. Do you love me?"

"The same question. I have answered it. Yes, I love you. Why do you ask it so often?"

"Lovers … like to hear those words: 'I love you.'"

"Dearest … do you love me?" Countess asked, testing the question.

"Yes."

McCoy, outraged, started to speak and caught himself, remembering what the computer had said about "static." He looked daggers at Spock, but the Vulcan was interested, his curiosity piqued. He waited for the next development with serenely folded arms, though one eyebrow had risen in surprise.

"I love you and I would do anything for you."

"You would do anything for me."

Countess' voice was warm and pleased.

"Yes. Even if it involved sacrifice."

"Sacrifice?"

"Giving up something you are fond of … attached to … because you love someone—even if you don't want to."

"You would do this?"

"Yes."

Calculation was written all over the captain's face as he asked, "Would you do this for me?"

"Captain! He's firing on us! Range two point three five and closing."

Chekov gripped the control panel, his knuckles white, his eyes glued to the instruments.

"Countess! Would you do this?" the captain asked. His body was poised for the jolt that would rock the ship when the Romulan shot struck. The computer's lights blinked wildly.

"Yes," answered Countess in a small voice.

"Then," said Kirk, his voice sinking into unbelievable softness, "release auxiliary control. Because you love me."

The Enterprise rocked under the impact of the Romulan's fire, but the automatic shields held. Kirk simply hung on to the computer controls and waited.

The madness of battle courses through the blood like a heady draught of strong wine. S'Talon's heart leaped to its call. The Raptor's crew, freed from his restraint, were a pack of hounds closing on their quarry, their belling voices the fire in each man's eye.

The Raptor dove toward the Enterprise. It was S'Talon's plan to send a volley toward the bridge, skim over the larger vessel and concentrate his fire on her pylons. The alien ship loomed larger and larger and the crew tensed, waiting for the order to open fire.

"Optimum range!"

Argelian's finger rested gently on the weapons lever.

"Fire!"

S'Talon's voice resounded like a pistol shot.

"A hit!" said Argelian triumphantly. "Their shields are holding.

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