Post 552: Time to Meet

Stardate: 71114:9:00
Title: Time to Meet
Author: Lt. Simon Biggs
Scene: Aboard the Blizzard/Independence
Time: After "Rendezvous"
--------------------------------

Sheila Biggs was extremely worried.

Her mind held captive by one continual, intolerable thought; the holo-image of her husband Keith and daughter Jenny slaving away on Ikiia.

"Mum? Hey, Mum!" came a familiar voice. Sheila came around from her daydreaming about the possible rescue, but remained nervous about what was to come.

She looked up at her son and tried to smile. "Hey yourself, James. What's the situation"

"The Blizzard will rendezvous with the Independence in an hour. I'd like you on the bridge with me."

"Aye," Sheila replied, squeezing his hand gently, more to comfort herself than him. "Captain."

James Biggs left his mother's quarters and walked down the long, angular corridor to the next door, where the lkiian was staying. He was just about to press the door bell when the door opened to reveal the tall form of the man called Vely.

"I was just on my way to the bridge, Captain Biggs. We're nearly in range of the Independence, are we not?"

"Yeah," James was quite surprised to see the Ikiian all ready and rearing to go but he didn't have time to worry about that at the moment. He had a ship to run, and far too many other things on his mind. "We are."

-------------- Meanwhile on the Independence--------------

Simon was in the main security office, compiling all the data his mother had provided via encrypted subspace transmission so that he could get a head start on it before they arrived.

Captain Zanh had set up a meeting in the observation lounge, and he needed to have everything precisely laid out if he was going to make his best case to her that a rescue was needed and should be attempted.

"What," Simon heard the rough voice of Commander N'Dura as the doors opened behind him, "is all of this, Lieutenant?" Simon turned round and nodded respectfully to the security chief.

"It's a long story, Sir."

"Klingons enjoy," she paused, "long stories."

"I'm sure you'll be hearing it all soon at the senior staff meeting," Simon said, in a hurry to return to his work. "But the short version is that my family is in trouble, and I need to analyze this information as quickly and as thoroughly as possible."

"It sounds as if you could use the assistance of the Chief of Security." N'Dura replied as she took a seat beside Simon at the console. Simon smiled, and they set to work. Minutes flew by and turned to hours, and finally he heard his badge chirp.

[Simon Biggs, Report to transporter room one.]

Simon got out of his chair.

"I shall accompany you," N'Dura decided, and she and Simon secured their findings within the ship's computer and went to meet their guests.

*************************************

The trio from the Blizzard materialized on the transporter platform.

"Mum, it's so good to see you."

"You too son," Sheila pretended to be confused by the black spot she saw on her son's collar, where before there had only been one single gold pip. "Well, now what's that? You've something stuck to your collar." She moved her hand upward and pretended to shine up the 'smudge' with her fingers. "Oh, wait! Lieutenant junior grade Simon Biggs, is it then?" She smiled. "You've been promoted, well done. Your father would be," she stopped, and gave Simon a soft hug. Then she stepped aside and let Simon greet his brother.

"Father will be so proud of you." James concluded for her, unwilling to give up the idea that he would be seeing their father again soon.

"Great to see you, James."

James nodded, and then Simon moved to the Ikiian, as N'Dura stood a few paces back, silently sizing up their alien guest.

"Nice to have you aboard. It's Vely, is that right?" said Simon.

"That is correct," The long and lanky alien replied, extending his hand in order to shake Simon's.

"I'd better take you to your quarters, we'll be speaking with Captain Zanh soon. If you'll follow me."

Vely spoke up suddenly. "Lieutenant Biggs, is it possible we could speak with your captain immediately instead of waiting?" He seemed very anxious, and this did not escape the attention of either security officer in the room. "There's another matter which needs to be discussed that may have been overlooked before."

"Oh?" James shifted uneasily, "This is the first I've heard of it,"

"Gentlemen, please, we will sort everything out." Simon assured them as he stepped forward. "But for now, if you will please follow me." He lowered his voice and tapped his badge. "Biggs to Zanh,"

[Here,]

"Captain our guests have arrived, might we speak to you now?"

[Now?]

"Yes, Sir. The Ikiian is asking to speak to you without delay."

[Very well. Observation lounge. Zanh out.]

---------------------------
Lieutenant JG Simon Biggs
Security Officer
USS Independence NCC-90791