Journey to the Center of the Ship

"Then consider further," Spock elaborated, "That the parasites were unaware of our activity until my meld with Nurse Chapel."

"Okay, Spock, you've convinced us," McCoy said. "Now let's get a move on."

"An excellent suggestion, Doctor," Spock said.

The six of them cautiously left the cavernous shuttle bay (which reminded Fred of the caverns he'd explored in what, literally, seemed like a lifetime ago) and went down the corridor towards main science. Despite the scans that showed no parasitic life forms in the immediate vicinity, their exposed position made them all a bit nervous (except, of course, Mr. Spock).

One drawback of Spock's plan was location - the shuttle bay was literally as far back in the ship as one could get, while main science was in the middle of the top of the main saucer. "I assume the turbolifts are out," Fred said.

"It vould be too easy to trap us," Chekov nodded.

"Which means the gangways and Jeffreys tubes," said Hesko, the orderly.

"Oh, my aching feet," McCoy groaned in anticipation.

The group traveled up a series of ladders, heading for the saucer section. By the time they reached the lower level of the saucer, Fred had become aware of another impediment - namely, that ladder climbing in a skirt was not only unbecoming, it was embarassing. Especially with someone beneath you (not that she suspected Sulu of base intentions, but it was the principal. "From here, we must proceed to the gangway at the end of the corridor and ascend another 12 levels," Spock pronounced.

McCoy started to complain, but Chekov cut him off. "Sir! I'm detecting another life sign in the hallvay just outside!"

"Do you detect the presence of a parasitic life form, Ensign?"

Chekov checked the tricorder again. "I read no parasites sir, just vun human."

"Should we risk it?" Hesko asked.

Spock checked the tricorder himself. "I confirm there is no parasite present," he said. He nodded fractionally, and Chekov slowly opened the door to the passageway outside to reveal...

1. Captain Kirk, looking a bit worse for wear.
2. Engineer Montgomery Scott, looking quite upset.
3. A confused-looking woman wearing a Starfleet Captain's uniform.
4. Yeoman Janice Rand, looking quite smug and pointing a phaser rifle at them
5. No one at all?

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