Border Patrol

[Brian Graham 0]

Assistant Security Officer's Personal Log

Lt. jg. Brian Graham

USS Excalibur

Stardate 200406.31

 

"Graham to Bridge, shuttle Riley standing by for clearance."

"Acknowledged Riley, you are clear for departure of shuttlebay one. Enjoy your trip Lieutenant."

"Thank you Excalibur, departing now."

Brian Graham had the shuttle lift off the deck of the Excalibur's shuttlebay and piloted through the open door out of the ship. He banked the shuttlecraft away from the ship and stole a glance at the Sovereign-class vessel from the outside, something he always liked to do when he found himself outside the hull. Brian turned his attention back to his console and set a course for the Klingon-Federation border and engaged the shuttle's warp engines. He had around a month to relax and at the shuttle's current speed, it would take him two days to make the border, not a real time-eater. Now that the shuttle was at warp, there wasn't much Brian could do except wait.

"Computer, music. How about...hmmm." Great, Brian had only been on leave a few days and already couldn't make a decision. "I don't care, something from the mid-20th century," Brian said, propping his feet up on the console and started reading the PADD that contained the book he was reading.

After a few of the normal beeps, the computer began to play, filling the shuttle with the sounds of "Crystal Blue Persuasion."

The sound caused Brian to drop his PADD and grit his teeth, "Computer, stop music!" and the shuttle was silent again.

Brian knew the Vulcans believed in Infinite Diversity in Infinite Combinations, but why, why at that point in time, did the computer have to play something from Tommy James and the Chondells!! Picking up his PADD, Brian tried again, "Computer, music, the Seekers." Music again filled the shuttle and Brian settled down, more ready now to endure his trip to Klingon space.

 

It had been three hours. Three long hours as Brian sat watching the Klingons meticulously scan his shuttle again. Apparently the first two times had not been enough.

"Is this really necessary?" Brian asked.

"Yes! We regularly scan all ships that cross our borders, including Federation vessels."

"But three times? And not with your bases scanners but with four of your technicians crawling all over my shuttle."

The Klingon crossed his arms, and responded to Brian's inquiry, "What are you saying?"

"I think that either one, or both of two things is going on here. Either you consider me some type of threat that needs several hours of manpower and resources to prove safe, or you think that delaying me for no reason is funny."

"And if you are a threat?"

"Then I will die, either after completing some mission of violence from the Federation, a very unorthodox thing to do considering the peace that existed between our governments for some time, and serving together during the Dominion War; or before at the hands of one of your cloaked vessels that will undoubtedly follow me. One Federation shuttle against the entire Klingon fleet? You don't need me to tell you the outcome."

"Fine, we have already wasted entirely too much time on your weak craft. You may leave."

"Thank you," Brian said, returning to his shuttle as the four Klingons departed the bay. After receiving clearance from the base, Brian piloted the shuttle away, on the final leg of his trip, toward Kronos.