Chapter VII.

"The Beginning of the End"

Personal Log, Stardate Unknown, Lieutenant James K. Starska recording.

Due to a fascinating wake up call from my soon to be extinct computer, I have lost track of time for the moment. I hope it is not too late. Operation Pushover is a project that depends on precise timing.

End Log.

Starska, Lieutenant James K., the prime example of the most cockiest officer in Starfleet, and he knows it. Lieutenant Starska is walking down the corridor from his quarters to the turbo-lift. As he approaches, the turbo-lift, he finishes putting on his uniform. As the door of the lift opens, out walks Lieutenant Junior Grade Max Irvin. Before Irvin can say 'hi', he is pushed back into the turbo-lift by Starska.

As the doors closed behind them, "Deck Eight." Starska stated, as the turbo-lift waited to be told a destination.

"What is the deal? Sir." Irvin asked, in shock.

"The deal is about a pink elephant and two dogs." Starska said, with a little anger in his voice.

Irvin, realizing that he was in deep trouble, makes a move for the turbo-lift controls. "I'm sorry, Lieutenant, but I have a headache."

"No, you don't." Starska said, as he stopped Irvin. "But you soon will."

Irvin stood back, and Starska continued. "Now, why are you telling every man in the Fleet about it?"

"About what?" Irvin asked stupidly.

"ENSIGN Irvin," Starska started. "If you do not cease with this obsession with telling my secrets, I shall post your plans to overthrow the Klingon Empire with a five hundred pound tribble."

The turbo-lift came to a stop, and the doors swooshed open. "You wouldn't." Irvin said.

Starska stood in the doorway, for a moment.

"Sir." Irvin added.

Starska exchanged looks with Irvin and left.

"You would." Irvin said, as the doors closed.

Starska continued down the corridor with a smile on his face, from the Irvin incident, when he saw Ensign Daneel Sav Kelar and Lieutenant Ruisart Maclaomainn.

"Daneel." Starska called.

"Hello, Lieutenant." Lieutenant Maclaomainn said as Starska approached.

"Good evening, Mr. Maclaomainn." Starska turned to Daneel. "I need you." he said, coldly then turned to Lieutenant Maclaomainn. "Excuse us."

"Yes, sir." Ruisart said oddly.

Starska then grabbed Daneel's arm and continued down the corridor.

Daneel stopped him. "But sir, I have five shuttles that have to be ready to launch by 27.6." Daneel said.

Starska looked him straight in the eye and asked, "WHAT DID YOU JUST CALL ME?"

Daneel thought for a moment. "Sir?"

"Right."

"Yes, sir." Daneel said, as he followed Starska to the Rec Room, leaving Ruisart behind.

As they approached the door to the Rec Room, Starska stopped short of walking into the non-opening doors.

"What the..." Daneel asked, surprised.

Starska put in the computer tape from his pocket.

"ACCESS CODE." came from the communicator from the wall.

"Alpha Omega Delta Five." Starska stated.

"Acknowledged, Lieutenant Starska." said the computer, as it opened the doors.

"After you." Starska gestured to the open doors. Daneel hesitated, then went in.

After Starska entered, the doors closed, leaving the two men in total darkness.

"Lights." said the voice of Lieutenant Starska.

The large room lit up, it was completely empty, except for a computer console and a psi-shield in the corner.

"James Starska, sir." Daneel said as he walked around, then up to him. "Will you please tell me what is going on?"

"I can't do that." Starska said, as he turned on the computer. "At least, not yet."

"You can't?" Daneel asked, puzzled.

"No, I can't. But I assure you, it is for a good cause. And I need your help." Starska noticed that Daneel Sav Kelar was not impressed until he added, "For a price."

"What price?" Daneel asked.

"Well, everyone else that is helping is getting some Romulan Ale. But I have no more. But I do know that you've been after a blond communications officer, for some time, with no results."

"Yes. So?"

"After you're done here and with your shift..." Starska paused, just to tease him. "She's yours."

"She's what?"

"She is yours. No questions asked. And no money down." Starska said, with a smile.

"How are you going to do that?" Daneel asked, as he crossed his arms.

Starska just smirked. "Trust me."

Daneel thought about it for a minute. "All right. You'd better be right about this. What's the deal?"

"Well, you know Lieutenant Scott, don't you?"

"The black haired girl from Sciences that fills her uniform out well?"

"Don't tease me."

"Sorry. Yes, I do. So?" Daneel asked.

"Well, I have tried, but I'm not able to get her files, to get her telepathic rating."

"So?"

"I need it, to set this psi-shield." Starska pointed out the small device.

"You don't need her file. I know her rating. I can set it for you." Daneel said, as he moved toward it.

"Say, you're pretty bright for an Ensign."

Daneel stopped and turned toward Starska. "Watch it, or I'll ask you to set me up with that Vulcan in Personnel."

"Sorry."

"Why do you need this thing, anyway?" Daneel wondered.

"Well, unlike you and all the others that can fight the temptation to read everyone's thoughts, the second Heather thinks something is up she tries to read my mind. But when she does, I want her to find nothing."

"Isn't that the case with you most of the time?" Daneel asked, as he looked at the shield. But before Starska could reply, Daneel noticed the setting. "HOLY GOD!"

"What is it?" Starska asked.

"It's on full. Turn this thing on, and it would fry her brain."

"Well, I don't want to do that, yet."

"I hope not. Where do you want it?"

"I don't want her to find out anything, and I don't want her to know it is here."

"Okay." Daneel set the control. "That should do it." He set it back down. "It is set just a fraction above her rating."

"Thanks."

"Is that it?" Daneel asked.

"Yeah."

"Okay, see you later." Daneel started toward the door, then turned back. "May I ask you a question?" he asked.

"Sure."

"What is this I hear about a pink elephant?"

"Don't you have five shuttles to launch?" Starska asked, as if he was giving an order.

"Yes, sir." Daneel said, as he left. "Good luck with whatever."

Daneel went on to his duties as Starska went to the computer panel.

"Good, the warp engines are tied in." Starska looked up. "That means I have all the power I need. All I need to do now is signal Davis and wait."

Starska hit a button on the computer and Commander Davis was notified.