Chapter IX

Chapter IX.

Just as Kirk and Heather finished their discussion, somebody buzzed Admiral Kirk's quarters.

"Who is it?" answered Kirk.

"Proudhawk, Jim."

"Come on in."

<Just what the hell were you doing to McCoy in Sickbay?> Proudhawk asked Heather, as soon as he stepped in the doorway.

<Biofeedback.>

<Oh, that. Lowering my blood pressure.>

<That's what I told McCoy. I was trying to lower my blood pressure.> Heather said.

<We'll discuss it later.> Heather replied.

"No, we'll discuss it NOW, Soulmate."

"Discuss what, now?" says Kirk, standing up.

"The meeting we were just talking about." Heather said quickly.

"What meeting?" asked Proudhawk.

"Uh..." stuttered Heather.

"The one between you two and Lt. Christenson, to resolve this conflict." Kirk explained, sitting back down.

"This is the first I've heard of it, Jim." Proudhawk said, puzzled, taking a seat, kitty-corner, between Kirk and Heather.

"What the hell is going on between you two? Proudhawk comes in here, looking like he wants to kill you, you just stare at each other, then he says something about discussing whatever now. And then, everything went to chaos. Heather, you wish to explain?"

"No, sir." said Heather, looking at the floor.

"Proudhawk." Kirk said.

"Well, Jim, it's like this. Heather nearly gave McCoy a heart attack, by using what is called biofeedback, which is where a psychic can control his bodily functions. What she did, was to lower hers to a point, as McCoy claims, was almost critical. I am partially to blame, because I taught her how to do it, but I also told her it was extremely dangerous and not to play with it."

"Heather?"

"I did do what Proudhawk said."

"Why?" Kirk and Proudhawk asked at the same time.

"I was honestly just trying to relax, but after my talk with Captain Spock, and about to undergo an examination by McCoy, I was upset, confused, and scared. And evidently, lost control."

"Well, McCoy seemed to be more upset than he should have been for you being scared and losing control." Proudhawk said.

"I was still so scared, I... played it off as a joke."

"That wasn't the best of things to do, as I'm sure you realize now. Next time, tell McCoy you're scared, and I'm sure he'll have a hypo to fix you up." Kirk said.

Proudhawk laughed as he said, "I'm sure Bones would."

"Now, about this meeting," Kirk replied, as he hit the intercom. "Lieutenant J.G. Zachery Christenson, report to Admiral Kirk's quarters, ASAP."

<I'm sorry, Soulmate. After that experience of what Lt. Christenson did to me, I was quite shaken up, and I'll try not to let it happen again.> Heather apologized.

Kirk pressed the intercom button. "Spock,"

"Spock here."

"Jim here. We're about to have Heather, Proudhawk, and Lt. Christenson have a face to face discussion. Would you like to join us?"

"Yes, it would be most fascinating."

"Fine, we'll meet you in the Officer's Lounge." Just as Kirk switched off the intercom, Lt. Christenson buzzed at the door and announced himself.

"Report to the Officer's Lounge, Lt. Christenson." Kirk said, through the closed door.

"Yes, sir." replied Zachery.

"Now you two, please do not jump down his throat. Try to control your tempers. He has said he will try to control his listening in on your telepathic communications. Are we ready?"

"No... but we might as well get it over with." Heather replied.

"Of course, Jim."

"What seems to be bothering you, Heather?" asked Jim.

"Proudhawk."

"Proudhawk, you think you can control yourself and not attack Lt. Christenson, physically or mentally?"

"Yes, I can."

"But will you?" Kirk asked.

"Yes."

"Let's go." Kirk said, as he got up.

Part 10