Epilogue

Stardate 2263.189

San Francisco, California, United States

Earth

Rain pelted down from the dark sky, showering the ground and creating small rivulets of water rushing along the edges of the curbs. People on the streets scurried into cabs and cars or into buildings to avoid the inclement weather. Jackets and umbrellas fought with and rippled against the occasional gust of wind that whipped around, making visibility somewhat difficult. Crowds of people went from place to place, many going into the subways on their way to work.

The commute from downtown San Francisco to the suburbs surrounding Los Angeles was long, but somewhat therapeutic. Vehicles could travel at incredible speeds, but sometimes it just meant more to take the long way. It helped one think deeper, or sometimes escape the thoughts altogether.

Life in big cities like Baltimore, Dallas, New York or Miamiwas much the same, with little variance in the daily encounters or the people there. People come and go, travel and explore the sites with little thought as to what goes on around them. Life in the middle of a large population center was sometimes so crowded, so confusing. All the normal people with average lives.

I used to be one.

Lewis Abaran's life was different. Forever. Having been honourably discharged years ago from active duty, his other life he had lived on a distant Starbase was gone.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. That was what the Starfleet medical heads had officially classified him as suffering from, once he had awaken from a coma and was well enough to understand his own surroundings as reality and not some nightmare or blurred dream. Now, to stay active and in society, he served at a desk job, managing the quieter, mundane issues surrounding cadets and officers. A far cry from his distant life in Chicago, where he could escape from Starfleet worries and problems and immerse himself in normalcy during shore leave or other agreed upon vacations. That was gone as well.

All he had left were memories. Memories that would haunt him day and night, at the most inopportune times. There were days when it was okay, whole weeks when he didn't once consider the past few years. In the darkest of times, however, he had few other things to occupy the dark hole in his mind than the faces and the cries of his friends as they died, whether on the Starbase or on the planet's surface.

Claws. Teeth. Gunfire. It was all still in his mind, as if he had only been through the nightmare yesterday. Family was in close reach, but the move from Illinois to California was necessary to be close to Starfleet for rehabilitation and recovery.

Friends and former co-workers from the distant doomed deep space station occasionally showed up. The encounters were awkward and somewhat shadowed. Good memories were quickly blackened when the mention of a deceased friend involved usually followed. Still, it gave him some comfort. A few were strong enough to keep going, to keep serving in Starfleet. Sometimes the thought was entertained by Abaran himself, though he knew Starfleet would never accept him back in his "condition." They felt sorry for him, and meant no offence when they rejected him.

A short stroll past cars going by got him across the soaking street. Thunder rumbled overhead, following brief flashes of distant lightning. The dark, rainy atmosphere that surrounded Abaran did not trouble him like it did most others. For years, he felt right at home in its depressing embrace.

...

Starfleet military cemetery, one of many across the world, was not crowded save a handful of people that walked between the rows of gravesites, stopping to leave flowers and floral wreaths for loved ones. Abaran's journey took him to several different sites, each one evoking memories of the person whose name was inscribed on it.

There were some he couldn't easily visit, because they were brought home to be buried in other parts of the country or world, close to where other loved ones were buried as well. He made the trips out there annually, paying respect to the fallen officers.

Lannon. Gomes. Buchanan. Liang. Karthanjay. The rows of gravestones, crosses and plaques appeared almost endless. How many people have died in Starfleet today? How many are here? How many countless individuals have been buried elsewhere on Earth? How many more never had their bodies recovered even?

So much death, loss and pain clouded his mind. Therapists told him not to think that way, but did encourage his attempts at reaching out to others who empathized and could truly help in comprehending losses and horrors. In that second he felt a rush of emotion surge up his throat, catching his breath. All the pain these people must've suffered.

All the pain his friends suffered. Then why am I alive? How come I got out and they didn't, God? His pained, wet eyes reached skyward, letting the rain run down his face. Sharp, steady breaths entered and exited his chest.

Eyes downcast, he regarded the graves as he continued along. His feet were now cold and wet from the wet grassy turf he walked on.

He wasn't exactly sure where Richard Daniels had been laid to rest, but he did not feel hate for the man. Over time his feelings had mellowed. His ex-commodore was to blame for all of this, but he had already suffered for his wrongdoings.

Taking in a deep breath, Abaran pushed down his feelings and knelt next to a few of the graves, quietly muttering a few idle thoughts all his own to his departed friends. After a moment longer, he turned and left, making his way silently into the fog that rolled ashore to the street to catch his bus.

...

Stardate 2263.189

Los Angeles, California, United States

Earth

The weather was no different near his place of residence. In the silence of the lift taking him up the floors, he unzipped his coat and composed his feelings. Here it was different and difficult to adjust to, as was much of his newly acquired day to day life. Most friends and family somehow felt distant though they tried not to be. However, one constant remained with him through everything.

As the automatic doors slid open, the familiar warmth and scent of his condominium calmed him. No lights were on despite the darkness from the storm outside. The temperature was set to a comfortable level at which he preferred. Dinner was already being prepared. Removing his jacket, his right ear detected a sound from somewhere in another room around the corner. This simple reality would be his future.

Light footsteps preceded the appearance of a slender woman passing the light from the slid doors leading to the balcony. Her eyes greeted him with the same love and affection they always had. Sliding her hand down, she gently moved her fingers across the very obvious protruding curve in her stomach, stopping in the middle to feel for movement inside.

The future. She was still not due for another three months, yet even now his heart rate accelerated to a level that his paranoid doctors would be alarmed at. Perhaps, it was his eager anticipation. Most likely it was because she just looked so beautiful, so perfect to him.

"Diane." The name softly left his lips. Closing the distance between him and her, he encircled her in his arms. All the pain seemed to fall away from him for that moment. This is why I'm still here. He was sure of it. At least, as sure as he could be.

Worried eyes met his. "How are you feeling?"

It took a moment to consider his response, to properly gauge exactly how he did feel. With Diane here, and his family soon to double in size, he couldn't find a problem with his emotions now. Maybe that night he'd wake up in a cold sweat, or maybe next week he'd have a brief flashback or painful memory. He would have to confront those when they came, one by one. But for now, he only had one response. Moving his face into her sweet scented hair, he held her a little tighter, not ever wanting to let go.

"Wonderful. Just perfect." A tear streaked down his cheek. Her eyes were wet as well, but this time they were from joy and hope instead of sorrow.

...

Stardate 2263.189

New Vulcan – T'Mar's residence

Three suns set beyond the farthest reaches of the horizon, painting a colourful mural across the sky and along the calm waters of the ocean. It was this spectacular sight in particular that made New Vulcan an attractive place to visit. The technicians and officers put on the colony from Starfleet to assist the Vulcans in construction enjoyed this certain advantage of living here on a temporary basis.

Calm breezes whipped through T'Mar's hair as she gazed thoughtfully out at the water. The paper she had been preparing for her talk at the Ke'pash Institute lay on the small table beside her, forgotten. It detailed the early success of her latest project; reclaiming desert ground for agricultural purposes using a method documented in one of the recently re-discovered "lost" texts of ancient Vulcan history. The artefact in question had been located on a distant world's record files, being held at the time by an elder Vulcan that had since forgotten his store of texts that had personal meaning to him. It was irregular for a Vulcan to keep something so precious off of Vulcan and not in the science academy or the katric arc, but it was now seen as fortunate that he had kept it there.

Already, several acres of newly fertile ground had been seeded with various edible plants donated by individuals and groups within the Federation. She smiled slightly, recalling the small patch that contained cuttings and samples from the Enterprise's science division. Their gift had been particularly well-received.

On a whole, the Vulcan colony was thriving now. Large structures were either completed or in various stages of construction. The din of machinery at work had died down quite some time ago. Gazing out, T'Mar could not find a trace of the damage they had suffered. The city's interior and largest buildings stood tall and solid against the orange skies.

She had just visited one such building, the Great Hall. Often she marvelled over the reconstruction there had been on the interior and the massive glass dome-like roof. It was alive and crowded with Vulcans,some working diligently in the many offices, othersappreciating the unique architecture that made New Vulcan truly a home for them all. The latest population figures of the colony reported that their numbers had topped 15 000. Slowly, T'Mar made her way around the center, reading the inscriptions on the memorial abstract statues placed to remember prominent figures who perished during the loss Vulcan in 2257 and the battle of New Vulcan in 2259, along with one for the Vulcan's death itself. Among the names were scientists and leaders T'Par, Sh'Tok, Seppan, T'Varnis, Terrik and Siveak. The newest one, Surok's, was specially put in and inspected by T'Mar and Vallanis. It had to be just right.

Four years, five months and eight days since. Since she had last seen her father still pained her sometimes to think of all he could have accomplished had he lived. All she could have learned from him. We are poorer without you, Father. I am poorer...

The Enterprise had visited once since. She had briefly seen Spock again, but unfortunately it was again not on good circumstances. PonnFarr, a seven year cycle that calls Vulcans back to their home to mate with their betroved, had negatively affected his mind. There was no Vulcan to return to, and sometimes melding was not enough to cure the anguish.

This combined with the stress from the extensive loss that some Vulcans felt was too much for their minds to contain. They had become the sasaud, the Vulcan word for "the lost." Luckily, Kirk and his crew found a way to aid in their recovery. It was only then that she could meet with the crew and exchange pleasantries.

A woman she hadn't seen before among the crew inquired to her and the others about Helios and the project. She was young, bright and incredibly interested in the possibilities surrounding the specifications surrounding it. Quickly, however, she tried to deflect her own interest once she realized that it was difficult to talk about for some given the painful memories that accompanied it. Nonetheless, T'Mar discussed it with her, making it clear that such a device would be best suited as a theoretical model, but not in a useable, functional form. For the safety of everyone, it was best that way.

A small bird landed on the railing of the balcony she leaned against. It began to preen itself, calmly unaware that she stood sighed and stepped back, picking up her tablet computer, and turned to head inside. Just as she reached the door, she paused. There had been a time when she had taken the beauty of her home for granted, as though it would always be there. I know better now. T'Mar returned to her place by the railing. The bird now sat looking out upon the shore, its feathers only slightly ruffled by the cool ocean breeze. I will remain with you a little longer, bird. Some things should not be rushed...

"T'Mar?" Vallanis stood off to the side, asmall brown bowl cupped in her hand. "I am preparing some soup. Would you like some?"

After the attack, Vallanis had elected to stay behind to help her sister, who in turn assisted New Vulcan as a whole. It was her and T'Mar's decision that they should no longer keep apart, being the only members of their immediate family left. So much destruction and loss could only be recovered from by finding relief in the form of the other Vulcans that shared the same grief. Over the years, raw emotion had given way to new hope. It now seemed that the Vulcan people could only become stronger and better from here onward.

"I would." T'Mar answered. How long had it been since she had eaten anything substantial? She had had a light breakfast early that morning before setting off for eye closed as she inhaled the aroma that was filling the air. "One of Mother's recipes?"

"Indeed. Though I do not think it will be as good as hers was." Vallanis leaned against the door. A single strand of her hair blew in the wind.

T'Mar frowned. "It is illogical to believe that two dishes prepared in precisely the same manner will differ that significantly."

"Perhaps," Vallanis agreed. "But some ingredients are less tangible than others."

She thought for a moment. "Yes. Some are." Like maternal care. "I will be with you shortly." T'Mar folded her arms across her chest. The bird had flown off sometime during their conversation.

"We can eat outside. If that pleases you, sister." Vallanis' voice carried a note of understanding.

"I would like that. The atmosphere is pleasant here."Taking a seat, she returned her eyes to the skies. They were so open and free. The shades of pink, violet and blue in the clouds were brilliant.

Taking a seat beside her, Vallanis set down two bowls and spoons on a small flat surface between them. The sounds of the ocean seemed distant. "How is the work progressing with the water diversion?"

"Canals are being dug as we speak. I have found that we are actually ahead of schedule." She raised the spoon of deep orange liquid to her mouth. The warm, spicy soup felt good going down. "Along with the inflow of resources from other Federation member planets, we should be able to expand further in the coming months."

An eyebrow ascended. "You possess nothing but positive news on the colonies growth. Yet you appear distracted, and somewhat dismayed. Why?"

Shutting her eyes and reopening them, T'Mar rejected her mind's first attempt at an answer. "I often consider what it would be like had we not experienced such a major setback. How much farther the Vulcan people would be today had the device not been built. I regret that my success had to come from my losses."

"Sister, you must not hold yourself responsible." The slightly younger Vulcan woman began. "The past years have been traumatizing and difficult for all Vulcans. We now lie on the edge of a new era for our people. We must not look back too much on the difficulties we struggled through."

"We must look forward. You are correct, I do see the wisdom in that." T'Mar sighed, inhaling the salty ocean air. Years of contemplation had brought her to a simple conclusion. Daniels had manipulated the Vulcans into allowing him control, maliciously using their need for assistance. He was the one who activated the device in lieu of the risks, opening the rip. He was responsible for all that took place. It was concise and logical, and what so many had told her. What Starfleet recognized.

Like Nero, Daniels was now infamous to the Vulcans. Yet for a strange reason, T'Mar could not as easily lay blame on the dead commodore as she could on the Romulan. Still inside her she felt some guilt for the happenings. But less than yesterday, less than last month.

The door chimed. Turning simultaneously, both women looked toward the entryway. "Enter." T'Mar called.

Striding in stiffly, Sepak clasped his hands behind his back and moved toward the two other Vulcans, gradually becoming illuminated by the sunset outside the wide balcony's vista. Placing a PADD down on the table between the bowls, he shared a glance with T'Mar.

"I brought the closing reports for the day. Though I believe they can wait." He swallowed softly. "It isn't often I get to appreciate New Vulcan from a view like this." He thoughtfully considered the cityscape.Tomorrow brings a new dawn. And new light. Slowly his hand slid down to his side, fingers reaching into the air until they brushed T'Mar's. The woman's fingers gradually wove between his, tightening in a single clasp. Finally the two shared a look.

Their thoughts were no longer on the sky, but between each other.

...

Stardate 2263.189

USS Enterprise –Marcus' Quarters

"Personal log, Lieutenant Carol Marcus. Spent most of the day slogging through the mud, poking every puddle with a stick. And we weren't looking for samples, either. One of the science teams from yesterday came back missing an instrument kit, and seeing as Traco VI's civilization is about as far from warp drive as we are from Earth, we can't afford to take any chances.

We finally located the items in question not that far from where the shuttle picked us up last night. They didn't appear to have been tampered with. Thankfully. It was nice of the captain to help us search, even though he wasn't a member of the original landing party. When I asked him about it, he said he wanted to "stop Spock's eyebrow from twitching like that". But I noticed no such tic. If I had to guess, I'd say he was the one who was feeling weird about it. Risk of suddenly altering the native's scientific knowledge set , I was hoping that wasn't the only reason..."

That was where Lieutenant Carol Marcus' log stopped. Forgetting all about the open recorder file, the young science officer was now fully immersed in her readings in the ship's computer database. A passing thought about Helios had led to a long, in depth reading of accounts and studies from that fateful day. At the time, she thought, I was blissfully ignorant of all this back on Earth studying...

That she couldn't remember. It didn't really matter. Her life had changed much since then. Memories of her own harrowing adventure involving her joining the crew of the Enterprise, the Vengeance, her father and Khan were long gone. She was on the flagship of the fleet, and on the greatest journey Starfleet had to offer. Five years in deep previously unreached space and planets, encountering new cultures and discovering new things that made any scientist's heart race with excitement.

For now, she used her time off shift to do her own research in the comfortable confines of her own quarters. The reading itself was mostly interesting, almost exciting to study. Sometimes, her face would contort with sadness or disgust at some details she rather wished had been left out, or skimmed over. At times she found Mister Scott's candid opinions accompanying the information to be quiet amusing. It was interesting how even the most direct and analytical approach to describing the Gorn invasion and subsequent ordeals the Enterprise went through recovering it and saving the Vulcans and the Federation could be filled with such emotion.

Returning to reality, Carol pushed herself off her chair and shut down the screen. That would have to wait. If she kept reading anymore, she'd miss dinner.

"Computer, what time is it?" She waited only a second for a response, brushing a blonde lock of hair behind her ear.

"2108 hours."

Goodness. She'd been wrapped in it all for almost two hours. Forget dinner, I might not even get to sleep that night at this rate. Purposely she strode toward the door. The mess hall would be crowded around now. She needed people around. Perhaps Uhura would be there, or Violet, or Zahra...

Quickly putting a jean jacket on over a light shirt, she did a quick check of her room before leaving. As the sliding doors swished open, she started at a smiling face staring back at her. A chuckled escaped the man's lips.

"Captain!" Smiling and shutting her eyes, she remembered that she wasn't on duty. "I mean, James. I'm surprised to see you here." Her cheeks felt hot. Am I blushing?

...

Clad in a t-shirt and cargo pants, James Kirk eyed her curiously. "Hey, Carol. I thought I'd come by, since I was just about to grab a bite." Smiling, Kirk regarded her with a twinkle in his eye."You wanna come?"

"Sure. I was getting hungry myself." Stepping out into the hall, Marcus came up alongside the Captain. The doors behind her slid closed and locked.

"Shall we?" he indicated forward with a hand.

"Lead the way."

Kirk couldn't take his eyes away from the woman that walked almost in step with him. Though he had been with his fair share of women through, Carol was more than a simple relationship. She was becoming a close friend, slowly easing her way into his tight circle that included Spock, Uhura and McCoy. Something about her made him feel different.

Kirk, nodding at a few passing crewmen, broke the silence. "How's your day gone? You know, since our little excursion down on TracoVI? Hopefully things are a little better."

"Yeah, I'm alright." One hand passed over her hair."No harm done, though I did have to spend a good while getting mud and leaves out of my hair."

Again, Kirk grinned. He thought he had smelled a certain scent in her hair."Yeah, that was rough." He held back from smirking at the thought of Carol sliding down the steep embankment and rolling into another officer before coming to a stop in the muck.

Well, he tried to stop himself.

"Hey." She batted his arm. "It wasn't funny." Seeing the Captain's wide grin, she couldn't help but mirror it. "Alright, it was a little funny."

Her shoulder length blonde hair swayed side to side as she straight forward, she bit her bottom lip, considering how to approach the Captain with what she wanted to say. "I have been reading up on the ship's database about the encounter you had with the Gorn, the first one. At New Vulcan?"

Kirk was quite accustomed to the sound of her voice, particularly the unique quality her English accent gave it. "Yeah, that was something else. Doing more investigation into the Helios project?"

"Yes...at first." Stepping into the turbolift, Kirk told the lift which deck to head to, then turned back around to listen to what Carol had to say. "But then I began reading up on the basic details surrounding the tragedy. I wish I had before, because one thing led to another, and I found myself caught up in it for hours. The whole concept of Helios opening rips in space was fascinating, but the incredible lengths you and Mister Spock went through... Needless to say, I found myself quite lost in the adventure."

Her bright blue eyes were lit up with wonder and amazement. Kirk found himself quite lost as well, staring back into them. "It was difficult then, but a lot easier to think about now."He leaned against the wall. "This is good, now we have dinner conversation."

She drew back, eyes half open. "Really. Are you always this charming a dinner guest?"

"You'd be surprised what some of the ambassadors I've met consider appropriate table talk. I could tell you stories that would curl your hair." He reached out and twirled one of her blonde locks playfully.

The doors to the lift slid open, dropping the two people off just outside the mess hall. Quiet music filled the air as they entered into the subdued room. Tables weren't hard to come by, despite the large number of people that filled the area. Some danced, others chatted in large groups around over their meals.

Kirk knew these faces quite well. Lieutenant Commander Morgan Caldwell and his wife Nurse Kayla seemed quite consumed in each other's company. The intelligent young officer made frequent appearances on the bridge, manning a station to Kirk's right, sometimes filling in at Chekov's station. Kayla, on the other hand, Kirk saw often during his many trips to sickbay.

Doctor McCoy sat next to Mister Corwin and Miss Curtis, a distance away. The chief medical officer offered a friendly wave with a drink in one hand. After the day they'd had, Kirk reasoned it was likely he would find McCoy here with everyone else. Hendorff sat tall in his seat with a few friends by the bar. Engineers Jacks, Holland, Doherty, and Stanton worked even during their time off, trying to figure out the next wave of minor malfunctions in the ship's complex inner Operations Technician Okubu leaned on one elbow singing half heartedly at Ensign Amanda Boynton and Medical Tech Tate Finney, much to their amusement. Ensigns Gary, Lin, and Wells tried and failing to get Kai to understand their humour. Kevin Riley made his best attempt to impress Yeoman Rand with his knowledge of the stars and tales of his home in Ireland. Officer Thompson, Ensign Chandra...

Most Captains did not have time to get to know the personnel aboard their ships, due to the fact that either there were so many or the fact that there were so many other things to be responsible for as a starship captain. The chain of command required that a captain maintain his order and control over his crew. Though not stated as a rule among captains, it might as well have been. Still, he tried to become more than just a superior among his crewmen and –women. He wanted to be a friend to them as well. By the looks he received from a few of them, he was doing quite well with that.

Grabbing a chair and pulling it out in a swift motion, Kirk sidestepped to allow Carol to get seated."Thank you," she conveyed with a grin. A moment later, menus were placed on the table by an officer serving as waiter. Though replicators were there to provide any food an officer wished to have, some still preferred on occasion to have real food. There was something intangible that could not be recreated artificially by even the best technology.

Clasping his hands on the table, Kirk seemed to settle himself in his chair in anticipation of the night's discussion. "Well, if you want to talk about Gorn, you've come to the right place. Though I warn you now, some of the details mightput you off the idea of food altogether."

"I'm aware of those details. I was more interested in what wasn't put in there." Her expression became concerned. "That must have been just awful. I mean, the death and destruction the Gorn caused, and you having a front row seat to all of it? I mean, how did Spock take it?"

"We all had it pretty rough." Kirk's eyes cast downward. "I still think about it occasionally. Comes back in dreams, when I least expect it." Taking a sip of his water, Kirk continued. "As for Spock? Not sure how often he thinks about it. He took the reserved approach to it all, but we could tell he was hurting." A brief shadow passed over his eyes. Distant echoing sounds reverberated in the back of his mind.

"Oh my gosh, I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to conjure up all these bad memories." Carol felt very awkward in that moment. Why did I ask that now? This was supposed to be fun...

"No, it's okay." Kirk put up a hand. "I've found it's easier to talk to people about these things."

Both of Carol's hands folded over Kirk's. "You sure you're alright?"

"I don't know if Spock and I, or anyone else who was there, can forget that day. But yes, it's been easier these few years." Noticing the look on Carol's face, he tilted his head forward, his eyes searching for hers. "Hey, listen..." Her head and eyes lifted to his. "Enough about that for now. I promised this would be a good night. You've had enough of a bad day. I do have plenty of very interesting stories surrounding that time as well. For instance, do you know that Bones is a very good shot? Spock knows that fact all too well."

Both of Carol's eyebrows rose. "Leonard shot Spock? That actually happened? So then Spock really was attacking you on that planet!"

"I admit I lost, but I did hold my own." Kirk's chin lifted, feigning pride.

"I'll bet you did."

"No, really! And when those waves of Gorn came at us, it was just me and him. I felt like I was in a warzone." Kirk pointed to an item on the menu, and Carol dismissively agreed upon the same choice. "Then there was the planet, and of course the shuttle escape from the exploding station. Where should I begin?"

Smiling, Carol looked directly back at her dinner date. "The beginning. I've got lots of time."

"Helios-1, the station, was falling out of orbit and losing power. In hours, it would be consumed by the sun because the station's only protection, a solar shield, was failing. We had just gotten the crew beamed off when the whole thing began to explode! Luckily, when Spock, T'Mar and I were sent out into space, we had our helmets on. It was all I could, running like heck from the debris and fire to keep up with the others. Just when we were running out of space, Sulu comes swooping in, snatching us out of there and rushing us back to the Enterprise in time! And then, when we started to relax, being safely aboard, that's when Chekov made us aware of the rip. That's when things got really interesting..."

For a long time, their food was forgotten. Laughter and smiles were exchanged between the two as the discussed further the harrowing adventure. It was almost after midnight before they finally noticed that the room had cleared and the night was over. Escorting her back to her quarters, Kirk fought the early signs of exhaustion. With a hug, they parted ways.

Kirk wanted to stay a little longer, wanted to see her flash that pretty smile again. His wide grin gave way to a yawn as exhaustion from his long day caught up with him. Grab a few hours of sleep, a little bacon and eggs, and right back to the bridge, bright and early. He'd see more of Carol, too. Kirk couldn't wait. Blinking several times, he headed down the corridor, sleepily nodding at the salutes of passing officers.

Carol watched his progress down the hall a moment longer before slipping into her room. She would have to make a note to herself to spend more evenings like this.

...

Kirk still felt anticipation every time he walked onto the bridge. Professionally composed, he stopped short of the doors a moment before walking in.

"Keptin on the bridge!" Years of duty had not changed Chekov's youthful enthusiasm either. Sulu turned as well, moving his attention temporarily away from the controls. All eyes on the bridge locked onto the Captain, most eager to get the day underway. Smiling, took in the moment before stepping toward his chair.

"At ease." As he passed Marcus' station, he stopped briefly. "New day, new adventures. I hear we've got a lot to expect when we arrive in the next system. Science team prepared?"

Carol looked up from her display, brushing a lock of hair from her eyes. "You know me. Ready for anything." The two exchanged a look that went unnoticed by everyone except Uhura. After looking between the two of them, she quietly smiled and pivoted her chair back toward the station, her thoughts her own.

"All scans complete, sir." Sulu said, tapping a few pertinent controls and then facing the Captain. "Ship's prepared to leave orbit. Ready when you are."

"Mister Scott gives the all clear from engineering." Uhura added, giving him the thumbs-up. "All departments reporting the same."

Nodding, Kirk leaned to one side, clicking the comm pickup."Scotty, have the repairs finished?"

"Aye sir, she's good to go." Scott put his hands on his hips, eyeing around the core as its crew moved around monitoring every intricate detail. Keenser handed Scott a PADD. "Dilithium chamber efficiency is at a higher rate than I previously thought possible, and might I add we're ahead of schedule?"

Kirk chuckled. "That'll be a first."

The engineer 's face took on a sour look. "Begging your pardon, sir, but she's a big bloody starship, not a wristwatch." He kept up the pretence of pouting for another few seconds before breaking into a small smile.

Kirk sat back, hands behind his head. "Yeah, I know, Scotty. Wasn't blaming you. Why don't you get a head start on one of your 'special projects'?"

"I might just do that. You should see what I've been cooking up lately. It's a doozy."

As Kirk stood, he turned off the comm, only to notice Spock and McCoy standing on either side. The Vulcan looked up from the PADD he had been studying. "Captain," he nodded, passing the handheld device to Kirk. "These are science team's preliminary findings on the Hallcan Bregorious system. There are eight planets, including two gas giants and six composed of rock cores. Long range scans of the asteroid field revealed an unusual stellar formation, along with a spurious signal of unknown origin."

Clapping a hand on Spock's shoulder, Kirk glanced down it, scrolling through the information. "Unknown signals and weird stars? Sounds intriguing..."

Spock's eyebrow rose. "I thought you would find it compelling, Captain. I am anticipating our arrival."

"And an M-class world?"

Spock looked out toward the viewscreen. "That planet, in fact, is projected to be in possession of quite a wide variety of life."

Kirk grinned. "Huh, well Bones, it looks like we might have to check that out..."

A chuckle rolled out of McCoy. "As long as we don't have to deal with spear-throwing natives or packs of hungry carnivores, I just might take you up on that."

"Well, on that note, we shouldn't waste any time." Lowering into his Captain's chair, Kirk sat proud and tall gripping the arm rests. "Mister Sulu, take us out."

"Coordinates laid in. We're clear of the planet's atmosphere."

"Punch it."