Three Steps Behind
I'd always been three steps behind. Behind him, always at his back, always watching, always following.
Best in the fleet.
Half-breed.
First officer.
Science officer.
Rebel to tradition.
The one who disrespects the order of the universe, of laws, of natural facts.
Because nothing less has ever been asked of me.
Because nothing less would ever be asked of me.
Three steps behind, a broad back, shorter than mine, but stronger in look and ability.
To push himself beyond his limits, to take the blame, the pain.
"While your second attacks, you watch for weakness."
How true. It is my reason.
Protect, probe, search, report.
Guard.
Three steps behind, watching for anything flanking, anyone plotting.
It was what we all did, the ones who were in my position. Guard the chair. Never let them come to harm. Go first, find the trap, dispel it or fall unto it for the sake of their safety. Run the ship, keep the peace, let the chair do what is required. Let them do what is so much harder than should ever be asked of anyone.
Never add to the weight on their shoulders.
Three steps behind, always there, watching and guarding, it is my place.
But sometimes, he would turn and smile from three steps ahead,
And invite me to walk byhis side.
And I walk beside the star that is James Tiberius Kirk.