I started this story last year. I had done the very thing that I loathed. I left it unfinished. There was several incongruent timelines that needed to be fixed. I have now finished and beg forgiveness for my lax in following through. Please enjoy….

Chapter 1

Captain's Log 2712.5 supplemental. We are returning from Exo III in route to Starbase 11, where we will pick up supplies and new crew members. I have had the sad duty of informing Lt. Matthews's parents of their son's untimely death. These are the aspects of a captain's duty that I wish I could leave to someone else but then again Lt Matthews was under my command, his safety was my responsibility, and his death was on my conscious to bear alone. A loss of a crew member is always one the perils of being in space. On a lighter note we will be saying farewell to Nurse Christine Chapel, a fine example of Starfleet valor, to begin the next chapter of her life at Starfleet Medical training. We wish her well.

…..Nurse Chapel was leaving to attend medical school. She had already told her closest friends and Dr. McCoy had informed the medical staff. She asked the captain not to tell anyone else, and that it was strictly on a need to know basis. After the crippling embarrassment of acknowledgment of her love for Mr. Spock, and the recent discovery of Roger Korby's fate, her main reason for being on the Enterprise was gone. It was only inevitable that she would be leaving. She couldn't take the stares from those around her, the silent snickering, and sudden stops of conversation whenever she walked into the room. Yes there were rumors, but the hardest part was that Mr. Spock completely avoided her. Their professional relationship had been strained past the breaking point. Even though they were one of the best research teams that Starfleet had, publishing many accomplishments between them, Spock's actions around her clearly revealed his discomfort and that threatened the viability of any normal conversations between them. They just couldn't work together anymore. Kirk had tried to talk to both them together and separately, to assure them that he would not allow the crew to continue to disrupt his dynamic duo in research, but his efforts were to no avail. Now he would not only be acquiring a new head nurse but he also knew that any replacement would not staunch the flow of melancholy from his CMO and close friend... Dr McCoy depended on Christine Chapel as his efficient head nurse, confidant, and friend.

"Damn it Jim, I'm glad she is finally getting off this boat to return back to school. Always did tell her that staying here was a waste of talent. Humph, she was already working in the capacity of a physician in many ways…"

McCoy swaggered back and forth across sickbay, trying to talk himself into the fact that this was a good thing. On his sixth pass in front of the Captain he stopped, shifted his stance, waggling his finger at the captain, continuing his tirade. "I'll tell you, she's top notch; that she is." And continuing on a few more steps, he then abruptly stopped and turned to face Kirk. His face fell as he looked around. "Jim, what am I going to do without her?"

"You'll manage Bones. You always do." He flashed McCoy a confident smile, giving him a firm pat on the back. "She will be missed and I'm sure the new …."

"Bridge to Captain Kirk."

Walking over the intercom, Kirk eyed a sullen McCoy wistfully looking at a duty roster that soon would be absent one name.

"Kirk here, go ahead Mr. Spock."

"Approaching Star base 11 Captain; we will arrive in 45 point 9 minutes. I have sent authentication codes for supply requisitions and beaming coordinates to the Dock Master."

"Very well, Mr. Spock, on my way….Kirk out."

As the exec officer, Spock was aware of every name, duty assignment, relevant background, education and any pertinent information of every officer assigned to the Enterprise. He also knew who was transferring and where, retiring or resigning their commission. He would approve or deny any and all requests for normal crew members, but senior staff fell to the Captain, and medical staff to the CMO. He would only need to log crew changes. And because of that, he would not have to meet with Christine Chapel... for which he felt relief. As soon as the thought had permeated his consciousness he quickly chastised himself for having an emotional response to her leaving. It is not logical to be relieved or dismayed; she is a crewmember leaving to advance her career. Starfleet wound not be remiss in their selection of a qualified replacement aboard the flagship of the Federation…

Spock found that this logical recourse did not validate his thoughts.

…But what if Jim accepted promotion and left the Enterprise?... You would acknowledge a profound loss,… but that is because I am close to the Captain. The cause would be sufficient. I must be letting my human side slip. Yes, a few nights of lengthy meditation will be needed.

The three friends embraced each other one last time simultaneously wiping at tear stained cheeks while laughing away the sadness at the departure of their friend. They would miss her dearly but were happy to see her grasping her dreams. The captain had allowed for Uhura and Janice Rand to take the morning off to visit with Christine. And since both women where due back on duty immediately, they were now leaving, Uhura's eyes still glistened as she turned one last time to smile at her friend of so many years. Christine had asked if they wouldn't mind saying goodbye in her now barren quarters. She didn't want the stress of trying to remain calm and not break down in the transporter room front of everyone. Or in front of him….her mind having already played out all the variations of a normally commonplace interaction if he were to come to the transporter room.

Crew members have been saying goodbye as long as there have been military or scientific missions... why should this be any different? Why shouldn't I be able to have my friends with me for my final farewell?

Christine chastised herself for the millionth time since first gazing into those deep fathomless eyes.

"Just stop it Christine, he probably won't even be in transporter room, won't be thinking about going to the transporter room, and won't even be thinking about you."

Her heart fell. She wasn't sure which hurt more, her unrequited love for the tall, dark, brooding first officer or the fact that she was imprisoned to that love, unable to break free and welcome another's interest. With her last bag in hand she made her final walk down the corridor to begin a new life, picking up where she had left off many years ago; before Mr. Spock, before Starfleet, and before Roger Korby. The swish of the opening doors greeted her. She stood at the entrance to the transporter room as chief engineer Mr. Scott came striding out embracing an anti-grav unit which carried a strange metal cylinder. Scott was beaming as he directed the unit which no doubt was a coveted addition to his beloved 'bairns', pushing it along as if he was out on a stroll with a baby carriage ready to show off his new addition to any crewmember who even glanced his way.

"Aye lassie, ye be taking leave of us now? Tis a sad day indeed. We will be missin ye kind smile in sickbay. Aye, gonna be a fine doctor, lass."

"I'll miss you Scotty and thank you for everything," as she whisked him into an impromptu hug, planting a quick kiss on his check. "Take care Mr. Scott."

Still blushing, he softly smiled, "And yea as well lass, and ye as well."

Turning she entered the room ready to beam down. Standing there with bright eyes was her long time friend and mentor, Dr. Leonard McCoy. Standing next to him, Captain Kirk was beaming with his incredibility good looking boyish grin. 'Hmm, wondered why I never fell for him. Incredibly good looking, strong, and …..yes, Christine, just as unavailable, you just can't seem to be interested in a normal man?' she thought giggling to herself.

"Leonard, Captain..." Chris started with a huge smile on her face, her rehearsed departure speech vanished as her peripheral vision picked up a presence behind the control panel. While she knew it wasn't Mr. Kyle or any transporter personnel she knew, only the presence summoned her attention, drew her consciousness to it before she was cognizant of the action or the mysterious persona. As her eyes slowly shifted to that direction they widened as her smile morphed in to an astonished expression. "Mr. Spock!" escaped her mouth before she could reign in the treacherous proclamation. One elegant eyebrow rose in its admission of amusement to the obvious unplanned outburst.

"Uh, ahem…didn't expect you to be here. 'Oh great Chris you sure know how to put your foot in your mouth ,"I mean, I'd thought that…", 'shit, just shut up.' At that point McCoy who was happily rocking back on his heels and grinning like a Cheshire cat as his head nurse desperately attempted to backpedal out of her emotional response. He decided that he would bail her out of the pit of embarrassment that she was quickly sliding into.

"It's about time you came to your damn senses girl and stopped taking crap from me. I know you will do me proud kiddo, you hear me?"

"Oh Leonard, I will and thank you for everything" …with that she wrapped her arms around him. "I'll miss you terribly"... a small sniff escaped as she buried her face in his shoulder. With controlled dignity she pulled back but remained a gentle grip on his forearms. She smiled and graciously leaned forward and kissed him on the cheek. McCoy's eyes were bright the unshed but looming tears. With that Christine address captain Kirk with respect and formality. "Captain, request permission to relinquish all responsibility as head nurse of the USS Enterprise and to beam over to Starbase 11 to commence with training. The statement was just formality and time honored courtesy repeated over centuries, probably born out necessity for emotional composure during these times.

"Granted Ms. Chapel, I wish you all the best. Your sensitivity to patients' needs and your unswerving professionalism has been instrumental to the well being of the crew."

Blushing, she managed a shy, "Thank you Captain, it has been a pleasure and honor to serve with you"

"The pleasure is mine, Miss Chapel." With that he extended his hand. Christine returned the gesture, relaxed, and smiled. However, for the umpteenth time she was second guessing herself. She knew that her reticence in leaving was only because of her deeply engraved sense of duty to the Enterprise, the friendships that had been forged in her heart, and the gratitude for the healing support her crewmates had given her when she had joined the Enterprise on a desperate attempt to find her missing fiancé. That same support that had been carrying her through these last few weeks as she walked in a fog with the knowledge that Roger was gone. She wasn't sure why she hadn't fallen apart at the discovery of Roger Korby's fate. He was the sole reason she was on the Enterprise. For three long years she wondered what had happened to him and how she would be able to find him. These last two years after securing a position on a deep space mission had given her hope but those hopes had all come crashing down three weeks ago. Still emotionally bereft, she felt buoyancy in the raging sea of chaos. It was like she could see her grief and overwhelming guilt but it could not reach inside her where it could tear her apart. A wall seemed to be erected around her. Feeling the immensity of unrealized emotions, she noticed that she was holding her breath.

"Ok Chris you know the stages of grief, you are in shock. Don't analyze it, just flow with it."

She knew that the guilt that she felt was because Roger wasn't the only one in her heart. She slowly turned to face the one whom shared that place in her heart, the place that had grown as time continued. As her face composed itself in the most Vulcan-like manner, she raised in hand in the traditional ta'al.

"Dif-tor heh smusa, Spock"

The eyebrow struggled against its captor, failing and rising high, declaring astonishment at the flawless Vulcan that Christine spoke. Without a pause his gesture matched hers.

"Mene Sakkhet ur-seveh"

As their eyes met, Christine sensed something else being conveyed in the Vulcan salutation, almost like an apology. "Sheesh Chris, your last encounter with him and you just can't help yourself from trying to read something into it'... Inwardly she sighed and climbed up the steps and stood on the pad. With one last look at the three she nodded to Spock.

"Energizing," was the last words she would hear him speak as her heart began to break.

And with that she was gone. Silence permeated the room. McCoy mused to himself how he was going to run sickbay without Christine. How would the crew react to a new Head Nurse? What kind of person was the new nurse going to be? Would she do all the duties that Christine did even though it wasn't her job? As if in answering, Mr. Spock drew him out of his inward musings.

"New ship personnel ready for beam over, Captain. A Mr. Nathan Borrack, security officer, and new Head Nurse, Miss Maxine Platt"

"Proceed Mr. Spock"

McCoy's brows drew together in consternation at Spock revelation of the names of the new crewmembers...actually one in particular...'No way, it can't be the same person.'

Two shimmering forms coalesced into the new crewmembers. A tall, muscular young man stood rigidly at attention. Immediately he spoke, actually yelled with military prowess, and authority...
"SIR! LIEUTENANT NATHAN BORRACK, REQUESTING PERMISSION TO COME ABOARD, SIR!"

Kirk wryly smiled, remember how in his academy days, commanding officers were quick to jump on any cadet that didn't respond in the ultra clipped tone that subordinates carefully maintained. McCoy just winced wondering how a person maintained their humanity while carrying on in such a machinist fashion.

"At ease lieutenant, and welcome aboard..." turning to the other new crewmember, Kirk noticed she didn't seem intimidated or even interested for that matter. Middle aged, stout, and not one for cosmetic adornment, she reminded him of a certain caretaker he had known in his youth. The other kids were scared to get close to her yard, for fear that she would come out after them with her broom threatening them. He would stand at the end of her drive and pretend that he did have a care or worry about her.

" I take it you are our new Head Nurse, Miss Platt?" after her nod he continued," I would like to introduce you to our Chief Medical Officer, Dr Leonard McCoy."

At this point McCoy knew it was the same person he had met last year at a medical briefing at Star Base 4. He only hoped her reputation was a misconstrued opinion that got circulated. Miss Platt had been with Starfleet for only 2 years. While she had good credentials, she was an enigma. She was not seen in social circles except for mandatory attendances, and despite the fact that she virtually had no friends or family, she did not seek out the company of others. She had started out at Starfleet Headquarters in San Francisco under Admiral Borsch. Because of Admiral Borsch's brusque manner and no tolerance for pleasantries, all the other nurses and doctors for that matter eventually transferred or left to do other things. Maxine thrived on the Admiral's dismal attitude. In fact, whatever natural good natured attributes that she might have possessed quickly disappeared. Admiral Borsch was known for his no nonsense approach to diplomacy which was unparallel to every species, save the Vulcans, and his brilliance in military tactics had saved Earth from war several times during his early days; however, he was soon to retire. Borsch's successor Admiral Hamilton had brought in his own staff, but kept Maxine. However that is when things had become tumultuous. Used to sterile conversations and little interaction Platt did not blend in. In fact she had alienated herself from almost all of the staff. Hamilton himself was having difficulty tolerating her caustic behavior. However, she was flawless in her job, more than able to multi-task, but had no predilection for such niceties associated with the nursing field. She was without warmth and empathy, making the Vulcans seem downright jovial. Where Vulcans were devoid of emotion, their demeanor was neutral. Hers screamed inflexible callousness, indifference to the vulnerable patients who were suffering and afraid. Jokes about her studying nursing under the Klingons were standard fare around Headquarters. In fact most Klingons would find her standard of care similar to their preference. After about a year, Hamilton transferred to Star Base 16 to oversee the peace initiatives with the Maldarins and to sooth tensions over treaty disputes with the Andorians. A natural diplomat, Hamilton had tolerated Platt for as long as he could, but a dwindling staff and lack of recruits had left him tired and the transfer seemed to be a Godsend. He took most of his staff, with a few exceptions, leaving Platt at Nogura's doorstep. After a few different assignments, Nogura's staff was on the edge of mutiny. Ever the 'don't get mad at Kirk...get even', Nogura discovered that the upcoming departure of Christine Chapel was the perfect opportunity to deliver his most potent payback ever. For the last week Admiral Nogura had a spring in his step and a sly smile on his face. Juxtaposition to the ever severe admiral, those around him wondered who the unlucky recipient of his wrath was, or what he had done.