STAR TREK, THE ORIGINAL SERIES
"Return To Paradise"
by J. B. Tilton
email: K
Disclaimer: Star Trek" and all related characters and events are the sole property of Paramount Pictures, Inc., except for those specifically created by me for this story. This is fan fiction and no infringement of copyright is intended.
After receiving a mysterious signal using his own command codes, Jim Kirk is summoned back to the planet that has always held bitter sweet memories for him. The planet where he spent two months married to Mirimani
Captain's Log, Stardate 12,766.9 - Star Fleet has intercepted a radio message from a planet designated as LS-271 and has dispatched the Enterprise to investigate. The message used a command code reserved for star ship captain's and has informed me that the specific code is my own. Furthermore, the planet is not supposed to have a culture capable of producing even the most rudimentary radio, let alone a sub-space frequency.
I am apprehensive about returning to this planet. It was there on Stardate 4842.6 that I experienced one of the happiest, and saddest, times of my life. For two months I had no cares or worries except for my wife, Miramani. For that brief time I experienced happiness that I never thought was possible.
But Miramani's death, and the death of our unborn child, brought that happiness to an end. I have thought of her many times over the years. And wondered what our life would have been like had we been able to live it out together.
Now, a haunting transmission is carrying me back to that wonderful and horrible place. I hope that my feelings for what happened there eight years ago will allow me to act objectively during this mission. If I become too involved or subjective, I may have to temporarily turn command over to Mr. Spock.
ONE
Dr. McCoy entered James Kirk's quarters. They would be at the planet shortly and Jim had asked McCoy to come for - as he put it - "a small chat."
"Jim," said McCoy. "Mr. Kyle tells me that we'll be at the planet in about fifteen minutes."
"Thanks, Bones," he responded, the familiar nickname comforting him for a moment. "I don't need to tell you how painful this might be. Returning to such a personal place. I remember how I felt at my father's funeral. I'm feeling many of the same things now."
"Funny how planets seem to hold death for people like us," said Bones. "As I recall, though, your father's funeral helped you to resolve some conflicts you had harbored for too many years. Maybe it will be the same here."
"I don't know, Bones," said Jim. "For eight years I've had the Enterprise and our missions to cushion the memory of what happened there. Now, returning to the scene of the crime, as it were, I'm not sure I'll be up to it."
"Oh, I think you will," said Bones. "Don't get me wrong. I know it's going to be painful for you. But you're a strong individual. I've seen you stand up under stress and pressure that would have made other men crumble.
"The human mind is a funny thing, Jim. It has the ability to filter out the bad experiences, making them seem less real, less substantial. We seem to remember the good experiences over the evil ones.
"You never really did say goodbye to her, you know. We left almost as soon as it was all over. Then the Prime Directive put LS-271 off limits because of the civilization that was already there. Maybe now you can finally say that goodbye and put an end to it."
"I hope so, Bones," said Jim. "The last eight years have been hard. Sometimes I wake up in the night and find myself reaching out to Miramani. Then the realization of what happened floods back."
"Well," said Bones, placing his hand on Jim's shoulder, "it might be rough at first, but I think you'll come through it okay. And if you ever need to talk about it, you know I'm always available."
"Thanks, Bones," said Jim.
"Bridge to Captain Kirk," Mr. Kyle's crackled voice over the intercom. "We've arrived at the planet. Mr. Spock has ordered standard orbit."
"Thank you, Mr. Kyle," responded Kirk. "Have Mr. Spock, Lieutenant Commander Chekhov, and two security men meet me in transporter room 2 in ten minutes."
Jim stood up and picked up his personal communicator and hand phaser. He turned to his old friend, grateful for his presence.
"Come along, doctor," he said, forcing a smile. "Let's see if your psychology is still as good as it used to be."
Together the two men moved to the transporter room to begin one of the most painful missions of Jim Kirk's life.