The Other Side of Paradise
by Rob Morris

As Lt. Uhura put her station back together, she once again felt the eyes of the Captain upon her-or, more accurately, upon her work. It was quite disturbing. She finally spoke up.

"Captain, I appreciate you wanting to learn about how my board works, really. But I feel as though you're judging my function here, even though I know better."

Kirk's features became soft, and he spoke in a syrupy voice similar to the one Uhura herself used when under the influence of the Omicron Ceti 3 spores. It was that influence that caused her to sabotage her board, which now needed repair.

"But--Uhura--I just want to learn all about the ships' systems. You'll come to understand that--in time."

As he left for Engineering, Uhura heard Kirk's words run right down her spine.

"I have to concede, that was a really annoying voice I used. Yeesh!"

In Engineering, Kirk walked up to crewmen Riley, Kyle, and Taylor.

"Gentlemen. When your shifts are done, help coordinate the colonists from Omicron Ceti 3 with their volunteer chores."

Kyle looked somewhat taken aback.

"But, sir, that's an awful lot of extra work."

Kirk's face grew blank, imitating the faces in the line to the transporter room after the spores infected the crew.

"Well, yes, Mister, I guess that is mutin-I mean an awful lot of extra work, isn't it?"

Kirk left, and the three talked.

"He's ticked."

"Oh, Yeah!"

"He's scary."

Called to McCoy's office, Captain Kirk sat down, and let his old friend speak.

"Jim, I've been getting complaints from all over the ship. Now, mutiny is an irritant, and I know how we all acted under the spores' influence. But I'm suggesting you take a few days off, to calm down a bit. Otherwise, I may be forced to temporarily relieve you of Command."

Kirk looked at his CMO, and smiled a friendly smile. When he spoke, it was in a savagely bad imitation of the Southern accent McCoy sometimes sported.

"Now, Doctor! Why would a fine Country Gentleman Like Yourself want to go and do a thing like that to me for? I declare!"

Bones' voice grew weak. Jim really was scary right then.

"Sor-sorry, Captain. Se-see you later!"

As Jim left, Spock emerged from his observation point.

"You see what I mean, Spock? He's scaring the whole ship. Don't tell me he doesn't frighten you."

Spock shrugged.

"No, Doctor, he does not. After all, The Captain has already punched me."