You guys... You all are just awesome. The feedback I've been getting on "Reach For The Stars" is just amazing. For Chapter 40, I got 2,000 hits in two days and eleven reviews.

So, as promised, here is the first installment of "Skies On Fire". Thank you very much to Amodestpoet, my beta. And, of course, thank you JJ Abrams for doing the Star Trek franchise justice. I just saw "Into Darkness", and am very satisfied.

Read and enjoy!

"I still can't believe it."

"Oh, will you stop it?"

"Seriously, though! You'd have thought it was my turn, all things considering."

Nia just shook her head. "Wena, you are so ridiculous."

Her friend just rolled her eyes. "When do think you will start telling people? Kirk is going to flip."

Shrugging, Nia replied, "Soon, maybe. The Enterprise or some other starship will have a mission to NiPila soon, and then I'll be able to start planning."

"I thought your mother already started planning?" Wena asked, frowning.

Nia grabbed the pillow off the couch under her head and muffled the groan that escaped her lips. Drella had been the very first person Nia told of the new development between her and Spock, before even Wena. Upon hearing the news the woman had let out a noise reminiscent to a tea kettle and bolted out of the room to inform Nia's father. Nia had been left talking to an empty room for several minutes until her father appeared on the screen. Her mother had left the house in order to begin planning for the reception.

Pulling the pillow from her face, Nia exclaimed, "We haven't even talked about a wedding, nevermind decided on having a traditional Paladian wedding over a traditional Vulcan wedding."

Wena patted her shoulder comfortingly. "Sweetie, I think that's already been decided for you. Spock's just going to have to be happy with it."

Knowing her friend was right, Nia folded the pillow back over her face.

"What is a traditional Vulcan wedding, anyways?"

Nia lifted her hands in a flailing gesture that Wena instantly understood.

"Right, you haven't talked about it."

Nia gave her two thumbs up. Exactly.

"You know what else I can't believe?" Wena suddenly asked, still watching the flickering newsfeed in front of her.

"That we are back on Earth?" Nia guessed.

"Yeah. It seems easy to forget that we've only been back for six hours, and yet it's been almost three years for me. Three years since I've stepped foot on my home planet," Wena shook her head in amazement.

Nia just sighed. "Just be glad I kept the spare bedroom, instead of turning it into an office. Otherwise you'd be getting reacquainted with Earth's streets better than you'd like – ow!" Nia yelped. "Give me back my pillow! Come on, you know the armrest isn't comfortable without it! Give it!"

"Careful, you're starting to sound like a whining Terran child," Wena warned, deftly holding the pillow out of the Paladian's reach.

Maturity was strong in Nia as she stuck her tongue out at the green-eyed woman. "Will you please go away and let me sleep for at least an hour? I'm tired. It's summer and it's hot outside."

With a wince, Wena handed back the pillow. Her friend really did need to sleep, and she was right. It was uncharacteristically warm in the city of San Francisco and the Paladian had forgone an injection for forcing her body to get used to the heat on its own. In order to speed up the process, Nia was trying to sleep. It was the best way to get used to changing temperatures.

"Alright, I'll let you get a nap. I'll wake you up in time for dinner, ok?" Wena offered.

"Sounds good to me," was the sleepy response.

Wena nodded and head to the guest room to lie down for a little while and catch up on the news she'd missed while on Palad. After all, it was hard to hear which celebrities did what when one is worlds away.

STSTST

Admiral Pike ran a hand through his hair and over his face before he leaned forward to read through the data on the PADD in front of him again. He glanced up at the two men patiently waiting for him to speak. "Do you either of you have any idea what this could mean? Was Dr. Sargent able to decipher any of this?"

Captain Kirk shook his head. "No, sir. Dr. Sargent stated that her specialty was biology, and while she could understand some of the information in that document, she wasn't able to figure out the significance of the information it contains."

"And you, Commander? I find it surprising that you don't know what this is." Pike turned to look at the half-Vulcan.

Spock stated, "Same as Dr. Sargent, I am unable to ascertain the significance of the data. While detailed calculations are present, explanations and context is missing."

Pike sighed. "Alright, well we'll be questioning Mig about it. I doubt he knows anything, but it would be best to find out. Nikolai has already told you all he knows, but he'll be questioned too."

Kirk nodded. "Yes sir, we are aware."

"Then you are also aware that without hard proof, we won't be able to do anything about Narsow?"

The younger man shifted uncomfortably. "Yes, sir. I am aware of that also." The cleared his throat. "The Enterprise is prepared to leave for Palad at your earliest notice."

The former captain chuckled wryly and nodded. "To bring them the fungus of course." All three men knew that that was only the surface reason. A good reason, but not the only reason. Fixing the planet would only do so much good. They needed to find out why Narsow was sabotaging his home world and then find a way to stop him. Otherwise it won't be a fast acting parasite that forces the Paladians to recolonize. It will be something worse.

"The Science Department of the Enterprise has endeavored to produce as large a colony of the modified noose fungus as possible. By the time the Enterprise arrives at Palad, a large enough sample will have been produced and the Paladians will be able to test and treat multiple areas of their planet at once," Spock informed the admiral.

"So now you have a reason to travel to Palad. I'm going to deny your request to bring Dr. Verde onboard, however. Starfleet Regulations demand that she be placed into protective custody." Pike sighed. "How long will it take you to get to Palad?"

"Three weeks at Warp 4," Spock replied.

"Make it two weeks, and leave in three days," Pike ordered.

"Three days, sir?"

"Kirk, I know you are prepared to leave in under a day, but you and several of your crew need to bear witness at the trial for the spy, Mig, and the attempted hijacking of a starship perpetrated by Nikolai and his crew," Pike informed them. "Also, we need to officially settle the matter of the Enterprise firing upon the Excalibur. I understand it was in defense of Dr. Sargent and of Nikolai's testimony, as does most of the admiralty, but we still have to have a formal hearing. It shouldn't take long, considering the Excalibur isn't due to return for another week, and Captain Meyers won't be present to demand your head."

"How did that happen?" Kirk asked, a bit baffled.

It wasn't often the Pike got the opportunity to smirk at the younger man. Today was one of those rare days, and Pike grabbed a hold of his chance. He smirked at Kirk and told the frowning man, "The Excalibur received an urgent mission of a highly classified nature."

Getting the message, Kirk grinned, "Right…" He drew the word out, making it clear that he knew the real story.

Spock raised an eyebrow at the odd action, but said nothing.

"You'll have to speak with someone on Palad to find out the significance of this research on Rolium. Sargent said it was a common material?" Pike looked to Spock for the answer.

"Affirmative," Spock answered. "However, if I may, Admiral, I believe I know of someone who may be able to help us."

Interested, the admiral leaned back in surprise. "Oh really? Who?"

STSTST

The knock at the door startled Nia from her sleep. With a creak in her joints, she untangled herself from the couch cushions and stumbled to the door. She opened to door to see Spock standing on her doorstep.

All sleep was yanked from her mind.

She ushered him inside and shut the door behind him. "Hey, I'm so sorry. Give me just a moment and I'll be ready."

Without giving him time to answer, she spun on one heel and bolted from the room. Passing the guest bedroom on the way to her own, Nia slammed the door open. "Wena! Get up! You were supposed to wake me, you lazy bones!"

"Wha-?" Came the garbled reply as the bleary eyed brunette rolled over to check the clock. "Oh crap! My bad!"

Nia snorted. "Yeah, Spock's already here, so get a move on." Nia didn't even wait to make sure her friend got out of bed before she was moving.

So much for doing her hair tonight. She'll have to settle for something simple, both hairstyle and outfit. Spock already knew what she was like; she didn't really need to impress him.

Sighing, Nia yanked on the first unwrinkled outfit she found, glad that it still fit and smelled fresh. Musty old clothes were something she didn't have time for. Literally. Snatching up the first pair of shoes she found, the Paladian hurriedly stuffed her long toes into them and headed for the living room.

"Who all are meeting us tonight?" Nia asked the Vulcan patiently waiting in the living room.

"The captain, Dr. McCoy, and Admiral Pike confirmed their attendance. However, some of the bridge crew expressed an interest in joining us," Spock informed her.

Nia smiled. "Oh really? That's nice. I expected them all to use this opportunity to visit with their families." She stepped close to him as she fixed the last clip in the hair behind her ear.

His movements quick and efficient, the man plucked the clip from her fumbling fingers and slid it into place. Heat rose in her face as Nia held very still. Spock spoke quietly as he stepped away.

"Many of the crew are doing as you expect. Due to recent events and the short time the Enterprise will be docked, the bridge crew and others will be forced to remain at Starfleet Command."

Understanding, Nia nodded. "Right, the trials and the hearing. I'd forgotten." Then she frowned. "Wait, short time the Enterprise will be docked? Will the trials be happening that quickly?"

He nodded. "A high priority has been placed on sending the fungus to Palad. As the leading scientist, you will also be sent to Palad."

"And I have to bear witness at the trials, and since others from the Enterprise do too, might as well send me out on it, instead of packing me and the fungus on another ship. Makes sense to me, I suppose," Nia said.

Finally, Wena joined the pair in the living room. "Alright, I'm ready," she announced. "Let's go find out if this place is as good as Kirk insists."

"Sounds like a plan to me," Nia agreed with a grin and turned to Spock.

With a jerk of his head, he led the women out to the hovercar.

STSTST

"Ok, Kirk. You've impressed me. This place does have excellent fries," Wena said, waving a fry in emphasis before biting it in half.

Kirk just grinned at her. "I told you. Great beer too."

Chuckling, Nia joined in, "That I can agree with." She took a sip of the wheat beer in her hand. Tonight was a little bit of a celebration. The very thing she and her late husband had been working on for so long was coming to an end.

And a successful end, at that.

So, one high calorie beer raised in toast to the ending of this chapter of her life seemed appropriate.

Almost all of the others had joined her, except of course, for Spock. When asked why, he responded, "Alcohol does not affect my Vulcan physique and imbibing would be wasteful."

McCoy had rolled his eyes and Wena had dug her elbow into his ribs in response, but even the grumpy surgeon grudgingly understood. Why spend the money?

A strange pop song began to filter through the speakers and the entire table groaned.

"I'll be right back," Kirk firmly stated as he pushed himself up from the table.

Wena whooped. "Captain Kirk, to save the day! Well, night."

Nia and the admiral just chuckled.

In Kirk's absence, Pike shifted into the now empty seat. "So, Spock. I've been hearing some interesting things through the grapevine about yourself and our little Paladian here."

Nia froze with her glass in midair.

Spock just inclined his head and said, "There have been developments. However, I admit I am curious as to what you have heard."

The smirk that spread across the older man's face was one that Nia had only before seen on Kirk and it made her worried. Very worried.

"Well, I heard all about Nia's exploits on the ship. Particularly how she was playing you for a young man by the name of Matt," Pike told him.

Nia groaned, feeling her face burn even as she covered it with her hands. "How many people know about that?" She kicked her best friend when Wena started to shake the table with her laughter. "It's not funny."

"Yeah it is," the half-Paladian replied. "Look, even Spock's embarrassed." Wena pointed.

Pike leaned back to get a good look at his previous First Officer. Sure enough, the tips of his ears were turning green. Unable to hold back, the man started to laugh. At Nia's affronted look, he turned it into a cough and used his fist to muffle the sound.

"You know, Sargent, I don't think I've ever seen you turn that shade before," Pike said, grinning.

Finally putting her hands back on the table, Nia narrowed her eyes at him. "Oh, ha ha Admiral. You know full well that my complexion is not as monochromatic as people think."

He held his hands up in defense. "I didn't say that. I was just pointing out that I've not seen you quite so… magenta before."

Nia kicked Wena again.

"Ouch, ok, ok, I'll stop laughing. But you've got to admit, he's right," Wena told her. Then Wena tilted her head as if trying to look at Nia from a new perspective. "You know, you've been pink pretty often these few weeks. Is there a reason for that?"

"Oh leave me alone," Nia grumbled.

As Wena continued to pester her friend, Pike once again gained Spock's attention. Only this time, he wanted only Spock's attention.

"You've found yourself a good woman. Good scientist," Pike stated.

Spock merely nodded in agreement.

The mood a bit more serious when Pike questioned, "I'm assuming this one is a little more serious than the last one?"

Caught off guard, Spock raised an eyebrow in surprise.

Pike raised one in return. "We all know how it went with Uhura, and I know you wouldn't go for a Paladian unless you were intending for it to be long term."

"We have yet to make arrangements to be wed, but you are correct; the intent is present," Spock replied.

"'Yet to make arrangements'?" It was Pike's turn to be caught off guard. "Wait, you mean I was right? You guys are engaged?"

"That is an acceptable description."

A new voice came from behind the pair. "What?"

Kirk gaped at Spock. "You and Sargent are thinking of tying the knot? Why didn't you say anything?"

McCoy's voice carried from across the table. "You two are getting hitched?" He leaned in closer to Nia. "Are you sure you want to do that?"

A sharp elbow dug into his rips yet again, this time hard enough to elicit a grunt from his lips.

"That was mean," Wena snapped at him.

He looked at her in surprise. "So the pointy eared bastard's gotten to you too, huh?"

Wena just rolled her eyes.

Kirk ignored the ramblings of the CMO to round on Nia. "Ok, I can understand why Spock wouldn't think to tell me, but what about you? What's your excuse?"

Nia opened her mouth to speak, but Kirk cut her off.

With a grand sweeping gesture, Kirk turned to the rest of the pub and began to shout. "Everybody! I have an announcement to make! Yo!" He tried to whistle, but failed miserably.

A piercing whistle cut through the crowd, silencing them just in time for Kirk to hear Nia's hissed, "Admiral!"

"Thanks, Pike." Kirk threw over his shoulder and then addressed the now silent pub. "I would like to make a toast. A toast to two incredible members of my crew," he gestured to Spock and the near purple Nia, "who not only figured out how to save an equally incredible group of people, but also have now decided they want to be stuck with each other for the rest of their lives!"

Applause broke out and Nia had the graces to wave a hand and say thank you to the people who began to come over and congratulate them. None of the bridge crew seemed surprised, but were still sincere in their congratulations.

Wena eventually leaned over. "Now I get why you hadn't told him yet."

"Yeah," Nia said with a sigh. "Of all the times for him to hear."

Wena snorted and shook her head.

STSTST

The impromptu celebration didn't last near as long as Kirk wanted it to, but Nia refused to be out any later.

"Sorry Kirk. You know as well as I do that all of us need to be up bright and early tomorrow morning," Nia told him as she pulled her purse strap over her shoulder.

He sighed and shrugged. "Can't blame a guy for trying."

Nia just laughed before she turned to follow Spock's lead out to the hovercar, Wena following close behind.


A/N: So, this chapter is mostly set up. Starting with Chapter 2, things are going to pick up a bit more. Just to forewarn you all, I have field camps coming up soon, where I will be camping for two weeks in Idaho, home for one day, intensive school work for another week, and then a week traveling the Florida coast. I will try to update during then, but please understand if it is not as much as you all deserve.

As is tradition: thank you for everyone who reviewed "Reach For The Stars" Chapter 40. This includes: Amber, Nox, stacikate16, Silver-Streaked Wings, HaruHaruxLove, Sweet Insanity 89, Misplaced Levity, StarlightShivers, cherylnixon, GetsueiNoYume, and Draegan88. And thank you to every who followed, favorite, myself or my story, and is now following this one.

- Spirit Speaker