Chapter 1

Scotty slid into bed, sighing. Today had certainly been a tough piece of haggis. Captain Kirk hadn't even been relieved yet. Starship rule number 886 clearly stated that no captain under the influence of alcohol could operate a starship. Yes, Captain Kirk had certainly been taking it hard with the alcohol. Ever since he had gone back in time and Edith Keeler, the woman he loved, had died, he had been very upset. Captain Kirk had always liked women very much, but Spock had said that Kirk had been more in love with her than any woman he had met before. 'The captain is my friend,' thought Scotty, 'I feel for him.'

The captain hadn't been too bad, just a little mournful. His orders hadn't been too out of the blue, but if he kept drinking, and clouding his mind, they probably would be soon. After a restless night of sleep, Scotty awoke the next morning, slipped on his red shirt, poured himself a cup of coffee and made his way over to the bridge, still groggy. The only ones on the bridge were Spock and Chekov, no one else had gotten there yet. "Morning, Mr. Scott," said Spock. "Morning Scotty!" said Chekov.

The captain stumbled in. He still had stubble on his chin and he had no boots on. Scotty and Spock exchanged questioning looks. Scotty could tell they were both thinking the same thing. He went over to Mr. Spock's station. "Sir? The captain doesn't look so good."

"Mr. Scott, it does appear that the captain is not fit for command. He looks terrible and I can smell from here – alcohol."

"That's not just any alcohol – that's moonshine."

Chekov gave Scotty a questioning look. "Lieutenant Uhura, contact sickbay," said Spock, "and order Doctor McCoy to come to the bridge."

"Yes, sir," replied Uhura, who had just come onto the bridge. Spock came over to the captain. "Captain," he said, "it does not appear that you are fit for duty anymore."

Kirk's jaw dropped open and he blinked three times. "But I am perfectly capable, Mr. Spock. Is it because I didn't shave? Is that was this is about?"

"Well, no Captain, but you usually do shave. It is unusual for you not to. Are you feeling alright?"

"WHAT DO YOU THINK SPOCK? THE WOMAN I LOVED JUST DIED! DO YOU THINK I DON'T HAVE EMOTIONS LIKE YOU SPOCK? DO YOU THINK SO? DO YOU THINK EVERYTHING IS ALRIGHT NOW? HUH?"

Spock didn't know what to say. Scotty glanced around at some of the other crew members on the bridge. Uhura was raising her eyebrows as high as they could go. Chekov's eyes were as big as saucers. Thankfully, Doctor McCoy happened to walk in just then. Seeing everyone in a state of shock, McCoy knew that something had happened. The captain made low growling sounds in the back of his throat. "Uhura, plot a course for Vulcan," he barked. "We'll destroy them all!" He had a crazed look in his eyes. "Warp twelve, Mr. Sulu!"

"I'm Chekov!" exclaimed the ensign. "Mr. Sulu's not here yet. And I plot courses, not Uhura!"

Captain Kirk let out a huge scream of rage. McCoy jabbed him with a hypo, releasing a sedative. Kirk slumped in his chair. "Security to bridge. Please come and take Captain Kirk away from here."

Kirk mumbled something under the heavy sedation. It was inaudible, but Scotty thought he said something like, "more drink."

"Lieutenant Uhura, please transmit the security feed from the past ten minutes to Starfleet Command and explain to them while Kirk is no longer in command." Spock sank into the captain's chair, no expression on his Vulcan face. Scotty suspected that no matter how hard he tried, he couldn't control the screaming in his mind.

"Mr. Spock, sir?" Chekov's voice cracked. "Um, should I follow the captain's last orders?"

"No, Chekov, continue on to Tallus Seven."

Spock pressed the intercom button on his chair. "I have taken command of this vessel. If you see Captain Kirk, he is under the influence of alcohol and do not take orders from him."