Chapter Two: Upon Nearer View

I saw her upon nearer view,

A spirit yet a woman too!

…A creature not too bright or good

For human nature's daily food;

…A perfect woman nobly planned,

To warn, to comfort, and command;

And yet a spirit still, and bright

With something of angelic light.

She was a Phantom of Delight

continued

"Whoa, Jim. Hold on. You mean 'the one'?" McCoy used his fingers to denote and emphasize the phrase in quotes. His eyes and his entire manner screamed incredulity.

"Phyllis." Kirk pronounced the name with respect and deep affection. If it hadn't been for this sincerity and seriousness, McCoy would have thought his Captain was under the influence of some euphoric drug.

"Say, uh, Jim, let's go to the commissary and discuss this over some coffee, huh?"

"Sure, Bones. I've so much to tell you."

A few minutes later they were seated and Kirk began fervently,

"At first she was just, like, how do you say it, a phantom of delight. She captivated me. My only thought at the time was that this was going to be good shore leave. But now, its grown into so much more. I've spent two months with her Bones, and in that time we've grown to know each other. We really do love each other, and I want this to last beyond a superficial two month affair. I can't let her get away. I'm going to ask her to marry me, Bones."

McCoy gave a quick intake of breath.

"I'll ask her now, and then, after the five year mission, we'll marry and I'll take a job at the Academy. " Kirk's face glowed with happiness and anticipation. What had once been his worst nightmare, a quiet life on earth stuck with a teaching job at the Academy, was now his deepest wish.

"Well, you obviously knew what I would have said in response to all this, Jim, 'cause you already thought up all the answers. But don't you think you should think about this some more?"

"I've had two months, Bones. I cannot let her get away. I've arranged for her transport to earth with the geological team on the Enterprise."

"But the Enterprise isn't a bus route Jim. Passengers are strictly…"

"I know. They are only to be admitted when pertaining to Starfleet missions. But she is now. She wants to join Starfleet. She is entering the Academy, and by the time my tour is up, she will have graduated and hold an Academy job in no time. She is one of the few of her people still living. Her world was destroyed by the Romulans, and now she wants to represent her people in joining Starfleet."

"It seems you have it all worked out. Well, Jim, I don't know what to say, except that I must meet this lady."

Kirk's face lit up. "Of Course! She'll be coming aboard in less than two hours."

"I have to ask, Jim. Why did you feel the need to tell me all this? I mean, I'm glad you did, it just doesn't seem like you to lay everything bare like this." The two had stood up and were walking out of the commissary.

"Well, I'll tell you, Leonard McCoy, I just wanted to let you in on it so that when you met Phyllis you wouldn't turn on that old southern charm." Captain and Chief Medical Officer walked out hands on each other's shoulders, laughing heartily.