Voices surrounded her familiar yet almost out of reach as a brilliant white light shone in her eyes as they blinked open slowly before a shadow appeared to hover over her. As her vision cleared, she saw the face of Doctor McCoy looking down upon her with a slight smile on his face.
"Easy, easy. You lost a lot of blood…"
"Oh god, is this haven or hell?" She mumbled slightly.
"She's fine Jim. But I'd like to keep her here for observation…"
"Like hell. What happened?" She snarled.
"You passed out" McCoy smiled.
Slowly she sat upright, as the cover over her body slipped away from the gravity she quickly ripped the covers back over herself with embarrassment as she spoke.
"Where the hell are my clothes?"
"Covered in blood. You're lucky to be alive Missy" McCoy laughed.
"Couldn't wait to get my clothes off right Bones, the Romulans?"
"After you beat down Admiral T'Karus, you took the wind out of their sails… they dumped their weapons cores and left… once the rest of the fleet arrived. Nice work Miss Kirk" Captain Kirk smiled.
"Next time Jim… You fight them, that hurt like hell"
"Not surprising… You had several internal injuries. The Admiral faired worse" McCoy smiled. "Nice work"
From the rear of the room, a soft young feminine voice called out, a voice which instantly made her head turn towards as a young woman walked towards her with a smile.
"Hello, I guess… you are my daughter?" She said slowly.
"That would make him… my dad. So what is Spock, my niece?" She said with a slight laugh.
"If you think it is strange for you, imagine how I feel… you're physically older then me" Ensign Jones laughed.
"This could take some getting used too" Jim Kirk laughed. "Starfleet Command wants you back on Earth as soon as you're able too be moved"
"I thought as much. Bones, how long did you say you wanted to… 'Observe me'?"
"You make it sound like I'm some kind of… Peeping Tom"
"I think… 48 hours should do it, right Bones?" Jim Kirk smiled.
"48 Hours… sounds like heaven at the moment. Bones, would you mind if I speak with Kirk and Jones alone? We have some things to work out" She smiled softly.
"Not at all, I'll be with the Commodore if you need me"
Captain's Log: Final Entry.
After securing the Starbase, and conducted as many repairs as possible to the Enterprise. We have entered the Sol System, the damage too Enterprise is severe and a full refit of the vessel is in order before she can return to service of the Federation. As for our unusual passenger, I have had the pleasure of getting to know both Ensign Jones and… I guess you could say, our Daughter. Although, I feel uneasy about the current situation. At the request of Starfleet Command, I have transmitted a full report on the Incident for analysis.
Two Years Later…
Starship Log: USS Enterprise NCC-1701
Rear Admiral James T. Kirk recording.
It has been almost two months since the V'Ger incident threatened to destroy all life on Earth and the loss of Captain Willard Decker and Lieutenant Ilia. At the request of Starfleet Command I have once again assumed command of the Enterprise after the completion of her refit after which her shakedown cruise and space trails where surpassed with flying colours and the Enterprise has returned to service for the Federation. Our first assignment is delivering supplies and crew replacement to Starbase 12 near the Romulan Neutral Zone. And a reunion that I am not looking forwards too.
Given a new lease of life as one of the most powerful vessels in the Federation, the newly redesigned Starship cruised through space at warp 6.5, under the watchful eye of helm officer Sulu, a seven year veteran of the ship under the command of James Kirk. Although he had much influence in the design of the console he had spent over five years working at, something felt odd to the young helm officer as the person sat too his right was not the usual cheerful Russian officer, but a shy and quiet human female on her first voyage out of the Academy. Slowly, Sulu looked up from his console as he spoke with his deep and calming voice.
"ETA Starbase 12, one hour five minutes current speed Captain"
"Thank you Mister Sulu. Please inform replacement staff, be ready to disembark once we arrive. Uhura, contact SB-12 in request clearance to enter the system"
"Aye sir. Sending now Captain"
Sat in the centre seat of his new command, Jim Kirk wore the white uniform of command with the short sleeve tunic and grey trousers. More of a departure from the old style uniforms, they allowed each officer and crew member a choice of uniform styles from short sleeved tunic too a long sleeved tunic with either s round neck collar or a slight V-shaped cut in front. More of a departure was the new standard dress uniform for all female officers and crew, instead of the old thigh high dress with low cut neckline, the female officers and crew enjoyed a uniform of similar style to that of the men allowing a much more comfortable work environment.
Standing in the large operations centre of Starbase 12, the first officer looked at the large view screen before her as the newly designed Enterprise finally came into view. Being more then familiar with the vessel in her original configuration, seeing the newly launched pride of the Federation for the first time was more then a shock for the young command level officer. Originally holding the temporary rank of Captain due to a transporter incident years earlier. As part of her joining Starfleet as a separate officer from the original James T. Kirk, she accepted the rank of Commander, not as a demotion but as a chance to assimilate into her new life and role as first officer of the new Starbase under the command of Rear Admiral Whitely. Wearing the long sleeved tunic uniform, tied at the waste, she stood with pride as the new Flagship of the Federation entered the large hanger for the first time.
"What do you think Alex, does she meet with your… approval?" A voice called out from behind her.
"Of course"
Taking the name Alexandria James" in order to distinguish herself from James Kirk, her. She later joked that Admiral Kirk and Ensign Jones where her parents, a joke which created much confusion for the new staff which had joined the facility.
"Nervous Alex?" Whitely smiled.
"Yes sir. It's been almost two years since I saw Jim and we didn't exactly part on good terms"
"Your 'Mother's' Funeral. I remember"
"Well, if you will excuse me sir. I believe that my next job has been dictated too me. I'll be in hanger bay 1 if you need me. Pulling a knife out of my back!"
Connected to the vast Starbase complex by mooring clamps, the Enterprise powered down much of her primary systems as regulations specified. Standing before the large gangway which connected to the Enterprise, Alexandria took a deep breath as the atmospheres between the ship and Spacedock equalised and three figures stood before the frosted glass. Taking a deep and pushing her shoulders backwards, she stood tall and proud as the doors slide open with a hiss and for the first time in two years, she stood face to face with James Kirk.
"Welcome back to Starbase Twelve Admiral Kirk"
"Thank you, Commander" He said with a slight frown on his brow.
"Commander Spock, Doctor McCoy… a pleasure as always. If you will follow me gentlemen, Admiral Whitely is waiting for you in operations. Doctor McCoy if you have time… our chief medical officer wishes to speak with you before you leave"
"I think we can squeeze in time Commander" McCoy said with a large smile.
"My eyes are higher Bones. Would you both give me a moment with the Admiral? I have something to discuss with him"
"As you wish Commander" Spock replied with his every polite slight bow of respect.
Stepping into the nearest office, Alexandria turned towards the Admiral with a slight sigh in her tired eyes as she spoke.
"Listen Jim, regardless of what has happened in the past between us I think we should put this behind us and start again"
"Commander, it was YOU who started the argument, not me" Kirk replied.
"I know and… I'm sorry. Let me make it up to you… the Enterprise will be here for a few days right?"
"Yes. The supplies we are carrying and the new personnel will take at least 38 hours to offload and install. What do you have in mind?"
With a smile on her face, she stepped towards him and looked up into his eyes as she spoke.
"Dinner, tonight in my quarters. I'll cook… besides, there is someone I want you to meet"
"Of course" Kirk said with as light smile on his face.
Stepping too his side, they walked out into the observation lounge as McCoy and Spock stood awaiting for them as Kirk spoke with a hint of pride in his eyes.
"I've followed your career Alex, with satisfaction I might add. I understand you've had some further dealings with the Romulans?"
"Yes, those pointy eared bastards don't know when to quit. No offence Spock"
"None taken Commander" Spock replied with a nod.
"Thank you sir" She nodded politely. "Actually guys, I'm glad you are here. Two months ago, we put in a request to command for a vessel to be permanently assigned to SB-12, so far all attempts at a resolution to this has gone unanswered. I was hoping the that you guys would help out with that. The USS Lantree has lost her commanding officer after he retired, so far there is no commanding officer been assigned" Alex said with a hint of a smile that Kirk recognised instantly.
"Still want that command of your own kid?"
"Assigning a Starship too a Starbase is unusual Commander" Spock replied.
"Not exactly sir. Earth Spacedock as two Starships permanently assigned too that base, not too mention the home fleet. We're out here with basically nothing for protection other then the weapons systems and the few shuttlecraft we have assigned. The Romulans have tried hit-and-run tactics against the supply ships in this sector and we have nothing too defend them with. A Starship would come in handy out here"
"I'll look into it kid" Kirk laughed.
"Thanks. Now, gentlemen if you will follow me… the Admiral is waiting for you"
After a meeting with Admiral Whitely, the Enterprise crew had begun offloading and installing the new equipment as the new crew replacements had boarded the Starbase to begin their duties while under the watchful eye of the First Officer of the Station and the Enterprise while they where being assigned their new duties and quarters.
Time passed relatively slowly on the large station, as the night drew to a close, Alexandria James took a tour of the new Enterprise with James Kirk at her side. It seemed unusual, walking the corridors of the new class of vessel, yet the smell and overall feel of the vessel was almost identical to that of the ship she knew from the memories she had shared with the Admiral at her side. Finally reaching the bridge, she looked around with shock and awe at the new layout of the bridge. Similar in many ways to the old design yet sleeker and a less crowded look, she slowly walked towards the centre with a smile as Kirk stood with his arms folded next too the port turbo lift.
"Go ahead, try it out. That is as much yours as mine"
Slowly, she ran her hand over the back of the plush chair before sitting down in the centre seat of the bridge as she let out a slight sigh.
"The bridge seems a whole lot bigger from here Jim, comfy too!"
"I miss my old chair" He moaned slightly.
"Really? It give you a pain in the shoulders more times then you'd admit. The amount of times you asked for a higher backrest" Alex laughed.
"I can't hide anything from you"
"Not really, I still have pain in my shoulders" She said with a soft smile.
"I know what you mean"
"I see they've finally added a weapon station on the bridge… it's about time. Well Jim, thanks for the tour… she's an amazing ship, I'm proud of you… I should be going. See you at 1900?"
"Of course. 1900 and Commander, good to see you again"
Later that evening, James Kirk arrived at the personal quarters of the First Officer, as he entered shock overcame him due to the size of the quarters on the station. Twice as large as the most lavish quarters on his own ship with a view of the interior of the station which almost rivalled that of the stars itself. As he entered, the young first officer stood by what appeared to be a kitchen area of her quarters as she tended too whatever meal she was preparing.
"Am I early?" Kirk called out.
"A little. But you might as well make yourself useful, would you set the table for four? We have guests"
"Of course. These quarters are huge" Kirk said with a smile.
"I know, three bed. Usually reserved for diplomats and distinguished guests with so many of these quarters dotted around, it seemed a shame to leave them vacant, besides… the third bedroom doubles as a private office"
"Don't you have an office of your own somewhere?" Kirk said with surprise.
"Yep! Portside in Ops… I never use it, to big"
Stepping out from the kitchen area which seemed to have been installed specifically for her, she walked towards Kirk and hugged him slightly before she spoke.
"Well, I'm gonna take a shower. Make yourself at home, umm… Ohh, I have a bottle of Romulan Ale in the cabinet over there is you want some"
"That's illegal Commander!"
"Benefits of being thousands of light-years from Earth. Help yourself Jimmy" She laughed.
After taking a quick shower, she finally returned to the main living area of her quarters as Jim looked at her in shock, her long blonde hair dripped onto the tunic uniform as she tied the belt loosely.
"You have a water shower here?" Kirk said in shock.
"In all… larger quarters. You want to use it?"
"Are you kidding me?" Kirk said with a smile.
"No, it's yours if you want it Jim"
"Maybe later. Damn, I have to get some quarters here" He laughed.
"Plenty available"
As time marched on, the remaining guests arrived one who Kirk recognised as the Chief Medical Officer and a young girl of around four years old. With the meal placed before them, Kirk looked from Alex to the doctor as they sat side by side, almost too close for friends. with a slight smile on his face, Kirk looked towards the two women as he spoke.
"So tell me, how long have you two been together?"
"About a year now. I can't put anything past you Kirk" Alex laughed.
With a smile, Kirk nodded softly as everything now fell into place. The life of his 'Daughter' had come into focus as he in one clear moment as the young female version of himself held the hand of the doctor at her side and they both looked at the young girl at the doctor's side as Alex spoke.
"Laura's father died during the first Romulan attack on the station. We met at Starfleet Command, the last time I was on Earth… after you dropped me off. Sarah helped me adjust to my new life and I helped her past her grief. I talked her into moving out here instead of resigning from Starfleet…"
"And shortly after, we fell in love" Sarah smiled.
"I'm happy for you both" Kirk said with pride in his 'daughter'.
"Thanks Admiral" Sarah replied.
"Call me Jim"
Alexandria Jones-Kirk remained with Starbase 12 for the rest of her career, even turning down numerous promotion possibilities and the command of a ship of her own to remain with the Starbase she once saved and had come to enjoy working for. after the death of Rear Admiral Whitely, Alexandria assumed command of the Starbase along with her long term partner at her side. Six months after the Enterprise left the Starbase, the USS Sentinel arrived at Starbase 12 for permanent assignment attached to the station for defence and patrol purposes. in 2286. Admiral James T. Kirk received a demotion to the rank of Captain, where he was assigned command of a new vessel named Enterprise.