30

#11

Life After Death

Captain Kirk was reviewing a report from Engineering when he glanced over at the Science station. Mr. Spock was now three hours late for duty. It was the second time in a week that he was late. Discipline was usually handed out quickly and fairly. He had let the first incident go by without a reprimand, but this time he was annoyed.

"Anyone know if Mr. Spock is in the Science lab today?" He looked at Lt. Spock.

No one answered but Lt. Spock walked to his command chair. He said in a low voice, "Sir, he's suppose to be on the Bridge today, not the Science lab."

"Acknowledged, Lieutenant."

Lt. Spock returned to his seat and continued his work.

Captain Kirk waited a moment and then left his chair, "Lt. Commander Uhura, you have the conn. I will return shortly."

"Yes, Captain," she replied.

Kirk rode the turbo lift towards deck 5. The door swished open. He walked to Commander Spock's door and buzzed. There was no answer and he tried again.

Mumbling to himself in irritation, he opened Spock's door to the office and crossed into his private living area. The lights were not on and he looked around. Spock wasn't in this room. He went to the bedroom door and knocked.

"Spock, it's Jim, are you in there?" He didn't want to walk in on Spock if he had company, but being late for duty was reason enough to check on him.

"Spock, I'm coming in." He walked through the door and only his attunement light was on in his meditation area.

Spock was asleep in his bed. Kirk was worried he was sick and felt his forehead. He gently shook his shoulder.

"Spock, wake up."

Spock startled awake and sat up.

"Easy, you were sound asleep, take a moment," Kirk said.

"Captain, what time is it?"

"0900 hours."

Spock frowned and said, "0900 hours? I'm three hours late for duty?"

Kirk grinned, "Yes, I was wondering when you might honor us with your presence."

He sat up and swung his legs over the side of the bed.

"Aren't you feeling well, Spock?"

"Yes, sir, I am fine, I haven't slept well."

Kirk pulled up a chair and sat in front of him.

"Spock, I want you to take the rest of the day off."

"No, Captain, I can get cleaned up and be on the Bridge shortly."

"Spock, it's only been a few months since Christine died. You have to give yourself time. Plus you just lost your first grandchild."

"How much time, Captain? I am Vulcan, I must control my emotions."

In anger the Captain said, "You're also half Human and you have to treat that side of you with as much attention as your Vulcan half."

He stood and replaced the chair in it's original spot. "Take the day off, that's an order."

As he walked away Spock said, "Jim?"

He turned and faced Spock.

"It may well be that Vulcan's were correct in suppressing their emotions, because the pain I am experiencing is horrific. I have never felt such,…longing."

Spock put his hands over his face and Jim knelt down in front of him. He put a hand on each shoulder and said, "I know it hurts, Spock. Don't shove it under the carpet, let your emotions out. What would Christine tell you to do? Think man, she'd want you to get angry, to throw things, to rail your anger at God and to cry. You have to cry those Human tears."

Spock's shoulders began to shake and Kirk held him as he cried.

"I know, my friend, I know."

Later, Kirk left his quarters while Spock fell asleep.

Captain Kirk went to his own quarters and splashed cold water on his face. He returned to the Bridge as they continued to map the quadrant they were assigned to.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

The next day on the Bridge, Lt. Commander Uhura said, "Captain, Admiral Stoliker is on frequency 12, sir."

"On screen, Uhura."

"Aye, sir."

Admiral Stoliker appeared on the front screen, "Captain Kirk, how are you?"

Kirk smiled from his chair and said, "I'm doing well, Admiral."

"Good, I'm sending you and your crew to Omicron-B. No starship has been there in fifteen years and we want you to investigate the progress of the planet. Gather as much data as you can. I'll be expecting your report later. Enjoy yourself, Jim, Stoliker out."

The screen turned to the sky field as they adjusted their route.

Within a few hours they orbited Omicron-B.

Kirk said, "Mr. Spock, what do we know about the Omicrons?"

Spock brought up the details from Omicron-B, "Captain, they are mostly a farming community, circa your Earth around the mid 1800's. The planet's average temperature this time of year is 70 to 95 degrees Fahrenheit. It will be quite pleasant, the oxygen, nitrogen mix is compatible to our necessities."

"Good, Spock I want you to stay and mind the store while I'm gone. Lt. Kirk you've had experience at ranching and farming, come along with me." He glanced around the Bridge and asked, "Anyone else familiar with farming and animals?"

As Lt. Kirk stood from his console he said, "Lt. Cooley grew up on a farm, sir."

Cooley shot him a pointed look. The Captain walked over to Lt. Cooley and leaned against his console.

"Really, Mr. Cooley, a farmer?"

"Aye, sir. I worked on me grandmother's farm, sir. Most summers and early fall."

The Captain sensed hesitation in the lieutenant and asked, "What kind of farming did you do?"

Lt. Cooley looked indignant, "Tis Ireland, sir, sheep. Blasted fat, stubborn wooly sheep. Toss in a few cows, chickens, ducks and the most annoying flock of geese known to man. Sir."

Kirk chuckled and said, "Good, follow me. You can be the sheperd."

Kirk led the way to the lift and Lt. Cooley said, "Captain, really, it's not necessary for me…."

"Oh yes it is, Mr. Cooley. Lt. Commander Uhura, contact Dr. McCoy to meet us at stores for proper dress and equipment."

"Aye, sir," she responded.

Captain Kirk, Lt. Kirk and Lt. Cooley entered the lift with Lt. Kirk standing in the back.

Like any good natured friend would do in a situation like this, in the quiet of the lift, Lt. Kirk said, "Baa, baa."

He saw Mick's shoulders tighten and the Captain trying not to smile.

Lt. Cooley said, "Captain, your permission to…."

"No, you may not. Lt. Kirk, that's enough."

"Yes, sir."

"McCoy to Captain Kirk."

"Kirk here, Bones, what's up?"

"I can't go on the landing party, I have two surgeries scheduled for today."

"Okay, send Dr. Spock and tell her to meet us in stores."

"Aye, sir."

An hour later with correct clothing for the time and a change in hair cuts the three men plus one security guard were ready.

They carried gear in old beaten up duffle bags along with their tricorders and communicators. The three men donned wide brimmed hats along with the Captain. They all chuckled at each other until Dr. Spock arrived. All four men stood with mouths open in shock.

Dr. Spock with her bright green eyes had a dark toe length buckskin skirt with a white linen long sleeve blouse. Her soft brown boots looked worn and dusty, but the affect was stunning. Her narrow waist showed off her other features from shoulders down to her ankles.

She was struggling with her bag of medical supplies and equipment when three of them leaped to help her.

She jumped back startled and said, "Back up boys, I'm quite capable of handling my gear. Gee, you scared me."

The Captain laughed and said, "I hope this was a good idea."

Dr. Spock said, "Sir?"

"Come along, Doctor and for the foreseeable future you will be Lt. Kirk's wife. Hopefully that will keep you safe from these other ruffians."

Unaware of the commotion she was causing amongst the men she stepped up to the transformer pad and waited for the rest of them.

"Mr. Kyle, energize."

The group of five reappeared outside of a town. The road was dusty and dry. The sun was at about 1400 hours. They walked slowly and talked about what they would tell anyone who saw them.

Lt. Kirk was ahead of the group looking at some flowers by the side of the road and continued on, but then stopped.

"Do you hear that?"

They stopped and listened.

"What Lucas?" the Captain asked.

Lucas ran a few steps further and stopped to listen. He waved them towards him.

"Someone's calling for help."

Down the road was a farm with a white wood house, barn and several corrals. In the side yard was a wagon with wheels that laid at a tilt.

"Captain, someone's under that wagon." Lt. Kirk said.

He ran up the short drive to the side yard with everyone behind him.

An older man was trapped under the back end of the wagon. Laying off to the side and on the ground was the wheel.

"Oh thank you. Please help me." He laid back on the ground in exhaustion.

The four men looked around for a long pole but found none. They threw their gear to the ground and pushed the wagon off of the man.

Dr. Spock pulled the man under his armpits from the wagon. The men set the wagon down. Blocking the man's view, Dr. Spock ran her scanner over the man and checked his leg. She lifted his pant leg and sat back.

"Sir, you're very lucky nothing is broken. Your shin is badly bruised and I'm sure it will be very sore."

"How do you know?"

Captain Kirk spoke near the man's head, "She's a doctor. Dr. Ana. I'm Jim. Can we sit you up?"

He nodded yes and they sat him up and brushed the sand off of his shirt.

"My wife is inside, she's a little hard of hearing and she didn't hear me call her. Thank you. Please come inside and get something cold to drink. Dr. Ana, you can go tell my wife, her name is Meck."

The rest gathered their gear and stacked in under the shade of a tree similar to a maple. Captain Kirk and Cpl. Lance Hewlett helped the man to his home.

"Excuse my manners, my name is Jon."

Once they got inside his wife fussed over him and was saddened that she hadn't heard him.

"I'm so glad you came around when you did. I don't know what I would have done."

Jon said, "Now, Meck, don't worry. Get them something cold to drink and all of you come sit down.'

They sat at a long table in an adjoining room from the kitchen. Dr. Ana quietly scanned the drinks and nodded it was okay to drink the liquid.

Jim said, "Thank you, this is very refreshing."

Meck rung her hands like Dr. Spock's grandmother use to and she smiled at the woman. "Meck, don't worry about Jon, he's just bruised. I'd put some ice on it to keep it from swelling too much."

"Yes, thank you, I will. I'll get it from the ice house."

The Captain stood and said, "We have to be off. I'm glad we could help."

Jon said, "Where will you stay tonight?"

"Oh, we were hoping to find somewhere in town to stay."

"That's at least a forty-five minute walk," Jon said.

Meck returned with an ice bag and said, "Jon, they can stay in the bunk house. It's clean and unused." She looked from her husband to the Captain.

Jon smiled and said, "A great idea. A small thanks for helping us today."

"I'll cook us a quick meal while you all get settled in."

The Captain said, "Ma'am you don't have to feed us, we brought provisions. We'll be fine."

"Well, then, you will join us for breakfast in the morning."

Kirk using his most charming smile nodded his head yes.

"Meck will show you the way."

They followed Meck out to the sturdy bunk house. There were two rows of double bunks that would sleep twelve people.

"We use to have a large farm when we were younger and needed a lot of help. Now we just use it for family and friends. There is a wash room and bathing facilities in the back. All of the linen is clean. Please help yourself. We will see you when the cock crows, then," she smiled and left.

Cpl Hewlett asked, "Cock crows?"

Lt. Cooley said, "Rooster, me man, do ye not have ears?"

Captain Kirk chuckled and looked around, "Reminds me of home on Earth. Let's get settled for the evening. Remember first names only while we're here."

"Yes, sir," they all responded and then laughed.

They walked around the farm and after a small dinner, Captain Kirk sat on a bottom bunk with Lt. Mick above him. Across the aisle was Cpl. Hewlett with Lt. Kirk above him. Dr. Ana chose a bed as far away from the snorers as she could find. Capt. Kirk was making notes in a tricorder and then stood to stretch.

"I'm not exactly sure when the 'cock crows', but I assume it's early. Let's turn in and try to sleep."

They said quick good nights to each other and tried to sleep.

In the quiet of the night with a small sliver of moon shining through the window there was a low hum and then,

"Black is the color of me true love's hair

Her lips are like some roses fair,

She has the sweetest smile and the gentlest hands…."

"Lieutenant Cooley," the Captain growled.

"Oh, a, sorry Captain, is me singin' botherin' ye?"

"Yes, it is. Go to sleep."

"Aye, sir," Mick answered, "ye know I used to drive Mary nuts at night too, sir, I like to sing me self to sleep and…." he stopped because the Captain kicked the bedsprings above him. "Sorry, sir, I'll keep quiet, sir."

All that could be heard was Lt. Kirk's stifled laugh.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

When the cock crowed the crew were half way dressed and ready to eat.

"Jim", Lucas said smartly to his father, "we should fix Jon's wagon wheel. He won't be doing anything for a few days."

Kirk said, "Good idea, take a look at it on our way in."

"Yes, sir."

A kitchen light was on and the group walked to the back door and knocked.

"Good morning. Did you all sleep well?"

"Yes ma'am, we did. I've got a couple of the boys working on Jon's wagon. They'll fix the wheel and put it on for him."

"The rest can join us, then."

The Captain, Dr. Ana and Cpl Lance joined them for breakfast. Meck had made what looked like pancakes with a fruit dish. When she left the room, Dr. Ana scanned it.

"It's safe, enjoy."

Jon hobbled into the dining room and joined them. "Eat up, we have plenty to share."

Meck brought in a bowl of scrambled eggs with a fresh drink that was similar to tea. Lucas and Mick came plodding into the house laughing.

Mick said, "Ma'am, it smells like a wee bit o' heaven."

She was confused at the meaning of heaven and the Captain threw Mick a look.

"He just means it smells like home," the Captain recovered.

Lt. Kirk asked, "Jon, what animals do you have here?"

"We've got some sheep, chickens, geese and ducks mostly. A fellow came by years ago and gave us a few chickens and ducks. We've been breeding them ever since. Those are our eggs you've been enjoying."

Lt. Kirk said, "I noticed a pile of fence posts stacked by the barn. What will you be doing with those?"

"Well, it will wait until my leg is healed. I wanted to replace the small pen behind the barn. Some of the posts are rotting."

Lucas looked at his father and the Captain said, "We'd be happy to get you started."

"Oh, I can't ask you to do that."

"We're offering. I've got three strong young men to help me. We'll have it done in no time. If Meck can feed us dinner, we'd be very happy."

Jon looked at his wife who smiled back at him, "Sounds like a good plan, Jim. But I'll have you spend another night, you'll be needing a good nights rest after all of the work."

The Captain said, "Good. Finish up boys and we'll get started. We'll do your chores and get the animals tended to first."

Jon said, "All of the grain is in the bin in the barn. Fresh water can be poured from the taps near their water tanks. I sure appreciate your help."

Kirk, Lucas and Lance stood to leave. Mick was still eating.

The Captain said, "Finish up your plate, Mick and get a move on."

Meck laughed at his stack of cakes he had consumed and a plate of eggs. "Such a big appetite for a skinny young man."

Mick answered, "I apologize, Ma'am. It really reminds me of home." He finished up the eggs and drank down his tea.

When he left, Dr. Ana helped Meck to clear the dishes and wash them with her. She never had to boil water to wash dishes in her life. It was quite interesting.

"Now that we're done, I'll go check on Jon's leg. Did he complain much during the night?"

"Oh he never complains, but it looks swollen and bruised this morning."

Jon was sitting in another room with his leg propped up on the couch.

Dr. Ana knelt by him, "I'd like to take another look at your leg."

Jon pulled up the pant leg and Ana gently touched it. "Much pain, Jon?"

"Oh some when I try to walk on it."

"Keep ice on it. Not too long, then take it off and put it on for a few more minutes. I promise it will be better in two days." She reached into her bag and fixed a healing agent.

She distracted him by asking him about his farm, "Are the boys fixing the fence correctly?"

Jon glanced out the window and she sprayed his leg. "They seem to be."

"I know you want to be out there, but I'll check on them and make sure they're doing it correctly."

Jon laughed and said, "Where are you all heading?"

"The next town. We love to plan trips together and visit other areas. There that should do it."

Jon said, "Thank you, Dr. Ana."

She put her gear in the bunk house and went to help feed the animals.

The Captain had his crew laying out the poles to replace the new ones. Ana took a bucket of grain and walked to the outside pen where the animals were waiting.

She was laughing as the chickens gathered along with the ducks and geese. She looked up and one of the sheep that was forty feet away was staring at her. Ana could hear the men talking to each other and she glanced their way. When she turned back the sheep was stomping his foot. She sensed he was not happy with her and she started to walk away. She looked back and the ram was on a direct run to her.

She let out a scream and started to run.

"Stop, Ana," Mick called and he started running to the pen.

Ana continued to run and scream. Mick jumped the fence as the ram got closer. He grabbed him by the horns and swung him away from Ana. The other men ran to the pen.

Ana jumped over the fence and the Captain grabbed her. He held her as she stood shaking. "Oh my gosh, Captain, he was coming so fast."

"You're okay, now. Never, never stare down a ram and never run. You're lucky he didn't get you."

Mick jumped over the fence, "You okay, Ana?"

She stepped away from the Captain and said, "Yes, thanks. I didn't know he would charge me like that."

"Aye, blasted rams, they're a pain in the back side," Mick responded.

Jon had heard the screaming and sent Meck out to check on her. She was running to the pen and stopped, "Everyone alright, here?"

Ana said, "Yes, Meck, I just had a little discussion with the ram. I'm fine."

"Oh dear, that ole meany, I told Jon to get rid of him."

Captain Kirk said, "She's okay, Meck. Come on boys let's get to work. Ana, the animals need water, but stay out of the pen."

"Yes, Jim," she replied.

Several hours later Meck brought out lunch and cold drinks. By late afternoon they had replaced all of the fence posts and attached new wood for the rails.

They went into the bunk house and took showers and put on clean clothes.

The Captain and Lucas were sitting on the captain's bunk together.

"Reminds me of many a summer I spent with Grandpa Jack."

"Feels good, doesn't it, son?"

"Yes, sir, it does. You can learn a lot about people by the tools they use. I wonder if the last ship that was here fifteen years ago brought them the chickens and geese?"

"That would be in direct interference of the Prime Directive. We'll look into it once we get back to the ship."

Ana had gone into help Meck with the dinner and returned. "Dinner is on, 'boys'."

Mick said, "Has ye heart stopped beating so fast, Ana?"

She laughed and said, "Yes, and thanks, Mick."

"You're welcome, me fine lady, you would have thought your 'husband', Lucas would have thought faster than he did."

"All right, Mick, let's get dinner," the Captain interrupted.

No one sang themselves to sleep that night. In the morning they gathered their gear, had a meal and said their good byes.

"Jon, take care of yourself," Captain Kirk said.

"Thank you, Jim and all of you. Safe travels."

xxxxxxxxxxxxxx

The Captain and his crew walked towards the town and discussed all they had learned. The road meandered through a cool gathering of tall overhanging trees. The air was warm, but fresh.

They walked in silence, all within their own thoughts when a tenor voice began:

"I've been a wild rover for many a year

and I spent all my money on whiskey and beer,

and now I'm returning with gold in great store

and I never will play the wild rover no more.

And it's no, nay, never,…."

"Lt. Cooley, I'm enjoying the peace and quiet."

"Aye, sir, just thought I'd break up the monotony."

Lt. Kirk chuckled, "Mick, you'll never have gold in your pockets, it's the whiskey that'll keep your pockets full."

"Now, me fine friend, what have ye to say about me and me drinkin' habits, and right in front of the Captain. You're a tellin' on me."

Captain Kirk spoke up, "Lieutenant, your drinking habits are well known on the ship, already."

"I'm shocked and dismayed, Captain, I refrain from the whiskey sir, until shore leave, but it's just in me blood, I'm afraid."

Kirk shook his head and said, "Cooley, I'm not so sure you and our resident Scotsman are not too far related, he claims it's for his bones."

Lt. Cooley smiled and nodded at Lucas, "Ye see, Lucas, even the Captain sees to the medicinal needs of the crew," he paused and added, "I wonder what Joanna would think of your new wife?"

The Captain said as they approached the town, "All right gentlemen, let's not look too obvious. We'll split up in two groups and wander through the market area and make your observations. Kirk, take Mr. Cooley and your 'wife' and walk that side of town. Lance and I will take the other side."

"Aye, sir."

The two groups spent most of the day observing the people as they shopped and traded goods. There were groups of women, families and men going about their daily jobs.

Lucas, Mick and Ana were walking along when three young men came out of a building and walked in front of them. One of them knocked into Ana as he came out the door. Lucas grabbed for Ana's arm and caught her before she was shoved to the ground.

Lucas spun around and said, "Watch where you're going, sir."

The dark haired, tall man stopped and said, "Where I'm going, you watch where you're going," he said and shoved Lucas.

Mick mumbled to Lucas, "Watch it, Lad."

The tall Omicron looked at Ana and Lucas and said, "Such a fine lady you have here."

Lucas stood in front of Ana and said, "I don't want any trouble, we're just passing through."

"Aye, and you're in our way," Mick added.

The Omicron looked at Mick and pointed to him, "You have a different accent. You sound all sing songie."

The other two Omicron's circled Mick and one of the men shoved Mick and he fell forward into the tall one.

"Watch it," the tall one said and shoved Mick backward harder.

Mick was tripped from behind and fell to the ground hitting his head. Lucas ran towards the tall man and punched him in the jaw. He spun around and caught a fist to his eye. Ana took on the third man and flipped him on the ground as he attempted to step toward Lucas. She went to Mick who was trying to sit up.

The Captain and Cpl. Lance were across the street and heard the sound of people shouting. They ran towards the sound as two of the Omicrons were hitting Lucas. Ana jumped up to helped Lucas when she heard the Captain shouting.

"All right, that's enough," the Captain yelled as he grabbed one of the Omicrons and Lance jumped on the other. The third got up from the ground and rubbed his neck.

"I suggest you three leave."

The three Omicrons shook the dust from their clothing and started to walk away.

The tall man said, "You should be careful where you walk. Ma'am," he glared.

Ana and Lance helped Mick to stand. Mick was pale and he rubbed his head. "Did ye get the number of that aircar that hit me?"

The Captain helped Lucas to stand.

"Please tell me your nose isn't broken."

"No, sir," he said spitting out blood.

The Captain looked down the street. People had scattered as the fight broke up. One woman was standing at the side of the road and she approached the group.

"Sir, I own this diner, would you like something to drink?"

Kirk gave her a smile and said, "Thank you, but for now we're looking for someplace to stay the night."

She pointed down the road and said, "There, at the end of the street is the hotel."

Kirk tipped his hat and said, "Thank you, Ma'am." He watched the woman as she turned and went inside the diner. If only he were staying.

The Captain walked up to Ana and Mick, "How's he doing?"

"We need to get him to a place to lay down, sir."

"Just up the road is a hotel. Come on."

They settled on two rooms and carried their gear up the stairs. There was a community wash room at the end of the hall. Ana had a room across from the men.

They had Mick lay down while Ana retrieved her med kit. After scanning him she said, "Captain, he has a concussion and will need to rest. Maybe we should have him go back to the Enterprise."

"If we don't have to, I'd like him to stay. Too many people will notice the guy with the funny accent is missing. Everyone get cleaned up and we'll go get something to eat."

"Can ye bring me back a bite to eat, sir?"

The Captain smiled and said, "Of course, but in the meantime, stay quiet."

"Aye, sir."

Cpl. Lance Hewlett said, "Captain, I can stay with Mick and make sure he's alright."

"Okay, we'll bring back dinner."

As they walked to the diner Lt. Kirk said, "Captain, doesn't it seem funny that their language is so similar to ours. Diner and hotel, it's just not normally like that."

"Yes, I've wondered the same. It's almost like someone has interfered here or we have an area that was colonized a long time ago by humans. We'll keep observing and listening."

They entered the diner and the owner came up to them and sat them at a table.

"Cold tea, all around?"

"Yes, ma'am," the Captain answered.

He looked at the menu and said, "I think we'll try sandwiches. What do you think, Ana."

"So far, sir, we've not had any trouble with the food or water. That's another odd thing."

"Yes, I wonder," Kirk said.

"My names, Mara," said the owner as she sat the drinks down. "What sounds good?"

The Captain ordered for the three, "Oh, Mara, we'll need to take two meals back for our friends. Is that okay?"

"Of course, let me know what you need."

"Two sandwiches and two pieces of pie should be good, " the Captain said.

Lt. Kirk said, "That'll be good for Mick, what will you get for Lance?"

The Captain smiled at Mara and said, "Add a third sandwich to the order, please."

After they had finished the Captain went to the counter to pay the bill and retrieve their order.

"Thank you for the delicious food," he said.

"You can bring back the plates and covers in the morning," Mara said.

"I'll send one of the men back after they eat." Kirk smiled at Mara and left with a tray of food.

Once they were back to their rooms, they set out the sandwiches for the other two.

The Captain leaned back on a desk and stared at Mick, "I don't know where you put all that food, Lieutenant and stay so skinny."

"Aye, sir, it runs in the family, sir. Me great-grandfather was six foot two and barely weighed one hundred and twenty pounds."

The Captain gathered the plates and towels. "I'll return these to the diner."

"Yes, sir," they replied.

"Captain, I should follow you," said Cpl Lance.

"I'll be right back, there shouldn't be any trouble."

The sun had set and stars were twinkling in the sky. He knew his ship was up there somewhere. With very few outdoor lights the stars were bright.

He knocked on the diner's door and Mara unlocked it and took the tray of dishes. "You could have waited until tomorrow, sir."

"Jim, my name is Jim. It's a beautiful night out, would you like to take a walk."

"Oh, I, yes, that would be nice." She reached for a sweater and closed the door behind her.

She and the Captain walked down the main street and he looked around.

"How long have you lived here?"

"All my life. My parents owned the diner and I took over when they passed away."

"Oh, I'm sorry, do you have other family?"

"No, it's just me and my cat for now."

Jim gave her one of his charming smiles and slowly touched her hand. He held it in his and walked down the street.

"Has this town been here long?"

"Well, the town mayor claims that it's been here for one hundred years, but I wonder how true that is."

"No town records?"

"A few, but mostly we've all moved here from other places. My parents came from Claverton about four days ride from here. This is a nice town, although you've met up with a few of the characters.

"Yes, I hope I discouraged them from causing us more trouble."

He walked her back to the diner and up to the door.

"I'm glad you joined me tonight," he said.

He held her hand close to his chest. She leaned into him and looked up into his green eyes, "Thank you, Jim. It was a nice evening."

He leaned closer to her and kissed her lightly on the lips. She stepped back and whispered a good night. She opened her door and walked inside.

Kirk turned and wished that in another place and at another time he could meet her again.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Ana had gathered her clothes and took a quick bath in the room at the end of the hall. She dressed in her clothes again and opened the door to the hallway. Standing directly in front of the door was the tall, dark haired Omicron.

"Well, what have we here?" he growled.

"Step back and leave me alone."

He abruptly grabbed her to his chest and put his hand over her mouth. She pulled back and tried to struggle against his tight arms. She kicked at his shins and he moaned softly. He started to drag her down the hall.

She tried to cry out to Lucas and drag her feet along the floor, struggling against him. She pushed towards him and bit his finger as hard as she could.

"Ow," he yelled out.

Captain Kirk was starting up the stairs when he heard the commotion. Lt. Kirk sat up straight and started for the door. The Captain ran up the stairs and turned the hall as Lucas opened the door. The two jumped at the Omicron. Lucas pulled Ana away from him. She clutched at Lucas and he brought her into the men's room. Lance ran to help the Captain, but the Captain had already started to subdue the Omecron. He pushed him against a wall and punched him in the gut when Lance reached them. Together they hauled him down the stairs and called for the owner. The three continued to struggle when Lance flipped him up in the air and let him land on his back on the hard floor. With the wind knocked out of his lungs he lay on the floor gasping for air.

The owner was yelling, "What are you doing?"

The Captain wiped blood from his lip and said, "This, ogre tried to harm my daughter in-law and take her down the hall with him."

"I see," the owner said, "I will contact the authorities."

"Good, I will leave Lance with him and I don't want this man bothering us anymore. We already had an incident earlier today. You will take care of this, won't you?"

"Yes, sir. You can count on me."

Kirk nodded to Lance and returned to their room. Ana was still trembling as she sat on the bed next to Lucas.

Lucas stood and said, "Dad, I think I should stay with her in her room."

"Okay, is that all right with you, Ana?"

"Yes, Captain, I don't want to stay alone."

"I'm sorry, this happened, are you all right."

She shook her head and said, "Yes, sir, I'm fine. I'll do one more check up on, Mick and then I'll turn in, sir."

While she checked on Mick, the Captain made a call to the ship.

"Spock, here, Captain. Is everything okay?"

"Yes, Spock. We've had some trouble today, but it's getting ironed out. I want you to check who was the last ship to come here fifteen years ago. Go through their records and see if there is any mention of leaving livestock here or if they encountered humans. I'll check in at 0700."

"Yes, sir. Good night."

"Kirk out."

Lucas gathered his gear and the Captain whispered to him. "Make sure the door is locked tonight."

"Yes, sir."

Lucas waited for Ana and then walked her across the hall to their room. The rooms had two double beds in them, so they each had a bed.

"I can leave if you want to change your clothes," Lucas said.

"No, I'm sleeping in these tonight. If I have to run, I'm ready."

Lucas stood up and held her in his arms, "I'm sorry that happened. You must have been scared."

"I was. Thanks, Lucas."

"I promised, SJ I'd watch out for you," he gave her a squeeze and dropped his arms.

He locked the door and checked the latch on the window. He turned down the kerosene light and fell asleep with his phaser under the pillow.

The following morning Lucas left the room so Ana could freshen up. The Captain was speaking with Mr. Spock on the communicator.

"Fifteen years ago the USS Franklin commanded by Captain John Utley first explored the planet. He did admit to leaving behind chickens, ducks and geese they had confiscated from a pirated delivery ship in another star system. Observations of the humanoids being very similar to human's was reported. Captain Utley has since retired from Starfleet."

"Okay, thank you, Spock. We're going to finish up here and return to the ship today. Kirk out."

The Captain did a double take as he looked at Lucas's shiner. "Don't let Dr. McCoy see you."

"Yes, sir, I'll try to hide out for a day or so."

At a soft knock at the door, Lucas opened it to see Ana in the hall way.

"Come on in," he said.

The Captain smiled at Ana and asked, "Did you sleep well, Doctor?"

"Yes, Captain, I only woke to someone snoring a few times," she teased.

She went over to Mick who was sitting on the edge of the bed.

"How are you feeling, Mick?"

"Ah, darlin' like a mule after a drinking binge."

"Any headache?"

"Somewhat, I'm sure I'll feel better after I've eaten."

Lucas came back with his gear.

The Captain said, "Let's go to the diner and eat and we'll make a plan after that."

"Aye, sir," they responded.

Mara welcomed them for breakfast and they spent the rest of their

money filling up Mick's stomach. The Captain had never seen anyone eat so much at one meal.

Lucas laughed and said, "Dad, this is normal for him, you should see him when he's 'starved'."

They all laughed and the Captain went up to pay the bill. Mara looked slightly embarrassed and the Captain smiled.

"Mara, thank you for your friendship."

She looked him in the eye and smiled. "Jim, I wish you were staying."

He smiled and answered, "I do too, but we have a long way to go. Thank you."

"You'll stop in if you're ever in the area, won't you."

He smiled and said, "I will. Take care, Mara."

He walked back to the table while the rest of them gathered their gear. He looked back at Mara one more time and left the diner.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

They walked to the far end of the town and went into a wooded area. They compared notes as they talked about their observations.

"I think we're finished here. Our orders were to explore this area and we have done so. Any questions?"

"No, sir," they responded.

"Kirk to Enterprise."

"Spock, here, Captain."

"Five to beam aboard, Mr. Spock."

"Aye, sir."

As they stood and waited for the transporter to engage, a voice could be heard singing:

"I've been a wild rover for many a year,

and I spent all my money on whiskey… "