Day did not come quickly, but there were no more attempts by anyone to get into the camp during the night. Spock had tied their prisoner to a tree, and they were making breakfast.

"Captain, all of our technological know-how, and our knowledge of science does not benefit us in this situation," Spock said. "Only our knowledge of history is helping us to make the right decisions."

"Don't worry, Spock. When we get started building a ranch, the scientific know-how will come in handy when we're measuring and all that," Jim said. "You realize we have to build our own stuff?"

"Yes. I am curious to see how it will turn out."

Jim smiled. "You…curious?"

"I am always curious as to how a task will turn out."

"So, what do you think of how our mining has turned out?"

"I believe we have done quite well for beginners."

"I think we've done well for anyone. Bones seems to have an idea of how to sell the mine."

"Has he told you his idea?"

"No."

"Are you going to trust that decision to the doctor?"

Jim looked at Spock. "I don't think Bones would do anything that he thought would be bad for us, Spock," he said.

"I was not suggesting that he would. However, I would rather know beforehand."

"We will."

Bones came out to the campfire. "Is it getting colder up here or is it just me?" he asked as he held his hands out to the fire.

"I think there is a definite chill in the air this morning, Doctor," Spock said.

"Good. I'm glad someone else feels it besides me."

Jim sipped his coffee. "Drink some coffee. It'll warm you up."

Bones poured himself a cup of coffee. "Can we never have anything but just black coffee?" he asked. "Reminds me of medical school. I practically lived on coffee."

"You wouldn't be a doctor right now if you hadn't gone through it."

"I know but it wasn't easy. I'd like to have a little flavor in this sometimes."

"I don't think they have anything like that in this day and time."

"I'm sure there's milk somewhere in the world…and sugar."

"There probably is, but it's not here."

"Well, when I get out of here, I'm buying some."

Gordon came to the fire next. "That bacon sure smells good," he said as he turned it over. "I wonder what time James will be back today. Maybe he got an early start."

"How do you stand this not knowing where someone is?" Jim asked.

"We don't have a choice."

"I guess that's true but how long do you wait before you decide someone isn't coming back?"

"That's hard to say. I guess it's according to what their trip was about. There've been plenty of times when I didn't know if Jim was coming back or not."

"As there have been with our Jim," Spock remarked.

"Yes, they always have the others to worry about them while they're gone."

"Our captain has a knack for getting into serious trouble."

"Now, I don't have a knack for it. I just…fall into it. It's not usually my fault," Jim said.

"Oh sure," Bones said sarcastically. "Like when you went over to Nero's ship, and you went over to that admiral's ship. That was your fault."

"The situation wasn't."

"He just has a knack for jumping onto other people's ships and causing havoc."

"Sometimes, you have to cause havoc to bring peace to others. You have to admit it worked. And that situation with Krall certainly wasn't my fault."

"I guess I have to give you that one."

"I guess the old Enterprise is still rotting out there on Altamid."

"We've come such a long way since then."

"What's it like traveling through space like that?" Gordon asked. "How do you know where you're going?"

"We have a navigator," Jim said. "A lot like you know where you're going on the ocean."

"Space is a lot bigger than the ocean."

"Yeah, but we have charts of where we've been and how far we are from it. It's direction."

"And you've been in space battles. What do you do if your ship is damaged? You said the old Enterprise?"

Spock and Bones looked at Jim. "I believe you have let the proverbial cat out of the bag once again, Captain," Spock said.

"Well, I think he deserves to know some of it," Jim replied. "After all, if it hadn't been for him and Mister West, we would have been in a whole lot more trouble." He looked at Gordon. "Yeah, we lost our first ship…"

"Which was the most advanced one in the fleet," Bones interrupted. "Because it was always being damaged and repaired."

"Are you telling this?"

"I just thought I would throw that in."

"You would." Jim sipped his coffee, and then began telling Gordon about their encounter on Altamid.

By the time he was done with that story, Gordon was sitting in awe. "It's hard to believe you could survive something like that," he said. "You think all your other crewmates know what happened to you?"

"Not unless Q told them," Jim replied.

Carol and Uhura came out to the campfire next. Carol had a blanket around her. "It's cold this morning," she said as she sat next to Jim. "I didn't want to get up."

Jim kissed her on the forehead. "I wasn't rushing you," he said.

"But it's much warmer in there with you."

"Do you guys have to get all mushy at the breakfast fire?" Bones asked.

"We're not getting mushy," Jim said.

"Sounds like mush to me. Might just cause this bacon to fall apart if you keep on."

"Don't be so ridiculous."

Gordon shook his head. "You guys go on at each other like this all the time?" he asked.

"It breaks up the monotony," Bones said. "When you don't see anything but miles and miles of space, you just kinda have to amuse your own self."

"Kinda like miles and miles of trail ahead of you. Nothing but dust."

"You ride the train most of the time though, don't you?"

"For really long trips, but sometimes, horses are required."

"Horses," Jim said. "How do you ride that far without…needing a doctor?"

"You just have to take precautions."

"And if you get hurt on a long trail?"

"My friend, you learn very quickly how to deal with all situations."

"In the event that we sell this mine, how should we go about transporting our money?" Spock asked. "I would not think it wise to carry so much cash on a horse."

"No one has to know you have it," Gordon said. "However, it's unlikely that you could keep something like that a secret. Most likely it would be spread all over town that you have a great deal of money."

"But we can't survive without the money," Jim said.

"Yeah, and this is a desperate time where there's not much law here in the West and that's why it's dangerous. You could always go with us on the train and we could drop you off wherever you want to go."

"We have to learn to survive on our own. You and Mister West have helped us a great deal already."

"Well, you're free to go with us. Just don't think that you're imposing."

"Thanks."

Jim West did not get back to the camp until after Noon. He rode in and was glad to get down from his horse. "Jim, it's good to have you back," Artie said.

"Good to be back," West replied. "How's everything been while I was gone?"

"Had some bandits come in here trying to steal, but we discouraged them real well."

"We're gonna have to pull out of here. We've got another assignment. Can't wait."

"I was afraid of that. I told our friends there that they could go with us and we would drop them off. I don't see how they're gonna make it anywhere with that money."

"Did they take you up on the offer?"

"I don't know. They're wanting to make it on their own."

"You can't blame them for that."

The next morning, they all rode out of the camp and headed for town. It seemed even colder this morning, and it was even foggy. Once they were in town, Jim visited the assayer's office along with Gordon. Gordon realized he did not have to worry about anyone short changing Jim Kirk, because his reputation as a gun slinger had gone the rounds. Jim thought it was amazing how fast information traveled down the line. He figured people around here must travel from town to town all the time. But then again, people on the stage picked up information and passed it along in the next town as well.

Jim put the cashier's check for the money into his saddle bag. "How can we sell our claim to a mining company?" he asked.

The assayer thought a moment. "You just might be in luck," he said. "There's a man in town named Tyson. He owns a mining company, and he might just want that mine if he knows it's gonna produce a-plenty."

"Where can we find him?"

"He's staying in the hotel down there. As a matter of fact, I think he's looking to buy mining interests."

"Great."

Jim and Gordon walked out of the assayer's office. "I'm glad no one was in there when we collected that," Jim said.

"It's best," Gordon replied.

They met Bones as they were heading for the hotel. "You get the money?" Bones asked.

"Yes," Jim said. "All we have to do is cash the check."

"Where you headed now?"

"To the hotel to see a man named Tyson who might buy the mine."

"Let me make that deal, Jim."

"Why are you so desperate to do this?"

"Because I just want to. You got any of the gold left?"

Jim took a gold nugget from his pocket. "I want that back, Bones."

"Don't worry."

Jim watched Bones walk away and then looked at Gordon. "What's he up to?" he asked.

"Beats me," Gordon replied. "You know him better than I do."

"You think we should wait about cashing the check?"

"It might be wise. That offer still stands. You can go along with us if you like."

"Where are you guys going?"

"Saint Louis."

"I'm not sure that's where we want to go."

"We can always take a little detour on the way."

"Are you allowed to do that?"

"It's just a straight shot to Saint Louis. The plains. It won't have any hills or mountains in the way."

Jim frowned. He wished he knew how to get them back where they belong. "I have to find a place for them," he said. "I'm responsible for them even if we're not in our own time. And they're lost because of me."

"Because of you? Why do you say that?"

"Q was after me. They might not even be here if it weren't for me."

"You can't be sure of that."

"He chose me out of all the captains in Starfleet because of…" Jim sighed.

"You can't help if you've been in situations that made you more popular."

"Well, now I have to find a way for us to survive."

"You have quite a crew with you. They don't seem to be nervous about anything."

"They know how to adapt, but if you can get us somewhere else, we'll ride along. Somewhere that we can get a place big enough for us all."

"Why not Texas?"

"Can we make it there?"

"There's probably more law there than anywhere else."

"Texas Longhorns?"

Gordon smiled. "You ever seen one of those up close?" he asked.

"I can't say I have," Jim replied.

"They're big. You don't want to be on the other end of one of those horns if one of those bulls gets mad."

"Don't worry. I'm more worried about getting a place built for shelter this winter than getting cows right now. We have nowhere to go."

"There are always places in town where you can stay until you have something."

"Spock can't stay in town."

"Like I said, we'll be happy to drop you off somewhere along the way."

"I'll talk to the others about it. We have to figure out where we're going first."

"The train is waiting, and we're not departing till tonight. You have plenty of time to decide."

"Thanks."

"It'll keep you from having to ride horses or get a covered wagon. It's a rough go across that plain, and it's even rougher on womenfolk."

"I think it's rough on anyone."

"Yeah, but it gets hot down Texas way. You can go further North but you're liable to run into a harsh winter. Then there's the plains if you want to grow wheat or anything like that. There's cattle too."

"Lots of opportunities."

Jim went into the hotel where Carol had gotten a room for them. She was lying on the bed when he walked in. "Hey," he said as he took his hat off. "I think I'm getting used to wearing that hat."

"You look fine with it," Carol replied.

"Mister Gordon says we can ride along with them and they'll drop us off somewhere. That way we won't have to trudge across the plains in a wagon."

"That's nice."

Jim looked at her. "Are you alright?" he asked.

"I'm just tired," Carol said. "I've been so sleepy."

"You're not sick, are you?"

"I don't feel sick. I just feel sleepy." Carol curled up in the bed.

Jim touched her face. She did not feel warm so he figured she was just tired from that long journey. He was a bit tired himself. Riding for miles on a horse was not that relaxing. However, he had too much to think about. He sat down on the bed and sighed.

"Something wrong?" Carol asked. "Did you sell the gold?"

"Yes. We have to make up our minds where we're going."

"Where do you want to go?"

"I want to know where everyone wants to go. Where should we go that we could make it and be happy?"

"Jim, you don't know how long we'll be here."

"That's the point. No matter how long we're here, we have to have something."

"You're worrying about this too much."

"Carol, this is our lives we're talking about. I'm responsible for all of you."

Carol sat up then. "We're all adults, Jim. We're responsible for ourselves."

Jim shook his head. "You wouldn't be here if it weren't for me."

"What do you mean?"

"You know what I mean."

"That's ridiculous. I'm telling the others you said that."

"No you're not."

"Yes, I am. They should know you're going around blaming yourself for something you couldn't possibly have known would happen. You're not responsible for this."

"Carol, you're not a starship captain. When you're the captain, you have the lives of all the people on that ship in your hands. You make decisions that affect all of them."

"Not this time. We don't even know who this Q is. You had nothing to do with that."

"Well, are you going to let me lay down here with you?"

"Of course."

Jim lay down on the bed and Carol snuggled up to him. "You're so warm," she said. "Jim, it doesn't really matter where we go. We'll make the best of what we have."

"I guess you're right."

A while later, Jim was awakened by someone knocking on the hotel room door. He sat up not wanting to get up, but he went to the door. Bones was at the door. "Jim! I got the best deal for us!" he said excitedly.

"What?" Jim asked.

"Wake up! You're gonna love this!"

"Okay. I'm listening."

"I did sell the claim. I had to take the guy out there to see the cave, and he was drooling. I made a deal where we get ten percent of what comes out of the mine!"

Jim's mouth dropped open. "Ten percent? How did you strike a deal like that?"

"I can be a smooth talker when I wanta be."

Jim looked at Carol who had sat up on the bed. "Did you hear that?" he asked.

"I did," Carol replied. "He must be quite the negotiator."

"Why do you think I took the guy out there to see it?" Bones asked. "He couldn't resist all that gold. All we have to do is sign the contract."

"When?" Jim asked.

"He'll meet us at the assayer's office at about three."

"Great, Bones. You should tell everyone else."

"You mean you're not gonna tell them?"

"I figured you'd want to tell it."

Bones took the gold nugget from his pocket and gave it to Jim. "That right there was just the temptation I needed," he said. "When he saw that, he was practically drooling then."

"Good work, Bones."

"Thanks."

"Doctor McCoy," Carol said. "Before you go…

"Carol," Jim interrupted.

Carol stood up and put her hands on her hips. "Stay out of this, Captain."

"What's going on?" Bones asked. "Must be something if she's calling you captain."

"He blames himself that we're here in this situation. He thinks he's responsible for us."

Bones looked at Jim. He was not sure what to say for once in his life. "Are you kidding?" he asked.

"I'm not kidding," Carol said.

"How could this be your fault? We were all on the ship minding…" Bones stopped in mid-sentence.

"What?" Jim asked.

"I couldn't remember before, but I remember now. We were on the ship just on our way to our next mission. Then suddenly, we were here." Bones scowled at Jim. "There's no way this is your fault. Q handpicked us all."

"You see?" Carol asked.

"Okay," Jim said. "But why hasn't he sent us back? And why hasn't he come back again?"

"I don't know, but it's not your fault."

"She's right," Bones agreed. "I don't want to hear anymore of this. I'm going to get everyone together."

Bones left the room. Jim looked at Carol. "You had to tell him that, didn't you?" he asked.

"Yes I did," Carol replied. "I wanted you to hear someone else's opinion besides just mine."

"And I did."

"Now, you can stop fretting, and start thinking."

Jim supposed she was right. He had to start thinking rather than dreading and fretting over something he could not help.

At approximately 3:00, they were all at the assayer's office, and Tyson was there as well. He shook hands with Jim. "Don't I know you?" he asked.

"I don't think so," Jim replied. "I haven't been around here long."

"Oh, yes, I remember now. You're that gun slinger."

Jim frowned. "Not exactly."

"Well, let's make a deal, shall we?"

"That's what we're here for."

"Good. I've had my attorney make out the papers. All we have to do is sign them."

"I would like to have my…friend read them if you don't mind."

"Of course."

Jim gave the papers to Spock who sat down to read them, along with Uhura. "So you're planning on mining the gold," Jim said.

"Of course," Tyson answered. "It looks like a very rich strike."

"We thought it was. We couldn't mine the gold from the cave though."

"Don't worry, we're compensating you dearly for it."

Jim could not argue with that. "So, what do you folks plan to do?" Tyson asked.

"We're moving on from this place," Jim said. "We're gonna settle down and find our way in life."

"How did you happen to choose this claim, Mister Kirk? If I might ask."

Jim had not thought of an answer to that question. He supposed it did look suspicious that they seemed to go straight to it. "Well, we just decided to buy a claim," he said. "How does anyone else strike a rich claim? They take a chance."

Tyson nodded. "I suppose."

"Why all the questions?" Bones asked. "We struck it rich like any other prospector."

"Oh I know. I was just curious as to why you bought this claim when no gold had been found here before."

"I think that's the best place to find gold is where no one has gone before."

Jim tried not to roll his eyes at that. "I mean, what do you want to go where everyone else is for?" Bones went on. "You go down there and you might find a little shaving from something someone forgot and then what do you have?"

Carol had never seen anyone with friends like Jim Kirk had. They were different to say the least. She supposed that was what made a starship or anything else work though…the differences in people. Everyone had a different personality and talent.

When Spock was done reading the contract, he stood up. "Everything seems to be in order, Cap…Jim," he said. "The clause with our ten percent is included as well."

"Thank you," Jim replied. "I guess we should get this thing signed then."

"I'll need to know where you are so I know where to send the money," Tyson said. "Otherwise, it will do us no good to have the agreement."

"Don't worry. We'll send you our location. I assume you'll be here."

"I live in Denver. I like to be close to my operations."

"I will get a message to you when we get settled down."

Once they had all signed the contract, they went outside and headed back to the hotel. Bones rubbed his hands together. "Jim, do you have any idea how much money came out of that mine?" he asked.

"No," Jim said as he looked at Bones.

"We're set for life, man."

Jim did not think he had ever seen Bones so excited about anything. "You know what I think I want to do?" Bones asked. "I think I'm going over there and buy a bunch of land in Kentucky and…"

"Bones…" Jim thought about what he was about to say…that they were going into this together, but he had no right to tell Bones what to do. "If that's what you want to do."

"I don't mean now. I mean…if we're stuck here for the rest of our lives."

"We have to decide if we're going along with Mister West and Mister Gordon on the train. Or are we going in a wagon?"

"That would be highly uncomfortable," Carol said. "Especially knowing that we could be on that train."

Jim smiled. "You think your…" He thought better of what he was about to say since they were not alone.

"Jim Kirk."

"Hey, don't hit me."

"You are so horrible."

"No, I'm not."

Bones was laughing at the exchange. "You think this town will grow more now that there's been a gold strike?" he asked.

"I'm sure it will," Jim replied. "That's usually the way it happened."

"I think we've already changed history."

"Oh, I know we have. Everyone agrees that we're going on the train?"

"I am quite content with whatever decision you make, Jim," Spock said.

Uhura smiled. "I will be too," she agreed. She was not sure what to call the captain now, but she supposed she would call him captain when they were on the ranch they intended to build.

"You have to admit, it will be a lot faster," Bones said. "No reason to prolong our misery."

"What misery?" Jim asked.

"Well, you called it trudging across the plains."

"You have to admit it would take longer."

"Yeah, but just think of all the country we would see."

"All the Indians we might meet up with."

"We might make a whole lot of friends."

"Or a whole lot of enemies."

"You could be right. You're not exactly an expert at negotiations."

"Sorry."

"I guess that's why I didn't want you to negotiate the sale of the mine."

"What? Did you think I would give it away?"

"Not exactly. But I think we got a pretty good deal."

"That's an understatement, Bones. Who ever heard of getting ten percent like that?" Jim shook his head. "It just seemed too easy."

They went into the hotel. "What do you mean, too easy?" Bones asked.

"Jim, do you believe our contract will not be honored?" Spock asked.

"It has to be honored," Jim said. "Unless we're not around to collect."

Carol looked at him then. "What do you mean?" she asked.

"You ever seen anyone give away ten percent of that much money so easily? No arguments? I thought surely there would be some negotiations or arguments."

"Jim, I did negotiate," Bones said. "We haggled over it, but he wanted that mine, and he was willing to give up that much to get the rest. He even got estimates from the assayer."

"Maybe you're right," Jim replied. "Maybe I'm just looking for something where there's nothing."

"Probably because of your previous attempts at negotiating."

"Could be."

West and Gordon came to talk to them later that day, and discussed their plans. Jim and the others had talked over everything and decided to go to Nebraska to put down their roots. It was a cattle ranching state and had plenty of land available. It would be much easier for them to get the place they wanted there, and they were on their way now.