Final chapter! I can't believe we're here already. It's been an amazing ride, and stay tuned, there may very well be a sequel coming out at some point! It probably will be a while though, so please don't harass me too much about it! I want to finish my Harry Potter saga first, and apart from a few fragmented ideas, I don't have much worked out on the sequel to this, so please be patient!

Disclaimer: I don't own

Three weeks after their return to Earth, Chris was cleared to leave Starfleet Medical. He was confined to a hoverchair, much to his chagrin, but he was at least out of a biobed.

Shay told him to suck it up and deal, Jon and Richard told him that he was getting a shiny new stripe to add to his uniform, so he couldn't complain, and Jim told him that he had a chair to sit in no matter where he was, so he was lucky.

Chris threw a PADD at him for that, but Jim ducked it, laughing.

McCoy had studied his vitals, even after handing him off to the doctors at Starfleet Medical, and thought that, with time, Chris would regain at least a limited mobility. He probably would never be as agile as he had been, but he should be able to walk again, something that relieved Chris and everyone else, though they didn't say it out loud.

Chris wasted no time in getting back to work, even though multiple people told him to take it easy. He had a lot of paperwork to review from the time he had been laid up during their trip home. He trusted Jim, but as the kid had just been the Acting Captain, he still had to review everything, and he hadn't been able to until now.

Jon and Richard found him in his office, and both shook their heads at seeing him buried nose deep in a stack of PADDs.

"Seriously, Chris?" The soon to be Admiral looked up, surprised, and Jon took a seat. "Didn't you just get out of the hospital this morning?"

Chris shrugged as Richard also sat down.

"I want to finish all this as soon as I can. Jim did a good job, so I just have to sign off on it, and that'll be it."

Jon nodded. "He did do a good job, didn't he. Garovick might have a stick up his ass, but the rest of us can agree that the kid has the makings of a remarkable Captain."

Chris raised an eyebrow. "You trying to tell me something?"

Jon lifted one shoulder up and then dropped it. "We're still placing the soon to be graduated Cadets, and Jim is one name that's been bandied about a lot. There are a few holdouts, but for the most part, we're all in agreement to see how he handles it."

Chris sat back, putting the PADD down on his desk. "You want to give him command. Officially."

Richard nodded. "You said it yourself, the kid did a good job."

Chris frowned. "But does one good job deserve a captaincy?"

Jon raised an eyebrow. "I thought you'd be happy for him. Kid's looking at command right out of the Academy."

Chris sighed. "I am. But I just want to make sure he's ready for it."

"Well, you're his advisor, not to mention you probably know him best," Richard said. "Do you think he's ready for it?"

Chris bit his lip as he considered. He thought about the kid he had met on Tarsus, all those years ago. He remembered the teenager he had opened his door to that night, a few months later. Various memories flashed through his mind in an instant, of the kid he had known, and the man he knew now.

He looked back up at the Admirals in front of him, and nodded. "Yes," he replied, his voice calm with conviction. "He's ready. He was born for this."

The Admirals smiled their agreement.

Chris rubbed his chin with his hand. "If he has any issues, he knows to go to those who are more knowledgeable for help. He's not so proud that he can't admit that he's fallible. Spock will be a good sounding board for him."

Jon shifted in his seat. "Spock hasn't actually accepted his commission yet." Chris looked at him, confused, and the Admiral elaborated. "Something about considering his options. Apparently, he's thinking about helping to assist with the new Vulcan colony."

Chris sighed. He did understand, but it was a damn shame, if Spock chose to leave.

Jon and Richard stood up a moment later. "Don't work too hard, Chris," Richard implored. "I don't fancy Shay, or that McCoy, coming after me because I let you run yourself into the ground when you just got released." He shivered. "He may be a Cadet, but that doctor is scary."

Chris snorted. "Tell me about it. You've never seen him make a grown man cry before."

Richard shook his head. "I'm fine never having seen that. We'll talk later."

They left the office, and Chris returned to work.

XXX

Two days after that, official postings were finally sent out. Jim was on board the Enterprise with Scotty when he got the message, helping to install and rewire several new pieces of equipment. Scotty loved having him there, because he knew that Jim didn't need someone looking over his shoulder. There were even a few things that Jim could teach the Scotsman; spending time amongst the engines of the ship was something of a stress reliever for Jim. The hum was soothing to him.

He took a break sometime in mid-afternoon, and sat down at a table off to the side, drinking greedily from a bottle of water as he picked up his PADD, simply intent on checking his messages before getting back to work.

Seeing the new official message, he opened it up, and almost choked on the water.

"Jim?" Scotty came up next to him, seeing his distress. "Everything all right?"

Jim nodded, setting the PADD down as he tried to control his breathing, coughing loudly to get the water out of his lungs.

Scotty frowned and picked up the PADD. The message was still open, so he read what was on the screen. His eyes widened, and he re-read it, just to be sure.

It was right there, in black and white.

James T. Kirk, upon Graduation of Starfleet Academy, you are hereby ordered to report to Starship Enterprise for duty as Captain.

Scotty looked back up at Jim, who was still sitting there in a state of shock. "Jim? You all right?"

Jim inhaled sharply, and looked over at Scotty. "Yeah," he replied. "I mean, I knew I'd be stationed on this ship, I just didn't think… Jesus Christ, does it really say…?"

Scotty beamed, handing the PADD over so that Jim could read it again.

After reading through the message two or twenty more times, Jim finally decided that it was real, and he actually had just been given the Enterprise. He looked back at Scotty and grinned. "So, Scotty, are you going to have my ship ready to fly on schedule?"

Scotty returned the smile, standing up. Jim followed suit, and they headed back to work. "I think we'll be in prime condition on time, Captain," he replied. Scotty had received his official orders almost immediately after returning. He had been offered the post of Chief Engineer, and Jim was incredibly happy to have the Scotsman on board. There weren't many he would trust the Enterprise's engines to, and Scotty was one of those few.

XXX

Being a genius, it was rare for Jim to overlook things, but he had to admit, he hadn't really thought about the fact that him receiving orders that day would mean that the others would be as well.

He was assaulted by his friends almost immediately upon his return to the planet that evening, and he was glad that he had managed to drag Scotty along with him, for a buffer, at least until the older man told them all to stand back to "give the Captain some breathing room."

Which just set them off again, clamoring to hear whether or not it was true.

Jim sighed and nodded ruefully, smiling. "Yeah," he said, holding up the PADD in his hands. "I'm officially going to be the Enterprise's Captain. But I want to hear about you guys."

"It's not like you don't already know, though," Nyota said. "You told me a year ago that we were all going to be offered places on the Enterprise."

"What?" Hikaru asked incredulously. "If you knew, why let us worry like that?"

Jim sighed. "I didn't know," he glared softly at Nyota. "I had a hunch. I didn't want to say anything in case I was wrong. And Chris asked my opinions on a few of my classmates, when he was picking his crew. That didn't necessarily mean he was going to choose them. And it didn't mean the crew would still be the same now." He looked around at the group. "I'm guessing this means we're all still together?"

They all nodded, beaming.

Jim smiled. "So I've got a kickass command crew then. Awesome."

McCoy raised an eyebrow. "Seriously? Aren't you supposed to like, look through all personnel in each department and choose the best one for your senior officer?"

Jim shrugged. "Who better for senior officers than you all? I know you, I trust you. If it makes you feel better, I'll look through the rest, but I guarantee my decision won't change."

McCoy grumbled but didn't argue any more. He and M'Benga would be back on board, along with another doctor from the Medical track. He felt like a babysitter when he was with the two of them – both were much younger than him, and had barely completed their residencies, let alone the requirements to graduate the Academy. He knew that he was the CMO, there was really no choice between the three of them. He just wanted to make sure Jim did the job right.

But he wouldn't force his friend to choose someone he wasn't comfortable with, so if this was the team Jim wanted, then he wouldn't argue.

They all headed off in search of dinner, and though McCoy wanted to protest, he didn't when Jim left them at the entrance.

Jim spotted Spock on the far side of the quad, and with a quickly muttered excuse and a promise to catch up, he hurried off after the Vulcan.

"Spock!" he called out.

Spock paused and turned, consenting to wait for Jim to catch up, which was nice, Jim thought as he hurried towards the Commander.

"Captain," Spock greeted calmly.

Jim smiled. "Hey, now you can actually say that and it's true," he commented.

Spock nodded austerely. "I have heard."

Jim shifted a little, biting his lip as he tried to think of how to broach the subject he had sought the Vulcan out for. "I heard you haven't accepted your own commission yet."

Spock nodded again. "In these troubling times, it is only logical that I resign my commission and assist in the rebuilding of the Vulcan race."

Jim pursed his lips. "Can't you sort of… be two places at once?"

Spock blinked. "Remarkable."

Jim frowned. "What is?"

"The alternate version of myself said much the same thing."

Jim smiled. "So it must be true then, because you said it." He sighed. "Look, I'm not going to tell you how to live your life. But sometimes, doing the logical thing isn't always the right thing. And honestly, I think the Enterprise needs you just as much, if not more than the Vulcan colony does. I need you, Spock." Spock raised an eyebrow. "They gave me captaincy, but I'm still just a newly graduated Cadet. I need someone I can trust to tell me when I'm about to screw up. Bones is good for that, but he'll be spending most of his time in Medical."

Spock nodded. "I will consider your words, Captain."

Jim inclined his head. "That's all I ask."

He said goodbye, and went to catch up with his friends, leaving Spock alone to think things through, his emotions once more at odds. Should he assist with the building of the Vulcan colony, or should he accept the post on the Enterprise? He didn't know. He didn't know what to do.

Without even realizing it, somehow, he found himself standing outside his father's room at the Vulcan Embassy. He paused briefly before knocking.

"Enter," came from within the room.

Spock pushed the door open, and walked inside. "Greetings, father," he said simply.

"Spock," Sarek replied. "I was about to partake of an evening meal if you would care to join me."

Spock nodded and the two sat down at the small table to eat.

When they had finished, Spock placed his spoon back in his bowl and folded his hands in his lap. "Father, if I were to continue with Starfleet, would it negatively impact the Vulcan colony?"

Sarek observed his son. "You are attempting to ascertain which path to choose." Spock nodded. Sarek pursed his lips. "Vulcans have always felt deeply, Spock. Even more deeply than humans. We suppress our emotions for this reason. Your Captain has suggested that logic may not always be enough to help us in the near future. Perhaps he is correct. Sometimes, the right thing to do is not always the logical one."

Spock tilted his head. When had his father been having conversations with Captain Kirk?

Sarek placed his napkin on the table and stood up. Spock followed his lead, and the two stood face to face for a few moments of silence, before Sarek spoke again. "No one can tell you your path, Spock. It is yours to walk alone. I believe your mother would tell you to trust yourself and listen to your own voice. Do not feel that you must abandon your life here simply to assist with the aid of the new Vulcan. We will manage."

Spock forced his emotions back down, touched that his father wasn't trying to make him join him, telling him to leave Starfleet. "Thank you, father," he said. "You have given me much to think about."

He left soon after that, and returned to his apartment on campus, still deep in thought.

XXX

A few days later, McCoy and Jim headed to Georgia with Jon and Robbins, for a meeting with Jocelyn and her father.

They met in a posh conference room lined with windows, and Jim thought the air temperature dropped ten degrees when they walked in.

"Leonard," Jocelyn greeted calmly.

McCoy inclined his head, choosing not to speak.

Robbins looked around the room. "Part of the agreement was that Doctor McCoy could meet with his daughter before deciding whether or not he wished to press for full custody. Where is Joanna McCoy?"

Jocelyn looked at her father, who pushed a button, calling someone outside to fetch the girl.

"There's been a change of plans," Jocelyn said, looking at her ex-husband. "I'm not going to fight you on this."

McCoy furrowed his brow. "What?"

Jocelyn looked away. "I'm getting married, and my fiancé doesn't want kids. I'm signing over custody willingly. She's all yours."

McCoy felt his heart flutter and almost come to a grinding halt. Joanna… was his?

Mr. Darnell cleared his throat. "I have the custody arrangement here, if you want to take a look." He passed the PADD over, keeping his thoughts to himself. He was unsure of how his ex-son-in-law had come back a few years later with one of the highest Admirals in Starfleet and the Attorney General, along with the savior of the Federation, fighting for him. What was important was that this was what his daughter wanted, so this was what he was doing.

Robbins started to look over the agreement, as a knock sounded on the door.

A secretary peeked in. "Sir, I have Joanna here."

Mr. Darnell nodded. "Joanna, come on in."

A little girl poked her head in, and the secretary closed the door behind her.

Jim observed the five year old; she looked remarkably like her father: brown hair, brown eyes, she had his jaw line, and he could see a trace of Bones in her chubby cheeks, if he looked passed the baby fat that was still there.

Her hair was done up in two braids, and she was wearing a denim jumper with patterned tights. She looked adorable.

McCoy stood up quickly, his eyes bright with tears. "Joanna," he whispered, unable to look away.

Joanna looked at the strange men in the room. She recognized her grandpa, and her mommy, but nobody else. "Who are you?" she asked with all the curiosity a five year old possessed.

Neither Jocelyn nor her father seemed to want to make any effort, so McCoy dropped down to one knee so that he was looking Joanna in the eye. "Joanna, my name's Leonard. I'm… I'm your father. You probably don't remember me, it's been a long time since I've seen you."

Joanna's jaw dropped. She looked over at her mom, and when Jocelyn nodded, she turned back to McCoy. "Daddy?" she whispered. McCoy nodded, tears gathering in his eyes.

Joanna smiled brilliantly and threw her arms around his neck. "Are you coming home? Mommy never said where you were, but you're home now!"

McCoy hugged her back, but didn't know how to reply to her question.

Robbins coughed lightly. "We should discuss this agreement," he said, looking at McCoy.

Jim stood up and moved over to where McCoy and Joanna were still entwined. He crouched down so that he was at their level and rested a hand on Joanna's shoulder.

When she pulled back, he smiled. "Hi," he greeted. "My name's Jim. I'm a good friend of your dad's. He needs to talk to your mom and these other guys for a few minutes, so do you want to hang out with me?"

McCoy looked at him gratefully, and Jim nodded his understanding.

Joanna took the hand that Jim offered, and the two left the room. Joanna was already chattering about something of great importance to the five year old, while Jim listened, smiling.

When they were gone, Robbins placed the PADD on the table. "This appears to be in order," he said, looking at both Darnells. "The agreement states that Ms. Darnell relinquishes all rights from the moment she signs them over." He looked at Jocelyn. "You understand this is the same agreement you forced Doctor McCoy into four years ago, correct? You sign this, you won't have a legal claim to your daughter. Unless Joanna contacts you for some reason, you won't ever see her again."

Jocelyn nodded. "I understand." She looked at McCoy. "She's all yours."

McCoy couldn't believe anyone would willingly sign such an agreement, but he wasn't complaining, since it was getting him his daughter back.

Jocelyn signed the agreement, and so did her father. McCoy signed as well, and then Robbins.

Marcus nodded sharply, looking at the Darnells. "I'm glad an agreement could be reached without any issues." He kept his personal feelings out of his voice.

Mr. Darnell stood up. "Thank you for your time, gentlemen," he held out his hand and shook with Archer and Robbins. He hesitated slightly before offering the limb to McCoy.

"Come on," Jon said as they left the conference room, "let's go find your daughter before Jim manages to corrupt her completely."

McCoy rolled his eyes, but secretly he agreed.

"Leonard?"

McCoy turned around, surprised at the hesitation he heard in Jocelyn's voice.

His ex-wife looked very unsure as she stopped in front of him. "Just… take care of her."

McCoy blinked. And then he nodded. "Whatever else you may think, Jocelyn, I love my daughter. That has never changed. It was true the moment I found out about her, it was true four years ago when you forced me to leave, and it's true now."

He turned around and followed Robbins and Archer down the hall in search of Jim and his daughter.

They found the two in an out of the way alcove, and McCoy came to a sudden halt, watching the way Jim interacted with Joanna. He hadn't been aware that the new Captain was that good with kids, but there he was, kneeling down behind Joanna, French braiding her hair.

Joanna looked up and beamed when she saw her father, her grin lighting up her whole face. "Daddy! Uncle Jim says we can go out for dinner tonight, as a celebration. He said you'd pay."

McCoy raised an eyebrow. "Did he?" he drawled, looking at Jim.

Jim shrugged with one shoulder, tying off the braid with an efficiency that spoke of practice in the art of French braiding. McCoy wondered when he had learned.

Joanna looked at him with wide, pleading eyes, and McCoy knew that he was lost. God damn it, what had he gotten himself into?

And then Jim adopted the same look. McCoy sighed. "Fine. Dinner. But only if we leave now."

Joanna jumped up, her braid swinging over one shoulder. "Thanks Uncle Jim! Mommy could never do my hair like that!"

She bounded down the hallway, and the adults had to hurry to catch up.

"Uncle Jim?" Jon sounded amused.

Jim glared at him. "Not a word," he growled.

Jon chuckled. Wait until Chris and Richard heard about this.

McCoy looked at Jim. "When did you learn how to French braid hair?" he asked curiously.

Jim shrugged, looking down at the ground as they walked. "When I lived with my aunt and uncle," he replied quietly. "My younger cousin Lisa liked to have her hair done that way."

McCoy frowned at the sadness to Jim's tone, but knew better than to ask. He knew that Jim's aunt and uncle had died, but the past tense suggested that his cousin Lisa had as well.

Jon also frowned, but for different reasons. He knew that the aunt and uncle Jim was referring to had lived on Tarsus, and they had been killed by Kodos. He and Richard had made the executive decision to never bring up the topic with Jim unless he spoke of it first, so he didn't say anything now, as they caught up with the rambunctious five year old and made their way towards a nearby diner for dinner.

XXX

With just under a month until graduation, McCoy tried to squeeze as much time as possible into getting to know his daughter. It was an incredibly tight squeeze in their dorm room, with him and Jim, and now adding a five-year-old girl.

Jocelyn had come prepared, and had left two suitcases full of clothes for Joanna for them to pick up before they left.

Jim told McCoy to take the room, and he moved out temporarily, since he still had that standing offer of a room at Chris' house, should he ever need it.

Technically, as a Cadet, he was supposed to live on campus, but it was just for another month, and the brass was so thankful for everything he did, they didn't have an issue with it. Well, Jon said it was no problem, and no one was brave enough to contradict him over something so trivial.

The entire Enterprise command crew loved Joanna from the start. They were shocked to learn that McCoy had a daughter, but thankfully just rolled with it, and within a day, she had them all wrapped around her finger.

Uncle Jim, of course, was already there.

More than one of them had to hide their chuckles at hearing her call him that, though it changed to fond smiles at seeing the way his face lit up at the familial term. They all knew that Jim didn't really have anyone he could call family, so he was adopting his own. And from here on out, Joanna McCoy was a part of that family.

After a lot of thought, McCoy had decided to take Joanna with him when the Enterprise left. Kids were allowed on starships, and it was more common than one might think, even if it was sort of frowned upon by many; it might not always be safe, but he would rather have his little girl with him, than leave her with family on Earth, only seeing her a couple of times every few years. She was ecstatic to be able to live on a starship, and to be able to see her daddy, and her Uncle Jim all the time.

She was having so much fun already. Her daddy had bought her new toys, and more clothes, since what her mommy had sent with her wasn't enough, according to daddy. He spent time with her, more than mommy ever had. Her mommy had never really liked to spend time playing the way daddy and Uncle Jim did.

Jim was sort of hoping that Joanna might be the start of a more child-friendly Starfleet. He and Sam had been left behind with Frank, and look how that had turned out. Not that he was really thinking for himself. He and Gaila had decided that they were better off as really good friends, but there were a lot of couples in Starfleet, and it might make it easier on them if they realized that they could have a family and still keep their commission.

XXX

Jim met up with the rest of his friends outside on the quad shortly before their graduation ceremony. Pavel was bouncing around in excitement, and they all knew by now not to even try and calm him down.

It was somewhat saddening to see the group of third and fourth years all ready to graduate at the same time. It was a much smaller assembly than it should be.

McCoy finally had enough of the excitable Russian. "Calm down, kid," he grumbled. "It's just a graduation."

Jim shook his head. "Let him be, Bones. And don't mind him, Pavel. Bones just likes to complain."

Nyota laughed, knowing that Jim was right.

Gaila tucked herself under Jim's arm, and leaned into his side. "Can you believe we're here?" she asked in amazement. "I mean, four years, and we did it!"

"Three years," Jim coughed, smirking. "I told Chris I'd do it."

McCoy raised an eyebrow. "I didn't have to go making crazy dares to graduate in three," he commented.

Jim pouted, and they all laughed.

"Spock," Nyota called, seeing her boyfriend walking towards them.

Spock joined the group, as they all made room for him to join.

The Vulcan nodded his head slightly. "I merely wished to offer my congratulations before the ceremony. I understand that is a human tradition."

Jim smiled. "Thank you, Spock. Will you be there?"

Spock nodded again. "Admiral Pike has asked if I wish to attend with him."

Jim's smile widened. Chris' promotion ceremony had been a few days earlier, and though he knew it was a little bittersweet for Chris, who still wished to fly among the stars, it was incredible to be offered such an exalted position so young.

Spock focused on Jim. "Captain, I wished to speak with you for a moment, if you have it?"

Jim nodded, and the two walked a few yards away. "You know," Jim commented as soon as they were away from the others, "you really don't have to keep calling me 'Captain'. You've called me Jim before. I know you're capable of it."

Spock raised an eyebrow. "Perhaps. Yet, it would not be proper for me to show such disrespect to my commanding officer."

Jim gaped. "Did you just use sarcasm?" He hesitated. "Wait, does that mean… did you accept?"

Spock nodded. "If you are still offering, I am accepting my commission as Science Officer and First Officer for the Enterprise."

Jim beamed. "Welcome aboard, Mr. Spock."

"Jim, if you don't get your ass over here, you're going to miss your graduation, and Pike's gonna kill me!" McCoy yelled.

Jim rolled his eyes, but smiled. "I've got to go, but we'll talk later. I'm really glad you'll be with us."

He walked away, leaving Spock to watch him go. "Me as well," he murmured to himself, before he headed towards the section designated for the audience, to find Admiral Pike.

XXX

A long month later, the Enterprise was ready to fly. The new warp core was installed and upgraded, based on a few rather ingenious – read, crazy – ideas that Jim and Scotty had had, and all the little things that needed repairs had been seen to. She looked perfect, if you asked her new Captain.

Of course, before he could get on board and give her a tryout, he had to get through this stupid commendation ceremony that Jon had sprung on him. He didn't see why they were singling him out like this. It wasn't like he was the only one who stopped Nero.

But Jon felt that Jim deserved recognition for his actions, so that was how he found himself standing here, in front of the entire class of newly graduated Cadets, Instructors, and pretty much every officer in residence.

Richard and Jon were both in front of Jim, Richard holding the box with the medal, while Jon presented it.

"This assembly calls Captain James Tiberius Kirk," Jon spoke clearly, his voice carrying to all corners of the room. It was hard to keep from smiling as pride welled up inside him. "Your inspirational valor and supreme dedication to your comrades is in keeping with the highest traditions of service, and reflects upmost credit to yourself, your crew, and the Federation." He smiled slightly. "It is my honor to award you with this commendation." He took the medal that Richard offered to him, and pinned it to Jim's uniform.

"By Starfleet Order 28455, you are hereby directed to report to Admiral Pike, USS Enterprise, for duty as his relief."

Jon held out his hand, which Jim shook, smiling. Richard went next, and then Jim moved over to Chris, who was in his hoverchair off to the side, on the floor of the large room. He was wearing a proud smile as he watched Jim.

Jim took a deep breath. "I relieve you, sir."

Chris held out his hand, and Jim took it, clasping tightly. "I am relieved," the Admiral replied warmly.

Around them, the room broke into applause.

Chris' smile widened. "I'm so proud of you, Jim," he said quietly.

And for the first time, when he heard those words, Jim didn't get embarrassed or try to deflect. His own grin softened slightly, and he nodded, his bright blue eyes glowing with happiness.

He turned to face the room, and watched as all these people clapped for him. He couldn't believe that they were all there, cheering him on. Growing up as he had, having it engrained into his brain that he was nothing more than a waste of space, that he would never matter to anyone, it was such a different experience now, to see that the opposite was true.

Despite what his mother and Frank had told him, had made him believe, he wasn't worthless. He mattered. He had made something of himself.

XXX

The Enterprise was scheduled to depart the next day, and Jim was up early getting ready. They were scheduled to leave at 0900, which meant he beamed aboard several hours earlier, just to make sure everything was all set.

He said his goodbyes to Chris, Shay, Jon, and Richard before he left, and promised to keep in touch, and then left for the next stage of his life.

"You take care of yourself up there, Jim," Chris implored, looking at him worriedly.

Jim smiled. "Always," he replied.

Shay gave him a hug, and then Jon and Richard also said their goodbyes, before Jim left for his ship.

He checked in at Medical first, making sure Joanna had been settled in at the daycare he had had set up on the Enterprise – after McCoy had decided to bring his daughter along, Jim had received several more requests for other families that wished to bring their own children, which surprised him, as he hadn't been aware that there were that many amongst his crew with children, but he happily approved them all, so the Enterprise was leaving with no less than five children under the age of twelve on board. He spent some time helping Bones to put a few things away, and after telling him he should stop by the Bridge for take off, he headed off in the direction of Engineering, and then Security.

By the time he arrived on the Bridge, the rest of his command crew was already there.

"Captain on the Bridge!" Pavel called out, as he entered.

Jim smiled as he greeted them all.

"Bones!" he smiled, clapping his friend on the shoulder. "Buckle up."

McCoy rolled his eyes and grumbled something about disease and space, and how he must have been drunk to actually accept the position of CMO for this godforsaken tin can. Who was he kidding though, he and Jim both knew that he had never been planning on going anywhere other than with Jim since they had met.

"Captain, dock control reports ready," Spock informed him.

Jim nodded.

"Separating from space dock," Hikaru said. This time, he would totally not be leaving the 'parking brake' on.

Jim took a seat in his chair as Hikaru maneuvered the ship away from the Starbase. "Bring me that horizon, Mr. Sulu," he said with a hint of a smile in his voice.

Hikaru also smiled. "Yes, sir."

Jim watched as his crew worked efficiently around him, preparing to take them into the unknown. Behind them was Earth, the Academy, all their training. And ahead?

An entire Universe full of unknowns.

New species, new civilizations. New worlds, new everything.

Space, the final frontier.

Sulu typed in the commands, and pushed down the lever. The Enterprise jumped to warp, and Jim leaned back in his chair.

This was it. Their five-year mission: to explore strange new worlds, to seek out new life and new civilizations.

To boldly go where no man has gone before.

And we're done!

All right, since I got so many reviews asking for a sequel, it most likely will happen. I'm kind of a Jim/Carol fan, which is why I broke him and Gaila up in this chapter, because I like them more as friends who understand each other better than anyone, due to similar experiences. You were all pretty split on Kodos or Khan, and many people want both, so I'm going to see what I can do, I've got several ideas. But it will probably be a while, since I'm trying to finish my Harry Potter saga first (only one more story to go, and I've already started! – and by started I mean I've got one chapter plus about three paragraphs, but hey, it's something)

Please review!