Saratoga Bridge
1:25 PM
The entire bridge watched as the Enterprise streaked forward into the anomaly. In seconds it was
swallowed up within its vastness.
"Sir, the Enterprise has vanished from our sensors," Arex announced. "It's…gone, sir."
Kirk nodded, eyes fixed on the glowing anomaly, noting worriedly that its lightning flashes seemed
much larger than before. He turned to his Communications Officer. "M'Ress keep all comms at maximum."
"Aye, Captain."
At first there was only static and then faintly the bridge crew began to make out voices.
"The storm's a lot rougher than before. Keep her steady, Sulu."
"Aye, Captain."
"Scotty, how's it looking?"
'"The anomaly's tossin' us around like before, but the enhancements seem to be holding."
"I am reading no damage to our systems."
Kirk's hands tightened on the arm rests. Let them be all right, he thought. Let them make it.
Several tense moments passed and then. 'Keptin, we have arrived at ze center."
Kirk let out a breath. "Enterprise," he called cautiously. "Enterprise, can you read us? What's your status?"
"We've reached the eye of the storm," came his counterpart's answer. "The storm's a lot rougher this time
around, but everything seems to be holding."
More silent, tense moments and then; "Hold on," the other Kirk announced. "We're moving out of the eye."
Even more silent moments. Kirk felt like his knuckles would turn white.
Scotty!"
He flinched as he heard his counterpart shout.
"She's tossin' us about somethin' fierce, Captain! The shields are still holdin though!"
"Keptin, we are approaching the other side! Arriveeng in five!…Four!…Three!…Two!…One!"
Kirk stood up and drew closer to the viewscreen, staring fixedly at the anomaly, even though he knew
the Enterprise was realities away. "Enterprise do you read us? Enterprise?"
There was nothing but static at first. Then…"Saratoga?…Can you still read us?'
Kirk let out a deep exhale. "Yes, Captain. You're getting faint but we can still hear you. What's your status?"
"We're out of the anomaly." There was obvious relief. "Based on our readings we're still in the Campor System,
but there's no sign of you."
"Same here."
"We're running tests now to see if this is the right place."
A few more moments and then.
"Keptin! Ve are at the correct coordinates! Ve made it back! We're home!"
Over the increasing static, the bridge could faintly hear relieved shouts and cheering.
Kirk allowed a smile to come to his face. "You're starting to break up, Captain, but I'd like to extend
my congratulations."
Very faintly now. "On behalf of my crew, thank you, Captain Kirk."
"We're glad we were able to help, Captain," he answered softly. "Take care."