One Final Day

by Starsinger

Twas the night before the five year mission and all through the ship, no one was home, they were all down planetside, enjoying their last night on Earth. Don't own them.

In the weeks preceding the Enterprise's departure, Starfleet put Jim on the talk show and news circuit. His charm and good looks worked well in their favor as he allowed his baby blues to sparkle and schmooze. One reporter quipped, "I bet you could go to Hollywood and make a ton of money."

Jim grinned, "Well, I've already had one agent approach me. There's this pesky little five year mission that keeps getting in the way!"

"Seriously, Captain, you'd rather go into space than be adored by millions of fans?"

"Um, yes, to be frank. I'm tired of being chased down streets," he said. Trouble was the last time this had happened he'd gone to see a friend in Manhattan, and found himself in the middle of a gay pride parade. He never made to his friend's because he was suddenly being chased by a man wearing nothing but a sock over his privates screaming "Captain Kirk!" He made the four mile sprint back to the hotel in about three and half minutes. Fortunately, he was in better shape than the other man.

Sulu laughed, "I don't blame you, I'm sure I would've run too!"

The final day was spent packing and moving things back to the Enterprise. This was a scene being repeated hundreds of times all over the ship. People returning here after a year gone, and people who were being assigned here for the first time. Kirk looked around the room that he thought he'd never see again. It was strange being back here. He meticulously unpacked, everything but the dress uniform he would wear tomorrow at the rechristening of the USS Enterprise. She was ready to go, and so was her crew. He returned to San Francisco to wait. Tonight, he would spend time with Sam and Aurelan.

Jim escorted Carol to the restaurant where they'd meet up with Sam and Aurelan. She looked beautiful in a blue cocktail dress that matched both their eyes. He smiled at her as they entered the eatery. The Maître d' was a professional, he escorted them to a table where Sam and Aurelan already sat enjoying the ocean breeze. Jim held out the chair for Carol as she sat down and pulled it in.

Aurelan was a lovely brunette who shared Sam's interest in Biology. She and Carol got along well, as well she and Jim. Best of all, she made Sam smile. She was good for him as they spoke of the coming five year mission. No one could yet fathom what being in space for five years really meant. Jim was looking forward to it. It was somehow appropriate that the evening ended with fireworks over San Francisco Bay.

Spock and Uhura visited Spock and Saavik. There was really no telling if they'd ever see them again, if they'd even be alive when Uhura when they passed this way. The four spent a quiet evening in the Elder Spock's quarters. Both Spock and Uhura spent time envying the easy way the two behaved. There was often little to no communications, but they understood each other flawlessly. Jim had quietly arranged for Uhura and Spock's quarters to be next to each other on the Enterprise.

Scotty was spending time at his sister's house in Scotland, she'd just given birth to a baby girl named Elinore, and he wanted to see the "wee tot" before he left. She was a beautiful baby who slept quietly in her proud uncle's arms. Many pictures were taken and kisses exchanged. They all knew it would be a long time before they saw each other again.

Chekov was off to Russia to see his parents. They were proud and gruff. Their son was on the Flagship of the Fleet, as its chief Navigator. How could they not be proud. They sent him back to San Francisco with some food and pride. He was their youngest, but they were very proud of him.

Sulu was spent the evening with Brad. He travelled to Zurich one last time. They wandered the city streets one last time. Neither was sure where they were headed. Maybe nowhere, five years was a long time. Whatever happened Sulu was sure they would remain friends.

McCoy was despondent. He only wanted to see his little girl, and could only see the long night ahead alone. Much to his surprise, Jocelyn called, she had a hot date tonight and could he come down and babysit since her normal babysitter bailed on her? He blinked at this ex-wife and was on the next shuttle to Georgia, sitting next to Admiral Archer. He was going to see an old friend, and could McCoy take Porthos with him? McCoy didn't resist that either, Joanna loved that pooch. The lieutenant who dropped him off at the house left him a number where he could be reached when he was ready to return. McCoy thanked him and strode up to the door.

Joanna answered the door and squealed, "Daddy!" He knelt down and she threw her arms around his neck before giving him a sound kiss. He looked up and found Jocelyn ready to go.

"Thank you," he whispered tears dripping down his face. She patted his arm and left as he set Joanna down, Porthos was ecstatically licking her face before she got back to the ground. This was one of the hardest things he had to do. He told Joanna that he was leaving on his starship, USS Enterprise, and she would be gone for five years. It would probably be a long time before he saw her again.

"But you'll call, right?" she asked.

"Yes, punkin', every chance I get."

Archer looked up from the table where he was awaiting his company at a local restaurant, "How'd it go?" he asked the woman.

Jocelyn grinned, "He bought it, of course. I didn't tell him my 'hot date' was with his 146 year old boss." She sighed, "I know he'll explain that he won't be back for a while, but I'm not sure how much she'll understand."

"He'll call when he can," Archer responded. Companionably, they ate, and talked far into the night, leaving McCoy as much time as he needed with his little girl.

Wow, that last part was the hardest to write. Two more chapters, one to end the story, and one to play catchup. I'll even give a brief rundown of the Bajoran/Prophets/Sisko/Dax/Cardassian/Deep Space 9 story I've been alluding to for those of you who have no idea what I was referring to.