2/21/2259
Saratoga Ready Room
'How have you been, Jim?" Pike asked.
"Pretty busy, Chris," Kirk answered. And that was certainly true; since returning to Mychar, all departments of the Saratoga
had focused diligently on the planet's study. There was a time when Kirk would never have thought that researching a planet
could be so enriching, but he had found himself enjoying it.
Deep down he had always craved excitement. (It drove Bones crazy usually.) In the three weeks since returning from New Vulcan
he'd made it a point to accompany a different survey/research team each day, even if only for a few hours. And by doing so he
had gradually come to appreciate excitement of a different kind.
From accompanying zoological teams he had learned to feel excitement from watching herds of grazing animals racing across
the plains or flocks of birds soaring through the sky. From accompanying ecological teams he had learned to feel excitement in
noting the complexities of different ecosystems and in how each plant and animal contributed to it.
From accompanying geological teams he had learned to feel excitement in gazing at a mountain range. (Not to mention climbing it!)
From accompanying oceanography teams he had learned to feel excitement from simply watching the tide come in and listening
to the waves crashing against the shore. From accompanying atmospheric missions he had learned to feel excitement over seeing
new cloud formations or how the sky looked when the sun rose or set.
And from the times when he was on board the Saratoga he had learned to feel not only excitement but deep pride as he watched
his crew going over the archives of data that they'd collected. Data which would be added to the collective knowledge of the
Federation and affect who knew how many people in the future.
"Big ships come in, discover the place and move on. We come in and take a closer look and in the process make a lot more discoveries."
"Our ships aren't flashy, and their work is often unsung. But those who serve on them know their worth."
"We're finishing up here tomorrow and then we're heading to Tavios Prime to help with some geographical studies," Kirk continued.
"We're anticipating being done there in about a week and then it's on to the Quia System." He smiled broadly. "I can't wait to see
that system's gas giants!"
"I know," Pike's expression was solemn. "Jim, I know I promised you that you wouldn't have to worry about the Enterprise and that
hasn't changed. But there is something that you should be aware of."
At the word Enterprise the Kirk's smile had instantly died and now all expression left his face.
Pike paused. "You know that the Quia System is in the Rondin Sector." Upon seeing Kirk's nod, he sighed. "The Enterprise will be in
the same sector although on the opposite end of it."
Kirk's face remained expressionless but his body tensed.
"The Rondin Sector is controlled by the Atellans," Pike continued. "You know that over the past couple of years political tensions have
broken out among some of their factions. Ironically it's because of that that you'll be able to go to the Quia System. With internal
pressures building, the central government decided to strengthen their external ties with the Federation and they agreed to allow a
research vessel into their space. We decided to send the Saratoga because even though the Atellans have never been hostile toward
the Federation their ships and weapons are very powerful and in the unlikely event that there are any problems we thought it best to
send someone with tactical experience.
"Recently things have gotten a bit more heated on Atell and a series of conferences are being held to try to smooth them out. Morrick
has considerable diplomatic skills and, in addition, he's had dealings with the Atellans. Their Prime Minister specifically asked for him
to be present to help monitor the situation and hopefully help keep things from getting too heated.
"He's scheduled to be at Atell on Stardate 3.2, so he'll be passing by the Quia System the day before that on 3.1. You're not scheduled
to be there until 3.7 so the two of you will miss each other. He'll have passed by that system and gone by the time you get there, but I
just wanted to give you the heads up."
Kirk nodded. "I understand Chris. It won't be a problem."
Mess Hall
"Come on, Jim," McCoy said, looking at Kirk with concern.
Since the message from Pike, Kirk had been quiet and since coming to Mess he had barely touched his lunch.
"You heard what Pike said," McCoy went on. "You're not going to have to deal with the Enterprise. They'll be long gone before we
get to the Quia System."
Kirk's expression grew resolute. "I know, Bones. And I shouldn't let the fact that they'll be in the same sector bother me. It's not like
I didn't know that something like this might happen sooner or later." He picked up his sandwich and took a large bite. "I am not going
to let the Enterprise run my life, let alone ruin it. And as of right now I am not going to give it or its crew another thought."
He glanced out the window at Mychar. "I need to write some reports and I have to go over a few things with Thelin. Then I'm taking
the Waverider out for one more atmospheric survey."
"Jim wait. On this shuttle mission..." McCoy grimaced..."I'll go with you this time."
Kirk's eyes widened and his smile returned.
"You just make sure it's the Waverider and not the High Tide," McCoy warned. "That one's way too small, I'd throw up for sure."
Kirk chuckled. "Don't worry, Bones; you know the Waverider's my baby." His expression grew mischievous. "And I promise no fancy flying.
I won't do a single spin." His grin turned devious. "Maybe just half a spin."
Ignoring the doctor's murderous scowl, he stood to grab one more drink.
As he headed toward the back of the room where the replicator was, he noticed two familiar looking crewman, whom he had, more and more,
come to enjoy seeing. "Hey, Crewmen. Enjoying your lunch?"
Both Nlians looked up. "Captain," L'Naym said with her usual cheerful smile.
Kirk returned the smile. "So how did you two first timers enjoy your month-long excursion on Mychar?"
Alyen's voice was quiet but his eyes glowed. "It was wonderful, Captain. The chance to see and explore another world..." he paused.
"It's why we joined Starfleet."
"Me too," Kirk said softly. He turned to L'Naym "I know you had a ball. The couple times I saw you in the botany labs you looked like a little
kid opening presents on Christmas!"
L'Naym chuckled. "I've always loved nature, Captain. Aside from my lifemate, tending plants is one of my greatest joys." She ruefully shook
her head. "It was tiring at times but thrilling. When I was a child I never imagined that someday I'd help catalogue thousands of different types
of plants, every single one of them red! I never knew that red had so many shades, textures or smells!"
"This was an interesting planet to visit." Kirk once again looked out the window at the blue and red orb of Mychar. "And I certainly learned a
lot while I was there," he said softly.
He turned back to the Nlians. "Are you sorry to leave? McAllister's team's going to be staying here for another eight months. Would you like
to transfer to her group permanently?"
The couple immediately shook their heads. "No, Captain," L'Naym said firmly. "Mychar was a wonderful place and we'll always be grateful for
the time we spent there. But..." her luminous eyes sparkled, "there are many other worlds to see."
"That there are, Crewman," Kirk agreed. "That there are."
"And besides," Alyen put in with a smile. "We Pledged to you, not Dr. McAllister. It wouldn't say much of us if we turned our backs on you so
soon after Pledging."
Turned their backs.
Kirk's mind returned to the faces of another crew another lifetime ago.
He shoved the thought aside and forced a smile. "Well I'm glad that you're both sticking around then. "
"Don't worry, Captain," Alyen said with chuckle, "You're stuck with us for awhile."
"Glad to hear it, Crewman."