Chapter 18

As the holodeck doors shut behind the two men, a pair of translucent figures took form in the deserted corridor.

"Thank God all this nonsense is about to be a, "fait a complete," the tall male image muttered through clenched teeth. I do have other business in this universe you know."

"Shut up," came the female's reply.

He held up his finger and moved it close to her dark face. Be very careful, ma cherie, or with a snap of my fingers..."

"You'll what?" came the response. Moving closer, she abruptly snapped her teeth.

He yelped in pain as they clamped around his finger, and in a flash of light he disappeared.

Just before the female followed her companion, she looked towards the closed holodeck doors and shook her head.

* * * *

Spock nodded at the android.

"Computer," Data said, "Recreate the image of Captain Picard .005 seconds before the malfunction in the program."

Picard's outline appeared, and as the image solidified he screamed, "Dammit Computer, I said transport me out of here now!" Spock quickly addressed the computer, "Computer, belay that order!"

Picard saw the group standing before him. "Data! Geordi! Something is wrong with the program. It seems to be ..."

"Yes Captain," Data began, "A malfunction occurred resulting in a reversal of the matrix transponder signal. You and Captain Kirk were affected and it has taken us awhile to reprogram the computer to recreate the phenomenon."

Picard looked around uncertain what Data was saying and realizing that there were others in Kirk's San Francisco apartment

"What the hell..." he sputtered. And then he noticed Spock.

"Ambassador Spock what is the meaning of this?" This was certainly not in the program he had requested. It was plain to see that the holodeck program was malfunctioning even more than he had thought.

Data walked towards Picard and gently informed the Captain, "Captain, we are attempting a correction of the malfunction in the holodeck sequencing circuits. Please stand by."

Jean-Luc looked around and saw Beverly just behind Kirk. "Data, Geordi, what the hell has happened?" Picard demanded once more. Something was very wrong here. He felt strange, like he had been asleep for quite a while.

Data looked from Picard to Kirk and finally answered, "I believe the Earth terminology, the tables were rotated, adequately explains it sir."

Kirk and Geordi tried to stifle their laughter, while Spock merely raised an eyebrow. Grinning, Kirk patted the android on his back and then corrected him. "Data, that's, the tables were turned."

"Yes Captain, I believe that is what I just said."

Kirk stood before Picard, he only had a little time and he had so much to say to Picard. "Captain I know there is a scientific explanation for what has happened to the two of us, but you know I'm going to think of it in a different way. I'm going to think that just maybe, I was given all three wishes rolled into one. I got to see the Enterprise one more time - at least your Enterprise. I also got the chance to talk to some old and dear friends and lastly, I got a glimpse of what I gave up, all in the name of a career."

He looked over at Beverly and added hastily. "I wish it didn't have to end. The truth be known I would give almost anything, if I could remain. Try to believe me Picard, don't forget that someday, all this will end even for you." Kirk stepped

closer to Picard, "A woman named Enterprise doesn't keep you warm at night. I envy what you have Picard. You still have the chance to change things. Thank you for giving me the chance to see beyond the stars."

Not sure how to respond. Not even sure how he felt about the things Kirk had said, Picard turned to Spock, "Can we change back?" Regaining some of his composure, Jean-Luc made the familiar gesture of pulling on the tunic of his uniform.

"We believe there is a 92.7% chance of success, Captain."

Kirk and Picard looked at each other for many long seconds before they shook each other's hands, and then both nodded to Data and Spock.

Picard wasn't really sure what had been happening on the ship. But whatever had been going on, he wanted it corrected as soon as possible.

Kirk on the other hand felt panic prickling at his neck. He struggled with the urge to run out of this holodeck. If he could get off this ship he would be able to continue in this life. This wave of panic gave way to sound solid reasoning. His life was over. He had made his choices, be they right or wrong. He had made them. With renewed resolve he looked towards Spock.

"Captain, will you please assume the position you had at the point of the change," instructed Spock.

Kirk grabbed the arm and neck of Picard as Data ordered the computer to carry out its assigned sequences of power failure and restart. Both of the men were caught in a shimmer of energy and the images fluctuated in definition and solidity.

"There's a breakdown in the transponder circuitry." Data announced.

* * * *

Two shimmering orbs took up residence in the secluded corner of the holodeck. The smaller, darker one writhed with the agonizing decision she was facing. The larger orb grew brighter as it communicated with the female. "Come on. Come on. Make a decision. Let him go or keep him, or whatever the hell you want. Just do it now!"

"Shut up and give me a minute!" The smaller orb screamed, "give me a minute!"

* * * *

Without looking up, Spock quickly adjusted the computer program. Within a matter of seconds, more circuits burnt out, only to be bypassed by the wizardry of Spock and Data. It seemed that as fast as circuits were burnt or failing, Spock desperately tried to keep up, rerouting over and over again.

Both captains images began to loose definition growing lighter and lighter. Data's fingers flew even faster over the computer panel.

Geordi gasped, "Spock, we're losing them! Compensate! Compensate! Signal strength decreasing rapidly! Override! Override!"

Both men tried their best, but their best wasn't quite good enough. Geordi joined in the feverish attempts to bring the Starfleet officers back.

"Ambassador, it's not working, we're going to lose both of them!"

* * * *

The larger orb pulsated, its internal colors fluctuating erratically causing the outer surface to sputter and sizzle. Vibrations emanating from it resulted in heat waves circling the center like the ripples around a stone tossed into a calm lake.

"It's now or never ma cheriè. Choose, or they're both gone!"

* * * *

Data interjected but continued working as he announced "Ambassador I believe we can only save one," his voice heavy with anxiety and frustration. We are not able to spread the matrix transponder signal to cover both transporter loops."

Spock looked up at both wavering images and locked eyes with Kirk's energy pattern. A lifetime of experiences passed between them in that single glance.

Kirk knew instinctively what was going to happen. His eyes pleading, all he could say was, "Spock!"

The Vulcan looked down at the computer panel his steady fingers still trying to create solidity from nothingness and the back up at Kirk. "Captain!" he gasped painfully. His words coming out as only a strained rasp. "It is logical."

Kirk felt his consciousness bursting into a million tiny flashes of light. His vision beginning to blur, his synapses cascading to oblivion. Through it all though he kept his eyes locked with those of his friend. As he faded, his pattern degrading, the image of Picard grew stronger, more defined. Picard turned his head to watch the last few agonizing seconds until Kirk was completely gone. As fast as it had begun, it was over.

Spock stood immobilized, his face set in a grim, unemotional expression. He withdrew into himself and silently moaned with defeat, and continued to stare at the spot where Kirk had vanished. He momentarily allowed his shoulders to slump, and with extreme effort he breathed deeply and evenly. Calling upon ancient Vulcan techniques, he slowed his heartbeat and his breathing. The nerve endings in his fingers continued to throb and tremble.

No one talked, or moved for several seconds. In those moments it occurred to Data that he had just witnessed a momentous occasion not only between two lifelong friends, but between a man and his dreams. He idly thought about the moment he lost Tasha. It was strange that now that he had his emotion chip, it seemed to activate at the strangest times. He found himself in an emotional turmoil for a man he had only known for a short time. "I must have Geordi check this out. It isn't logical to feel this bad," he reasoned silently.

Beverly's cheeks were damp and her heart was breaking, but she knew what she had to do. She pulled out her medical scanner and passed it briefly across Picard's chest. Turning to Data and Geordi, she announced, "He's back." Her eyes once more filled with tears as she whispered, "It's good to have you back Jean-Luc," and quickly turned and ran from the holodeck.

Jean-Luc followed the retreating doctor with his eyes. Turning to his officers, he said in a husky voice, "I will look forward to reading your account of what has taken place gentlemen. He contemplated the ambassador for several long seconds. "I'm not sure what has taken place here, Ambassador Spock, but it is an unexpected pleasure to meet you again." With a sadder voice he added, while extending his hand, "Thank you Ambassador Spock. I am sorry for your loss." He then turned and walked out of the holodeck feigning calm and self-control and returned to the familiarity of his quarters.

After shaking Picard's hand, Spock straightened his shoulders and with a steady gaze thanked the two officers for their help. "I can do no more. It would have been illogical not to have at least tried. I believe I should return to Romulus immediately." In an even and staunch stride he made his way back to the shuttlebay.

Data and Geordi accompanied the Vulcan but not a word passed between the trio, although Data was painfully aware that the level of tension had reached a pinnacle. Before entering his craft, Spock turned and offered the traditional Vulcan salute.

Data extended his hand in a very human gesture. "Thank you Ambassador."

"What we tried to do gentlemen, according to the laws of science, should never have occurred in the first place and could never have been duplicated. For whatever the reason, I believe there may be outside forces involved here. That is the only logical explanation."

Geordi extended his hand, "Thank you Ambassador Spock for the attempt."

They watched, as the Vulcan entered the shuttle and settled himself at the controls.

The Starfleet crew stood back as the shuttle prepared to exit the bay. The huge doors that kept space out and the atmosphere in opened. The shuttle turned, hovered and then exited on its way back to Romulus.

On their way back to the bridge both men were silent, deep within their own thoughts. Both felt the loss of a man they had come to admire greatly.

---------------------------------------