Epilogue
James T. Kirk sat down in his command chair, fully human. Spock glanced at him from the science station, curious at his captain's pleasant mood.

Did you have a good time, sir? he asked.

Yes, I did. Much better without energy creatures to spoil my leave.

Indeed.

"Well, at least we finally got some shore leave," Doctor McCoy said, oblivious to the telepathic conversation between the first officer and captain. "You seem to ruin it every other time."

"Who, me?" Kirk tried to look positively innocent and nearly succeeded.

"Never mind."

Kirk chuckled and turned to the navigator and helmsman. "Set course for Starbase Ten. Ahead Warp factor four."

"Aye sir," Chekov said, punching in the course. "Course laid in."

"Breaking orbit of Sherok," Sulu reported. "Increasing speed to Warp Four."

As the ship sped off into the starfield, Kirk pondered his ordeal. Interesting, and life-changing, it had been one of his best shore leaves ever. They'd have to come back again sometime.


And so the mission continues...