Chapter 8
Star Fleet Command
United Federation of Planets
San Francisco Earth
Sol Sector
To Captain Spock
From Admiral W Stoker
Star Date 2275 .3
Subject Captain James T. Kirk
Message
I hereby regret to inform you that Captain James Tiberius Kirk is presumed dead following a struggle. USS Enterprise NCC-1701 B was involved in rescuing of the SS Lakul an El'Aurian spacecraft. The ship was involved in a dangerous manoeuvre concerning an unknown energy ribbon.
Captain Kirk was reportedly making repairs to the ships deflector systems on deck fifteen when an explosion caused by the ribbon, ripped the hull from that deck and the one above clean away. Therefore it is assumed he was pulled outside and was killed.
No record of this event has been recorded. Onboard computer flight recorder in that section was destroyed with the explosion.
Verdict
Captain James Tiberius Kirk: missing in action.
You are invited as a special guest to a short ceremony to honour Captain Kirk's life and vast career within Star Fleet.
If you wish to attend please report to the main reception area at Starfleet Command Head Quarters, San Francisco, Earth on 14 July 2294
Thank you for your attention
Admiral William Stoker
Starfleet Command
"You reading that thing again?" Said McCoy frowning as he walked into the living room waving the paper in his hand. He let it drop onto the table. It was midday and McCoy had just got up. He was also nursing a big hangover.
"Yes doctor," said Spock. He quickly placed the letter back into its envelope and placed it onto the table. McCoy rubbed his head, which felt as if it would explode.
"Look, about last night I'm sorry. I put you in an awkward position. You were right of course, but I had one hell of a night though. Spent most of the time retching my guts out." Spock said nothing.
"I know what you are thinking my Vulcan friend." McCoy managed a smile. "Yes I am a fool."
"I agree doctor," said Spock.
"So...have you decided to go to the memorial then?" Asked McCoy referring to the piece of paper. Spock nodded solemnly.
"Yes doctor."
"Jim would be pleased to see that you attended. Has the others contacted you this morning?"
"Nyotta will be joining us this afternoon. I believe she wishes to speak with me."
"About the promotion?"
"I believe so. I think she declared her wish to stay here with us for a few days until the memorial." McCoy sat down in a cosy armchair nursing a large cup of coffee. He sipped casually and set the mug down on a near by coffee table and put his feet up.
"That's fine. More's the merrier. Feel free to help yourself to any of the supplies, Spock," he muttered waving his mug up in the air towards the kitchen.
"Thank you doctor, but I have had my breakfast five point five hours before you arose." The doctor chuckled.
"Well then. You've certainly made yourself at home," he commented slyly. As the good doctor was speaking the nearby computer beeped.
"Who could that be?" Muttered McCoy as he got up. He strolled across the room to a small alcove where a Federation communications station was situated. Despite it being there collecting dust, McCoy rarely got any communications when he was away from ship.
A message on the screen indicated it was a code three communication. It must have been pretty urgent. McCoy typed in his identification number and waited for the retina scan. It took only a few seconds before the number was received and a beam of light flashed in his eye registering who he was before someone from command appeared on the screen.
A young woman or girl sat prim and proper facing McCoy. It was clear from her cool blue eyes that she meant business. McCoy noticed her light brown hair was tied up behind her neck.
"Who is that?" She said frowning.
"What d'ya mean who is that?" The girl started adjusting a keyboard in front of her.
"Is this a joke? Come on who ever you are. I need to speak to Captain Spock."
"Well, why didn't you say so in the first place," McCoy yelled. "He's right here. Well..." he said just under his breath. "Spock! It's for you."
Turning back to the screen McCoy once again addressed the young woman. "Of whom am I addressing young lady?" For a moment her crinkled Bajoran nose twitched slightly.
"Lieutenant Sarie, sir." From her point of view she saw McCoy mutter something to someone else that she couldn't see. Then all of a sudden Spock of Vulcan came into view.
"Yes Lieutenant," he said crisply.
"Admiral Nogura said I should contact you here. He told me to inform you that the Stargazer will be departing from Mars in two days."
"Any other report on the mission?" Sarie looked down at her screen stylus.
"Yes sir, but I can not disclose all the information over this communications channel. However the summary did state that the Stargazer will study the energy ribbon which is just entering the Alpha Centauri A system right now."
"Yes I know."
Sarie nodded.
"Wasn't Captain Kirk aboard at that time?"
"Affirmative," said Spock quietly.
"Admiral Nogura wants you to report to Stargazer at six hundred hours on Thursday morning."
"Very well Lieutenant. Spock out." Her image blanked. Spock had expected as much from Nogura to send him on a mission to discover what had killed James Kirk.
Luckily Nogura had given him enough time to attend Kirk's memorial. His face looked bleak. To study the ribbon. At least it would perhaps give him some insight on how his friend was killed. Spock turned and saw McCoy intensely gazing at him.
"Are you all right?" He said.
"Yes doctor I am fine."
"I heard what she said. It's a bit insensitive. Bloody Nogura..." His voice trailed off.
"In the contrary, it will be an excellent opportunity to study the phenomena." Spock had previously chosen not to tell the doctor of the communication about the mission he had received while in San Francisco.
McCoy almost reached out to place a hand on the Vulcan's shoulder like he would have Kirk's, but he thought better of it. Spock wasn't really the sort of person who would go out of his way to be touched. Besides it was impolite to touch a Vulcan and was uncomfortable for the recipient because of the telepathic contact, which would go with it.
"Does the order stand for everyone," McCoy said.
"Everyone?"
"I mean, does everyone...do I have to attend as well?"
Spock shook his head. "No doctor, just me." You won't have to come aboard until Friday afternoon." Relief seemed to wash over the doctor.
Even though he enjoyed his job he had seriously considered retiring just before the Klingon/Federation peace movement. McCoy hated returning to work after a long bout of shore leave. This was one of the occasions.
* * *
Uhura stepped off the transporter pad in the city of Atlanta, Georgia. She had taken the opportunity to walk to Leonard McCoy's apartment. She was dressed in a brightly coloured African design tunic with a long slim matching skirt. Around her neck hung a large stoned necklace.
The temperature was warm so she didn't need a coat. Nyotta had been pleasantly surprised when she materialised down in the square. She took a breath of fragrant air and smiled to herself. Around her stood ancient trees. Their branches hung down and their green leaves fluttered in the breeze. It was sunny and the air was pleasant.
It would take her five minutes to walk to the house. As she travelled on her way she admired her surroundings.
The door to McCoy's apartment was already open when she stepped through. It was one of McCoy's little quaint touches in his home that made it look from another time. No electronic doors or electronically controlled windows. Uhura let herself in and stepped into the hall.
On the walls stood glass boxes of antique medical equipment and shelves of books on the same subject. She rarely visited the doctor's humble dwelling, but when she did there always seem to be new and fascinating things to be discovered.
Uhura stepped into the living room and saw an old-fashioned fireplace. Above on the mantle stood an antique clock, which Kirk had once given him for a birthday present.
On the floor in the corner stood a two-foot high Vulcan sculpture obviously it was Spock who had given the artefact. Whether it did appeal to the doctor she didn't know, but it did look kind of out of place with the rest of McCoy's furniture.
The room was empty, devoid of either Spock or McCoy. Perhaps she had caught them at a bad time, but why would they leave the front door open? Spock certainly would never make the mistake to leaving a door wide open. Then came the doctor stepping out from the kitchen. A wide sloppy grin spread across his cheeks. He embraced her.
"Well, hello stranger. Haven't seen you for a good couple of months." He laughed. "How are we keeping then?" With the sound of McCoy's voice Spock stepped through into the lounge elegantly dressed in a tailored crimson velvet suit.
"Good afternoon Commander Uhura," he said.
"Captain Spock," she said. "I'm fine doctor."
"Take a seat," said McCoy. "Would you care for a drink?"
"Tea would be nice."
"Spock?"
"No thank you, doctor." McCoy disappeared into the kitchen. "You wished to speak with me." Spock said quietly. Uhura smiled shyly.
"Yes, sir." She paused. "Did you receive the letter?"
"Yes," he said.
"And are you attending the service?"
"Are you?"
"Oh yes of course," she said a little too loud.
"Dr McCoy and I are attending," said Spock. Uhura reached out, but she caught herself in time just before she could touch him. The sadness in his usually calm voice, his eyes looked somewhat dull compared to their usual gleam. He doesn't look too well, she thought. Uhura smiled gently at him. Spock noticed the concerned look on her face.
"I assure you Nyotta I am fine," he said as if reading her mind.
"Are you sure?" She asked deeply.
Spock raised a brow. "What makes you think otherwise?"
"You look a bit... off colour today that's all. I wanted to take the time to thank you personally for entering my name as your captain of communications. I was very moved by your kindness. I will be forever in your debt sir." Spock nodded.
"You are a competent officer Nyotta, I have your best interests at heart. I am sure you will make an excellent commanding officer some day. I am sure it won't be long until you get a ship of your own to command."
"You are so kind Captain," she said demurely.
"I merely speak the truth." She smiled happily.
McCoy entered the room holding two steaming cups of tea.
"Here you are. Enjoy," he said passing the cup to Uhura.
"It will be a pleasure to have you as ships' doctor," Uhura said to McCoy.
"Well, a ship won't be a ship with out me. As I say." He reached up his mug to the air in the form of a toast. "To Jim Kirk, may his soul boldly go where no man has gone before." Uhura raised her mug.
"To Captain Kirk, Captain of the Enterprise. There will never be anyone else like him," she said. A small quiet voice broke the momentary loss of thought.
"To Jim," Spock said. Uhura smiled at him and nodded.
