USS Enterprise, Spacedock
Stardate 7421.3
James T. Kirk looked around him, taking in the scene, committing it to memory-as if it wasn't already engraved there. He knew it could very well be a very long time until he stood on the bridge of the Enterprise again. One day, years ago, (or was it only two?--it seemed like an eternity), he had stood on this bridge in command, had sat in that chair as Captain Kirk But those days were over. Kirk turned to Spock, his friend, the only one he truly trusted with his ship.
"Take care of her," he told Spock.
"I will endeavor to do so, Admiral," Spock answered.
Then there was silence: a moment, stretching into eternity. It was over, wasn't it? He had barged in during the V'Ger crisis, stolen his ship back from Decker for a few fleeting seconds. But now, it was time to pass it on once again. The silence continued, and Kirk knew there was nothing more to say. Slowly, he turned and headed for the turbolift, to leave this bridge, this ship.
"Admiral," Uhura called out before he reached the lift. "I'm receiving a priority message from Starfleet Command. Your eyes only."
Kirk looked at Spock; the Vulcan only raised an eyebrow. "I'll take it in Captain Spock's office, Uhura," Kirk told her, and entered Spock's office.
Admiral Lokai appeared on the screen. "Yes, Admiral?" Kirk asked.
"You are familiar with our science station orbiting Epsilon Theta IV," Lokai said. Like many admirals in Command, he did not ask questions, only state facts.
Kirk nodded. "Joint Research Lab N-3, with the Romulans."
"We've received some unsettling reports from N-3, Kirk. They have detected sensor ghosts which could possible be cloaked birds-of-prey. Security and intelligence reports are inconclusive as to the Romulans' activities, but suspicious nonetheless. We are especially worried by the possibility the Romulans may be using Fleet equipment and technology for unauthorized weapons research."
Kirk had heard reports of difficulties at N-3, but this was the first time he had received a full briefing on the subject. He nodded for Lokai to continue.
"Captain Spock's next mission is to take the Enterprise to deliver supplies to N-3. You are to accompany the Captain, to investigate the Romulans' activities."
Kirk looked at Lokai, his heart pounding. Again, he would remain on board the Enterprise. But how many times could he bear saying goodbye? "Certainly Spock is capable of handling it."
"I've discussed this with the Federation Council, Kirk, in a closed hearing. They insisted you head this mission. I have been through it with half of Command, and they agreed. With the Romulans involved, the stakes are too high to give the mission to an untested captain--although we have npthing but the greatest faith in Captain Spock's ability. We can give this no less than Starfleet's best--which is yourself, Admiral, as you proved many times during encounters with the Romulans when you commanded the Enterprise."
Finally, Kirk nodded. "Understood, Admiral," he told Lokai, and the transmission ended.
Kirk re-entered the bridge. "It seems we'll be staying awhile after all," he told Spock. "Command wants me to accompany you to N-3."
Spock raised an eyebrow, indicating he understood the implications but was not willing to discuss them in the open. "Make yourself at home, Admiral. The Enterprise is yours as long as you'll have it."
"It's your ship," Kirk told the Vulcan. "I'm just along for the ride."
He stopped by the console next to him, and opened a channel to sickbay.
"Chapel here."
"Doctor, please inform Dr. McCoy to unpack. We're going to stay here for a while."
"Of course, Admiral," Chapel started to answer, but she was predictably interrupted by McCoy.
"What, Jim? I thought we were leaving at 2200."
"Plans change, Bones," Kirk said. "At least, that's what Command just told me."